London is a city packed with history, art, and culture. The diverse capital of England is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and boasts incredible family attractions.
Deciding what to do in London is a challenge enough, let alone trying to fit it all into your trip.
To help, we’ve put together this 7-day London itinerary so you can get the very most out of your stay, combining iconic landmarks with the attractions most recommended by parents.
If you want to see what’s on during your stay in London, you can also search events for your children’s ages on Loopla.
Day 1 of the 7-day London itinerary
Explore Westminster
Tickets from £15.00: Changing of the Guard walking tour Tickets from £85.00: Guided tour of Westminster
Day 1 morning: see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace
Westminster is home to many of London’s iconic landmarks, making it the perfect place to start your time in London.
Some sights you may want to include are Horse Guards Parade, Downing Street, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard.
You can find out more about the Changing of the Guard here.
Changing of the Guard walking tour
Book a Changing of the Guard walking tour for commentary from a guide and learn more about the history of Westminster.
Guided tour of Westminster
Walk or book a sightseeing tour with a local guide. This tour lasts 4 hours and covers Parliament Square, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.
Day 1 lunch: picnic with the pelicans in St James Park
Have a picnic lunch in St James Park. You can either bring your own lunch or get something to eat from the park cafes.
See if the kids can spot the pelicans that live at the park with feeding time between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm.
Day 1 afternoon: visit to the National Gallery
Tickets from £176.70 for 2 people: Kid-friendly National Gallery Tour
After lunch, you can walk up The Mall to Trafalgar Square. After taking some photos with the lion statues, enter the National Gallery.
Although it is free to visit the National Gallery, you may want to book a guided tour for kids.
Kid-friendly National Gallery tour
This tour lasts 2.5 hours and includes activities engaging kids with work by artists such as Van Gogh, Michelangelo, and Monet.
Visiting the National Gallery
Find out more about visiting the National Gallery as a family here.
If you prefer to visit another London gallery, take a look through the kid-friendly tours available.
Day 1 early dinner: Poppies Fish & Chips
Enjoy this classic British meal for an early dinner at Poppies, a traditional, award-winning Fish & Chip shop.
Day 1 evening: take in a West End show
Tickets from £20.00: Matilda; Tickets from £44.10: The Lion King
Matilda
Based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book, this award-winning musical is a firm favourite, inspiring kids and adults alike.
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.
Best musicals and West End shows for kids in London
Find the best musicals for kids playing in London on our blog post: Best Musicals for Kids.
Day 2 of the 7-day London itinerary
Explore the South Bank and Covent Garden
Tickets from £21.00: Shrek’s Adventure; Tickets from £27.50: London Aquarium
Day 2 morning: explore the South Bank
The South Bank has lots of fantastic attractions to choose from. Two of the best are Shrek’s Adventure and the London Aquarium.
Shrek’s Adventure
An immersive experience with shows and characters in the world of Shrek.
London Aquarium
SEA LIFE London is a magical dive underwater with an array of wildlife to see and learn about. This includes rainforests and coral reef zones, as well as the shark walk and ocean tunnel.
Save on entry tickets to the London aquarium
You can book a multi-attraction ticket that includes the London Aquarium or Shrek’s Adventure with The London Eye and Madame Tussauds to save money.
Day 2 lunch: grab a bite in Covent Garden
Cross over the river to Covent Garden where there are lots of lunch options. These include family-friendly restaurant inamo.
inamo
An Asian fusion restaurant with interactive digital tables for ordering and playing games that keep the kids entertained.
Day 2 afternoon: explore Covent Garden and the Southbank Centre
Covent Garden
In the afternoon, you may like to explore Covent Garden with its street performers and fantastic shops. This includes the Whittard Tea Shop, where the kids can try a free tea or hot chocolate sample.
After exploring Covent Garden, cross back over the Thames to the Southbank Centre at Royal Festival Hall.
Southbank Centre
If the weather is warm, the kids can play in the Appearing Rooms fountains. If the weather is not warm enough, take a look around the Southbank Centre, where there are lots of arts and cultural events for families.
Day 2 evening: take an evening ride on the London Eye
Tickets from £29.00: London Eye
London Eye
A ride on the London Eye in the evening can make for a great finish to the day with spectacular views over London. Note that the last entry is at 17:45.
Save on London Eye tickets
The London Eye offers multi-attraction tickets so you can book together with attractions including the London Aquarium and Madame Tussauds and save on ticket entry.
Day 2 dinner: dine on the South Bank
Wahaca Southbank
There are lots of restaurants along the South Bank, including Wahaca. Here, they have a kid’s menu featuring build-your-own tacos.
Day 3 of the 7 day London itinerary
Visit the Tower of London and HMS Belfast
Tickets from £34.80: Tower of London
Day 3 morning: visit the Tower of London
This historic fortress of London has stood the test of time and remains one of London’s most visited attractions. Climb the walls and see the dungeons, resident ravens, and the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.
Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour
This tour gets you entry to the tower, including the Crown Jewels exhibition and a Beefeater to guide you around the Tower with fascinating insights.
Kid-friendly Tower of London Tour
Alternatively, book this family tour of the Tower of London designed to engage the kids with the history of the Tower.
Day 3 lunch: eat at the top of a skyscraper or in a famous market
For lunch, you could head up to the Sky Garden or try some street food at Borough Market.
Sky Garden
Set at the top of one of London’s skyscrapers, the Sky Garden is free to visit, and it has stunning views across the city. There are restaurants to get a bite to eat. Book ahead of your visit as the Sky Garden books up fast.
Borough Market
As London’s most famous food market, Borough Market has the full range of street food on offer. Wander around the different stalls, trying some free samples to help you make up your mind.
Walk here from the Tower of London via Tower Bridge to visit another iconic London landmark.
Day 3 afternoon: climb aboard HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast
Exploring this warship floating on the Thames is a lot of fun. Make your way across all nine decks seeing what life was like onboard with family-focused activities. Find out more about visiting as a family below.
Day 3 dinner: get something to eat at Pizza Pilgrims
Pizza Pilgrims
A fun pizza restaurant at London Bridge that is well located if heading to the Unicorn Theatre in the evening.
Day 3 evening: watch a child-friendly show at the Unicorn Theatre
Unicorn Theatre
As a theatre dedicated to young audiences, Unicorn Theatre is a great way to experience London’s theatre scene. They have something for every age, often involving music, puppetry, and light projections.
Day 4 of the 7 day London itinerary
Take a day trip to the Harry Potter tour at Warner Bros Studios
Tickets from £109.00 with London transport: Harry Potter Studio Tour
Day 4 morning and afternoon: step into the Wizarding World
Harry Potter Studio Tour
The studio tour is a must for any fan of Harry Potter, drawing visitors from across the world. It lets you explore behind the scenes of the films with the props, sets, costumes, and more on display. Kids will be thrilled, stepping into the very world of these beloved characters.
Day 4 lunch: try some magical food
There are themed restaurants where you can get lunch while on the Harry Potter Studio Tour. There is the Food Hall or The Backlot Cafe, which makes a good stop halfway around the exhibition.
Day 4 early evening: Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Once you’re back in Central London, wander along The Serpentine in Hyde Park and let the kids have a run around at the Diana Memorial Playground.
Note the playground closes at 7:45 pm. in the summer and 4:45pm in the winter. There is also the Hyde Park Playground, which stays open until late in the summer months.
Day 4 dinner: a taste of rock and roll at the Hard Rock Cafe
If you’re looking for somewhere for dinner, try the Hard Rock Cafe near Hyde Park Corner. Here, you’ll find music memorabilia and a kid’s menu!
Day 5 of the 7-day London itinerary
Get active at the Olympic Park in Stratford
Day 5 morning: run, swim, slide, and cycle at the Olympic Park
Created for the 2012 Olympic Games, the park has since become the place to go for fun and sports. You’ll find a splash park, the Tumbling Bay Playground, and the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit. You can also cycle and swim from the Olympic venues.
Day 5 lunch: kids eat free at this Stratford restaurant
Bread Street Kitchen, Bar & Rooftop
If you’re looking to refill after your morning at the Olympic Park, try Gordon Ramsey’s restaurant located just on the edge of the park. And kids eat free!
Day 5 afternoon: imagine at the Discover Children’s Story Centre
There are two immersive play spaces here with Story World and the Story Garden. Kids can use their imagination in making their own stories and getting creative in play.
Day 5 evening: take the DLR
The kids will love this little detour as you travel back to your accommodation to ride on the DLR. It has great views of London and a chance to sit at the very front of the train and play as the driver.
Day 6 of the 7-day London itinerary
Climb up St Paul’s; see modern art at the Tate; and take the boat to Greenwich
Tickets from £25.00: St Paul’s Cathedral; Free to visit: Tate Modern
Day 6 morning: marvel at St Paul’s Cathedral before seeing contemporary art at the Tate
St Paul’s Cathedral
The Cathedral is a remarkable building by the UK’s most famous architect, Sir Christopher Wren. It has been at the centre of London for hundreds of years. You can explore inside the Cathedral before climbing to the top of the famous dome for incredible views over London.
Tate Modern
After the Cathedral, you can cross the Millennium Bridge to the other side of the Thames and visit the Tate Modern. The Tate is free to visit and showcases the very best of modern art from its extensive collection alongside exciting new exhibitions. You can also see what’s on for kids at the Tate Modern.
Tate Modern tour for families
Booking a guided tour for the family can be an easy way to engage kids with modern art. This tour lasts 2 hours and will look at works by artists such as Rothko, Matisse, and Picasso.
Day 6 lunch: get some food at Zizzi
Just beside the Tate Modern at Bankside is Zizzi, a chain restaurant that serves Italian food. They also have a kid’s menu.
Day 6 afternoon: take a boat to Greenwich and explore the Royal Observatory
Day pass from £22.00: Uber Boat to Greenwich; Tickets from £20.00: Royal Observatory
Uber Boat to Greenwich
From Bankside Pier, you can hop on the RB1 or RB2 Uber Thames Clipper routes Eastbound to Greenwich. A great way to whizz along the Thames and see the sights of London.
Once you get off at Greenwich Pier, take a look at the Cutty Sark, a historic sailing ship, as you walk by on your way to Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory.
Royal Observatory Greenwich
At the Observatory, you can learn all about the Greenwich Meridian Line while standing with one foot in the Eastern hemisphere and one in the Western hemisphere. You’ll also learn all about the cosmos and astrophysics.
Day 6 dinner: picnic in Greenwich Park
Greenwich Park is a great spot for a picnic. Remember to bring food with you or purchase a local takeaway.
Day 6 evening: sunset from Greenwich Park
You can watch the sunset with one of the best views of the city of London as the kids play in the park. The park has a playground, pond, and gardens to explore.
Day 7 of the 7-day London itinerary
Visit Kensington museums, shop at Oxford Circus, and see a sunset on Parliament Hill
Tickets from £172.00 for a group of up to five: Dinosaur Discovery Family Tour
Day 7 morning: meet the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum and play at Hamleys
Natural History Museum
Covering 4.6 billion years of history, the Natural History Museum is a fascinating and fun outing with something for everyone. There are dinosaurs, volcanoes, and a life-size blue whale to discover as well as a new garden space.
The museum has a ‘Family Favourites’ self-guided tour. You can also book family guided tours such as this ‘Dinosaur Discovery Family Tour’. On this tour, a professional guide will take you around the museum, exploring the history of dinosaurs.
Hamleys
After the museum, you can hop on the Piccadilly Line up to Piccadilly Circus and the world-famous toy shop. It caters to all ages, with demonstrations, shows, and interactive displays on over seven floors.
Day 7 lunch: get something to eat while making new cat-friends at Java Whiskers Cat Cafe
There are lots of great places to eat in the Marylebone area. Java Whiskers Cat Cafe is something a bit different, bringing a lot of joy to animal lovers.
Day 7 afternoon: pose with famous faces at Madame Tussauds
Tickets from £29.00: Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds
You can walk up from Marylebone or hop on the bus for a short ride to Madame Tussauds.
Here you’ll be sure to get some brilliant family photos with the addition of some famous faces and favourite superheroes. The wax work museum features life-like sculptures of celebrities, the Royal family, and fictional characters from Marvel and Star Wars.
Save on Madame Tussauds tickets
You can save up to 56% on tickets when you book a multi-attraction ticket for Madame Tussauds. It includes entry to other attractions such as the London Aquarium, Shrek’s Adventure, and The London Eye.
Day 7 dinner: picnic at Primrose Hill
You could walk from Madame Tussauds up through Regent’s Park or ride the bus (number 274) from Baker Street to the London Zoo stop to get to Primrose Hill for a picnic dinner.
If you prefer a restaurant dinner, Primrose Hill high street has many options including the Japanese restaurant OKA.
Day 7 evening: a sunset walk and view of London from Primrose Hill
With views over London, you can watch the sunset while the kids have space to play. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the end of your week in London.
What to do for a week in London?
For a week in London, the key sights include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Tower Bridge, while the Tower of London is full of history.
London’s museums are fascinating and free, so be sure to visit the Natural History Museum, Science Museum or Tate Modern.
For kids, Shrek’s Adventure, the London Aquarium, and the Harry Potter Studio Tour are a lot of fun.
If you want to include picture-perfect views of London, take a ride on the London Eye and climb to the top of St Paul’s Cathedral. And don’t forget to book in for a West End show!
There is so much to see and do in London, and it can be hard to choose but any of these highlights will put you on the right track to seeing the top sights in London.
If you’re looking for a guided tour of the Westminster sights, there are a number of options available from walking tours to boat tours. The tour guides can tell you more about the history of each sight as you pass them.
What’s on for kids in London
If you want to see what’s on during your stay in London, you can also search events for your children’s ages on Loopla.
FAQs when visiting London for 7 days
How to get around London with kids?
To get around with kids in London, the public transport system is excellent. Under 5s travel free on Transport for London services. Children aged 5+ can get free or discounted travel with a Zip Oyster photo card. Find out more on TFL.
How many days do you need in London with kids?
There is so much for kids and families to do in London that it really is up to you to decide how many days you want to visit.
You can spend anything from 10 days to 1 day in London sightseeing and visiting attractions, including Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, and the Natural History Museum.
Just remember to balance the day out with different activities for the kids to keep them engaged and plan ahead to keep travel to a minimum.
Is London kid-friendly?
London is a very kid-friendly city with lots of things for kids to do.
Things to do include the London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure, London Aquarium, Harry Potter Studio Tour, Natural History Museum, and West End Musicals The Lion King and Matilda. London has lots of parks and playgrounds such as the Diana Memorial Playground where kids can run around and play. Many restaurants have kid menus too.
What’s on for kids in London
If you want to see what’s on during your stay in London, you can also search events for your children’s ages on Loopla.
