London with kids

[intheaviary]

Hoping to go to London in a couple of weeks for one night. My eldest (4) wants to go to the Natural History Museum, so that’s the main attraction, but we plan to see the other landmarks too.

Has anyone got any recommendations of where to stay and eat? Not too expensive / family friendly / not too far away from where we need to be? The thought of the tube with littlies is giving me palpitations a bit.
We also have another DC aged 1.

I love London and have visited often, but never with kids! So any tips greatly appreciated 🙏🏻
Also if anyone has any tips for visiting the museum itself that would be great! I have never been myself. Thank you.

Bump

Where are you coming in from?

Hotels on the South bank are often recommended on here. Premier Inn good value.

The tube is doable, also good buses and Thames riverboat (run by Uber) for a change of pace.

You won't get to do everything in a day so what are your must-do apart from NHM?

I'd suggest getting the boat from embankment (easy walk from parliament Square/Trafalgar Square) to Tower of London and visiting HMS Belfast and/or London Transport Museum.

Thank you.
we are coming into kings cross

There's a premier inn at St Pancras that has worked really well for us in the past. They will store luggage so you can leave your cases there till you come back to get the train home.

It's easier to use a carrier than a buggy on the tube, if you're used to it. Get your four year old to practice walking nicely, holding hands and doing escalators before you go (if they aren't used to it already)

Oh the other thing to be aware of is the gates on the underground. Always go for the wide gates but make sure your child doesn't stand on the metal floor of the gate while you're trying to open it or it won't work.

I used to hold child in my left hand and keep them slightly back from the gate (ticket goes in right hand - contactless or oyster is easiest to handle with a child on hand)

Near kings cross my son likes the postal museum, it has an underground train and a soft play. Could be an option for you. Have a look on their website.