Three days in London with 11 yr old boy

[glastocat]

We are going to London for three nights at the end of the month to show our son his birth place before we emigrate to Australia. We moved to Ireland when he was a baby, so he has no memory of it. I lived there for 13 years,but haven't been back in five,my husband lived there longer,but obviously when we lived there we were running around clubbing and partying, not much use to planning this trip! j wants to go to Hamleys and the war museum, I am also thinking maybe a sightseeing bus tour, the natural history museum, Xmas lights, maybe a show, and a potter around covent garden, soho etc ( alright that bit is for me and my husband, old times sake etc). I know there is so much we could do but any tips appreciated. Should we go up the shard? I've done the a london eye loads of times, don't fancy it again. We will be staying in hammersmith, can anyone recommend any good and reasonably inexpensive restaurants either there or central? Any tips much appreciated, we are not London newbies as I said, but very out of touch!

[chroniclackofimagination]

Not much in Hammersmith but chiswick is walking/busing distance and has loads of nice restaurants. Sam's brasserie is lovely and welcoming to kids.

[showtunesgirl]

Without doubt, take him to the Emirates Air Line This is the new tram that flies over the Thames.

[showtunesgirl]

And go to Joy King Lau for lunch just off Leicester Square. They do authentic Cantonese dim sum and it's not expensive.

[showtunesgirl]

FFS I meant cable car NOT tram.

[Tricccky]

My must-dos for a boy of that age and given the history and planned future:

• London eye - number 1
  
• Emirates airline (haven't done it but can see why you would)
  
• A show in the West End
  
• Natural History or Science museum, depending on what he's in to (both if you think he could manage a full day of stuff). Check the websites. World class museums and very engaging.
  

I wouldn't bother with the Shard or that sort of thing unless he is very into architecture - the Eye is a much better all-round experience. For something difference maybe a London Duck Tour - I think he is the age to really appreciate it and it could be a good alternative to a London Bus Tour.

I adored Madam Tussauds at that age, although I would hate it now and it is expensive / busy - but if you think he'd love it, then it is probably worth grinning and bearing.

Consider Greenwich- the Maritime Museum is fabulous and the Observatory is great and a lovely London 'thing' (with the GMT line) to remember if you're off abroad.

Love the Imperial War Museum too. It's near to the Eye of course and other South Bank attractions including lots of nice places for lunch (e.g. Gabriel's Wharf).

[glastocat]

Wow that emirates thing looks great, didnt know about that at all! My mum has booked for us to go on the London Eye, I forgot about it being not far from the war museum so we can do both together, maybe do the Tate and or globe too. It's so hard to narrow it down when we only have three days! Thanks for all suggestions! I really appreciate it.

[faffaround]

For something really special check out <a class="break-all" href="//www.www.londonribvoyages.com/" rel="nofollow noindex" target="_blank">//www.www.londonribvoyages.com/. He (and you) will never forget it. Have lived in London all my life and without a doubt the best thing I've ever done in the city.