Taking seven kids to London sounds like a recipe for chaos, right? Well, that’s what we thought too, until we set out for the trip. We made use of the bank holiday weekend and decided to head to London for a quick family getaway in autumn. The idea was simple: enjoy the city, soak in a bit of culture, and make lasting memories without stressing out. Spoiler alert: It was totally doable and honestly, super fun.
Day 1: Exploring Bloomsbury and The British Museum
When we arrived in London, the first thing on the agenda was to settle in at the hotel and head out exploring. We stayed at the Mentone Hotel in Bloomsbury, which turned out to be the perfect base for our family. It was just around the corner from the British Museum (which the kids loved), close to cafes for a much-needed coffee break, and not far from the parks where the little ones could run off their endless energy. Honestly, having a comfortable place to land after a day of exploring made the whole trip so much easier.
After we got unpacked, we grabbed a quick bite at one of the nearby cafes. I recommend Gail’s Bakery if you’re in the area, their pastries are just lovely. Then, we headed straight to the British Museum, which is great for both – parents and kids. The free entry was a life saver when you have 7 kids and there’s a lot for the kids to see. My oldest was immediately drawn to the Egyptian mummies, while the younger ones loved the giant stone sculptures. “We thought we’d last an hour, but we ended up staying all afternoon!”
The British Museum sees over 6 million visitors each year, so it’s clear why it’s such a family favourite. If you’re planning a trip, don’t skip the British Museum.
By the time we finished there, we were all ready to head back to the hotel for a rest. After a quick brisk walk, we were at the hotel getting ready for the next day.
Day 2: Regents Park and More Museums
Day two started with a stroll through Regents Park and Primrose Hill. If you’re heading to London with kids, a park day is a must. The kids loved running around, climbing on the playgrounds and soaking in the beautiful autumn weather. There was something magical about the golden leaves and crisp autumn breeze, it was perfect for burning off some energy before our next stop.
After the park, we made our way to the Natural History Museum – another one of London’s free treasures. The Natural History Museum attracts about 5 million visitors annually making it one of the top spots in London. The dinosaur exhibits were the star of the show. My kids were absolutely mesmerised by the towering skeletons and interactive displays.
By the time we left, the kids were exhausted (and so were we), so we grabbed a snack at Pret à Manger – perfect for refueling before heading back to the hotel to rest up for the next adventure.
Day 3: Covent Garden and Wrapping Up
For our last day, we decided to check out Covent Garden. It’s got everything – street performers, shops and some fantastic family-friendly restaurants. The kids were entertained by the street musicians and we spent some time just walking around, popping into shops, and grabbing a bite at The Ivy Market Grill (a great spot for families, by the way).
And of course, London being London, it started raining. But instead of letting it ruin the mood, we turned it into an impromptu dance party under the awning. The kids had the time of their lives, and it ended up being one of the funniest moments of the trip. “A downpour turned into a dance-off. Only in London!”
By the time it was time to head to the train station, we were tired, but honestly, the weekend was worth every moment. We barely made it to the station on time (thanks to a few “last-minute” souvenir stops), but all I could think was, “This was one for the books.”
Some Travel Tips for Your Next Getaway
Every trip requires a certain amount of preparation. For me it was a lot of lists whether it was for packing, budgets or just things-to-do.
Packing Tips:
- Snacks: Don’t forget snacks! Granola bars, fruit and plenty of water to keep everyone fueled.
- Scooters: If your kids are old enough, bring foldable scooters. It’s a game changer for getting around. You can also hire e-bikes for the adults.
- Layers for Autumn: London’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers. Light jackets, scarves and comfy shoes are a must.
- Wipes & Small First-Aid Kit: Trust me, they come in handy when you’re out all day with kids.
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Free Museums: London is packed with free attractions, and museums like the British Museum and Natural History Museum are perfect for families on a budget.
- Public Transport: An Oyster card is the best way to get around. Kids travel for free on buses and you’ll save a ton on the Tube.
- Walking: Instead of hopping in a taxi, take the time to walk around. Not only do you see more of the city, but you save money too.
What We Loved
- The Authentic Experience: London isn’t just about hitting the major tourist spots. We loved the mix of local experiences, whether it was local restaurants at Covent Garden or an impromptu picnic at Regent Park.
- Kid-Friendly Cafes: Finding cosy spots for lunch or snacks where everyone could eat happily without stress was a lifesaver.
- The Museums’ Magic: The British Museum and Natural History Museum were a massive hit with the kids. They’re still talking about the dinosaurs.
What We Would Do Again
- More Parks: Regents Park was a hit, and we’d definitely explore more green spaces on our next trip.
- Museum Hopping: London’s museums are amazing and we’d spend even more time in them next time.
- Less Stress Over Travel: Walking around and exploring local areas worked wonders. We’ll be doing more of that next time.
Final Thoughts
London with kids is easily doable and surprisingly fun. We made it work with a bit of planning and some flexibility. The parks, the museums, the laughs in between – it all came together perfectly. If you’re thinking about a family weekend in London, don’t overthink it. Pack up, jump in, and enjoy the ride.
For more family travel tips, adventures, and real stories, head over to our Travel section.
