3 days in London....any tips

[Purplepinkfairy]

Hi planning a trip to London with dh and 3 kids. Any advice/tips...to keep cost down.
Eg travelling on underground. Booking tickets to see a show. Accommodation. Trains from airport into city.

How old are your children?

If you’re going in the summer, stay in university halls https://www.universityrooms.com/en-GB/city/london/home/

How old are the DCs?
Which airport?

Depending on the age of your DC (ie if they can easily walk for a while), it's not worth getting the underground for 2/3 stops in my opinion, especially if you're in a location where you can walk along the Thames.

We always enjoy spending the day in Westminster - you can walk around looking at the sights, ie Thames, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Cathedral, Downing Street, Horse Guards Parade, walking through St James Park and see Buckingham Palace the other end - all free. If money stretches, there's a cafe in St James Park, if not buy yourself a picnic lunch (will probably be cheaper in a supermarket near where you're staying) and have lunch on one of the numerous benches in St James Park.

Tate Modern is free, but we didn't find it that interesting.

If you're near the sky garden, it's free and nice to go up and look at the views. I'm sure the views are spectacular in the day, but we booked our slot in the early evening and it was lovely seeing London all lit up in the dark.

All depends on kids ages really. But agree with walking as much as you can to see the sights as you go. There are also normal transport for London double decker buses that go past some of the best bits of London - 100% cheaper than an open bus tour! There is prob a website that tells you which buses to catch.

And agree with the Sky Garden - free but have to book a slot.

All museums are free and world class. Exhibitions pricey but just avoid those unless you really are interested.

If primary school age then often free events on at the South Bank centre in the main atrium - teenagers will cringe but small children will prob enjoy!

If Teenagers then “free” stuff that can kill a few hours at limited cost includes Nike Town at Oxford Circus (for window shopping only!!) and then walking from there down through Carnaby St area. (touristy but surprisingly lovely with cool light installations).

And def do sandwiches and a park bench for lunches!

Zone it.
You could do St Paul's walk Cross river bridge and explore borough market, the globe, tate modern (plus viewing gallery to St Paul's) stroll down past bfi and end up by the wheel play ground and Westminster.
Stroll up thru Westminster.... Towards trafalgar square... Natinal gallery and then soho /China Town or Covent garden for food...

“Citymapper” app for public transport!

What ages are children?

If you use Google Maps it gives you transport options - the bus is usually cheaper and you get to see more of the city.

Yes to a supermarket picnic for lunch. There are lots of cheap/fun places for dinner e.g. https://marugame.co.uk/

Museum main collections are free.

Thanks for reply. Kids are 8,11,15 years

The 8 yo will travel free on trams, buses, and underground.
If you get visitor oyster cards for the other 2, you can go to an underground station and get a young persons discount applied for each. This will allow them similar discounts. They will need one each
Adults can use a contactless card. Use the same one all day to ensure the daily cap is applied. Again, you'll need one for each adult.

https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/visitor-oyster-card