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London is packed with history, culture, and family fun. From royal palaces to Harry Potter magic, here’s how we spent six unforgettable days exploring England’s capital with our kids.

A panoramic view of London’s city skyline featuring modern skyscrapers, including The Gherkin and The Walkie Talkie, under a partly cloudy blue sky with sunlight brightening the iconic London buildings.

Day 1: Iconic London Sights with the London Pass

We started with a 2-Day London Pass, which included entry to top attractions and a hop-on hop-off bus tour. It was a great way to cover a lot on our first day.

Westminster Abbey

We arrived early to see Westminster Abbey before the crowds. It’s where British coronations have taken place for nearly 1,000 years, and walking among the tombs of Newton and Darwin gave us chills.

HOHO Bus Tour

A smiling family of four sits on the upper deck of a London sightseeing bus, wearing audio tour lanyards. Two children sit behind two adults on a sunny day, with buildings and trees visible in the background.

The kids loved riding on the top deck of the double-decker bus. The narrated tour pointed out Big Ben, the Thames, and other landmarks as we made a full loop before hopping off.

Buckingham Palace

Crowds of people gather in front of the ornate gates of Buckingham Palace in London, with the grand building and classic lampposts visible beneath a cloudy London sky.

Even though we couldn’t tour the palace, standing at the gates to watch the Queen’s Guard was a highlight. The grandeur of the palace and the Victoria Memorial in front made it worth the stop.

Kensington Palace

Tourists admire artwork in a grand London gallery with red wallpaper, large paintings in ornate gold frames, tall windows with red curtains, and an elaborate painted ceiling. A marble statue stands near the windows.

Inside Kensington Gardens, we toured the palace where Princess Diana once lived. Exhibits on royal fashion were fascinating, and the gardens outside were perfect for a family stroll.

London Eye.

A young girl stands inside a glass capsule on the London Eye, overlooking the London skyline with various buildings visible in the background. A tablet display and reflections of the capsule’s structure are also seen.

At sunset, we rode the London Eye. The city stretched out below us, with views of Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s. Booking Fast Track tickets helped us skip long lines.

Day 2: East London and the Thames

This day was packed with history, culture, and river views.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral in London under a clear blue sky, with people walking and sitting in the gardens surrounded by spring trees and flowers, showcases the charm of London in bloom.

We admired Wren’s masterpiece and climbed up to the Whispering Gallery. The kids were proud to make it to the top for panoramic views.

Tower of London

A man and two children pose in front of the historic Tower of London on a sunny day, with other visitors and a large stone building highlighting this iconic London landmark in the background.

We could almost picture life centuries ago as we explored the fortress. The kids were captivated by stories of kings, queens, and prisoners, and we all marveled at the Crown Jewels.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge in London spans the River Thames under a clear blue sky. A red double-decker bus crosses the lower level, with historic buildings and modern London structures visible in the background.

Crossing the glass walkway high above the Thames was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. The exhibition inside explained how the bridge was built and operated.

HMS Belfast & Shakespeare’s Globe

Audience members sit on wooden benches inside a round, open-air London theater with timber beams and a thatched roof, evoking a historical or Shakespearean setting. Some people look towards the mostly empty stage area.

We explored life on a WWII warship and ended the afternoon with a lively tour at the Globe Theatre.

City Cruise

To finish the day, we cruised along the Thames, resting our legs while watching London glide past.

Day 3: Free Museum Day

The photo shows the British Museum’s grand entrance in London, featuring tall columns and stone steps. Visitors are gathered in front, some sitting and some walking, under a partly cloudy sky.

London’s free museums are some of the best in the world, and we couldn’t resist visiting several.

  • British Museum: The Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies were highlights.
  • National Gallery: We admired works by da Vinci and Van Gogh.
  • Tate Modern: Contemporary art sparked lively family discussions.
  • Victoria & Albert Museum: Decorative arts and da Vinci’s notebooks fascinated us.

We used snack breaks in museum courtyards to recharge between stops.

Day 4: Warner Bros. Studio – The Making of Harry Potter

A man stands with two children inside a large, ornate hall in London with high ceilings, long dining tables, stone walls, and statues of mythical creatures. The setting resembles the Hogwarts Great Hall from Harry Potter.

For our kids, this was the most anticipated day. We walked through the Great Hall, stepped into Dumbledore’s office, and even rode broomsticks on a green screen. The scale model of Hogwarts left us in awe.

If you plan to go, book weeks in advance directly through the studio.

Day 5: Day Trip to Windsor, Bath, and Stonehenge

Stonehenge, a prehistoric stone monument of large upright stones in a circle, stands on a grassy field under a clear blue sky with a group of people in the distance, just a short journey from London.

We joined an organized tour for a full day outside the city.

  • Windsor Castle: Touring the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel was unforgettable.
  • Bath: The Roman Baths gave us a glimpse into ancient life, and the city’s Georgian streets were charming.
  • Stonehenge: Standing among the massive stones felt both mysterious and moving.

It was a long day, but worth every mile.

Day 6: Neighborhoods and Food

A lively scene at Covent Garden in London shows crowds of people sitting and walking in the cobblestone square, with historic market buildings and outdoor cafes capturing the vibrant spirit of London under a partly cloudy sky.

We ended with a more relaxed day exploring food and shopping districts.

  • Covent Garden: Street performers and the London Transport Museum kept us entertained before lunch at Dishoom.
  • Regent Street & Piccadilly Circus: We browsed shops, enjoyed ramen at Shoryu, and stocked up at Japan Centre.
  • Borough Market: From Bread Ahead donuts to global street food, it was a feast for the senses.

We also made time for afternoon tea at Harrods and our best steak dinner at Hawksmoor.

Where We Stayed

We booked a family-friendly Airbnb in Earl’s Court, close to the Tube and supermarkets. Having a washing machine made life much easier with kids.

Is London Worth Visiting with Kids?

A man and two children posing for a picture in front of a large brick building in London.

Yes, London truly has something for every age, from royal palaces and castles to world-class museums, Harry Potter magic, and incredible food. It was one of our family’s most memorable trips anywhere. Six days only gave us a glimpse, and we’re already dreaming about returning.

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