London & Portsmouth with toddler

[AllTheLaundry]

If you were to fly to London for a few days and then take the train to Portsmouth to visit family, then do the opposite for the return journey, which London airport would you aim for?

Also, what would you recommend doing in London with a toddler? Any hints & tips in general? We've barely gone anywhere since having DS and before you ask, family is of no use for recommendations unfortunately.

If you catching the train then Heathrow is easiest as it's on the tube line. But Gatwick is the closest to Portsmouth if driving.

Many years since I've had a toddler in London but anywhere with street artists and musicians (south bank near the London eye or Covent Garden) was always a hit.

Thanks. Is there an area you'd suggest for accommodation?

I'd try and either stay somewhere very central so seeing the sites is easy and you can nip back to the hotel for naps/ stuff if needed. And try and get somewhere near one of the many parks so if they are early risers/ evening fun you can go to a playground.

Otherwise there are loads of very 'family areas' which will give you a great high street boutiques/ restaurants and bit more of a home from home feeling. Chiswick is zone 2, as is Stoke Newington/ Islington.

Are you going back to stay in London after Portsmouth, or heading to an airport from Portsmouth? If so Gatwick might be easier - you can get the train directly from Portsmouth to Gatwick.

@CatsLikeBoxes, we're looking to fly out of Southampton I think. So we could fly into any London airport on the way in. Just whichever is easiest. Forgot to check if any were on the tube lines too so that definitely helps