All About London With Kids: Important Information To Know

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A mother holds her young son agains a guard rail looking over into the Thames River, while the London Bridge stands in the background. — Photo Courtesy: Tram Dao

If you want to know all about London with kids, there’s some important information you should read first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be tricky, though, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting London, including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end, since we also include things to do in London with kids and the best hotels in London for families. Keep reading for all about London for families!

At a Glance

A family of five stands with a guard within the London Tower grounds. Behind them, is several buildings on the grounds, as well as the London Tower in the distance. — Photo Courtesy: Chelsey Knealing

Before you visit London with kids, you should learn the basics. Keep reading for local currency, visa information, and also more information all about London with kids.

Local Currency & Time

Wondering all about the London local currency and how families can get the best currency exchange rates? The currency in London is the British pound. It is widely accepted in many parts of the country. Most credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted as well. In case you need help figuring out how much money to bring with you, use this handy Currency Converter. London operates 5 hours ahead of Eastern Time, in GMT +1. Click here to see London’s current time.

Official Language & Visa Information

The official language in the United Kingdom is English, which all citizens speak. If you’re planning an extended trip to London or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. To learn all about the VISA policy in London for families, click here.

Power/Standard Voltage

In the United Kingdom, the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The United Kingdom also operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Local Weather

Knowing about the London climate will be helpful before you depart. London has the agreeable climate of South East England, with mild winters and temperate summers. Depending on when you visit, you can expect a fair amount of clouds and rain. Check the current forecast on Accuweather for more specific temperatures. If you need more help planning your London vacation with kids, feel free to check out London’s official tourism website for more information.

Health Information

A family of four smiles at the camera, while large boats float down the Thames River in the background. — Photo Courtesy: Kelli Wein

Having the right information about health and safety is an important part of visiting London with kids. If your children have allergies, might need medical attention, etc., be sure to keep this important information in mind.

Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals

Visiting London with young ones? Remember to check if your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines and more health information on all about London with kids, including COVID-19 warnings and regulations, visit the official CDC website. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should also check out hospitals near your vacation destination just in case. Some accessible hospitals in London include the London Bridge Hospital, The Royal London Hospital, and The Lambeth Hospital.

COVID-19 Guidelines & Vaccination Information

If you’re planning a trip to London soon, you’re probably wondering about London’s COVID-19 guidelines. As of April 15, London has no travel restrictions or requirements at this time. Please check the Consulate website to keep up-to-date on London’s stay-at-home orders. We suggest making sure you’re fully vaccinated before traveling to London with kids. For vaccination information, click here.

Emergency Services

A young boy looks outside of their pod on the London Eye, while his younger brother looks back at the camera. Outside of the pod, the Thames River and Big Ben are shown in the distance. — Photo Courtesy: Kelli Wein

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to London with kids, as this is very important information when learning all about London with kids.

Police, Fire Department, Ambulance

For emergency services in London, dial 112 or 999.

Safety Issues

If you’re visiting with your kids and want to know all about your destination, you’re probably wondering: Is London safe for families? The answer is yes! The crime threat in London is generally considered to be on the lower side, and it is widely regarded as one of the safest cities in the United Kingdom. London is overall very safe to travel to. Even though it’s sometimes dangerous, and the number of homeless people on the street may make you feel uneasy, the criminal activities that occur only apply to dangerous parts of the city, which tourists rarely frequent.

You can review the current U.S. Department’s United Kingdom Travel Advisory here.

London for Kids

Mother and daughter jumping on tower bridge in London — Photo Courtesy: Rohi Pandya

Visiting London with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.

Visiting London with kids? Check out these Best Places For A Kid-Friendly Tea Time in London!

Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals

Looking for a romantic evening alone in London? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city in your search to learn all about London with kids. We suggest Snuggles Childcare, Rockmybaby Nanny Agency, or Sitters.co. If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in London. Look at The London Baby Equipment Co. as another option in London.

Transportation

A family of seven sits smiling with Buckingham Palace in the distance. — Photo Courtesy: Steph Yu

Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in London with kids. Whether you need information about car seats or all about local airlines in London for families, you’ve come to the right place.

Car Seat Laws

If you plan to ride in a car during your London vacation with kids, keep reading for important car seat information and all about London with kids. According to the English law about passenger safety, everyone in the vehicle must always wear a seat belt. Children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 centimeters tall, whichever comes first. Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt. You can choose a child car seat based on your child’s height or weight.

Transportation Services

The rapid-transit London Underground is the best way to get around London, or what locals call “the Tube.” You can even take the Tube from Heathrow Airport (LHR) – one of the world’s busiest airports – into the city center. There are multiple tube stations across the city center and all over greater London, making it easy to get around with kids.

Local Airlines

Many travelers fly to Heathrow Airport (LHR) to get into the city. However, smaller airports in and around London include London City Airport and Gatwick Airport.

For more information on transportation in London, click here.

Other Things to Know Before Visiting London with Kids

A mom, dad, and toddler daughter enjoy tea aboard the B Bakery Afternoon’s Tea Bus Tour. — Photo Courtesy: Chelsey Knealing

Searching for more tips all about London with kids? Between tipping customs, important holidays, and other safety issues, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading to learn all about London with kids!

Tipping Customs

Knowing all about tipping in London can save families a lot of hassle. In London, like many popular travel destinations, tips and gratuities are discretionary and dependent on the service quality you’ve received. Tipping throughout London is somewhat common, depending on the industry. Families can expect to tip around 10-15% when visiting salons, spas, and other service industries.

It’s also customary to leave around 10 or 15% when dining out. However, if you’re eating with a large group, some restaurants already add on a service charge. Be sure to check your bill so you don’t tip twice.

Important Holidays

If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit London, you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday. This can greatly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see, so it’s important information to know about visiting London. Check out the London National Holidays for more information here.

Things to Do in London with Kids

A young boy sits with the London Eye in the distance. — Photo Courtesy: Megan Tucker

Once you’ve read our London important information and all about London with kids, look up what to do. London has something for all ages, whether you’re interested in great museums, wonderful parks, or delicious food. See the most iconic sights in town, like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Tower of London. Of course, nothing beats soaring above the city on the London Eye!

Then, from the Natural History Museum to the Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, The National Gallery, or The National Portrait Gallery, there are also lots of free museums across the city. Browse Hamley’s Toy Store so kids can see their favorite characters or head outside of London for a Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Don’t forget to partake in a quintessentially British activity with your kids, like afternoon tea time!

For more kid-friendly attractions in London, read our list of 13 Exciting Things to Do in London with Kids!

Where to Stay in London with Kids

A mom and her young daughter read a book together in the 'Room on the Broom' themed room at the Chessington Safari Hotel. — Photo Courtesy: Chessington Safari Hotel

Looking for the best places to stay in London with kids? Once you’ve learned all about London with kids, it’s also time to decide on a place to stay. Families who want to stay in Central London will love Ham Yard Hotel, which is just moments from Mayfair, the Piccadilly Circus tube station, and the National Gallery. Or, overlook Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews at The Rubens at the Palace! Families looking for a typical city experience may favor staying at the Shangri La at the Shard, located inside the famous Shard skyscraper.

Some other kid-friendly hotels near the best attractions in London include the Hilton London Bankside and The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. For a themed stay slightly outside of London, kids will love the safari-inspired rooms at the Chessington Safari Hotel!

Book your next stay in London using Hotels.com now!

Happy Travels!

Two girls dressed in lovely outfits enjoy a proper English tea while visiting London. — Photo Courtesy: Lia Khan

We hope you liked this article All About London With Kids: Important Information To Know! Between how to get around the city, things to do, and also more important information, we’ve compiled everything your family needs to know about visiting this beautiful destination. Enjoy London with your kids!

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Families Love Travel is not liable for any injuries and/or damages to persons or property occurring as a result of your vacations influenced by the suggestions on this website. We are not responsible for any information on this website, such as recommendations for babysitting services, car rentals, or accommodations. All content provided is for informational and review purposes only. The information we provide is to make it easier for families to travel together and nothing more. Try the suggestions at your own risk.