Trip to London in Feb with DS

[Ducksarsehead]

I am planning a trip to London in Feb with my DS 5 and DH in Feb.
We are planning to go on Mon 10th Feb to Thurs 14th as this is half term in NI
Is this also half term in England and if so will it be horrifically busy in all the usual touristy places?

My son is obsessed with London, like other small children are with dinosaurs so any advice about where to visit would be great!!!

We are hoping to stay in the Travelodge in Covent garden though any better ideas would be appreciated.

The Emirates airline is a lovely way to see the city, especially on a clear day. You mostly get a pod to yourself (I used to live right by it so took it a lot when commuting), and afterwards you can jump on the DLR (and 'drive' it if you sit at the front) over to Greenwich for the Cutty Sark/Greenwich Park.

The O2 climb is also good (though not sure of age limits).

There's a hotel called the Good Hotel right by the Emirates Air Line. It's an old floating prison that has been converted into a lovely hotel, which floats on the Victoria Dock. It has a rooftop bar with views of Canary Wharf, and you can be in central London in 15/20 minutes ish.

My DS was obsessed with London landmarks at that age as well: he’ll have a fantastic time.
That week isn’t half term in London which is a mixed blessing; it means you’ll be able to get into the natural History Museum without queueing for hours, but you’ll miss out on all the special half term activities. It is what it is.

Book The Sky Garden in advance: it’s free but you have to book tickets which become available 3 weeks in advance. skygarden.london

Definitely go to the Tower Bridge Experience and walk along the highwalk. He’ll love that (no need to prebook, you can buy a joint ticket with The Monument if you think he can manage the stairs). And time it to see the bridge opening if possible: currently none scheduled for February but check again nearer the time.
www.towerbridge.org.uk/lift-times/

Covent Garden seems like a good enough place to stay.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is 11am Monday Wednesday Friday and well worth seeing but check online just in case of unforeseen cancellation.

And I’d recommend a lovely book called Katie In London www.waterstones.com/book/katie-in-london/james-mayhew/9781408331934, a viewing of the Paddington movie, and the indispensable CityMapper app to stop you getting lost.

That’s our half term in Surrey, so there may be activities on. I agree landmarks, natural history museum (get there early and go in at the side entrance, near the science museum) and, if the weather is fine, the Diana memorial playground in Hyde Park.

Covent Garden Travelodge would be a great place to stay. Or county Hall Premier Inn or anywhere central.

Yes to NHM and arrive early and go straight to the dinos.

Greenwich is a good trip, tne Maritime Museum has a good kid section, walk up the hill to the Astronomy Museum and stand on the dateline. See the Cutty Sark if you don’t want to pay to go in.

Then take the DLR to the Musem of Docklands.

Book tickets for a show, see what good deals you can get for a matinee.

The BFI IMAX is spectacular to see a 3D film if you don’t have that where you live.

Buckingham Palace / changing of the guard, if that is his thing.

Ride on top of a bus. No 11 which runs between Victoria Station and Liverpool Street is a good one for seeing the sights. Best views to be had travelling in that direction.

Ride on the Underground, not forgetting to stand on the right on escalators.(Circle and District Lines aren't deep lines and don't have escalators, so won't give you the full experience.)

Before going, visit the tfl.gov website, for information about getting around, how to pay on public transport, etc. Buses don't take cash, so you'll need to make sure to provide yourself with one of the alternatives.

If you go to Greenwich, go there on the DLR, sitting right at the front so he can “drive the train” and then go back on the river by Thames Clipper to the Waterloo dock.

Brilliant this all sounds great. Thank you for all the advice. I will get booking tonight.