England’s vibrant capital city of London is one of the most exciting in the world, but whilst it’s perhaps best known for its array of standout cultural landmarks, excellent luxury shopping scene and some of the best nightlife and entertainment in the world, it also has plenty to offer families looking for fun.
Whether you live locally or are simply planning a flying visit, you’ll never run out of activities and attractions to thrill children and adults of all ages, and while many people visit to see Buckingham Palace or ride the London Eye, there’s plenty more worth packing into your itinerary besides.
From theme parks to historical sights, museums to pop culture, there’s something for everyone. So, if you’re looking to get the most of the top things to do in London for families, then these are the highlights to add to your itinerary.
Westminster Abbey
A trip to the capital simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the iconic Westminster Abbey. Located in the Greater London borough of Westminster on the grounds of an earlier Benedictine monastery, it’s steeped in rich history and was re-established in 1560 by Queen Elizabeth I, later going on to become recognised as a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
The most impressive element of the Abbey is its dramatic gothic-style architecture, and its ode to the superior craftsmanship of the artisans of the past. The Abbey has witnessed many coronations and famous events over the years, including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton – and is also the final resting place of many a notable celebrity that has been lost over the years.
The Science Museum
When it comes to the capital’s most awe-inspiring family attractions, the Science Museum is up there with the best of them, and will get those cogs turning in people of all ages with its mind-bending showcases of the latest modern discoveries alongside exhibits depicting the evolution of what we’ve known about the worlds of physics, chemistry and biology over the years.
Interactive and thought-provoking, it brings science to life and offers a unique chance to see, touch and experience it first-hand, in myriad ways. With over 5,000 different objects on display, highlights include the Soyuz TMA-19M descent module – the spacecraft in which astronaut Tim Peake returned to Earth from the International Space Station – and an actual fragment of the moon.
Warner Brothers Studios
A world of fantasy awaits at the Warner Brothers Studio in Watford – an attraction that draws in hoards of both national and international tourists every year. The star of the show? Harry Potter. During the Harry Potter Studio Tour, visitors can relive all eight of the iconic films, touring the sets and seeing the props and costumes that appeared in each of them.
From the famous Hogwarts Castle to the Diagon Alley, and the Eeylops Owl Emporium, it’s truly a Harry Potter fan’s dream. And you can even ride on the Hogwarts Express, embarking, of course, from Platform 9 ¾.
Visit London ZSL Zoo
For animal lovers, a visit to the sprawling London ZSL Zoo is a must, housing more than 650 varieties of different animals from varying habitats across the globe. Established in 1828, it’s a great place to learn about nature and wildlife and to come away with some fascinating facts.
Coming face-to-face with Asiatic lions, meeting friendly giraffes and witnessing feeding time with the meerkats and otters are just some of the memorable experiences on offer here, and for children who are keen to get up close and personal with the animals and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, the Junior Keeper for the Day experience is one they will be certain to cherish forever.
Museum of Madame Tussauds
The city of London is frequented by rich and famous faces from around the world, but you have to be pretty lucky to spot them. That is, unless you head to Madame Tussauds in Marylebone, northwest London, where you can rub shoulders with the best of them.
Featuring some 190 wax idols modelled on some of the most iconic celebrities of all time, sports stars like David Beckham stand alongside music megastars like Rihanna and royals William and Kate, making it the perfect place to pose for a selfie or two as you explore this interactive museum.
You can even meet iconic film characters such as Marvel superheroes Spiderman, Iron Man, Captain America and many more – and what could be more exciting for children and teenagers than that? There’s plenty for the adults, too, with stars like Elton John, Mick Jagger and various other musical and film legends also represented in wax form. There’s nowhere else you’ll find so many celebrities all in one place.
