Is London over-rated as a day out?

[londonstufftodo]

I don’t know if I’m being unimaginative

I’ve got two kids, a ten year old and a one year old. Today we went into London and it was alright but nothing special. We went to Kings Cross as it’s convenient for us, to have a mooch around. There is lots going on, outdoor cinema etc but it’s busy and I just felt like it was a lot of effort for not much gain…maybe I’m doing it wrong?

I have a great suggestion - the postal museum and their little mail rail train! Walkable from King’s Cross and the little train was loved by all ages in our family

You need to have a plan, you can't just drift. Pick two places/things you want to do, eg tate modern and southbank plus Buckingham palace, or Notting Hill and Soho, then pick somewhere nice for lunch and organise your day around that.
Don't try to do everything.

Why can't you take the buggy on escalators? That's what people usually do.

I think you're all being a little unfair on Kings X, there's now excellent shopping and on a hot day the fountains to entertain children, great places to eat. It's also very accessible so I can see why people choose it but it would be better for teens rather than young children

You need two adults for that as you also have to carry the toddler

The dlr and overland also goes to Greenwich - very accessible

I agree that Kings Cross is a much improved area from the shithole that it was 20 years ago but it would not be my first port of call if travelling specifically to London on a sight seeing trip. It just seemed odd to travel to a global city like London and not travel beyond the station you arrived at.

Pollock's closed down a year or so back

No need to limit yourself to step-free stations. I used to take my two in even when they were baby and pre-school age. Umbrella fold stroller. Fold it up and hook it over one arm then carry the baby up the stairs/escalator parts. I used to have to hold the pre-schooler's hand too but much easier if you have an older child. They could even help carry the pushchair.

As someone who lives in Cornwall (Cornish & made the mistake of moving back!) but used to live in London - YABU

You don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone and you’re very fortunate to be able to get there for a day out.

Especially when it’s been dark, dreary and wet for weeks and weeks. I live in Truro and we don’t even have indoor bowling anymore. I’d love to have London as an optional “day out”

Our options are boggy playground on boggy field or swimming in shitty sea water with tampons bobbing at your chin

YABU & you’re doing it wrong. And I’m jealous 😂

Ooh good call, I might do that this summer

Another really nice easy thing to do from King’s Cross is cross road in front of KX and turn right. Go to first bus stop and take a bus to Great Portland Street station. Takes about 5-10 mins then you can walk to Regent’s Park in about 5 mins from great Portland St station

@HighCholesterolHorror good idea, thank you

@Drearymotherhubbard okay youve put it in perspective for me now 😂 I have actually done a lot of day dreaming about going to Cornwall over Summer and Kynance cove which I just think is incredible but maybe we should stick to London!

If you're a tube ride away (rather than 3 hours and £130+ on LNER) you can plan 'little and often' trips

I agree. If you can, little and often best.

The worst days out we have is when I forget this and overbook us!

No one ever minds hanging around and having a coffee/slice of cake in a nice cafe for an hour or so.

You can access London zoo, lovely walk through park, coffee place in park. All on foot from Great Portland Street bus stop

Coram Fields has a nice playground suitable ish for both ages. One of the nearby stations as a lift.
There are pools and ponds all over the place. Hampstead and there is a Lido at Park Rd pool in Crouch End. And another in Finchley.

I love Devon/Cornwall a lot (we have family living in both and I grew up down that way) but my goodness, the gloom and the rain can be unreal! And a lot of attractions are seasonal only.

Anyone within striking distance of London or other decent big cities is very fortunate imo!

Another idea from St Pancras is (using sling for 1 year old) get tube St Pancras to Baker St. Just a few stops. There is an amazing Chinese restaurant there called Phoenix Palace which has wonderful food and was voted most child friendly Chinese restaurant in London at one point. Lots of famous people have been - see wall of photos. They have amazing dim sum for us parents , wonderful fish tank for kids and posh loos. Always heaps of kids there including in high chairs!

Then you can walk into Regent’s Park in about three minutes from Phoenix Palace and see the swans, go on pedal boats etc

I think any big city isn’t going to work for you if you don’t plan your trip.

London is massive. You have to decide what you want to do, and research your day in advance.

I feel so bad for bursting your dreamy bubble @londonstufftodo

September is quite quiet and can be quite sunny if you ever fancy a weekend dipping your toes in at Kynance! ☀️

It is beautiful, but just nothing to actually do especially in this relentless rain.

Great idea! They will both love Regent’s Park

www.hot-dinners.com/Features/Hot-Dinners-recommends/best-child-family-friendly-restaurants-london

From today you can go to the fabulous “Mimis Space Adventure” at the institute of physics in King’s Cross. It’s free and open every week day from 10-4.

there is a free accompanying story book to download

its fun, free, educational and encouraging diversity in STEM

And that’s where the Zoo is.

I see what you mean, London can be overwhelming but there is STUFF. Every so often I get the idea why don’t we move out for nature…I think the natural areas, countryside and coast are incredible when it’s sunny but I can imagine are very hard going in the rain