London- what to do with the dcs (10,7,3) for 4 days?

[bramblina]

Any advice most welcome, I just booked flights last night for Easter hols, we plan Legoland (tell me, 1 day or 2?) and friends in Oxford but for the other days I think London city.

So far my thoughts are;
Natural History Museum
Science Museum
Tower of London
London Eye
Hop-on-hop-off bus to see Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus etc.

We live in the far north of Scotland, rurally, so it's a great culture experience for the kids!

We also need accommodation, and are thinking of Prenier Inn, simply for £ and we know what we'll get but would love an apartment of anyone knows of any for a similar price?

We think we'll use train/tube for the the first half then hire a car for Legoland/Oxford- any advice on car hire would be great too.

Thanks!!

If you do see the dinos, dive round the corner to the mammal hall and see the blue whale as well. My kids seem to get more of out of it, really.

I wouldn't waste even one day in filthy, over-priced Legoland. Seriously, its the grimmest theme park I've even been to and I've been twice so it wasn't just that I or it was having a bad day.

Four days in London:
London Zoo
Natural History Museum
Science Museum
London Eye is pricey, but if the weather is good the views are unrivalled
Greenwich/Cutty Sark
Hyde Park and Diana playground/fountain
Museum of London (maybe not great for your 3-year-old, but fascinating for everyone else)
Some kids like Tate Modern
Borough Market (if you're in London on Fri/Sat)
Sightseeing bus

That's four days' worth right there.

IMO the dinos AREN'T overrated - not if your kids are dino-mad like mine are.

And the last time I went on the Thames Clipper I was horrified at the cost, so check this out before you commit. Also, London from the river isn't that great, for the most part. Going under Tower Bridge is good, but the Thames is such a grimy, tidal river - its not romantic like the Seine.

We LOVE the Science Museum and its always possible to get away from the crowds if you just wander. The play areas are nice, but certainly not the only things that appeal to DC.

This is the MN reviews of Legoland:
www.mumsnet.com/reviews/family-days-out/theme-parks-uk/13406-legoland

I wouldn't bother with the Eye , boring as hell . Greenwich is lovely . Legoland for 1 day only .

Do your older DC like Harry Potter because you could also do Kings cross and / or the studio tour ( you will need a car for the latter )

Two days in legoland, especially with three dcs as it reduces the number of arguments. If you decide to go, read the threads on here for invaluable advice!

The hop on hop off bus is really expensive. I think I would just work out an itinerary that takes you past the sights over the days that you are there.

Some great ideas here, thanks

Look at Airbnb for accommodation.

For the future doh! Hope you had a great time.