This article on the best experiences in London with kids was done in partnership with + sponsored by Tripadvisor.
When planning a trip to London, it can be overwhelming to decide which tours and experiences will be the best for families with kids. From Big Ben to Buckingham Palace, this vibrant city’s bustling streets are filled with iconic landmarks and historical sites that make it a perfect destination for families to explore together. Fortunately, Tripadvisor offers a comprehensive selection of tours for all ages! From double-decker bus tours that whisk you through the city while providing insightful commentary on its history and culture to interactive castle tours where children can engage with exhibits and dive into the past, there is something for every family’s taste and interest.
On this list, we’ve put together our favorite options to help you plan your next London itinerary with kids. Keep reading to learn more about the best experiences and tours in London with kids! Then, save 10% on any Tripadvisor tour with our code: FLT10.
Best London Sightseeing Tours for Families
Sightseeing is a must when visiting London, especially if you want to get a glimpse at iconic landmarks like Westminster Abbey or St. Paul’s Cathedral. Here are our favorite options for some classic sightseeing tours and experiences in London for families with kids!
Here are the Best Museums In London For Kids (By Age)!
Westminster to Greenwich Sightseeing Thames Cruise in London
Families looking for a different way to see London will love taking a boat tour on the River Thames! TripAdvisor offers a Westminster To Greenwich Sightseeing Cruise which lasts around an hour and will take you by some of the most iconic landmarks in London. Along the way, you’ll get to see attractions like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Shakespeare’s Globe. You’ll get to learn about each place as you pass it too, and the guides do a good job of keeping it entertaining for kids. It’s a great way to switch up your sightseeing adventures. And, since it’s available for kids as young as 5, it’s also a good option for families.
Landmarks & Gems: London Bike Ride +Historic Pub + Graffiti
If you’re traveling with teens or older kids, one of the best experiences in London with kids is to take a bike tour! Recommended for ages 12 and up, this three-and-a-half-hour London Bike Ride and Historic Pub + Graffiti Tour offers families a chance to venture off-the-beaten tourist route and see some lesser-known attractions. Still, you’ll also get a chance to stop by places such as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey. Then, you’ll continue to Convent Garden for a traditional pub visit. Kids can try some classic pub grub, while parents stop in for a pint! Then, budding artists will love visiting Bansky’s famous street art tunnel near Waterloo. The tour guide will bring some spray paint for them to try, so all they need is their imagination!
London Royal Parks Bike Tour
Wondering what to do in London with kids? Why not take a bike tour of its famous parks? London is known for its leafy and scenic green spaces, and exploring them via bike on a tour is a great way to escape the chaos of the city center! With this London Royal Parks Bike Tour, which lasts around 4 hours, kids of all ages can learn more about London’s history and culture while seeing landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column, and Buckingham Palace. Of course, you’ll also get a chance to pass through London’s most beautiful parks – namely Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James Park. The ride concludes at the London Eye, so families can even explore that area and hop on for an aerial view over London! Lastly, since it’s available for all ages, it’s also a great option for everyone.
See Over 30 Top London Sights! Fun Local Guide!
If you’ve ever wanted to see London through the eyes of a local, don’t miss this Tripadvisor tour that lets you See Over 30 Top London Sights With a Fun Local Guide! This small group tour, which lasts around 5 hours, offers families a more personalized and cozy experience as you explore London’s bustling city center. It’s recommended for kids of all ages since the tour guides are very flexible and can easily tailor the experience to your group. You’ll get to see a wide range of landmarks, including the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Though you won’t get to go inside any of the paid attractions, your tour guide will make the excursion even more interesting with captivating stories and interactive questions! No wonder this is one of the best experiences in London with kids.
London: Harry Potter Walking Tour + Hop-on Hop-off Bus + River Thames Cruise
Harry Potter fans can’t miss one of the best tours in London for families! If you want to save on sightseeing and bundle some of your tours in London, this London: Harry Potter Walking Tour + Hop-On Hop-Off Bus + River Thames Cruise provides a combination of three experiences in London for families! You’ll start with a two-hour walking tour in the morning, where your entertaining guide will take you through some of the landmarks that appear in the movies and answer any questions your kids may have about the films. Plus, you’ll get to learn fun facts about the landmarks themselves, like Big Ben’s real name! Then, included in your ticket purchase, you’ll also get to take a 30-minute sightseeing cruise along the River Thames.
Plus, your ticket includes a hop-on, hop-off bus ticket, which is valid for 24 hours, so you can explore elsewhere in London at your own pace! This tour is open to all ages.
Fully Guided Tour of Warner Bros Studio London – The Making of Harry Potter
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic movie with a Fully Guided Tour Of Warner Bros Studio In London! Ideal for all ages, this six-hour tour includes transportation to and from Warner Bros Studio, which is slightly outside of London. Then, you’ll get to skip the line on the Making Of Harry Potter exhibit and take a special tour with a guide who will give you all kinds of special tidbits about the making of the movies. From Dumbledore’s office to Diagon Alley, you’ll get to watch your favorite scenes from the films come to life. Plus, your kids will even get to see and hold some special props! For Potterheads, this is certainly one of the best experiences in London with kids.
The Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea
There’s nothing more quintessentially British than high tea, and Kensington Palace is a wonderful place to enjoy this classic English pastime! On a Kensington Palace Gardens Royal High Tea Tour, which lasts around 2 hours, you’ll get to enjoy High Tea with sandwiches, cakes, and scones. Then, families can learn more about Hyde Park and the gardens Prince Albert created by strolling through the palace grounds. Your guide can tell you all different stories about the royal family that will really make the experience come to life! Plus, as one of the best small group London tours, it offers an intimate experience for 15 people or less, ideal for ages 2+.
Best London History Tours for Families
History buffs can’t miss a chance to learn more about the city on a specially designed tour! If your little ones love history or you want to make the experience more enjoyable for them, there are a variety of tours that will bring the city’s past to life in a unique and engaging way. Here are some more options for the best experiences in London with kids. !
Secret Old London Guided Walking Tour
Want to discover a hidden side of London? Take a Secret Old London Guided Walking Tour! Recommended for ages 5 and up, this hour-and-a-half-long walking tour is fantastic for history buffs who want to explore London’s rich past. You’ll get to pass to pass through a historic area called Smithfield, as your guide tells you tales about medieval fairs and the Tudor era. It includes lots of glimpses at historic architecture, plus a stop at Smithfield Market, Postman’s Park, and the William Wallace Memorial, where you can see where “Braveheart” met his demise.
Though this tour is recommended for ages 5 and up, we suggest using your discretion, since it contains some subject matter about death (but nothing too dramatic).
Ghost, Ghouls, and Gallows Walking Tour With Boat Ride
Dive into the spookier side of London’s past on a Ghost, Ghouls, and Gallows Walking Tour With Boat Ride! On this two-and-a-half-hour tour, your guide will take you through some of London’s most famous sights without the daytime crowds, from Berkeley Square to the Tower of London. Along the way, you’ll get to hear some ghost stories and other tales about London’s dark history. Kids who are into horror and all things spooky will love passing through dark parks, seeing haunted houses, and learning about some little-known legends. Then, you can pass some of London’s landmarks on a boat tour on the River Thames! As one of the best tours and experiences in London for families with kids, this excursion welcomes all ages. Certainly, it’s a great option for families with tweens or teens.
VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour with Private Beefeater Meet & Greet
One of the most unique things to do in London with kids is to take a VIP Tour of the Tower Of London! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular attraction on many families’ London itineraries. Still, with a three-hour tour, you’ll be able to explore the Tower with an experienced guide and learn about aspects only an insider would know. For example, the tour starts with a Beefeater meet-and-greet – kids can ask these “guardians” of the Tower all kinds of questions about working there, take pictures with them, and even hear some stories. Then, you’ll get to see attractions like the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, and the Tower Green. Plus, as one of the best tours and experiences in London for families with kids, it’s fantastic for all ages!
Best of Royal London Including the Tower of London, Changing of the Guard, and Cruise
One of the best ways to beat the crowds at the Tower of London is by arriving early. With a Best Of Royal London Including the Tower Of London, Changing Of the Guard, and Cruise, families can get a first glimpse at the Tower and its iconic Crown Jewels early in the morning before everyone else arrives! You’ll even get to see the Beefeaters perform the opening ceremony. Then, you can climb aboard a boat tour that will take you along the River Thames to see the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and more. Your tour will conclude with a visit to Buckingham Palace, where you’ll get to witness the changing of the guard! This tour lasts around 4 hours and is wonderful for all ages.
The Tower of London Small Group Tour with a Local Expert
Families can see the Tower of London through the eyes of an expert on a small group tour! Meeting at the nearby Tower Hill Underground Station, this three-hour tour features a maximum of 15 people per group, so you can guarantee you’ll be getting a personalized and personable experience. Plus, your guide has insider knowledge of The Tower since they’ve been leading tours for more than two decades, so you’ll get an in-depth learning experience you won’t be able to find anywhere else. This makes it perfect for kids of all ages who get bored easily. See the Crown Jewels and check out the houses where the legendary Beefeaters live!
Best Private London Tours for Families
Nothing says the ‘London royal experience’ quite like taking a private tour! If you’re tired of the crowds and want an intimate experience with a guide who gives your kids personalized attention, then consider one of these private tours in London for families with kids!
Wondering Where To Stay In London With Kids? Here’s A Guide To The City’s Best Neighborhoods!
Private Tour of Iconic London Landmarks
If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things to do in London with kids, let Simon, a seasoned Londoner and tour guide, help you maximize your time! With a Private Tour Of Iconic London Landmarks, you can explore the city with a qualified London taxi driver, all the while traveling in style in a sleek black taxi! Simon will take you to see iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and St. Paul’s Cathedral while telling you some fun facts others may not know. Plus, you’ll also pass some hidden spots and get to see the real London through the eyes of a cabbie. Personal touches, like Simon’s great photography skills, make this a nice option for families with kids of all ages who want a small-group experience. It can last anywhere between 3 and 5 hours.
The Ultimate Full-Day London Private Tour
Looking for the best things to do in London with kids? Check out this ultimate full-day London private tour! Ideal for families with kids of all ages who want the details taken care of for them, this 6-hour tour will take you through some of London’s best landmarks with your own private driver! You’ll get to travel at your own pace and in an authentic black cab, which epitomizes the essence of London, while your guide makes personal recommendations. From the iconic Tower of London to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the guides will present each place’s history in a fascinating way. You can add stops along the way if you want, making this a truly personal and customized experience!
London Day Tour with a Local Guide: Private & Tailored to Your Interests
Families who want a completely custom and tailored experience can book a London Day Tour With A Local Guide! Whether you want to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, or some of the city’s more hidden gems, this small-group tour lets you experience London with a local host who knows some of the best spots. You can choose either a 4-hour option or an 8-hour option, and it’s perfect for kids of all ages since the guide can give suggestions and personalize the experience for them. Plus, if your hotel is in a central location, they’ll even pick you up! Even after your tour is over, your guide can give you some more tips on what to see or do next.
Best Day Trips from London to Take with Kids
Sure, London is great, but families who have a little extra room in their itinerary can also take it upon themselves to explore elsewhere in the country. Here are some of the best day trips from London to take with kids!
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath With Pub Lunch In Lacock
Families who want to explore rural England without the hassle of public transport can take a Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath Tour With A Pub Lunch in Lacock! Ideal for ages 3 and up, this guided tour starts in London and whisks you off to Winsdor, where you can upgrade your ticket to see the iconic Windsor Castle. Then, you’ll continue to Stonehenge, where kids can marvel at the prehistoric rocks (admission is included in your tour). You’ll also have the chance to stop in Bath and the cute town of Lacock, where you can enjoy a classic lunch at a traditional English pub.
Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London
Escape to the charming English countryside on a Cotswolds Small Group Tour From London! Suggested for ages 3 and up, this 10-hour experience will take you through the Cotswolds, a natural area in the United Kingdom that spans over 800 miles and five English counties. Plus, you’ll get the chance to pass through quaint English villages that seem straight from a fairytale, like Bibury and Bourton-On-The-Water. A guide will take care of all the navigation and tell you more about the history of each place, so all you have to do is focus on the scenery!
Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle, & White Cliffs Guided Day Tour from London
One of the best tours and experiences in London for families with kids is the Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle, & White Cliffs Guided Tour From London! This full-day tour (around 10 hours) is ideal for families with kids of all ages as you’ll be traveling on an air-conditioned coach through southeast England (though be aware there is some walking involved.). Families will get to hear live commentary and also visit places like the Canterbury Cathedral, where you can wander the charming cobblestone streets of the surrounding town afterward. Then, continue to Dover, where you can see the iconic Dover Castle and explore the white cliffs. Entry and admission to the Cathedral and Castle are included in your tour.
Windsor Castle Half-Day Trip from London
If you’re searching for the best family experiences from London, nothing beats visiting Windsor Castle on a half-day trip! Full-day tours can be a bit daunting or too long for some finicky kids, but a 4-hour half-day tour is ideal for all ages who want to see something different outside of London. Your ticket includes a round-trip bus ride with a guide who will provide commentary along the way and entrance to Windsor Castle. Here, kids can explore the royal bed-chambers, see Queen Mary’s Doll House, and roam through the gardens. If you have some free time left, you can also feel free to explore the town of Windsor, with its various cute shops and restaurants. Finally, this tour is open to all ages.
Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon and Cotswolds Tour from London
Travelers who are tight on time can fit a lot of attractions in with a 10-hour Shakespeare’s Stratford-Upon-Avon and Cotswolds Tour from London! Perfect for families who don’t have time to plan a full itinerary, this tour will take you through the Cotswolds, a stunning natural area in England, which is home to Shakespeare’s hometown, Stratford-Upon-Avon. Not only will you learn more about the English playwright’s life, but you can also see homes that belong to other celebrities, like Anne Hathaway, who owns a cottage. Plus, visit other scenic towns such as Bibury and Burford! Undoubtedly, this is one of the best experiences near London with kids!
Happy Travels!
Photo Courtesy (L-R): Kelli Wein, Michal Parzuchowski, Tram Dao
We hope you liked this list of the Best Tours + Experiences in London for Families with Kids! From Harry Potter walking tours to day trips outside of London, there are so many things to do in London with kids. Enjoy your family vacation in London!
*Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article are courtesy of and belong to Tripadvisor.
*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.
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