Londoners - a question for you!

[Moleyjay]

We are visiting London in August and need your opinion please! We are bringing our son who is 4 and 1/2 and want to visit the science/ natural history museums, Princess Diana park and go and see a show. Maybe a little sightseeing. The big question is: Should we bring a pushchair ?? I was thinking yes for ease and to stop the inevitable whine of 'I'm tired; carry me''. Husband thinks it will be way to much hassle and we'll jump on buses or underground when he gets tired. Are these things close enough- we would try to get accommodation close by. He never uses a pushchair at home I'm just worried we want to get around and the walking will be too much for him. i know when I last visited pre- child I was knackered!

A pushchair is a good idea. Where there are difficult steps like into the Underground around all the Kensington Museums, everyone is there with kids and everyone helps each other out carrying pushchairs up and down stairs. Try and avoid travelling during rush hour cos it can be very intimidating trying to squeeze onto a train with a pushchair.

I wouldn't - just jump on the tube, or go for a drink when he gets tired.

I don't think your DS needs a pushchair at that age, it's just something else to cart around.
Don't try and do too much. London is hot and crowded in August.

A small pushchair yes, as long as you can lift it up steps if needed. If you have a big one it will be more hassle than it's worth unless you plan to catch taxis everywhere. I get tired traipsing around London, a 4 y.o. will definitely need to sit down.

But do NOT use public transport in rush hour as green said, you will get some very dirty looks for that (not to mention not being able to fit on).

If you have a iPhone, some useful apps are the London transport app and toiluxe (public loos in the vicinity).

For that age, no I wouldn't bother with the pushchair. It'll be more of a hassle than a help.

I wouldn't. DS1 didn't have a buggy from 2 and a half when we lived in London (he was ousted by his brother!) as buses/ tubes are so plentiful (and free for kids). DS2 on the other hand is still in a buggy now we have moved as buses are neither so regular nor cover so many areas here.

I wouldn't bother. They're doable on the tube but a pain. Having said that the tube station for the museums (South Ken) is quite a schlep to actually get there. But there are bus stops right outside so it all depends on where you're staying.

One more thing, the Nat History Museum in particular gets absolutely MOBBED during the holidays so a puchchair can be a bit difficult to manage. Get there for opening times and it's not so bad.

By the way, the museums are close to the Diana fountain and playground but not close to the west end for theatres - although the tube is quick.

Yy the cable car is good - but completely the other side of London from the museums you want. London Eye is always fab and I bet he'd like the duck tour.

Agree with not bothering with a buggy. You have the tubes and buses plus the river boats - great for a trip to Greenwich etc.

BTW don't know if you know about it but Kids Week launches again on 18 June. These are selected theatre shows like Lion King, Matilda through to Les Mis and We will Rock You where you can get a free kids ticket for each adult one you buy. You have to be quick as they sell out fast but they add alternative dates all the time. Although it's called kids week, it actually runs for the whole of August. Link is www.kids week.co.uk

Whoops. Www.kidsweek.co.uk

Thanks everybody some great advice I knew I could rely on you lot! An extra little question to throw out you while you're here is he is mad about Charlie and the Chocolate factory which is on at Drury Lane BUT they have a no under 5 policy. Any one know how strict this is? could I blag my way in... 'Yes it was his 5 th birthday last week'

Thanks Londonjax will look into that!