Christmas day out in London

[englishabroad]

DH and I are having 2 days in London, for which the in-laws are bring DD's up so we can spend the day showing them around the big city. The girls are 5 and 7 - have you any plans/recommendations because at the moment DH is planning a full attack on all of Londons tourist attractions, including Buck Place, Tower of London, River boat ride, ice-skating. I think may be just tooooo much fun and what to come up with an alternative suggestion of a great day which is busy but we don't spend all our time travelling from one attraction to another. Thanks

Mmmm - Christmas time!!

I would book teh Snowman for the morning matinee - starts at 11am. Then to Bank round the corner for brunch.

Then a trip to the national history museum to see the dinos and the big blue whale then covent garden to see the buskers etc. Then a double decker bus along regents street and oxford street to look at the pretty lights then home.

Alternatively you can replace covent garden with teh open top bus tour which you can hop on and off of at will - though we like to just get on and do the whole way round in one go, looking at the sights as we go!

Hmm ice skating at somerset house is loverly. Then a bus to along regent street from there, jumping off at Hamleys to look at the lovely toys and decorations. Lunch at Sophras just off oxford street (turkish and cheap but good quality food).

Jump on a duck tour which combines a tour of some of Londons sites and a river trip. A bit pricey, but worth it I reckon.

BYW, none of those places need to include too much travelling. Most things in central London are surprisingly close together.

Covent Garden is good for feeling xmassey, a few nice shops and a 'posh' handmade market. Street performers to give you a giggle too.

Maybe think about Harrods? Could also combine with a nice walk in the park, will be lit up beautifully and again lots of lovely things for the kids to look at.

Hamelys is a great stop for kids (and adults) a 5 story toy shop near the Oxford St end of Regent St.

Hamleys great normally but like an absolute zoo at christmas time - really unbearable!!!

I love the idea of the christmas lights in oxford street and the duck ride. Anything that involves as little walking as possible I think. The natural history will be a must if the weather is bad, but otherwise we want to out and about. How long does the london eye take to go around? if it is longer than half an hour I reckon they would get pretty bored. Thanks for the ideas - now to pursaude the DH to do what I want!

When are you going?? Xmas lights aren't up yet in Oxford Street!

We will be going between christmas and new year. We live in Switzerland and want to give our girls a sense of the wonder of England/London/English History!

Is the snownman at the theatre or is it a film showing?