Where should we visit in London

[sunshineandstarsgirl]

Going to London with my cousins and uncle, aunt and my mum in middle of July.
It's our second time and cousins' first time to London.
In July, we are planning to visit the wax museum, Trafalgar square, Piccadilly circus, london eye, shrek's adventure, sea life aquarium.
Any other places in Central London or within walking distance to visit?
Is Camden market and Borough market in central london?
None of us drive.
Thank you everyone! 😊

My teen loved Madame Tussaud's (plenty of insta opportunities!) - we got the 2 for 1 offer from using the train - although they never checked our train ticket.
Camden is shit compared to 10 years ago, all its uniqueness has just gone commercial. Every third stall selling the same Temu tat. Such a shame as it was so cool once upon a time. Teen still loved it though. Good for overpriced street food.
Back to the future on the Strand m is an amazing show if you can get cheap tickets on the morning.

If you are travelling by train try https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/days-out-guide/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgdayBhBQEiwAXhMxtg0QWWiy0hg2uG9rRrHpg8UtnbMf4CTK4TKFIx0MgyX6J4fidKxP0RoC2swQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Theatre tickets half price https://officiallondontheatre.com/tkts/

https://www.wowcher.co.uk/deal/london/activities-entertainment/bus-tours/28392150/2-hop-hop-bus-tour-tickets-9?st_cid=GoogleShopping&ito=GoogleProducts_RevenueMarketing_28392150&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgdayBhBQEiwAXhMxtmVSKlEfxdtBPUzS87krICvyHChao3drGr7ifLxDEQTURdiYrzlYWRoC9mgQAvD_BwE

https://www.wowcher.co.uk/search?q=london%20hotels

Don't stay near Wembley, there is nothing round there and if you are there during a match or gig the tube will be unbearable.

As others have said as you will be out and about all day all you need is somewhere clean and safe to sleep. Try looking for Travelodges nearer the centre. Waterloo has a lot of decent chain hotels and is walkable in to the West End.

I would think a bit more about what your family like doing rather than trying to cram in the mainstream sights. Eg is it history, fashion, architecture, shopping, green spaces or culture etc... Let us know and we can recommend some things to do.

In terms of some practicalities - if you want to go to Borough Market go early in a Thursday or Friday (say 9am) it won't be crowded then and you can get the stalls just as they are setting up.

Take comfortable shoes, London has great public transport but the best way to see it is to walk.

As people have said, you don't need to buy tickets for the buses or tubes, just use your contactless card or device and tap it on the little yellow roundle.

London is generally a safe city but be aware of your surroundings and take a cross body bag that zips up and don't wander around with your phone in your hand.

Have an amazing time.

I would stay more central tbh. For two days do you really want four hours in a tube/train? So much is walkable.
But have you been before and what have you seen?

I have a teen dd very into Japanese culture at the moment, can I ask what the shops you mention are called please? We're planning a trip for the summer holidays

I loved the walk from Notting Hill to Portobello during early afternoon to see the market.

I used Tesco vouchers for the Shard - amazing 360 view of London. Even better if you can grab a guide for free while you're up there.

@sunshineandstarsgirl here you go, transport for London has created its own diy London bus tour route using its own buses. Much cheaper than paying almost £100 for travelling the same route.

https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/visiting-london/experience-london/bus-leisure-routes

@sunshineandstarsgirl Don't listen to the tour agent, they've probably got a commission arrangement with a Wembley hotel.

If you've got kids then the flexibility of an apartment is useful. The universities let out their student accommodation during the summer for a decent price. London school of Economics Passmore Hall is in Bloomsbury so very central, most of the residential halls are in good touristy areas.

https://www.lsevacations.co.uk/Home.aspx

She has a list of shops, I think these are all Japanese’s/anime stuff:

japan centre
pop mart
miniso
bandainamco
art box

she also mentioned a treehouse on portable li road last night.

we are also going to Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park.

weve added Tower of London because of this thread, despite never being to London dozens of times I’ve never been, so I’m excited.

To the person asking about HP - this will be our third time going, we love it, it’s so well done.

Hi. We are planning to visit Chinatown in London next month. 6 people- 4 adults and 2 children. Any cheap places to eat in Chinatown London?

We are staying in London for 3 days. Anything (preferably free) nice to see or do near London Euston train station for our final day after the hotel check out? Our train back to Manchester is at 2 pm. So places for 2 hours worth of sightseeing?

British museum is not far from Euston

https://www.britishmuseum.org/

The British museum is walkable from Euston Station

Don't bother with Tussauds - overpriced and not worth it.
Sky Garden is good but you have to book a slot.

Cable Cars to O2 are great and surprisingly affordable
Borough Market is lovely if you're a foodie.
Monument ( and then walk down to see Tower Bridge, Tower of London and HMS Belfast which are all in the same area)
Don't bother with Piccadilly Circus - just a busy bit of road.
Walk across Millennium Bridge.
Natural History and Science Museum

https://www.timeout.com/london/things-to-do/free-london