With 10 days to explore London, you’ll have plenty of time to visit the best parts of the city including its iconic sights, world-class museums, theatre shows and family-friendly attractions.
Here you’ll find a 10-day London itinerary that can help you plan your trip so that you can make the most of each day. Planning ahead also means you can make sure you see the most famous sights and popular attractions during your time in London.
Each day of this itinerary we have grouped the sights and attractions by area so that you can walk from one to the other. We’ve also provided some suggestions for lunches and dinners nearby.
Feel free to either follow the itinerary as is or use it as inspiration to build your own 10-day itinerary with your favourite sights.
Day 1 of 10-day London Itinerary
Westminster Sightseeing, National Gallery and The West End
Tickets from £85.00: Guided tour of Westminster sights
Day 1, 10:00 am: Westminster sights
Visit Big Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, among other key sights in Westminster. They are all within walking distance of each other, meaning you can see them all in one morning. Buckingham Palace is a little further but still only an 18 minute walk away.
If you’re interested in a guided tour to learn more about Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckinham Palace, you can book a top-rated tour from £85.00: Guided tour of Westminster sights.
Day 1, 1:00 pm: picnic in St. James’s Park
St. James’s Park is next to the sights of Westminster and has a beautiful view of Buckingham Palace. It’s a great spot to picnic or get food from one of the park kiosks.
Between 2:30 and 3:00 pm, you can also see the Park’s resident pelicans get fed. To see more of what’s on in the park visit their website: St. James’s Park.
Day 1, 2:00 pm: Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery
After lunch you can walk from St. James’s Park, up The Mall to Trafalgar Square. Trafalgar Square is often considered the centre of London with the towering Nelson’s column and giant lion statues.
Here, you’ll also find the National Gallery, which is known to have one of the best art collections in Europe. You’ll find works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Monet, and van Gogh.
The National Gallery is free to visit, though you may like to book a child-friendly tour to help the kids engage with the art.
Book from £175.66: Child-friendly tour of the National Gallery
Day 1, 6:00 pm: dinner in Chinatown
From Trafalgar Square, it’s a six-minute walk up to Chinatown. Here, you’ll find a natural enclave of Asian restaurants with authentic Chinese food.
Chinatown can be a great spot to grab something to eat before heading to a show in the West End. Both YiQi Pan Asian Cuisine and Hankki the Korean restaurant are great restaurant options in the Chinatown area.
Day 1, 7:00 pm: take in a West End Show
London’s West End is famous for its theatre scene. There is a show for everyone, from long-running musicals to brand-new theatre productions to child-friendly performances.
Two of the most popular musicals for kids in London are Matilda and The Lion King. Here’s a bit about each one below.
Matilda
Based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book, this award-winning musical has become a firm favourite in the London theatre scene, popular with kids and adults alike.
It tells the story of Matilda, a young girl with unusually high intelligence. She discovers she has telekinetic abilities and uses them to stand up to her mean principal teacher and change her own destiny.
The Lion King
This award-winning musical brings Disney’s classic animated film to life on stage. It has been running at the Lyceum Theatre for 25 years, a testament to its enduring popularity.
The Lion King is a story about a lion cub who has a big destiny before him. Only his evil uncle has other plans.
For more West End musicals on in London for kids see our article: 10 Magical West End Musicals for Kids, or search Loopla to see what’s on: What’s on in London.
Day 2 of 10-day London Itinerary
Tower of London, Tower Bridge and Sky Garden
Entry tickets: Tower of London
Day 2, 10:00 am: Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of London’s oldest buildings, being over 900 years old. It was the home to King Henry VIII and was home and prison to Anne Boleyn as well as to her daughter Queen Elizabeth I. Other famous prisoners include Guy Fawkes, Lady Jane Grey and others. (1)
A World Heritage Site in the middle of London, the Tower of London is rich in history. With entry tickets you get a complimentary Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour that runs every 30 minutes starting from the moat.
Day 2, 1:00 pm: lunch at St. Katharine Docks
St. Katharine Docks is just a 7-minute walk along the river from the Tower of London. Here, you’ll find some lovely waterside cafes and restaurants for lunch.
If you want a light lunch, try the cafe White Mulberries. Alternatively, Honest Burgers or Zizzi are good options.
Day 2 – 2:00 pm: visit Tower Bridge
After lunch, you can cross the Thames via the iconic Tower Bridge. You can explore Tower Bridge taking in the glass floors and seeing the Victorian Engine Rooms. Or you can simply cross the bridge and take in the views up the river.
Day 2, 6:00 pm: dinner at Sky Garden
Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden that offers views across the city’s skyline. A visit here makes is a great way to finish of a day in London, especially as the sun is setting.
To see the views at Sky Garden it’s free to visit, but you still need to book a ticket online and these can book up fast.
Sky Garden also has a selection of bars and restaurants to choose from, if you are looking for a drink or a meal with a view.
Book tickets: Sky Garden London
Day 3 of 10-day London Itinerary
Explore Southbank
Tickets from £21.00: Shrek’s Adventure
Day 3, 10:00 am: visit a Southbank attraction
London’s Southbank has some of the capital’s best family attractions. These include Shrek’s Adventure, The Paddington Experience, London Aquarium and the London Eye.
Exploring one of these is a great way to start your third day in London. You can find out more about each one here below.
1. Shrek’s Adventure
Shrek’s Adventure is an immersive tour into the world of Shrek. You follow a trail, meet characters from the films and get a ride on the flying magic bus. There are also characters from other DreamWorks films to see.
2. The Paddington Experience
A relatively new experience in South Bank that is best for younger children aged 3-8 years. Enter the world of London’s favourite bear, Paddington, as you meet the Brown family to prepare for Marmalade Day.
Take the train from the station journeying from Windsor Gardens to Peru to prepare everything for the celebration. You will get the chance to meet Paddington and try some marmalade treats during this immersive experience.
3. The London Aquarium
SEA LIFE London is London’s main aquarium. There are a number of habitat zones you can walk through, including the coral reef and discovering jellyfish, with some interactive experiences for children to enjoy.
There is also an aquarium tunnel, an underwater passage, where you can see the creatures in the open water tank. Special experiences include snorkelling with sharks and meeting the turtles.
Day 3, 1:00 pm: Southbank Centre Food Market
You’ll find the Southbank Centre with its food market just a short way along the river from the Southbank attractions. There is street food on offer from many cuisines so you can find something everyone will enjoy.
The Southbank Centre itself is well worth exploring. It’s one of London’s arts hubs where you’ll find the National Poetry Library with a kids zone and the Hayward Gallery.
They also host events and shows for families exploring music, dance, poetry and more. See what’s on during your stay: Southbank Centre.
Day 3, 4:30 pm: The London Eye
The London Eye is one of the most popular London attractions with views over the city of London. If you visit the London Eye slightly later in the evening you can see the city lit up at night.
You can also book the London Eye together with another London attraction and save up to 56% on ticket prices. These attractions include Shrek’s Adventure, the London Aquarium and Madame Tussauds.
Day 3, 6:00 pm: dinner at a South Bank restaurant
To finish the day on the South Bank you could have dinner at a riverside restaurant. There are a number of options, including Wagamama, Giraffe and Wahaca, all near the Southbank Centre.
Day 4 of 10-day London Itinerary
British Museum, Covent Garden and The West End
Tickets from £89.07: British Museum
Day 4, 10:00 am: British Museum
Visit the British Museum to learn about cultures from across the globe while also going back to the beginning of human civilisation in Britain.
It is home to a collection of 8 million artefacts covering thousands of years of history. Entry to the museum is free.
If you prefer a paid tour to see the highlights of the British Museum you can book here: British Museum guided tour.
Day 4, 1:30 pm: lunch at Seven Dials Food Market
A 9-minute walk from the British Museum, you’ll find the charming shopping area of Seven Dials. The indoor market here has lots of tasty food options for a quick lunch.
Day 4, 2:30 pm: explore Covent Garden
The former flower market of Covent Garden is a hub in London’s West End with shops, restaurants. It’s also known for its street performers.
Catch a performance or two featuring live music, daring acts and comedy. There is also a Whittard of Chelsea tea shop where you can try some tea samples.
Day 4, 6:00 pm: dinner in Covent Garden
Dine out in Covent Garden which has a large number of restaurants. One place you might want to try with the kids is Inamo. Here, they have fun interactive tables for ordering food and playing games.
Day 4, 7:00 pm: West End show
You may want to take in more than one West End show during your stay in London. To see what’s on see our roundup: 12 Best West End Shows for Kids.
Or you can search Loopla to see what’s on: What’s on in London.
Day 5 of 10-day London Itinerary
Day trip out of the city: Harry Potter Studio Tour, LEGOLAND or Warwick Castle
Tickets from £22.00: Warwick Castle
There are some wonderful sights within easy travelling distance of London. Taking a day trip to one of these allows you to experience something a little different.
Here, we’ve provided three day trip options, worth considering, all within 2 hours travel from London.
1. Harry Potter Studio Tour
Distance from London: 1 hour 5 mins by car
Best for: 5 years+
The Warner Bros Studio Tour is an absolute must for Harry Potter fans. The tour takes you behind the scenes of the films, with props, sets, costumes and more on display.
It’s a taste of what living in the Wizarding World would be like and a behind-the-scenes look at how these popular films were made.
How to get to Harry Potter Studio Tour
The Harry Potter Studio Tour is a 1 hour 5 minute drive from Central London. If you want to rent a car there are some of the best car hire deals here: London car hire deals.
Alternatively, it takes just over 50 minutes by train and bus from Euston Station.
You can also get direct coach travel and entry to the Harry Potter Studio Tour with a package trip: Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour with Transport from London
How long to spend at Harry Potter Studio Tour
The average visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour lasts 3 hours 30 minutes. You can spend as long as you like at the attraction exploring at your own pace.
Where to eat at Harry Potter Studio Tour
The studio has themed restaurants and cafes, including The Chocolate Frog Café and The Food Hall. The Backlot Café is located about halfway through the tour.
Is there an overnight option for the Harry Potter Studio Tour?
You can get an overnight stay at a nearby hotel and tour entry starting at £76.00 from one of their recommended package providers: The Making of Harry Potter + Hotel.
Best price for visiting Harry Potter Studio Tour
Tickets to the Harry Potter Studio Tour start from £53.50. Alternatively, you can get entry and transport to & from London with the following tour.
2. LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
Distance from London: 1 hour 20 mins by car
Best for: kids over 90cm height
The LEGOLAND theme park offers all sorts of fun for a family day out. You’ll find rides, including the Minifigure Speedway rollercoaster, the Hydra’s Challenge water ride and the Fire & Ice Freefall. There are also 100,000 LEGO bricks to play and build with.
How to get to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
You can travel to LEGOLAND by car from Central London, which takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you want to rent a car there are some of the best car hire deals here: London car hire deals.
Travelling by train is just a half-hour ride from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central. From here, you can take a shuttle bus to the park.
How long to spend at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
It is recommended to spend a full day at LEGOLAND to fit in all the rides and activities. At busy times, there is a fair amount of queuing for the rides, so try to visit off-peak to get the most out of your visit.
Is there an overnight option for LEGOLAND Windsor Resort?
Yes, there are three options for staying at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, including the LEGO-themed Castle Hotel and the new Woodland Village. LEGOLAND sleepovers start from £64.00 per person.
Where to eat at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
There are five restaurants spread across LEGOLAND, including themed restaurants like The Hungry Troll. These restaurants serve a variety of kid favourites such as burgers, pizza and fish & chips.
Best price for visiting LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
Tickets to LEGOLAND start from £29.00. Book tickets and accommodation online at LEGOLAND’s website.
3. Warwick Castle
Distance from London: 1 hour 43 minutes by train
Best for: ages 2 years+
Discover over 1,100 years of history at Warwick Castle. This medieval castle has become a popular choice for family days out.
There are a range of activities on offer in the castle, such as the Kingmaker walk-through experience, visiting the staterooms and enjoying the castle grounds and gardens.
Warwick Castle also has live shows of falconry, exploring the dungeons and The Princess Tower interactive experience. On top of this, the kids can also have a go at some archery.
For younger children there are Zog-themed attractions inspired by Julia Donaldson’s book. These include the Zog playland – a playground with activities and a play castle – an interactive activity trail and live shows.
How to get to Warwick Castle
Driving to Warwick Castle from London will take approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes. If you want to rent a car there are some of the best car hire deals here: London car hire deals.
Alternatively you can take the train from London Marylebone to Warwick which lasts 1 hour 45 minutes. Warwick station is a 15-minute walk from the castle.
How long to spend at Warwick Castle
You can spend 4 hours+ at Warwick Castle, allowing you to see the live shows, explore the castle grounds and climb the towers and walls. You will also be able to get involved with some of the interactive activities.
Is there an overnight option for Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle offers overnight stays at the Castle Hotel, Woodland Lodges or Medieval Glamping experience.
Stays start at £35.00 per person, including a day of entry tickets to the castle and breakfast. These can be booked online on the Warwick Castle website.
Where to eat at Warwick Castle
At Warwick Castle, there is the Conservatory Tea House if you want to treat yourself to afternoon tea during your visit.
The Undercroft Café offers lots of other food options and offers takeaway for when the weather is nice.
Best price for visiting Warwick Castle
Tickets to Warwick Castle start from £22.00. You can book online at the Warwick Castle website.
Day 6 of 10-day London Itinerary
South Kensington Museums, Hyde Park and Oxford Circus
From £171.97: Dinosaur Discovery tour
Day 6, 10:00 am: visit a leading London museum
London is known for its history and culture. One reason for this is its incredible museums, many of which have free entry.
The following three London museums are all near each other in South Kensington and are some of the most popular to visit.
1. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum covers 4.6 billion years of our planet’s history. This includes an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils along with exhibits exploring mammals, birds and volcanoes.
There is a new garden space where you can watch dragonflies, hear birdsong and see Fern, a full-size, bronze Diplodocus.
You can also book tours designed for kids, such as the Dinosaur Discovery tour.
2. Science Museum
The Science Museum features key objects and achievements in the history of scientific progress. They also have wonderful exhibitions on different scientific themes, so it’s a great option for STEM lovers.
Entry to the museum is free but entry to the exhibitions has a ticket fee.
The Science Museum also has the Wonderlab, which has interactive games and demos for younger children. The Wonderlab gets very popular so we recommend booking tickets in advance on the Science Museum website: Science Museum.
3. V&A Museum
The V&A Museum explores the worlds of fashion, photography and design. It has an extensive collection of artefacts and hosts a variety of exhibitions.
With the newly refurbished Young V&A, there are also free drop-in workshops for families interested in design and craft.
Day 6, 1:00 pm: lunch
Near these London museums, there are some great cafes and restaurants to have lunch in. Popular choices are the family-friendly Lebanese restaurant Baba Ghanouj and the charming French cafe Fait Maison Salon de Thé.
Alternatively you can walk 8-minutes north of the museums to Hyde Park. Hyde Park is one of London’s most famous parks and can make for a good spot for lunch.
Bring a picnic or get something to eat at one of the park’s cafes. There is also the Hyde Park Playground to visit and The Serpentine Lake.
Day 6, 2:00 pm: explore Diana Memorial Playground or Portobello Road Market
The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground
The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground was built as a memorial to Princess Diana. Inspired by the Peter Pan stories, the playground has a pirate ship, sculpture trail and sand pits to play among.
It can be a great adventure playground to visit with younger kids, especially in the summer months.
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market is one of London’s most established street markets. You can browse its different sections, including its famous antiques market, making it a good market to visit with older children or teenagers. Portobello Road Market is open 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday to Saturday.
Portobello Road is also within the setting of the successful rom-com Notting Hill, if you want to visit the Notting Hill Bookshop. And, of course, you can take pictures of the famous coloured houses.
Day 6, 6:00 pm: visit to Hamleys
London’s most established shopping district is around Oxford Circus and along Regent Street. It’s also home to Hamleys, one of the most iconic toy shops in the world.
Even if you don’t go to buy toys at Hamleys, the store hosts events, toy demonstrations and interactive displays that children love.
Day 6, 7:00 pm: dinner at Heddon Street Kitchen
Around Oxford Circus, there are lots of great places to have dinner.
These include Gordon Ramsay’s Heddon Street Kitchen, which serves classic European dishes. Kids also eat free on weekdays.
Day 7 of 10-day London Itinerary
Olympic Park, City Farm, Shoreditch Street Art and an Immersive Experience
Tickets from £15.90: Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
Day 7, 10:00 am: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Created for the 2012 Olympic Games, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park has since become a hub for sports and activities.
You can do a number of things on a visit there including a swim in the Olympic pool or a ride bikes around the cycle paths.
There is also the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the world’s tallest and longest slide to try, along with playgrounds, park walks, markets and gardens.
Day 7, 1:00 pm: lunch in Shoreditch
After a morning at the Olympic Park, you can get some food in Shoreditch, the heart of London’s coffee and hipster scene. It’s no more than 30 minutes via public transport to Shoreditch.
Some coffee shops to check out are WatchHouse Spitalfields, Potter & Reid and Trade. Or you could opt for one of the iconic Brick Lane Beigels for lunch.
Day 7, 2:00 pm: Explore Shoreditch Street Art
Explore Shoreditch and Spitalfields
Stroll around Shoreditch and Spitalfields which are the heart of the London coffee scene. It’s got vintage stores, street art and is where the hipster movement started.
There is also a popular tour of Shoreditch Street Art which takes you around the murals of Brick Lane and Old Spitalfields Market. The tour gives an insight into the interesting world of street art in this area.
Book from £20.00: Shoreditch Street Art Tour
Day 7, 6:00 pm: Van Gogh Immersive Experience
London has a number of immersive experiences on offer.
One of the most popular, which is also in Shoreditch is the Van Gogh Immersive Experience where you can see the art of Van Gogh in a whole new way.
The exhibition uses video mapping, 360° projections and VR to make you feel you are inside Van Gogh’s famous paintings.
The experience stays open until 8:00 pm, with the last entry at 7:00 pm, so you can enjoy it as an early evening activity.
Day 7, 7:00 pm: dinner at a Brick Lane curry house
If you want to try something different for dinner, you could try one of the curry houses along Brick Lane.
There are a number to choose from, and as you walk along the street, you can bargain to get a good deal. Muhib and Aladin are two of the highest rated on Google, with 4.8 out of 5 stars.
If curry isn’t your thing, Spitalfields Market is just around the corner. It has a huge selection of restaurants with different cuisines to choose from.
Day 8 of 10-day London Itinerary
St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Borough Market and Shakespeare’s Globe
Tickets from £25.00 : St Paul’s Cathedral
Day 8, 10:00 am: St Paul’s Cathedral
As London’s iconic cathedral, St Paul’s has been at the centre of city life for centuries. Built by Britain’s most famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren, the cathedral is his masterpiece.
It is well worth a visit for the glorious interiors alone. But you can also climb the many stairs to the Whispering Gallery and outside for views on top of the dome.
Entry tickets cost £25.00: St. Paul’s Cathedral
Day 8, 1:00 pm: lunch in the St. Paul’s area
There are many family-friendly chain restaurants near the Cathedral where you can get lunch. These include Gourmet Burger Kitchen and The Real Greek.
For something a bit different, you could try The Wren Coffee. It’s a cafe inside St Nicholas Cole Abbey.
Day 8, 2:00 pm: Tate Modern
From St Paul’s, you can cross over the Millennium Bridge, which has great views of its own. You’ll then arrive at the Tate Modern.
The Tate Modern home to an extensive collection of modern art alongside exhibitions from the world’s leading contemporary artists. They also have events and spaces for families. Entry is free.
Day 8, 6:00 pm: early dinner at Bankside
Beside the Tate Modern, you’ll find a good selection of family-friendly restaurants. There is a Pizza Express and Zizzi or you could try The Swan for classic British dishes.
Bankside is a great spot to have some dinner right by the river Thames view.
Day 8, 7:00 pm: theatre show at Shakespeare’s Globe or Unicorn Theatre
Shakespeare’s Globe: best for tweens and teens
As the most famous writer in the English Language, Shakespeare’s plays continue to be performed to this day. London puts on multiple productions every year, so if you’re a fan of Shakespeare you may want to take in a Shakespeare production.
The Globe lets you see one of these at the original site where they were performed at a replica theatre of the one built and owned by Shakespeare. Tickets also start from just £5.00.
Unicorn Theatre: best for young children
There are a number of shows that cater to younger age groups. You can search Loopla to see what’s on during your stay here: What’s on in London.
The Unicorn Theatre is a theatre near Borough Market that puts on productions for toddlers and young children. These involve singing, dancing and puppetry in interactive shows.
Day 9 of 10-day London Itinerary
Explore Greenwich – Royal Observatory, National Maritime Museum and Greenwich Park
Tickets from £20.00: Royal Observatory
Greenwich is a historic part of London which has lots to see.
You can get to Greenwich from Central London using the Thames Clipper boat. It takes about 23 minutes from Tower to Greenwich.
For flexibility, you can book a day-pass in advance: Uber Boat Day Pass.
It can be used from Westminster to Greenwich Pier and you see some sights from the river along the way.
Day 9, 10:00 am: National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich explores Britain’s maritime and naval history. Visitors can learn about expeditions to the Arctic and naval battles and enjoy workshops for families.
They can also see the jacket worn by Admiral Nelson, a real Fijian canoe and a watch belonging to a Titanic victim. And admission is free!
Day 9, 1:00 pm: lunch at a Greenwich restaurant
For lunch, you could head into Greenwich Centre, where there are lots of places to eat. You could grab lunch at the museum’s Parkside Café.
Or eat at family-friendly restaurant Zizzi for riverside views. See also Nandos or Honest Burgers, which are all nearby.
Day 9, 2:00 pm: Royal Observatory
At the Royal Observatory, the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Here you will find the Greenwich Meridian Line and you’ll be able to stand with one foot in the Eastern hemisphere and one in the Western hemisphere.
You’ll also learn all about space and astrophysics. There is also the the Planetarium which hosts its own shows and astronomy talks.
Day 9, 6:00 pm: evening in Greenwich Park
One Tree Hill in Greenwich Park offers brilliant views of London and the Canary Wharf district.
It’s stunning as the sun sets, so consider getting the classic British dish of fish & chips from Jack the Chipper and eating in the park. There is also a playground for the kids to play in.
Day 10 of 10-day London Itinerary
Madame Tussauds, The Regent’s Park, London Zoo and Primrose Hill
Tickets from £27.00: London Zoo
Day 10 – 10:00 am: Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds
At Madame Tussauds, you can see waxwork, life-like sculptures of celebrities, the Royal family and fictional characters from Marvel and Star Wars. You are sure to get some brilliant family photos.
Madame Tussauds also has the Marvel Universe 4D experience, a movie that uses special effects to bring the viewer closer to the Marvel superheroes (including wind and water effects).
Book from £29.00: Madame Tussauds
Save on Madame Tussauds tickets
You can get a multi-attraction ticket which includes entry to other attractions. These include the London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure and The London Eye. Booking together helps you save up to 56% on ticket prices.
Day 10, 1:00 pm: lunch at The Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is one of London’s most beautiful parks. It has different areas, from flower gardens and a boating lake to playgrounds and an open-air theatre.
If visiting in June, The Queen Mary’s Gardens is well worth a visit with 40,000 roses in bloom. It’s a great place to explore and have some lunch.
You could bring your own picnic or eat at one of the park’s cafes.
Day 10, 2:00 pm: afternoon at London Zoo
London Zoo is also in Regent’s Park. This conservation zoo has animals in different habitat zones, including the Land of the Lions, Gorilla Kingdom, Outback and Monkey Valley.
It has a number of different habitat buildings and interactive displays where children can learn about wildlife and conservation projects worldwide. It also has a petting area where toddlers and younger children can pet the pygmy goats.
Day 10, 6:00 pm: evening in Primrose Hill
If the weather is good, head up Primrose Hill, situated on the edge of Regent’s Park. Here you could have a picnic dinner as the kids play and you watch the sunset over London.
If the weather is too wet or cold for a picnic, you could head into Camden for a cosy pub meal. The Earl of Camden and Princess of Wales both have kid’s menus.
How to spend 10 days in London
Follow this 10-day itinerary to spend 10 days in London exploring the city’s sights and history along with exciting attractions and cultural experiences.
On day 1, you could start off sightseeing in Westminster before seeing some art at the National Gallery in the afternoon and then a West End show.
Day 2 could be for history, entering the Tower of London and checking out Tower Bridge.
The Southbank is packed with arts and attractions, making for a great third day in the city.
On day 4, you could visit the British Museum, followed by Covent Garden in the heart of the West End.
There are lots of great places to visit outside of the city, such as the Harry Potter Studio Tour. A day trip outside of London on day 5 means you can break up your stay in London with one of these.
South Kensington has world-leading museums such as the Natural History Museum. With these free-to-visit, they are a great way to start day 6 in London. From here, you can explore Hyde Park, Notting Hill and the shopping district around Oxford Circus.
On day 7, you could head east to the Olympic Park, followed by the hip area of Shoreditch for coffee, street art and the Van Gogh Immersive Experience.
On day 8, climbing up St Paul’s Cathedral will give you brilliant city views. The Tate Modern is just across the Millennium Bridge from here.
Day 9 is an opportunity to take a boat down to Greenwich to the National Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory.
And to conclude your time in London, on day 10 see famous faces at Madame Tussauds before visiting Regent’s Park, and the London Zoo.
10 days in London will be action-packed, but it gives you enough time to explore each area well and to see all the key sights.
Explore the different areas of London at your own pace and focus on the things you want to do most. We hope you have an amazing time in London with the family, making precious memories.
Money-saving tips for visiting London
Multi-attraction tickets
You can save money when visiting London with a multi-attraction ticket. Many of the attractions in this 10-day itinerary are included such as the London Eye, Madame Tussauds and Shrek’s Adventure. You can save up to 56% when booking these attractions together.
Attraction Passes
Both the Kids Pass and the London Pass will get you free access or discounts to many popular attractions. They can save you money if you’re visiting London for a while and planning to see a lot of attractions.
2-for-1 offers
If you are travelling to London by train, check out the National Rail 2 for 1 deals. They offer some great deals on many great London attractions.
How to travel around London with kids
Walking and taking buses is the best way to travel around London with kids. Lots of London attractions are close enough to each other to walk between them.
Thames Clipper boat rides are also worth looking into for a fast and fun way to travel along the river.
Alternatively you can use the public transport network as the buses and the underground cover most of the city. Under 5s travel free on all Transport for London services. Children aged 5+ can get free or discounted travel with a Zip Oyster photo card.
To travel by car London has black taxis that are usually available in central London areas.
FAQs
How many days do you really need in London?
You need three days in London to get a real feel for the city and explore in more depth. If you visit for a week or longer, you will be able to explore London’s different neighbourhoods in more depth.
However you can easily spend anything from 1 day to 10+ days in London. It depends on what you want to see and do. London is a huge city with many attractions, events and activities, meaning there is always something new to discover. One day is enough to see the key sights and fit in an attraction or two.
Check out our different itineraries to plan your visit to London:
1-day London itinerary
3-day London itinerary
7-day London itinerary
How much money a day do you need in London?
You will need at least £100.00-£145.00 per person for a day out in London excluding any accommodation costs. For a mid-range trip you would be looking at £150-£200 per person per day and for a luxury trip £350-£500 per person per day.
The cost depends upon which attractions you visit, what tours you want to go on and where you want to eat.
How to plan a day in London with kids?
To plan a day in London with kids, consider which attractions and sights they will most enjoy. Then, plan travel time between each attraction to make sure the distances aren’t too long.
In this itinerary, we’ve grouped the attractions by area and checked the travel time between each one to help make your trip as smooth as possible.
We also recommend adding in some downtime so that children don’t get too tired. This can be an afternoon back at the hotel if there is a pool or kids play area, an hour or two at a kids playground or at a London park.