Can anyone who knows London advise me please

[hungryhippo25]

Next week dh and I are taking dc to London for the day. Neither of us have been before (never even been abroad) so we are not the most savvy of travellers. I'm trying to create a bit of an itinerary but am struggling to gauge the distances and practicality of what we've planned.

Our plan is to hop straight on the underground to green park so we can walk to Buckingham palace. This doesn't look too far to walk. We were then hoping to walk up to Covent Garden from here, stopping via Trafalgar sq. Google maps says this is a distance of about 1.6 miles which isn't far but I'm conscious that with the crowds and heat and not knowing where we're going it could seem longer. Is walking practical? Is it a straightforward route? And if there are any other travel tips you may have for total tourists it would be greatly appreciated. I know we each need a contactless card for the tube (kids have Go Henry cards which I'm hoping will work).

It is pretty easy to get to covent garden from Trafalgar Square - its a nice walk and not long at all.

How old are your kids? Sounds fine to me.

How old are the kids? If they use a debit card they’ll be charged adult fare.

Here's a map

What you are suggesting is a very easy walk. I'm assuming the children are not toddlers

Walking is often the best way of getting around in central London IME. Those things are just fine. If the dc are young enough they will go for free on the tube.

GoHenry cards do work on the tube.

Have a lovely time!

Kids can get a travel Oyster card which means they travel half price, you just need to ask staff at the tube station to apply the discount, or you can buy paper tickets for them, which might be cheaper and easier, this avoids them being charged adult fares.

If you are walking nr Buckingham Palace make sure you walk through St James park to see the pelicans .

One dc is 13, the other is 11 so should be capable of walking although the 11 year old will probably complain.

We'd be walking from Buckingham palace to Covent Garden all in all. And stopping off at various points along the way for shops and food I would imagine.

Depending on the age of your children you can just tap in your own cards on the wide gates and let them through with you, I have never been asked to pay a child’s fare on the tube.

If you get the bus( recommended as you can see more) it’s cashless too.
From Trafalgar Square you can walk down to see the Houses of Parliament too.

It’s a bit further but rather than walk up the Mall to Trafalgar Square you might want to walk along the south side of at James Park to see the outside of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, then up Whitehall and see the end of 10 Downing Street on the way to Trafalgar Square? Depends how old your children are and how far you think they can walk.

If the kids are under 11 then you don't tap them on at all as they're free so they won't need a card.

The walk from Green Park to Covent Garden is really easy and not at all long with plenty to see along the way.

My DC love Covent Garden and will happily spend a day mooching around there, watching the street performers and looking in all the shops and stalls. Highly recommend Maxwell's for lunch, they have fantastic burgers and a kids menu where they get a two course meal and a drink for £11.

Personally I'd avoid the tube as much as possible. It's hot, sweaty and crowded.

Also take a small bag of unsalted nuts with you, there are squirrels in the park.

Apply for a zip Oyster card and travel is free up to 15.

https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/free-and-discounted-travel/11-15-zip-oyster-photocard?intcmp=55575#on-this-page-1

Easily do-able and second @legalalien's plan to take in Houses of Parliament, Whitehall and Horse Guards.

Trafalgar Square is very underwhelming at the moment. Fountains not working and covered in scaffolding .
The open top bus is a great way to see the city and get your landmarks.
London is really buzzing so you should have a good time.

At that age then yep pelicans and go to Trafalgar Square via Westminster etc. don’t buy drinks and snacks from anywhere that looks like a tourist kiosk as you’ll be ripped off. If your children have particular interests I’m sure people can recommend specific things in the area.

That sounds fine and walking /jumping on the tube in the west end is your best bet as everywhere is close enough. I expect you will be cream crackered by the end of it all.

Depending on your budget, maybe take a packed lunch for the likes of Green Park/Hyde Park/Buckingham Palace. You’ll be spoilt for choice in Oxford Street and surrounding back roads for food.

https://markethalls.co.uk/venue/oxford-street/

Lots more food options on Wardour Street

Near Leicester Square there’s a big open area where there are always acts putting on a show like magicians, dancers etc - right in front of the M&M shop (as in the little colourful chocolate that looks like Smarties). That’s usually a cool spot that draws a crowd.

The world famous Toy store, Hamleys, is in regent street. There’s usually something fun happening in there. Sometimes they have a timetable of activities on their website. If your DC loves all types of toys I’d say it’s worth a visit.

Lots of free museums/galleries in that area too. I couldn’t remember which ones I’ve been too for free so did a quick google: https://kidify.co.uk/blog/top-10-free-museums-in-london-for-kids

I’ll leave it at that! Have a fab time

I would recommend thinking about where and when you want to eat and book a table online before you go. Places can fill up fast and it's depressing to be turned away! Maxwells (recommended above) does online bookings. Or there's a Pizza Express in Charing Cross Road if you want something easy.

If it was me, I would time the visit to be at Horse Guards for the changing of the guard and then Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. The kids will love it!

Avoid the tube. Make sure you take water bottles and fill up regularly. My kids just love to mooch around and not do anything particularly planned.

I recommend downloading Citymapper - it will tell you how to get to anywhere from anywhere via anything!

Walking, tube, bus, Uber boat etc - really easy to use.