Excursion to London for children. London, what to see? Attractions for children and schoolchildren

London... For some it sounds businesslike, for others it sounds mysterious... In any case, enough little associated with tourist trips with children. Rather, people begin to think about it when the child is at least 10 years old and the question arises about studying English in London.

In fact, London is a very, very interesting city that loves its tourists, where you can choose visiting program useful for children of any age. The child will not be bored for minutes, and if he gets tired of the impressions, the green parks and squares of London, located everywhere, will allow you to relax (it is no coincidence that London is considered one of the greenest capitals in the world).
So, what to see with a child in London.

Let's get started from the classical program.
Regardless of whether you are traveling with a 5-year-old or a 15-year-old child, be sure to visit:

— Go to a famous musical, for example “The Lion King.” With very young children you can go to the puppet theater, which is located on a barge and in the summer shows performances during a cruise on the Thames.

“The boys will enjoy looking around the ship, which is laid up in the Southwark area; here they are even allowed to run around the decks.

— Girls will imagine themselves as the “princess with a fan” in Greenwich. Here, even an insecure quiet person will feel like a coquette.

— Climb among the lions in Trafalgar Square and be sure to take photos with them.

- For souvenirs - in. The best in terms of assortment is Hamley’s. Moms and dads, be careful: six floors of new products in the gaming industry are not conducive to preserving the contents of your wallets.

For children over 10 years old:
— A trip to the ancestral home of the English kings. Educational and unusual. Nearby is Eton, famous for its educational institution - perhaps your child, having visited its environs, will set himself the goal of enrolling there.

— . The history of Great Britain in relation to the history of religion. We recommend taking an audio guide.

- Greenwich. It’s “cool” to stand with one foot in the western hemisphere and one foot in the eastern hemisphere! Or look through a telescope. And it deserves nothing but praise. At least one way to Greenwich, take a ride along the Thames on a fast river clipper, near the stop - the famous

— And if your soul asks for “ordinary entertainment,” then your way is to the Trocadero, an entertainment center nearby with the latest computer games.

We have listed only a small (classic) part of the entertainment and attractions that you can see with children in London. The city is huge and interesting, and no matter how long your trip lasts, you will be able to find something interesting for every day.

The main rule for all experienced travelers with children: organize leisure time in such a way as to harmoniously fit into it the interests of adults and the needs of the child. It sounds simple, but the art of juggling sights, naps, mood swings, physical activity, and meals requires at least motivation and organization.

If you are traveling to a metropolis with a small person, especially one of preschool age, you can forget about measured pub crawling, a spontaneous choice of entertainment and calm contemplation of city life. However, it is on such a journey that the city can reveal its most charming side. London is committed to making it fun and convenient for everyone, so don't be afraid to add it to your list of future family trips.

GUIDE CONTENTS:

London transport is as iconic and symbolic a part of it as Big Ben or the now abandoned telephone booths. There is no better place for young tourists to get acquainted with different types of vehicles, especially since they will have to move a lot around the metropolis. Buy your family Oyster travel cards, download the best route-mapping app Citymapper and head into London's bustling cauldron.

Underground

Naturally, nothing without “mind the gap” of the London Underground. Please note that the oldest metro in the world does not boast a barrier-free environment at all stations in the center. If your family travels with a stroller, be sure to take this into account when planning your outings. However, having overcome all the stairs and passages, it is in the subway that you will all feel that London is the most polite city on Earth. Here they will apologize to you, even if you push someone, and they will always give way to children.

Red bus

The entire family will enjoy exploring the city on the second floor of the famous red double decker. You can buy a day ticket for the Hop on Hop off tourist bus route, and indeed, hop on and off at iconic points from the school topic. Or you can feel like a local and ride the usual city routes that run in the center.
For example, taking a train from Victoria station (Victoria St, London SW1E 5ND) on the 24th bus, you can see from its windows Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, the home of the Prime Minister on Downing street 10 and get off at Trafalgar Square. And if you don’t go out, then take a ride through the noisy and colorful theater district.

You can also see Westminster with the inevitable Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, the City financial district and St. Paul's Cathedral from the 11 bus. The journey begins with a stop on King's Road in expensive Chelsea and then follows through the immaculate streets of the prestigious Belgravia area.

Route 9 is one of the oldest in London, and also the richest, because it covers all the outrageously expensive areas of the city. It starts on Aldwych Street, near Somerset House - the main location of London fashion weeks, from where it goes to Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and along Green Park. Next passes the luxury district of Knightsbridge with the famous department store Harrods, the Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Gardens.

River bus

Another way to see the city. It is better to start the trip from the final stop North Greenwich and sail along the Thames straight to Big Ben. This river walk is often recommended as your first introduction to London. The “buses” themselves are spacious and have excellent visibility; you can choose seats both inside the ship and on the open deck. From the start to London Bridge Pier, the whole family will appreciate how fast this city transport travels, deftly maneuvering along the winding Thames.

Emirates funicular

You can start your acquaintance with London even further - by crossing the Thames on an air tram in the eastern part of the city. To do this, arrive at the Royal Victoria station of the DLR unmanned metro (another mode of transport!) and go to the river to the Emirates Royal Docks funicular station. After sitting in your cabin and enjoying the view of East London, you will land in North Greenwich, from where you can take a river bus to the center.

Black cab

Firstly, it is beautiful, but otherwise it is expensive. Cab drivers study all the nooks and crannies of London for 2-3 years, after which they pass a very difficult exam, which, in addition to knowledge of the city, includes psychology and etiquette. A real rarity that will soon be completely replaced by progress and technology - hurry up and take a ride.

For the first time in London, everyone is drawn to go through the main points from the school topic in English. Fortunately, they are all relatively close to each other, and the issue can be closed quite quickly.

The best place to start is from a metro station Westminster, especially if you are traveling with a stroller - this is one of the few central stations where there are elevators. Coming out of it, you will immediately run into Big Ben. After walking along the Houses of Parliament and visiting Westminster Abbey, go down Parliament street, which turns into Whitehall street to Trafalgar Square. Children in this place are always delighted by the large lion statues and fountains, and parents can explore Nelson's Column, photograph views of Big Ben and the Admiralty Arch, listen to street musicians or go to Portrait gallery(St. Martin's Pl, London WC2H 0HE) .

London's parks cannot be overestimated or sung too pretentiously - they are ideal. At any time of the year, it is a pleasant place to spend time with your family, take a walk, look at fantasy trees, play sports, play active games, or practice children’s motor skills on cool playgrounds. In summer, the parks are literally besieged with picnic baskets, blankets, soap bubbles, kites and the traditional refreshing drink Pimm's.

One of the most beautiful parks - small Holland park, adjacent to the Notting Hill area. Here you can wander behind the peacocks, look at the huge fish in the pond of the Japanese garden, get stuck in the flower beds or walk around the Jacobean-style estate, and of course, make a stop at the cute children's playground, conveniently adjacent to the cafe.

Royal Park Kensington Gardens pleases the eyes of the residents of the adjacent Kensington Palace - the family of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Lawns and flower beds for a ruler, pretentious afternoon tea at The Orangery restaurant, a pond with swans and ducks. At its junction with the famous Hyde park There is a children's playground in memory of Lady Diana, the design of which is based on the books about Peter Pan. The playground is adapted for children with disabilities. Admission is free and the place is very popular, so there are often queues on weekends.

Not far from Hyde Park is Regent's park with magnificent flower beds, alleys, a large pond where you can ride on catamarans, and the oldest zoo in the world ZSL London Zoo (Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY) .

If you want to ride further from the center, then an unusual option for spending your time could be Richmond park in the respectable and extremely nice area of ​​Richmond. In it you will have a walk with deer, which live freely in this park and periodically run away from the local dogs as a whole herd. Large green parrots also live here. According to legend, in the 80s they fled from the film studio, took root and multiplied in the mild English climate.

In the park Greenwich the whole family can stand on two earth hemispheres at the same time next to the Royal Observatory. And all this on a hill overlooking the park, the beautiful National Maritime Museum and the skyscrapers of the Canary wharf business district. The best place for a sunset in London. There is also a large children's playground, a flower garden, a rose garden, a “wild” part and a small deer reservation.

Another notable hill parliament hill overlooking the center is located in the large Hampstead Heath park in the northern part of the city.

Rarely does a tourist reach the magnificent Crystal Palace Park in the southeast of the city. This place leaves behind a surreal feeling. Its most iconic attraction is the stone figures of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals created 150 years ago. In modern opinion, they are made rather naively, but they are full-length and intelligently integrated into the landscape. In addition, there is a small but very cleverly intricate labyrinth, a sculpture in the shape of a huge laptop on the edge of a pond with water lilies, a hilly landscape, old trees, winding paths, the remains of a ruined castle, a lake and a picturesque alley. There is a playground for children that continues the theme of prehistoric lizards. In addition to the standard set of entertainment, the sandy area is especially cool here, where you can climb on the stone skeleton of a dinosaur, dig up its remains, or sit in an open egg.

East London is notable for its old and beautiful park Victoria and new with a varied landscape Queen Elizabeth Olympic park built for the 2014 Olympics. In Victoria Park you can feed geese, go boating or entertain your children on a playground designed from natural materials: wood, stone, sand, plus a large area for playing with water. Olympic Park is large-scale and technologically advanced, and the children's playground is the largest and with the most diverse play objects in the city.

There are many of them, they are huge and unique. Almost all of them provide a barrier-free environment, equipped restrooms and a special program for younger visitors. However, with children, passively paying attention to art or history can be a confusing or tiring experience, so we have highlighted only those places that are sure to be interesting or at least spacious for little travelers.

Natural History museum

Every kid in London is crazy about dinosaurs, and the craze starts here. Natural History Museum (Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London SW7 5BD) . The remains of ancient animals and their robotic prototypes are stored here. The most important character, of course, is a mechanical model of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, whose roar is enthusiastically repeated by little visitors. If you are not a connoisseur of stuffed animals and a huge collection of minerals, you should at least be amazed by the museum building in the Roman-Byzantine style and the central hall with the famous skeleton of Dippy the Diplodocus. Free admission.

Science museum

Adjacent to the Natural History Museum is the place of pilgrimage for all little Londoners, number two - Science Museum (Exhibition Rd, Kensington, London SW7 2DD) . A collection of technical discoveries from different eras, most of which are interactive - you can touch, press and observe the effect. A collection of aerospace exhibits that clearly show the history of space exploration. Halls dedicated to medicine, chemistry, physics, the history of flight, the evolution of household appliances, as well as the human body. And the most popular are children's interactive rooms, where they offer to study the laws of physics, mathematics and chemistry in a playful manner. Some of them are free, like the museum itself, but for the largest and coolest children's laboratory with spectacular scientific performances, Wonderlab, you will need to pay from £5.40 for children aged 4 and over and from £7.20 for adults.

Transport Museum

The history of the world's most recognizable urban transport, from horse carts to the latest double-decker buses. The museum is designed primarily for children, so you can climb, touch, and look everywhere. At the entrance, they additionally offer a puzzle task so that, while exploring the exhibits, young visitors look for hidden artifacts and mark the finds with special stamps. Admission: Annual Pass £17.50 per adult, free for children.

Museum of Childhood

Londoners have been going to pubs since birth, as spending time in these quintessential drinking establishments with friends, colleagues and family is an integral part of local culture. Therefore, celebrating discharge from the maternity hospital in a pub with a child is a normal thing, not to mention family outings for the Sunday roast (baked meat, fish or vegetables). However, not every pub has a special license that allows it to serve visitors with children. Be sure to check at the entrance whether you can enter with small pubwalkers. If the establishment has such permission, then in addition to the typical atmosphere, you can count on a children's menu and minimal entertainment in the form of books, pencils and coloring books, and restrooms equipped for changing babies.

Interesting fact: the sale of alcoholic beverages in shops and establishments is prohibited to people under 18 years of age, but from the age of 16, teenagers, accompanied by their parents, are allowed to drink alcohol even in pubs.

Officially, the most central kids-friendly pub proudly calls itself Admiralty(66 Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DS) . Children's menu and beer with a view of Trafalgar Square and all the tourist attractions at your fingertips - a complete win-win.

If you're looking for a relaxed and authentic British lunch with the family after exploring the museums of Kensington, try a pub called The Duke of Clarence(148 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London, SW5 0BE) . The cozy spot in the oldest building on Old Brompton Road is known for its British brunches, burgers and selection of wine, ale and beer.

Some of the oldest pubs in London, where fishermen drank back in the 16th century, are located on the banks of the Thames in the London bridge or Wapping area. All of them, as a rule, have several levels of terraces overlooking the river. Older children will probably be interested in the fascinating, albeit bloody, history of these establishments, next to which there were gallows for the demonstration executions of pirates right on the banks of the Thames. One of them (okay, a remake as a tribute to history) still stands near the pub Prospect of Whitby (57 Wapping Wall, St Katharine's & Wapping, London E1W 3SH) , drinking veteran since 1520.

If you're wandering around hipster Hackney or Victoria Park, consider yourself lucky because you're just about to get close to one of the city's best beer gardens - The People's Park Tavern (360 Victoria Park Road, London, E9 7BT) . Snacks, beer in an open and safe space for children to play, DJ sets in the evenings, relaxed international contingent.

Little secret gems of the metropolis that exist thanks to volunteers. Chickens, geese, sheep, donkeys, rabbits and other animals wander through small eco-oases against the backdrop of skyscrapers. Children can feed the animals, as well as learn how vegetables and fruits grow or take part in master classes: picking berries, planting flower beds and beds, sculpting from clay, drawing botanical objects and much more. Almost everywhere on farms there are family cafes, where food is prepared using their own products to the maximum extent possible, and fresh eggs, goat milk, jam or honey can be bought in the local shop.

Big farm Mudchute It makes sense to include the Greenwich area in your visit. Vauxhall City Farm suitable for those who are staying or walking in the southern part of the city.

IN Stepney city farm, Surrey Docks farm And Hackney city farm, by timing it, you can get to a musical hour with Frogprince Baby Music London, where Stefano’s one-man orchestra in the cutest location will entertain the whole family with popular children’s English songs.

On Hackney city farm It's always nice to relax after wandering around Shoreditch, teeming with street art and trendy establishments. The range of animals and activities is still the same, but in terms of surroundings, this is perhaps the nicest of all London farms. Afterwards you can go to the Museum of Childhood or stroll along the Regent's Canal to Victoria Park.

Trying to take in the scale of London from above or watching the sunset with a cinematic view is a great walking goal for the family.

Sky Garden

One of the skyscrapers on 20 Fenchurch Street in Financial City received permission for its construction precisely thanks to the free-to-visit garden on the top floor included in the plan. There is a lot of space, greenery, a cafe and restaurant and a truly gorgeous 360 degree view. Admission is free, but you should reserve a time to visit in advance on the website.

Tate Modern

Another free point in the center at the height of the 10th floor and with a 360-degree view is located in the new Switch House building of the contemporary art gallery Tate Modern. In addition to the view of St. Peter's Cathedral, the river and the City district, visitors are always amazed by the proximity of buildings with luxury apartments, where through the huge windows you can spy on other people's lives in designer interiors.

The Shard

Tallest skyscraper in Western Europe The Shard (32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG) , which in a short time managed to become one of the symbols of the city along with Big Ben and Tower Bridge. It is almost impossible not to notice it - it is visible even from remote areas of London, so there is no higher viewing point for the city. Adult ticket - £25.95, child ticket (4-15 years) - £19.95. For people with special needs and families, tickets are sold at a discount; children under 4 years old have free admission.

London Eye

Another symbol is the Ferris wheel on the south side of Westminster Bridge. There are many ticket options for this 30-minute attraction. You can buy a ticket along with a day trip on a tourist bus or boat. There are offers related to theatrical performances or exhibitions. You can purchase a ticket for a group, or you can reserve a private cabin for one family with champagne and snacks. Standard admission, if purchased online with a 10% discount, will cost £23.45 for an adult and £18.95 for a child over 3 years of age.

Emirates Air line funicular

We have already written about how to get there, but what is valuable here for review? Firstly, this is no longer the center, which means there is an opportunity to see a completely different London. Secondly, views of the industrial part of the river, ships, the winding Thames, Victorian shipyards converted into luxury housing, the O2 concert venue, the skyscrapers of Canary wharf and the landing strip of City Airport. And what child (and parent) wouldn’t want to fly a little?

Views from the hills

There are not many natural hills in London, so visiting them can be a quest for the day. For example, you can take a picnic spot with one of the most picturesque views of the center on a hill parliament hill in Hampstead Heath Park. A similar view, with a lower view, but closer to the center - Primrose hill in Regent’s Park. The sunset can be seen on the hill near Royal Observatory in Greenwich. An unusual but very picturesque option would be to see the city from the cemetery hill Nunhead in the southeastern part of the city. The cemetery itself is worth visiting, as it is one of the oldest and most beautiful cemeteries in London.

If the weather is not great, but children’s bodies still require movement and spectacle, take a look at cultural centers.

The largest arts and culture center in England Southbank center (Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX) includes three large buildings. Concert and cinema halls, galleries, all kinds of cafes, rooms for events, workshops, lectures - several thousand events are held here a year, most of which are free.

If you don't have a specific plan, but just want to look and walk around, at a minimum, wander around the building Royal Festival Hall and take a ride on the singing elevator. Don’t be surprised if the architecture and decoration of the center, built in the post-war period, will be hauntingly reminiscent of Soviet administrative buildings and schools, which, however, were seriously worked on by the leading designers of the English capital. On the 5th floor, next to the poetry library, there is a children's corner with books, board games and puzzles. It is usually not crowded, but on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. children under 5 are read stories and entertained with popular children's songs. Don't worry about English - the organizers hand out text, use puppets, musical instruments and lots of interactivity - this mesmerizing action will captivate everyone and lasts only half an hour.

At 13:00, gradually turn your offspring to the first floor, where a free concert begins in the spacious hall. Most likely, it will be instrumental music with an emphasis on ethnic and cultural diversity - a kind of lesson in music, MHC and geography in one bottle. The center has a serious reputation, which means that even a free concert will be at a high level.

Having dealt with one center, waiting for you Barbican (Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS) . The city project in the city of Barbican is a unique monument of brutalist architecture of the 60-70s. There are residential buildings, a library, an indoor garden, a large courtyard with fountains, educational institutions, the Museum of London and a cool cultural center with a theatre, cinema, gallery, concert venues, conference halls, cafes and restaurants.

As in Southbank, here you can wander through the floors, go to different levels, go behind closed doors and into internal gardens, and look into the gallery. There are chairs in all corners of the center, occupied by people with laptops and coffee to go. The Barbican always has a selection of performances and concerts, including family ones, but you should take care of tickets in advance. If you wandered here on Sunday, then it’s worth taking a look at the second largest greenhouse in London, hidden among the concrete walls, open to visitors only on this day.

Deserves special attention for the walk Somerset House (Strand, London WC2R 1LA) . This is not exactly a cultural center, but rather a large multi-functional gallery that also hosts many events, including free ones. However, the main value for a family walk here is the internal area. In the summer, flat, pedestrian fountains operate on it, shooting water from underground at different times and at different heights. Be sure to bring a change of clothes for the children and towels - the chances that anything will remain dry are zero.

During the winter season, especially before Christmas, the square turns into an ice skating rink with the most fabulous atmosphere in the city.

For children under 5 - considered pre-school age in England - you can find an endless number of activities every day in different parts of the city. The most popular and widespread is storytelling. As a rule, these are songs and short stories for kids with an interactive and colorful presentation. Location - from Buckingham Palace to the outbuildings of the church on the outskirts of the city.

Storytelling can be combined with a visit to the National Portrait Gallery. Every Sunday Magic carpet storytelling is held here for free. The presenters lay out a carpet for gatherings with children near one of the works of art, using its images in their presentation. You can find out more about the time and meeting place of each event on the gallery website.

Similar classes are held in every museum, so if you have your sights set on one of them, do not be lazy to check - sometimes they ask to reserve a place in advance online.

Family-friendly activities can often be found in churches. London has a very high density of churches per population, although there are not many believers. Therefore, churches are used as concert venues, places for meetings, studies, parties, or they are rebuilt into residential buildings. This ideal location for concerts is used by the Bach to baby organization - classical music concerts for children and their parents. During such a concert, children can run freely, play and dance without disturbing anyone, and at the same time absorb the beauty. There are quite a few venues, but the most popular one, the reservation of which should be taken care of in advance, is Buckingham Palace.

Do you want to introduce your child to jazz in a similar manner? Choose a time and place for groovebaby.co.uk or babyjazz.co.uk. Soul and gospel? Please check the schedule for babybroadway.co.uk.

Theater shows for younger audiences can be found in almost any major theater in the city. If you want to go specifically to the theater for children, a cozy puppet theater Little Angel(14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN) and popular with an extensive program Unicorn theater (147 Tooley Street, Southwark, London SE1 2HZ) - just what you're looking for.

Older children may be interested in musicals, especially after a stroll through the colorful theater district West End. Most often, London parents take their children to see stage adaptations of cartoons: Lion King in Lyceum Theater(21 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7RQ ) And Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theater (Old Compton St, Soho, London W1D 4HS) , which are famous for their scenography and costumes. And also on the untold story of Wicked's Witch of Oz Apollo Victoria Theater (17 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LG) .

Hoop- an application with information about clubs and entertainment for children in the city. Sorting by location and age.

Gobaby- an application for finding the nearest metro stations with elevators and escalators, restrooms for changing babies, pharmacies and kid-friendly establishments.

Citymapper- a must-have app for getting directions in London.

Text - Olga Voronkova, photo - Ingrid Hofstra, unsplash.com, Roma Gaul

If you decide to visit London with your children and want their holiday to be exciting and eventful, then it is better to think about entertainment for them in advance.

London can easily be called a children's paradise. This is where the largest toy store in the world is located. London is home to the oldest zoo on the planet, and there is also a safari park and the London Aquarium. And how can one forget the amusement parks and gardens "Thorpe park", "Chessington World of Adventures" (Chessington), "LegoLand" (Legoland). Or fairytale castles - Windsor and Tower, or children's musicals, boat trips and Europe's largest Ferris wheel? You can’t list everything!

We also suggest that you familiarize yourself with the section of our directory:
We will be happy to help you organize leisure time for your children!

This can be as an individual program, taking into account all your wishes and preferences, or you can choose a ready-made offer:

The excursion includes: a visit to the London Eye Ferris wheel, the London Aquarium, a walk on the Londonducktours (an all-terrain vehicle that looks like a duck), lunch at the children's restaurant Rainforest Cafe ( Rainy forest) in the Piccadilly area, visiting Europe's largest toy store "Hamleys" (Hamleys).

Read more about this excursion program.

Time: from 10:00 to 16:00

Program cost

*The price is for two adults and two children (under 16 years old). Everything is included in the price entrance tickets for rides and a trip on a duck. Lunch is not included in the price. The cost of the excursion may vary depending on the number of participants.

Warner Bros. Studio offers an exciting new opportunity to experience the magical world of the Harry Potter films - the most successful film series of all time. This unique walking tour will show you behind the scenes, as well as the opportunity to explore a wealth of beautiful sets, costumes and props. It also reveals some of the best-kept secrets, including facts about the special effects and animation that made the film one of the world's most popular. Warner Bros. Studio Leavesden Studios is located 20 miles from central London and is the same location where all eight Harry Potter series were filmed.

Program cost from

Beaulieu Automotive Museum - one of the attractions of the South of England is located in the very center national park New Forest National Park. The museum is located approximately two hours by car from London near the south coast between the cities of Bournemouth and Southampton.The park museum is designed for a family vacation for the whole day. It includes a world-famous automobile museum with an amazing collection of cars and motorcycles (including Formula 1 rally cars).

Program cost


* The price includes: start from the hotel, driver's work for 10 hours, entrance tickets, return to the hotel(departure from London at 10-00, return at 20-00).

We will also help you organize a trip to amusement parks - book and purchase entrance tickets, provide transportation.

The most popular parks we offer are:
(LegoLand)

There are only 4 Legoland parks in the world - in the homeland of Lego in Denmark, in the USA. Germany and Great Britain. English Legoland is located near Windsor and is located on the territory of a former safari park, covering an area of ​​60 hectares. This is one of the largest theme parks in the UK and is designed for children aged 2 to 12 years. This year Legoland England celebrates its tenth anniversary. (Thorpe Park)

Not far from London is Thorpe Park. It is one of the most popular theme parks in London. Thorpe Park was built in 1979 and still attracts a huge number of visitors who want to safely get an unprecedented adrenaline rush. Like many other Garde Avant parks in the world, Thorpe Park is divided into several thematic zones.

London is one of those rare cities that meets the needs of children of any age. Parents will, of course, also like London, and who wouldn’t like London anyway?

Since many of the local museums are free, families can make the most of them without having to spend a pound on travel. Many museums welcome children and organize special programs, excursions and events for them. Well, more about where to take your child in London.

London National Gallery(The National Gallery)

The National Gallery invites children and their parents to special family Walk tours. Also, in addition to viewing the gallery’s exhibitions, you can become a guest of holidays and educational seminars in the form of a game. The Magic Carpet Storytelling game is held for families with children under 5 years old, every Sunday from 10:30 to 11 am and from 11:30 to 12 pm in the Pigott Education Center Foyer part of the museum. It is not necessary to register to participate in this game, but it is better to come an hour before the start to the registration desk. A drawing studio is available (Drawing and Studio Workshops) suitable for children from 5 to 11 years old (on Sundays and public holidays).

Address: Trafalgar Square

Entrance: free

Working hours: every day 10:00-18:00, Friday 10:00-21:00

London Transport Museum

The London Transport Museum will tell guests about the capital's past. Children will love the old horse-drawn carriages and old buses. Well, there is a lot of stuff in the museum that will definitely amuse your kids.

Address: Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden

Entrance: adults £15; children £11.50

Working hours: Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, Friday from 11:00 to 18:00. Tickets are sold until 17:15.

Sightseeing tour of the city by boat

Many companies offer sightseeing tours around London. I think this option is quite suitable for families with children. Everything you would like to see in London can be seen from the side of a boat. Ships usually have a full package - bars with hot and cold drinks and snacks and toilets, of course. Most boats have wheelchair access and disabled toilets, but this needs to be checked in advance. Cruises depart every half hour from Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich Pierevery every day of the year except Christmas Day. The shortest trips last between 20 and 30 minutes, while longer excursions will take around three hours round trip (from Westminster to Greenwich and back). You can book tours here: http://www.citycruises.com/

Tickets: from £8.40 one way and £11.00 return, with discounts available for pensioners, children under 16 and students.

St James Park

This is the oldest royal park with three palaces. These are fantastic green trails that can be explored on foot or by bike. Be sure to visit the 11-kilometer Princess Diana Memorial Trail. The place is luxurious and worth coming here for some rest and relaxation after the hustle and bustle of central London.

Entrance: free

Working hours: from 5am to midnight every day all year round.

London Dungeon

This is an interactive London museum of medieval horror that illuminates the darkest chapters of the nation's history. Authentic set design, stunning special effects and actors recreate horrific moments in London's history. For those who love thrills, there is no attraction like the Dungeon! But I don’t think it’s worth taking small children there. There is also a souvenir shop at the museum. Opening hours vary depending on the season. See discounts and various family tickets here: http://www.thedungeons.com/london/en/book-tickets/ticket-prices-and-offers.aspx

Address: Riverside Building at County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, Westminster

Tickets: adults (16 years +) - £ 25.20, children under 15 years - £ 19.80, disabled - £ 17.50

Creative fountains by Jeppe Hein Appearing Rooms

Danish artist Jeppe Hein's work often combines sculpture with architecture and modern technology. If you have been to Belgium, you have probably seen his project “Unusual Benches” - benches of the strangest type and shape that you just can’t sit on. So, in London there is another work of his, very popular among families. This miracle is located in South Bank and is, in general, joker fountains. That is, walls of water appear and disappear, and if you're lucky, you can run across the entire fountain without even getting wet. But, of course, everyone will get wet up to their ears!

Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, South Bank

Working hours: during the summer months (July-September), from 9 am to 6 pm.

The London Eye

This is simply a must-see of London. This is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world, 135 meters high (about 45 floors). From the highest point of the wheel you can see the surroundings up to 40 kilometers ahead! Don't worry: the cabins are completely enclosed, glass, and safe. The entire trip takes about 30 minutes, and during it you will be able to admire the city's most famous sights, such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and St. Paul's Cathedral. The booths can be used even with small strollers, and changing tables are available next to the cash register. After your trip, don't forget to buy a souvenir at the nearest shop!

Address: Riverside Building County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank

Tickets: adults £18.90, children under 16 £11.10, children under 4 free

Working hours: daily except Christmas Day (December 25) and another week in January. First launch – at 10:00 (ticket office opens at 9:30) and until 20:30

Sea Life London Aquarium


This is one of the largest collections of marine life in Europe. Located in the heart of London, the aquarium invites guests to interactive journey across the ocean expanses. The mysterious experience begins “in the depths” of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests walk through a stunning glass tunnel and view marine life and plants. Also for guests there are show feedings of green turtles, seahorses, octopuses, sharks and other aquatic inhabitants. And guests complete their journey in the deep, dark zone of the Pacific Ocean - 16 sharks will swim above and below them!

Address: County Hall in the Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Road, South Bank

Tickets: adults from £19.60, children from £15.90, family from £75

Excursions for children

Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
The famous Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a fascinating spectacle, giving children the opportunity to watch the Queen's soldiers take part in this historic ceremony.

Tower of London
The Tower is full of stories of intrigue, executions and murders. Over the 900 years of its existence, it has been a palace, a prison and the site of many famous executions, including two of the unfortunate wives of Henry VIII. Palace guards (Beefeaters) still guard the territory and can tell a lot about strange phenomena at night...
This is one of London's most popular monuments. The Tower serves as a reminder of Britain's bloody past. This massive medieval fortress with watchtowers and loopholes was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror to ensure the security of the capital. The history of the English monarchy is reflected in the history of Tauzr as if in a mirror.
And today, the Tower remains a fortress for storing the priceless jewels of the royal treasury, most of which are on display to the public in a special vault. On display are the Imperial State Crown, decorated with 2,800 diamonds, the Royal Scepter, decorated with the world's largest diamond, sovereign scepters and swords used during coronations and other state. ceremonies
London Zoo
London Zoo - opened in 1828. This is one of the most popular places in London for leisure of all family members. Children can watch employees feed the animals and take part in interesting and useful shows dedicated to the most unusual inhabitants of the zoo...
Located in the green Regent's Park among ancient buildings and beautiful gardens, London Zoo - best place for recreation. With permanent parking close to the zoo, playgrounds, lovely picnic areas, zookeepers' stories, themed animal exhibitions and exciting events, London Zoo is all about having a great time at London Zoo. It will be a day full of discoveries, surprises and delight! London Zoo is under the patronage of the Zoological Society of London (ZLS), dedicated to education, science and conservation environment. The money paid for admission will go towards helping animals, both in the zoo and in the wild.

Hamleys Toy Store - Hamleys
Hamley's Toy Store is perhaps the most famous (and largest) toy store in the world - young and old children alike will love seeing and playing with the amazing variety of toys, games and books they sell.
London Aquarium
London Aquarium - here you can see any inhabitants of the depths - from an angry piranha to a bloodthirsty shark. This aquarium is the largest in Europe.

Ferris Wheel - London Eye
Ferris Wheel - London Eye - 32 cabins lift about a thousand tourists at once to a height of 135 meters. This is the largest Ferris wheel in the world, from which you can even see the countryside Windsor Castle! London at your fingertips

Cruiser Belfast
Cruiser Belfast - entertainment for boys who dream of the sea - a visit to the cruiser Belfast, built in 1938, which accompanied Russian caravans to Murmansk and Arkhangelsk. The cruiser is anchored opposite the Tower of London.

Travel on the Duckling - London Duck Tours
Travel on the "Duckling" (London Duck Tours) - this "duckling" - a military amphibian, specially converted for tourists in London - moves on land and water. First you will see the city center, and then the “duckling” will go down to the Thames and you will see the city from the river - in all its splendor.

Madam Tussaud's Museum
Address: Madame Tussauds, Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LR, Tube: Baker Street
Madame Tussauds - Wax figures of famous and obscure figures are displayed in various exhibits, such as "The Garden Party" or "The State Room". A new exhibition has recently appeared called “The Spirit of London”, where you can travel in a “time machine” and get acquainted with the fascinating history of the British capital. It also features the famous Chambers of Horror, re-enacting some of the most gruesome scenes of crime and punishment in London's history...
Opening hours: Open daily from 09:30 to 17:30.

Sherlock Holmes Museum
Address: Baker street 221B, Metro: Baker street
Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson, characters from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories, lived at 221b Baker Street between 1881 and 1904. Until 1936 there were furnished rooms here. The famous study on the second floor, overlooking Baker Street, is still preserved as it existed in the Victorian era.
Step back in time and when you're in London, don't forget to visit the world's most famous address!
The first floor of the museum is occupied by a gift shop and a small entrance hall. On the second floor are the living room and Holmes' room, on the third are the rooms of Watson and Mrs. Hudson. On the fourth floor, originally used for household purposes, there are wax figures of heroes from various works about Sherlock Holmes.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum is open every day (except Christmas)
from 9.30 to -18.00 Ticket prices: adults 6 children (under 16) 4 pounds.

V&A Museum of Childhood
Address: Cambridge Heath Road, London E2 9PA, Metro: Bethnal Green
V&A Museum of Childhood – This branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum is dedicated to toys from the seventeenth century to the present.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:45.

Pollock's Toy Museum
Pollock's Toy Museum - this is exciting interesting museum dedicated to theatrical dolls (marionettes) and scenes from Pollock's theaters. During school holidays, puppet theater performances are given.

Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum – See the dinosaurs on display at this beautiful museum that combines interactive displays with traditional exhibits showing the evolution of life on our planet. Exhibits include a life-like electronic Tyrannosaurus Rex, as well as a huge collection of fossils and other artifacts.

Science Museum
The Science Museum is an interesting modern museum with numerous interactive exhibits that give children the opportunity to take part in scientific experiments themselves.

London Transport Museum - London Transport Museum
Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London, WC2E 7BB, Tube: Govent Garden
London Transport Museum - This museum explores the fascinating history of travel, population, education and development of London. As well as the permanent display of unique working artifacts, old cars and London's famous stagecoaches, there are periodic special exhibitions featuring family heirlooms.

Museum military history British Empire - Imperial War Museum
Imperial War Museum - While this fascinating museum has an impressive display of tanks, artillery, bombs and aircraft from the 20th century, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on how the wars of the 20th century impacted everyday life thanks to special exhibitions and personal exhibits. Particularly interesting for children are the frontline trenches of the First World War and the exhibition dedicated to the bombing of London streets during the Second World War.

Parks
Regent's Park– in addition to the fact that this park is home to the famous London Zoo, the park is surrounded by beautiful buildings, and you can stroll through the rose garden or visit the green theater in summer.
Kensington Gardens- the former park of Kensington Palace - the former London residence of Princess Diana. Now these beautiful gardens have become a playground.
The Peter Pan statue on the shore of the lake was erected with his own money by the man who invented the flying boy. It was in Kensington Gardens that he met the five boys who inspired him to write this book. As if in gratitude, he composed a whole legend for the gardens.
Hyde Park– Lake Serpentine, where you can go boating, is the main attraction of this park, which also features restaurants, an art gallery and the infamous Speakers' Corner.

St James Park– The oldest park in London. This park is famous for its flower beds and pelicans that live in the local lake. For a long time, St. James's Park was a royal park. Come here to feed the ducks and swans and admire the playing pelicans!
Hampstead Heath– This beautiful open area is in the center of north London, and from nearby Parliament Hill there are wonderful views of St. Paul's Cathedral, the City and the West End (the fashionable west end of London).
Richmond Park is the largest royal park in London, where children can watch the walking deer, and their parents can enjoy beautiful views of the river.
Golders Hill Park– a wonderful holiday destination for the whole family. This park has a beautiful walled garden, a deer enclosure and a petting zoo.
Hampton Court- this beautiful palace, built in 1514 along the banks of the river. Thames, was the favorite residence of the infamous Henry VIII. Five of his wives lived here, and the ghosts of two of them (Jane Seymour and Catherine Howard) still haunt the castle. Parents can literally “abandon” their children for an hour or two, allowing them to try their luck in the famous labyrinth, and at the same time stroll through the delightful gardens. Guides in traditional costume will take you through the State Apartments and detail the eventful history surrounding them, plus a must-see visit to a Tudor kitchen and the world's largest vineyard... A visit to Hampton Court and Windsor has the advantage of being close to central London.
Windsor Castle– every child interested in the royal dynasty of Great Britain will be interested in visiting the largest royal residence and get acquainted with 900 years of history in just one day. Inspection of the majestic State chambers, the chapel of St. George's, the royal tomb and Queen Mary's doll's house - exquisitely perfect down to the last detail - will be of interest to all members of the family.

Hever Castle– Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, spent her childhood in this romantic 13th-century castle surrounded by a moat. tragic fate. Of particular interest to children are two mazes - a water maze and a hedge maze - plus an exhibition of miniature building models, as well as a variety of tourist season activities including jousting, falconry and archery.
Greenwich - From this place time begins and the prime meridian passes through the hill on which the Royal Observatory stands. The observatory houses a rich exhibition of ancient astronomical instruments. Greenwich is located 10 kilometers from the City on the south bank of the Thames. The National Maritime Museum is also of unconditional interest for visiting, introducing visitors to the history of the British Navy, the Queen's House, and the British clipper "Cutty Sark".
Legolandtheme park, celebrating the imagination and creativity of children ages 2 to 13, set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland. It features themed play exhibits, building workshops, interactive trails and shows, plus Lego models of cities from around the globe. You can combine a tour of Windsor Castle or Hampton Court with a visit to Legoland.

Adventure World in Chessington
This is one of the largest amusement parks for the whole family. Located in the south of England, just 30 minutes from London, it belongs to the Madame Tussauds museum and entertainment group. The park is divided into lands, each of which will scare and amuse you at the same time. This is the most popular family park UK attractions. There is entertainment for the whole family here: carousels and playgrounds for very young children, exciting rides for children of primary school age, for teenagers, and, of course, for adults craving thrills. For example, Ramses' Revenge, the only attraction in the UK that frightens you with three things at once: height, speed and water. This is perhaps the most popular attraction in the park. Chessington is the only park that has both a Zoo and an Aquarium on its territory. In addition to the attractions, the park hosts a variety of shows throughout the day.

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