London: an ideal family destination

My family and I are fans of this rich metropolis that Oscar Wilde humerously described as being full of fog and serious people! But do not be mistaken! The sun shines brightly on the River Thames each year, and the londoners truely know how to throw a party. The city also knows how to cater the little travellers as if they were royality, so that London has been our favorite family destination for a few years now.

 

 

There’s not a perfect season for going to London. The city is just as attractive and likeable throughout the months. Even when the stores along Regent Street or Knightsbridge are decked out with their best Christmas decorations. Even when spring finally shows its face and you can spend a sunny weekend roaming around the Covent Garden. Even when summer is in full swing and you can spend a relaxing day as a family in one of the marvelous parks spread out throughout the city. Exciting, eclectic, and creative, London is a multifaceted city that is perfect for a family getaway. Follow the guide!

 

The kidfriendly hotels in the capital

First of all, you’ll need to find the hotel that’s just right for your little family. Look no further! London’s best kids-friendly address is waiting for you! The St. James Hotel and Club ***** cultivates a tradition of luxury with its top-of-the-range rooms and Michelin-starred restaurant. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Mayfair, a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace and Green Park, this exceptional hotel awaits you for a royal stay. From St. James’s Palace to the chic boutiques of Jermyn Street, from Picadilly Circus to Bond Street, from the Royal Academy of Arts to the theatres and bars of the West End, follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes.

 

THE UNMISSABLE HARRY POTTER

Since J. K. Rowling gave him life in her books, Harry Potter quickly became one of the most popular London attractions. It’s impossible to refrain from going to visit the Warner Bros Company studios located in Leavesden, which is about an hour and a half from London. Before boarding the bus at Saint Pancras to head to the studios, you can start the trip with a stop at King’s Cross station, located just a few meters from Saint Pancras. There, you can find the famous platform 9 ¾ that takes you to Hogwarts, the mysterious wizarding school.

Since 2012, the famous cinematographic production house opens the doors of its filming stages and immerses children and adults in the fantastic world of film. All you can do is marvel in front of the immense decorations, that are still pristine and impressive!

 

FAMILY MUSEUMS

Childhood pleasure

Nostalgic travellers will want to go to Bethnal Green and head to the V&A Museum of Childhood. This lovely 3 floors building houses one of the larges collections of children’s games and toys in the world. Kids can participate in crafting workshops, listen to fairytails, or watch movies. My favorite department is still the magnificent Victorian era doll house collection.

Life and sciences

The Natural History Museum is one of the many museums that’s part of Exhibition Road in the Kensigton neighborhood. The museum includes thousands of species collected from around the world. During the visit, you can learn about the richness and diversity of the living and mineral heritage of our beloved blue planet. Many specimens were brought back by the great explorer James Cook’s numerous expeditions, as well as from the famous naturalist Charles Darwin. The museum also has life-size models of dinosaur skeletons and other extinct species.

In Sherlock Holmes’ footsteps

Conan Doyle’s novels haven’t aged at all. We still love being immersed in the dated ambience of when the British Empire was at its peak. You can’t miss the famous Baker Street museum: the Sherlock Holmes Museum. It’s an absolute must see for children who love crime novels. Explore the 2nd floor office, which has been preserved since Victorian times. From furniture to personal items, everything has been preserved in this room where Sherlock and Doctor Watson worked together.

 

 

GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Now is the time to take you to our favorite neighborhood in London: Shoreditch, which is perfect for a family outing. Located in East End, it’s home to a colorful community that’s always evolving. For a couple of years now, there has been a growth in the creative class, who have become masters of Street Art. In this open-air museum, the urban backdrop changes week to week depending on the artists’ mood.

Another site in the neighborhood, a little more « natural » this time, is Hackney City Farm. In this stunning urban farm, in the heart of London, they offer a large number of activities that are just as educational as they are entertaining. The activities include artisan workshops, animal and lifestyle discovery, healthy eating workshops, etc.

Before heading back to the bustling city, don’t forget to stop at the Café Frizzante!

 

DIRECTION: SHOPPING

Hamleys

You must stop by Hamleys, one of the most beautiful toy stores in the world. This unique store has managed to create a fairytail universe for all ages. More or less an experimental toy laboratory, you can find the latest toys alongside the classics. Located on Regent Street, the store created by William Hamley in 1881 is spread out over 7 floors. Don’t miss: the 1st floor set aside for stuffed animals.

Harrods

I don’t know anyone who hasn’t succomb to the magic of Harrods. Located on Brompton Road, in the neighborhood of Knightsbridge, this luxurious temple of refined shopping covers more than 90,000sqm! You can find everything there! The Christmas section is particulary extraodinary, but my favorite is the Food Hall, which is certainly one of the most amazing fine food markets in all of Europe.

 

 

ALONG THE WATER

To finish off your family adventure in London, especially if it’s nice out, I would highly recommend following the Thames Path for a walk along the River Thames, from Waterloo to Tower Bridge.

The walk offers breathtaking views of the biggest monuments in London, such as the London Eye, Westminster, Big Ben, the Parliement, and even the Shard, the tallest sky scraper in Europe.

On the 69th floor you can expereince a dreamy view of London, while on the 34th floor there is a lovely bar-restaurant where you can stop by at tea time.

 

 

Catherine, married, Justine’s mom,  Paris