Which area of London?

[upsidedownfrown]

I don't post very often, normally find me lurking on the parking and CF threads but I need help!

We are a family of 5, kids are 11, 9 and 8 and I'm planning a week in London. It's not till next summer but dh work needs annual leave booked waaaaaaay in advance so tend to book it when kids go back to school in Sep.

I haven't been to London for many years now and never been with kids in tow so have no idea which area to look at.

They want to go to the zoo, natural history museum, science museum. I want to take them to see changing of the guard, Covent garden, Trafalgar Square, transport museum, palace etc. I was thinking Pimlico or Westminster as a good base but DH thinks we'd be better along nearer Covent Gardens.

Our main issue is transport. DS has autism and didn't cope at all with the Glasgow subway so I think we're going to be on foot and the bus!

We need either a very rare hotel that sleeps 5 in a room, a cheaper hotel with connecting rooms or a serviced apartment. Any recommendations?

I did type that with paragraphs! In the app and don't think it liked it!

if your DS doesn't like the under-ground, is he OK with over-ground trains? If so, then you can start looking at places that are a short journey into town (10-15 mins) near a suitable station.

Does your son need to be away from the bustle?

If so, Pimlico is much quieter than Covent Garden

There are lots of hotels near Gloucester Road station as well, which are walking distance to the museums but a bus ride to the other things you've listed

What's your budget?

He's fine on over ground trains and generally he's ok with general hustle & bustle of tourist areas. He finds people watching fascinating so we tend to just steer him around when he's looking every which way except forward. I think the subway meltdown was just the noise, artificial lighting, smell and the fact we were below ground was just too much for him to process all at once.

Good to hear Pimlico is quieter. I googled a map and my eyes settled on that general area so will do some research.

Would Kensington be too far west to be easy?

Budget wise we're thinking it's doable around £1500 if we hunt well enough or just get lucky. 5 weekday nights. I know we'll probably end up paying more but wishful thinking and all that...

Kensington would be perfect, not least as you've got Kensington Gardens for when you need a break/some peace - it's lovely for children as there's so much space.

Pimlico can be a bit grotty, I wouldn't go there.

if you are ok on trains, why not look for an airbnb? look for one in zone 2, near to a railway station.