Travelling in London

[Parkermumma07]

I'm looking for some advice on travelling in London, I've never been before and am going to take the kids 5 and 3 and the hubby. We're going to see Parliament (hubby is into politics) and maybe the zoo or one of the big parks for the kids.

Were getting the train down to King's Cross from Leeds and other than that I have no idea what I do about getting around etc, I'm hoping to use the under ground but am a bit scared I'll get lost. The hotel is near Liverpool Street so will need to get a train (under ground) to Westminster.

Other than that don't really have any set in stone plans.

What is it like in London using the underground? Is it easy? Is it reasonably priced? Is there enough to do with the kids?

Were only there for 2 nights.

Any advice would be massively appreciated :)

Underground is the quickest way to get around. You can get an app which can do the journey planning for you. It’s not that cheap but get Oyster cards for the kids (you can use your debit card for yourself).
Buses allow you to see London as you travel around but it’s slow. Again you need an oyster/debit card.
Walking if course - just check in google maps and it will show you the route.
One of those hop on hop off bus tours might be worth doing.
If going to some things - like London Eye - be sure to buy tickets in advance as queues are incredibly long.

Kids are free on buses and tubes so no need for Oyster for them - and the tube is very easy with kids.

Citymapper is best for getting from place to place, though google maps is good as well.

For kids near Parliament either head over the river to the South Bank - lots to see (outdoor performers, river etc) or up to St James’s Park which is lovely - cafe is ££ but there is a fab playground down the Buckingham Palace end which is hardly ever really busy.

I’d also go to Kensington Gardens with kids because the Diana playground is so brilliant - and dead easy from Liverpool St on the Central line.

All museums will have great stuff for kids - the obvious ones are the South Ken ones (Natural History, Science and V&A) but my personal favourite with kids is the Museum of London, which is also much closer to where you’re staying.

1. download the citymapper app - it will show you how to get around on public transport and where walking/taxi is a better option
2. you don't need to pay for the children so long as they're travelling with you and you're paying - pay as you go ( you can get a visitor oyster for this) or contactless debit/credit card for each of you.
3. there is absolutely loads to do. Check out this site and use your train tickets. www.daysoutguide.co.uk/2for1-london

Thank you for the response I've downloaded the app. It looks good.

The kids will be free with them being under 5 at the time of travel. So should save us a bit on travel costs.

Those suggestions of parks look fantastic thank you :)

Relly lloking forward to the trip now :),

Hurrah! Have a lovely time.

tfl.gov.uk/ is also a useful website re London's transport network.

Ask your MP to book you on a tour of Parliament if you fancy that (possibly if the kids are doing something else though, doubt it would be their cup of tea!)

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Today 09:58 Frefre17

Hi , I am driving from the northeast on M1 to central London for 3 days. Can anyone recommend best car parks to park outside London near a tube line that is not too expensive ? Many thanks