3 Days in London with Kids

How this plan works

Each day stays in one part of London, so the children spend their energy on the places rather than on the Underground. Day one is free, day two is the river, and day three moves out of the centre to somewhere with room to run. Every place has its own page on JuniorTravelClub with opening times and the full family facts.

Day 1: South Kensington’s free museums

Start at the Natural History Museum, where general admission costs nothing and there is a dedicated Picnic Area for a packed lunch. Next door, five floors of the Science Museum are free too, with a family show at weekends.

If the children still have energy, the V&A is free and unbooked. Child-sized ear defenders are lent at the Learning Centre desk, and there is a Quiet Space for a child who has had enough.

Don’t try to see all three. One full museum and a short visit to a second is a good day.

Day 2: The river

Spend the morning at the Tower of London. One ticket covers the Crown Jewels, the Battlements and the White Tower, and a Yeoman Warder leads the guided tour.

In the afternoon, cross to the London Eye. The youngest ride free once booked in, a folded buggy can come on board, and there is baby changing at the ticket office. The Sea Life London Aquarium sits beside it. Its ranger talks at the Gentoo penguins and the sharks give children something to listen to as well as look at.

Day 3: Hampton Court Palace

At Hampton Court Palace the same ticket covers the palace rooms, the Maze and the Magic Garden adventure playground. The day can move between history indoors and running around outside, so children don’t have to choose.

If you’d rather have animals, swap in London Zoo. It has daily animal talks and ZooTown, a role-play area built for children in the middle of the zoo.

If you have a fourth day

Legoland Windsor sets its height rules ride by ride, so you can check them against your child before you go. Some attractions have no height restriction at all.