Family Days Out Near London

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With its world-renowned attractions, iconic sights, and vibrant nightlife, it is no surprise that millions of visitors flock to the city every year. From historical landmarks to fascinating museums, from traditional pubs to cutting-edge galleries, there is something for everyone in London.

For families visiting London for the first time, there are plenty of exciting activities and attractions to explore. London has something for everyone, no matter what your interests or family size. Here are some of the best family days out near London:

Explore the City on a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

One of the best ways to explore London is on a hop-on hop-off bus tour. These bus tours are a great way to get a quick overview of the city and cover all the major attractions. The buses have open-top roofs, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds as you drive by them. Most of the buses have audio guides as well, so you can learn more about the places you are visiting. There are many different hop-on hop-off bus tours in London, so you can find one that meets your needs.

The Big Bus Tours is one of the most popular hop-on hop-off tours in London. The route covers all major sights, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, and much more. The tour also has live tour guides who will tell you interesting facts about the city. You can hop on and off the bus at any stop along the route, so you can explore places in greater depth at your own pace. The Big Bus Tours also offers discounts for children and families, making it an economical way to explore the city.

Experience a Harry Potter Tour

Another great option for families visiting London is a Harry Potter tour. Whether your kids are fans of the books or movies, they’ll love exploring some of the most iconic locations from the Harry Potter films. London is full of movie locations from the Harry Potter films, such as Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, Diagon Alley at Leadenhall Market, or the ministry of magic at St. Pancras Station. An experienced guide will take you to all these locations and explain the history behind each one.

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Watford is another great option for Harry Potter fans. Here you can explore sets from the films and get a behind-the-scenes look at how some of the iconic scenes were filmed. You can also see original props and costumes from the films and even try on costumes yourself! The tour also includes a visit to the Hogwarts Express and a cup of butterbeer!

Visit Historic Sites and Museums

London is home to many amazing museums and historic sites that can provide hours of entertainment for families. The British Museum is a must-see for anyone visiting London. Here you can explore an incredible collection of British art and artifacts from all over the world. Another great option is the Natural History Museum, which is home to a vast collection of natural history exhibits, including dinosaur fossils and interactive displays.

The Tower of London is another great option for families. This historic castle was once the royal residence and has been used as a prison, royal palace, and fortress over the centuries. Here you can explore centuries of history and see artifacts such as the Crown Jewels and armor worn by kings and queens of England.

Take a River Cruise Along the Thames

No visit to London is complete without a cruise along the River Thames. This iconic river runs through central London and provides some unbeatable views of some of London’s most famous landmarks. You can take a leisurely boat ride along the river and take in the sights of Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and St Paul’s Cathedral from a different perspective. The cruise boats also offer audio commentary so you can learn more about each location as you sail past it.

Discover London’s Parks and Gardens

London is also home to some beautiful parks and gardens that are perfect for families with young children. Hyde Park is one of the largest parks in London and has plenty of attractions for visitors, including a boating lake, open-air concerts, and horseback riding. Regent’s Park is also a great option for families with young children as it has an open-air theater, a zoo, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Book a Tour on Viator

Viator is one of the best websites for booking tours in London. You can search for family-friendly activities and attractions, read customer reviews, compare prices, and book tickets quickly and easily. Whether you’re looking for a guided tour or an independent activity, Viator has something for everyone.

One popular tour that Viator offers is the “London by Night Tour”. This tour takes you on an evening journey through London’s most iconic sights and attractions, including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and more! You will also get to experience traditional British pubs and have dinner in one of London’s oldest restaurants.

Book an Example Tour on GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide is another great website for booking tours in London. The website offers an extensive range of activities and attractions for families with young children, including guided tours, museums visits, river cruises, and much more.

One popular tour that GetYourGuide offers is the “London Eye Experience”. This tour includes skip-the-line access to the London Eye, one of London’s most iconic attractions. You will get to take in incredible views of London from the top of the wheel and take part in interactive activities to learn more about the city’s history and culture. The tour also includes a guided walk through Westminster Abbey and a visit to Buckingham Palace gardens.

Conclusion

London has something for everyone when it comes to family days out near the city. From hop-on hop-off bus tours to Harry Potter tours, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained during a family vacation in London. And with websites like Viator and GetYourGuide offering discounts and skip-the-line access to some of London’s most popular attractions, you can make your family vacation even more affordable and enjoyable!