trip to london

[frazzled74]

have booked cheapo travelodge room at tower bridge in feb half term. i would like ideas for nearby attractions (pref walking distance).it will be myself, ds15, ds2 and dd5. ds 15 will probably wander off on his own for a while. all help appreciated thanks

Have a look at Unicorn Theatre and see if they have anything for 5 and under, as that is very close by.

The walk along the river is great - you would see HMS Belfast, then borough Market, the Golden Hinde replica, Tate Modern (whch should have children's activities at half term) etc. and if your 5 yo is a good walker you could make it all the way to the London Eye and aquarium along the river path, with a stop for a drink and a bun.

Really, with a 5 yo, the best attractions are the Natural History Museum (free), the aquarium (not cheap!!), maybe a duck tour (from near the Eye), if the weather is nice you could get a boat downstream to greenwich - the Observatory in the park as a space /astronomy museum.

The South Bank is great for little ones. Lots of space for running and a few free things to do (e.g. Tate Modern), child-friendly cafes etc. Also the London Eye and Aquarium (not free!).

Blu beat me to it with better info

Oh, and if you walk from the National Theatre to the Eye / Aquarium, you will pass a huge array of street performers, which will keep your dd amused for ages and only cost you what you choose to give.

Behind the Unicorn thetare there is a square with small fountains set into the ground, which childre love. And an M&S for sticking uon snack foods.

Nearby attractions for your 15 yo could be the London Dungeon, by London bridge, The Clink (a horror museum set in an old prison) in the streets behind Borough market, close to the Golden Hinde, and maybe HMS Belfast. Dungeon and clink NOT suitable for smaller ones!

London aquarium isn't worth the money imo, last time we went we were there for less than an hour.

Young boys seem to love HMS Belfast. Not much more I can think of, Blu has given a very good list!

Agree with all of this but you should maybe think about the Tower of London too. And if you want to go on the tube (a big adventure for some kids) go to the Science Museum and Natural History Museum, although they get VERY busy at half term.

mmm, not sure that a 5 yo girl would get the best out of the Tower - and again it's not cheap. And the tour inside is up and down stone spiral staircases - nightmare with a 2yo / buggy.

I would brave the tube and go to the NHM and science museum. Get there as early as poss. Science museum generally slightly less busy than NHM, and head straight for 'Launchpad', the interactive bit.

Sorry, didn't read the ages properly!

great ideas thanks.

the Princess Diana garden in Kensington gardens is brilliant. A great big pirate ship to climb on, sand, toys, musical instruments all free
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London transport musem is very hands on and no problem running around. Free for children - you have to pay for adults [£10 i think]. Its in convent garden so lots of free entertainment and very cool for your 15 yr old to wander around. Could get the bus or tube to it.

Harrods is very interesting - the massive toy floor, Egyptian staircase, food hall, pets and near the free museums. The science museum has excellent hands on children's section where kids stay for hours but it is busy. Go early or late as it so busy.

The boat to Greenwich is a great idea. The commuter one is cheaper, faster and more fun than the tourist guide ones which can get a bit boring.