London is one of the most visited cities in the world. It’s full of incredible sights, history, and culture to discover. There are also brilliant family attractions and experiences to explore.
To help you plan your stay in London, we’ve put together the perfect 5-day London itinerary. That way, you can get the most from London during your time here. (1)
You can also make sure there is something planned that the whole family will enjoy, see all the top sights, and not find it all too tiring.
The sights and attractions for each day are grouped together by location to make travel between them as smooth as possible.
You can also move days around or pick and choose the things you want to do most.
Day 1 of a 5-day London itinerary
Westminster sights, Southbank, Covent Garden, and a West End show
From £85.00 : Westminster sights guided tour
10:00 am: see the sights of Westminster
On your first day in London, you may want to explore the key sights in the city. Starting off in Westminster means you will see Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben.
You can also book a tour for a guided experience to discover the history of these landmarks: Westminster sights guided tour
1:00 pm: lunch at Southbank Centre Food Market
Just over the River Thames from Westminster is the Southbank Centre with its food market. With such a variety of street food, it makes for a great lunch spot where you can find something for everyone. Even fussy eaters.
2:00 pm: explore a Southbank attraction
London’s Southbank has some of the city’s best family attractions. These are well worth a visit. You can also book these with a multi-attraction ticket and save up to 50%.
Shrek’s Adventure
An immersive adventure into the world of Shrek, this experience is a must for fans. Participate in fairytale stories, meet your favourite characters, and ride on the 4D flying bus experience.
The London Aquarium
This SEA LIFE London experience lets you and the kids encounter wildlife from around the world as you explore life underwater.
With different habitat zones, including rainforests, coral reefs, and open oceans, there is much to see, from sharks to turtles.
There is also the magical open oceans tunnel experience taking you right under the sea and a VR Experience.
The London Eye
After visiting one of these attractions, you could hop on the London Eye for a ride on this iconic landmark. With views over the city, you are set for a magical London experience.
6:00 pm: early dinner in Covent Garden
Head back over the river via the Golden Jubilee Bridge and walk up to Covent Garden for some dinner. In Covent Garden, you will see the famous street performers and shops.
You will find some brilliant family-friendly restaurants, too. These include Inamo, which has interactive tables, Honest Burgers, and Frankie & Benny’s. If you are seeing a show this evening, we recommend choosing a restaurant near the theatre.
7:00 pm: take in a West End show – Matilda or The Lion King
London’s West End is hard to beat for a cultural experience that will transport the kids and inspire them. With 39 theatres in the West End area alone, there is so much to see, with lots of kid-friendly musicals. Two worth considering are Matilda and the Lion King. (2)
Matilda the Musical
Adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic book, this musical tells how Matilda stands up for herself and takes control of her destiny. It’s an award-winning musical that has been running in the West End for 12 years.
The Lion King
In The Lion King, Simba is a young lion with a big future. He’s destined to rule, only to be cast out by his uncle, who usurps the throne.
This Disney classic is adapted for the stage with inspiring music and stunning costumes in this hit musical. It’s so popular it has been running for 25 years.
Day 2 of a 5-day London itinerary
Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, and The Royal Observatory in Greenwich
From £34.80 : Tower of London and the Crown Jewels Exhibition
10:00 am: Tower of London and Tower Bridge
With over 900 years of history locked up in the Tower of London, visiting one of London’s oldest buildings is a connection to medieval times. You will get to discover stories of London throughout history.
You will get to see the Crown Jewels and the place famous figures either called home or prison, from Henry VIII to Guy Fawkes. You can also see the site where Anne Boleyn was executed.
After visiting the Tower of London, you can cross over the Thames via the famous Tower Bridge. Be sure to get some pictures and enjoy the views up the river.
1:00 pm: lunch at Borough Market
From Tower Bridge, you can take a short and delightful walk along the river to Borough Market. It’s one of London’s most famous food markets, making it a perfect lunch spot.
Loved by local foodies, the market has all sorts of foods to try, which you can do thanks to many offering free samples. Try some out to help you choose a delicious lunch.
A fun and fast ride down the River Thames on a boat takes you to Greenwich. The Uber Thames Clipper RB1 service departs from London Bridge City Pier at 2:05 pm.
2:30 pm: Royal Observatory
The Royal Observatory in Greenwich sits on the Meridian Line, letting you stand with a foot in both hemispheres.
You can also learn more about space and astrophysics and visit the Planetarium. With the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park, it’s a beautiful spot.
6:00 pm: dinner in Greenwich Park – fish & chips
The One Tree Hill Vista Point in Greenwich Park gives you one of the best views, with the Old Royal Naval College and the modern Canary Wharf behind.
As the kids can have a run around and play, it makes for a great spot for a takeaway. Take the opportunity to try the British classic fish & chips. Jack the Chipper in Greenwich is a popular spot to try.
7:00 pm: evening in Greenwich
After fish & chips, you can enjoy the view and sunset as well as the rest of the evening in Greenwich Park. There is the Rose Garden, playground, and the Queen Elizabeth I oak tree that’s 750 years old ,to see.
Beyond the park, Greenwich has beautiful riverside views, making for a magical evening stroll. You will also find the Greenwich Picturehouse for evening entertainment should the weather not be so good.
Day 3 of a 5-day London itinerary
Harry Potter Studio Tour
From £105.00: Harry Potter Studio Tour with London return transport
10:00 am: set off to Warner Bros Studio Tour
Going behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films and the Warner Bros Studio Tour feels more like stepping into the Wizarding World itself. There are immersive sets, props and costumes, and insights from the film’s special effects and art department. There are special seasonal events on as well.
Lunch at Warner Bros Studios
There are plenty of themed restaurants at the Warner Bros Studio Tour where you can have lunch. These include the Backlot cafe, which is well-placed about halfway through your tour. Here you can try butterbeer, too!
6:30 pm: dinner in Soho
Once back in Central London, you could head to Soho for dinner.
There are lots of great restaurants here, including Gordon Ramsey’s Heddon Street Kitchen. Serving up European classics, kids also eat free here on weekdays.
7:30 pm: window shopping around Oxford Circus
While in Soho, wander around the famous shopping district around Oxford Circus. Many shops stay open late, including the famous toy shop Hamleys. It has lots of interactive displays, live demos, and events.
Day 4 of a 5-day London itinerary
Explore London museums, walk in Notting Hill and along Portobello Road
From £85.29: Natural History Museum
10:00 am: visit the Natural History Museum or Science Museum
In South Kensington, you will find a number of London’s world-leading and free-to-visit museums. With lots of interactive activities and exhibits to see, they are often at the top of the list for families visiting London.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum covers 4.6 billion years of history as it explores the natural world. You can take a self-guided family trail around the museum or opt for a guided tour such as this Dinosaur Discovery tour. It takes a look at prehistoric landscapes before walking you through the popular dinosaurs gallery.
Other popular exhibits are the volcanoes gallery and mammals gallery. The newly opened museum garden area with prehistoric plants and a full-size diplodocus is incredible. The museum also has a new mixed reality experience, bringing the animals to life.
Science Museum
The Science Museum explores groundbreaking discoveries and theories throughout history. It then looks ahead to the future and asks, what’s next? The interactive exhibits are a great way to learn and be inspired.
You can also get £15.00 tickets to the Wonderlab — a space designed for kids with friction slides and a chemistry bar among more interactive areas.
1:30 pm: lunch and walk in Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market
From South Kensington, ride 10 minutes on the Circle Line up to Notting Hill Gate. From here, you can explore this famous neighbourhood with its colourful houses, shops, and the Portobello Road Market. Along the market, you’ll find fashion, farm goods, and antiques. As the setting for the popular rom-com, Notting Hill has some iconic film locations to spot, too.
The market serves food on Fridays & Saturdays, making it a great lunch spot. If visiting on other days, you can check out the London coffee scene with Notting Hill’s trendy cafes.
Farm Girl, Bluebelles of Portobello, Flying Horse Coffee and Lowry & Baker are all worth checking out for delicious food.
6:00 pm: pub dinner at Bayswater Arms or Old Swan
Few meals have a more British feel than a traditional pub dinner. London has a thriving pub culture that stretches back hundreds of years.
The Bayswater Arms and the Old Swan are two pubs in the area that welcome children and have that cosy pub feel. They serve a good selection of pub classics.
7:00 pm evening in Hyde Park
After a good meal, a stroll around Hyde Park makes for a delightful end to the day. The boating on the Serpentine stays open until 7:30 pm, while the Hyde Park Playground and Rose Garden are also open late.
Outside the park is the Frameless immersive art exhibition, with late openings on Fridays & Saturdays. Captivating all ages, it is a great wet weather plan.
If you visit London in the build-up to Christmas, Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland festival will be happening with rides, food, live shows, and more! It’s well worth a visit for all the festive feels.
Day 5 of a 5-day London itinerary
Visit the British Museum and Madame Tussauds; The Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill
From £29.00: Madame Tussauds
10:00 am: visit the British Museum
A trip to the British Museum takes you through the history of human civilisation, helping us think about the world today.
With artefacts from around the globe and history, you can get a glimpse into Ancient Greece, Persia, and Rome, as well as a look at British history.
Kids can pick up a backpack and museum explorer trail and participate in family events. You can also book guided tours of the British Museum for detailed insights and a curated experience.
1:00 pm: lunch at The Regent’s Park
It takes just 25 minutes to get to The Regent’s Park from the British Museum. It’s one of London’s largest parks with picturesque gardens, a boating lake, and many cafes, making it an excellent lunch spot.
3:00 pm: afternoon visit to Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds has been a popular London attraction since 1835. It offers visitors unique photo opportunities with famous faces from film, music, and more.
You can meet the royal family and explore the city’s history. There are exhibits featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters and the Marvel Universe 4D experience.
6:00 pm: evening and dinner at Primrose Hill picnic or Bill’s
If the weather is good, walk up to Primrose Hill through Regent’s Park for a stunning view of London. It’s special at sunset and a popular picnic spot to relax and enjoy your final evening in London.
A wet-weather alternative is the family-friendly restaurant Bill’s, located near Madame Tussauds. Bill’s often has a kids eat-free deal during school holidays, too.
How to spend 5 days in London
To spend 5 days in London, start off with some sightseeing around Westminster on Day 1. From there, explore the Southbank attractions, including Shrek’s Adventure and the London Eye. Dinner in Covent Garden is a great idea before catching a West End show.
On Day 2, you could unlock history at the Tower of London before crossing Tower Bridge to get lunch at Borough Market and then a boat to visit Greenwich.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour makes for a great Day 3 outing.
On Day 4, why not visit a museum such as the Natural History Museum before exploring Notting Hill and Hyde Park.
On Day 5, consider the British Museum for some history and rare artefacts before grabbing a selfie with famous faces at Madame Tussauds.
How to save money in London
Multi-attraction tickets
With a multi-attraction ticket, you can save up to 50% on tickets to top London attractions. Book visits to the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, Shrek’s Adventure, and more together to save money. It is well worth doing if you follow this 5-day London itinerary, as many of these are included here.
Attraction passes
The London Pass will get you free access or discounts on lots of things in London. If you visit London frequently or plan to stay a while, these passes are worth it.
Train passes
Trainline offers the best prices for train tickets to destinations outside London. Check their latest deals here.
2-for-1 offers
The National Rail 2-for-1 deals include many London attractions, helping you to save when arriving in the city by train.
How to travel around London with kids
To travel around London with kids, you can take the Uber Thames Clipper boats up and down the River Thames for a fun and fast way to travel.
With many sights and attractions close to each other, you can often walk between destinations. Check routes and times with Google Maps or CityMapper.
You can also use the public transport links with the Underground, buses, and trains. On these Transport for London services, those under 5 travel free. With a Zip Oyster photo card, children aged 5+ can get free or discounted travel.
International travel to London
International travel to London is effortless, thanks to the city’s multiple international airports. There are excellent connections between Central London and Gatwick or Heathrow airports. Search for flights to these destinations on Skyscanner to ensure you get the best price.
FAQs
Is it worth going to London for 5 days?
Yes, it is worth going to London for 5 days as it gives you enough time to see the key sights and visit the best attractions. It’s enough time not to feel rushed and feel that you have done London well. You can visit places such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and the London Eye. Five days in London also gives you time to take a day trip to the Harry Potter Studio Tour or Stonehenge.
How much money should I take to London for 5 days?
You should take approximately £510 per person for 5 days in London if following this itinerary. This works out to just over £100 a day for visiting London. This excludes accommodation and additional spending on private tours and souvenirs. Check prices and book before you travel, as prices can vary and will be different for children and adults.
How many days is a good trip to London?
Three days or more is a good trip to London. It will give you time to see London’s iconic landmarks, discover some history, see a West End show, and visit an attraction or two. With so much to see and do in London, you can easily spend longer in the city.
A more extended visit will let you explore different neighbourhoods and visit all the best attractions. You could also fit in a day trip to places such as the Harry Potter Studio Tour or LEGOLAND.
Even if you have a day or two in London, you can still have an incredible visit. With good planning and prioritising the things you want to do most, your visit to this city will surely be a memorable trip.
For inspiration when visiting London, check out our itineraries:
Where to stay in London for 5 days?
There are lots of places to stay in London for 5 days, such as the Corinthia Hotel or the InterContinental Hotel. London has a range of brilliant, family-friendly hotels.
For a luxurious visit, check out The Lanesborough, which has an excellent kids’ programme and extras. For attractions, see the Park Plaza at County Hall, which offers a 30% discount on top London attractions. If the budget is tight, the Premier Inn at County Hall or the Youth Hostel Association’s private rooms are great options.
References
1. ‘London Tourism Statistics’, Road Genius
2. ‘How many theatres are in the West End?’, Carly Clements-Yu – London Theatre Direct
