Family travel London Itinerary for 5 days
Welcome to London, a city steeped in history, brimming with culture, and bursting with endless possibilities for family adventures. Planning a trip to the British capital with your loved ones? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through a carefully curated 5-day itinerary that promises to delight every member of your family. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, mouthwatering cuisine to thrilling attractions, get ready for an unforgettable journey. Here is your Family travel London Itinerary for 5 days.
My trip started as I arrived at Heathrow Airport later in the day. The airport is well connected to the city, so you will have no problem getting to your hotel. I took the Heathrow Express until Paddington Station and from there The Elizabeth line. The trip was around 40 minutes. During may stay in London I checked in into the Andaz Liverpool Street. I chose to stay in the City of London to be close to most of the attractions and also at walkable distance from these.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
Day 1: Discovering London’s Timeless Treasures
Morning
I woke up well rested, so I headed early to the nearby Costa Coffee. I enjoyed a breakfast sandwich before heading into the city. Start the first day of your London adventure by immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and architectural marvels.
On my first day there I planned to visit the City of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and Monument. I visited St Paul’s , one of the iconic places in London. It’s definitely worth the visit. The tickets were around 20£ if you purchased them online. And if you need help, I am more than happy to offer my assistance. Plan your trip the right way.
A spot that I loved was at the mall nearby, called One New Change. You can take the elevator to the terrace, free of charge. The view will leave you speechless. Also if you have a bit more time there is a cute place in this area, Leadenhall Market, a place known from the Harry Potter movies.
Hop on the Tube (Circle Line) to get to Tower Hill station. Visi the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has stood as a symbol of power and royalty for over 1,000 years. Marvel at the Crown Jewels, explore the medieval fortress, and don’t miss the famous Beefeater tour for fascinating insights into London’s royal past. A really interesting place, but be careful if traveling with really small kids. It has narrow stairs to climb and tricky steps.
Lunch
Walk across Tower Bridge to get to the next spot. After working up an appetite, head to Borough Market for a gastronomic feast. From gourmet sandwiches to artisanal cheeses, this bustling food market offers a tantalizing array of culinary delights to satisfy every palate.A place that is recommend in here is Humble Crumble.
Afternoon
Continue your historical journey with a stroll along the South Bank of the River Thames. Admire iconic landmarks such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the majestic London Bridge. Make a stop at the Tate Modern for a dose of contemporary art and breathtaking views of the city from the viewing platform of the Switch House.
Dinner
For dinner, indulge in classic British fare at The Anchor Bankside, a charming riverside pub with a cozy atmosphere and delectable dishes ranging from fish and chips to hearty pies.
Day 2: Exploring London’s Cultural Gems
On day two, delve into London’s vibrant cultural scene with visits to world-class museums, galleries, and iconic neighbourhoods.
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the British Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years of human history. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian mummies, and the magnificent Parthenon sculptures. And the best part is that the access is free.
After exploring the museum, recharge with a leisurely picnic in nearby Russell Square Gardens. Pick up some sandwiches and snacks from a local café and enjoy a relaxing al fresco lunch surrounded by lush greenery.
In the afternoon, venture into the charming neighborhood of Covent Garden. Explore its bustling market stalls, street performers, and boutique shops. Don’t miss a visit to the London Transport Museum, where kids can climb aboard vintage buses and tube trains.
Nearby you can find the famous instagrammable spot Neal’s Yard. I went to see this place because I found it in many photos on social media. It’s really a cute spot, but definitely not a must visit, only if you are interested in photography.
For dinner, treat your family to a culinary journey around the world at Dishoom Covent Garden. This beloved restaurant serves up delicious Indian-inspired dishes in a vibrant and eclectic setting.
Day 3: Experiencing London’s Magical Attractions
Day three is all about experiencing the magic of London’s top attractions and entertainment venues.
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. The nearest tube station is Green Park. Get down here and walk across the park to get there. Kids will love this place. There are so many squirrels running around. Catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony for a colorful display of pomp and pageantry.
After visiting I took a break and went to have lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. I went to the location on Old Park Ln. I tried the Twisted Mac&cheese and it was delicious. This Hard Rock location has something unique, as it’s the only one with a rock n roll museum, called The Vault.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, make your way to the West End for a magical experience at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Step into the enchanting world of Hogwarts as you explore iconic sets, costumes, and props from the beloved film series. This is an attraction that you can’t miss if you travel with your kids. Book here before visiting.
Dinner: Round off your day with a meal at The Ivy Market Grill, a stylish brasserie located in the heart of Covent Garden. Indulge in modern British cuisine with a touch of glamour in a sophisticated yet family-friendly atmosphere. Or if you want something more casual there is also a Shake Shack
Day 4: Embarking on Royal Adventures
On day four, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in London’s greatest attractions for kids.
Early morning
The Natural History Museum. I can say for sure that this museum was incredible. And it’s not only for family with children, but for everyone. And even if you are not really interested in doing a lot of cultural stops during your visit, this museum is different and should be on your to do list for London. Earthquake simulation, real fossils.. it has everything.
Continue your day with a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park, one of London’s largest and most famous parks. Rent a rowboat on the Serpentine Lake, visit the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, or simply relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the park.
If you are in the area you can’t miss the famous Harrods store. You can grab your lunch here as there are many options to choose from, and even if you are not interested in buying something there, the store is just impressive to walk around. It was time for some desserts, so of course the go to spot was EL&N cafe. I have previously tried this cafe, so I knew that I had to have the Red Velvet Cake.
Hop on a bus to get to Westminster. Something that you should know when you visit London is that the public transport is excellent. You have the metro, buses and trains that can take you everywhere. While I was here I never used an Uber or a taxi.
Later in the day
A must see is the Big Ben and the Parliament. The tower clock, famous for its accuracy and for its massive bell is the iconic monument of London. Situated near the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. These monuments offer plenty to see and admire. While I was there it was in reconstruction, but now there are no more obstructions, so you can take perfect photos.
Make your way to the iconic London Eye for a bird’s-eye view of the city. Enjoy a scenic ride in one of the glass capsules and marvel at panoramic views of London’s skyline, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace. The London Eye offers a 360 degree viewing over Central London. It gives you a chance to appreciate London from a whole new perspective. Be prepared to buy your ticket online the day before at least, as they get sold out fast and there is quite a difference in pricing ( 25.50£ online, 33£ on that day).
Dinner: For dinner, head to Nando’s at Cardinal Place. Must try for its grilled chicken, tender and flavorful with a kick of peppery spice. My go-to for casual dinner.
If your feet don’t hurt that bad after a long day, I recommend visiting this place later in the evening anyway, so you would really get the vibe of the place. I have to say that during the day is not that impressive. And this place is Piccadilly Circus.
Day 5: Exploring London’s Quirky Side
On your final day in London, explore the city’s quirky and offbeat attractions, neighborhoods, and hidden gems.
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the quirky neighborhood of Camden Town. Explore its eclectic markets, vibrant street art, and alternative music scene. Don’t miss a visit to Camden Market, where you can browse unique stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts.
Lunch: For lunch, grab a bite to eat at Camden Market’s food stalls and indulge in a culinary adventure around the world. From gourmet burgers to authentic Mexican tacos, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, head to the vibrant neighborhood of Notting Hill. Explore its colorful street art, trendy boutiques, and hip cafes. I originally planned to spend not more than 2 hours in this area, but after walking the streets I knew that it wasn’t going to happen.
This picturesque area with its colourful houses will keep you wandering around for hours. It’s true that near some well known Insta spots there was a little bit of waiting to take your photos, but it was worth it. If you are in this area don’t forget to visit Portobello Road Market.
Dinner: For your final dinner in London, treat your family to a memorable dining experience at Duck & Waffle. Perched atop the iconic Heron Tower, this restaurant offers panoramic views of the city skyline and serves up innovative dishes inspired by British and European cuisine.
Conclusion
With its wealth of attractions, cultural landmarks, and family-friendly activities, London offers endless opportunities for memorable adventures with your loved ones. Whether you’re exploring historical treasures, indulging in culinary delights, or discovering hidden gems, this 5-day London Itinerary is sure to create lasting memories that your family will cherish for years to come. So pack your bags, embark on your London adventure, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of this iconic city!
