The most visited places in London are also some of the best destinations to explore London with kids. You don’t have to step off the beaten path to find some of the best kid-friendly places in London. Let’s look at a few of them so that you can add to your itinerary and spice up your next trip to The Smoke.
Six Most Visited Places in London That Make Most Must-See Lists
1. Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is an open area that features a central monument dedicated to the Battle of Trafalgar, which occurred in 1805. The monument is surrounded by multiple fountains and four large bronze lion statues. You can reach the square from the National Gallery and many other museums and cultural landmarks.
What can you do at Trafalgar Square?
- Enjoy a meal at the café on the square.
- Relax by the fountains.
- Use the public restrooms.
- Browse the bronze statues and read about London’s history.
- Pause your day and allow the kids to get off their feet for a bit.
2. Notting Hill
You don’t have to watch the film Notting Hill to enjoy this West London district. It is one of the most visited places in London and is the home to some of the more affluent locals and has become quite popular for its large annual event, the Notting Hill Carnival. Similar to Mardi Gras, the event is better suited to adults, but there’s still a lot to do here with kids of all ages, including:
- Visit the Portobello Road Market to shop for antiques, fashion, handmade goods, and fresh food.
- Walk the back streets and stop off in private gardens for a bit of exercise, relaxation, and beautiful views. Thousands of people visit Notting Hill every year, and many do nothing but wander the streets and take in the scenery for a few hours or even a full day.
- Go shopping! There are a lot of boutiques and stores throughout the district, giving you many opportunities to buy souvenirs or special items for the kids.
3. Buckingham Palace
Show your kids where Queen Elizabeth II lives. If you visit in May, June, or July, you can go inside and tour the state rooms. The palace is also where you go to watch the Changing of the Guard, which attracts the attention of locals and tourists from around the world.
The gardens there are also nice as well. So don’t forget to enjoy them when you visit as well.
4. Royal Museums Greenwich
This London place allows you to visit four of the most popular London museums at one time, including:
- National Maritime Museum
- The Queen’s House
- Greenwich Cutty Sark
- The Royal Observatory
All attractions are within walking distance, so you can spend the day wandering in and out of historical homes, ships, and other points of interest steeped in London history. Some of the sights may interest older children more, but there are fun moments for every member of the family here. Many families find that they can spend several days on the museums here so make sure you allocate plenty of time to see everything. You won’t want to miss a thing.
5. Borough Market
Bring empty stomachs and time to explore when you take the family to Borough Market. You’ll find a variety of fresh produce along with other foodie delights, and it’s a lot of fun just walking around to see what the vendors are selling. Both adults and kids love to wander this market so it is enjoyable for the whole family. Events are held in the market throughout the year, and it’s a great place to buy souvenirs. You’ll find a lot of quality holiday gifts at the end of the year as well.
6. St. Pancras International Station
This is not your typical railway station. It packs in everything from restaurants and upscale shops to community projects that feature poetry. There is something for everyone here.
It was the first train station to implement cleaning robots and offers a lot of head-turning sites that will entertain kids and adults of all ages. You’ll find some new favorite stores alongside old favorites like Calvin Klein.
This is also a great station to stop off at when you’re ready to shop or grab a bite to eat. It’s located in central London and has many connecting trains, so it’s easy to get to and from other London destinations and popular restaurants and cafes. Try stopping off at one of the cafes for a refreshing drink while the kids take some time off their feet. It’s a great way to pass some time if you want to get out of the afternoon London heat.
Excited about your next London trip yet? Now that you know where many other visitors are going when they step foot in London, what places are you adding to your next big holiday? There is no shortages of great choices no matter when you visit! Mix the some of the well-known places in with a few hidden gems, and you have a great trip that your children will never forget – and neither will you!