What area to stay in London?

[Cumberlover76]

We are thinking of a trip to London this summer with DD(9) as she wants to see some sights and go to Hamleys. There is a chance we could stay at a friends place in Tuffnel Park. Not knowing London that well, is that an ok location to get to the places we want to visit, National History Museum, Trafalgar Square etc? Or would we be better off looking for an air bnb or something. Bearing in mind friends place wil be free. Thanks.

You could literally stay anywhere on the tube line in London and get to those places easily as very well connected. Have a great time!

Tufnell Park is perhaps 20-30 mins from anywhere in the centre (2 tube stops to Camden, 4 to Kings Cross, 8 to Leicester Sq) - you will spend a bit on tube fares but literally pennies compared to what a more central AirBnb would cost. In your circumstance I would very gratefully accept the free accommodation.
And you'll get to see an untouristy area of London where real north Londoners live - there are some very nice local bakeries, restaurants etc in the areas if you do your homework.
Its also only c.20mins walk onto the southern part of Hampstead Heath, if you fancy some fresh air or a good view.

Tufnell Park is perfectly lovely. You can be standing in Trafalgar Square in minutes, as Geranibum points out. I would say yes please!

Yep - very untouristy and yet not too far from where you want to get to.

Have a trundle through on the 390 bus from Tufnell Park/Junction Road if you have time.

Yes Tufnell Park is a good place for access to the places you want to visit. Tube goes direct to the station for Trafalgar Square, only one change for the Natural History Museum, and you can walk to Hampstead Heath which I expect DD would enjoy. Lovely canalside walk from Camden will take you to London Zoo (you need to book in advance for that).

134 bus a good start for some sightseeing on the way.

(In case you are wondering why I know a bit about the area, my mum first met my dad there, all those years ago).

Yes. It’s a nice suburb, some things you can do locally like walk around Hampstead, Camden market, some nice cafes and so on near by, and not too far into central London/museums etc.