London In December Help

[TheSoddingCat]

Visiting london with DD6 at the start of December and need help with a couple things. Will be there December 1st - December 5th.

Would like to do a bus tour of the Christmas lights. Googled and found one that starts at The Eye but was wondering if anyone had any recommendations before I book that. Someone said I need an open top bus tour of the west end lights, can anyone direct me to a company that would do that please? Were they right, is that the one we need?

DD has a blue badge and we're staying in a hotel in Piccadilly. Hotel offers no parking. Where would the nearest disabled parking be? Again, I've Googled but can't find much, assuming because there isn't much but thought it was worth asking.

Festive afternoon tea suitable for a 6 year old. No budget really. Best to just book Fortnums or is there something else a bit more special?

Is Hyde Park Winter Wonderland suitable for a 6 year old or give it a miss? Anything else festive we have to do while there?

Thank you

We always take the 139 bus route. It’s famous for being the most Christmassy route in London. Have a look at this secretldn.com/most-christmassy-bus-route-london/ which gives you top tips about where to get off en route to see things that you can’t from the road. We’ve done it in both directions.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is definitely suitable for a 6 year old and there’ll be loads for her to do. It does get very busy to try to go on a weekday, and it’s hideously expensive.

I’d definitely recommend taking her to EL&N, which goes overboard at Christmas! elnlondon.com
In terms of full afternoon tea, there’s the Toyshop themed one www.strandpalacehotel.co.uk/strand-palace/christmas-afternoon-tea.html and a festive version of Peter Rabbit thedillylondon.com/food-drink/peter-rabbit-afternoon-tea/

I’d honestly leave the car behind!

winter wonderland is fab and great fun I’d say your daughter would enjoy -but omg so expensive ! I think the rides are over a 5er a go (maybe more these days - I last went in 2019!)

yes to the 139 bus

Parking is a nightmare, better with the train in then a taxi.

I second EL&N, the DC’s love it - definitely a coffee and cake stop.

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, King’s Cross did a superb festive afternoon tea last year with great Harry Potter vibes in the lobby.
The Ritz festive afternoon tea is faultless and our DC have always been fussed over.

Winter wonderland would be a weekday activity for me, far too busy at the weekend.

Our DC loved the theatre from a young age - Matilda, Wicked etc. Always a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.

I’ve just seen that Gingerbread City will be on in time for your visit www.thegingerbreadcity.com We’ve been a couple of times before at it keeps getting bigger and better.
And check out what’s happening at Covent Garden. In recent years they’ve had snow flurries every hour on the hour.

Thank you so much for all the help. Will have a sit and look through all recommendations now.

If you are staying in Picadilly you can walk up Regent Street to see the lights or like other say take the bus

Afternoon tea - Charlie and the Chocolate factory tea at One Aldwych is fabulous my DD loved it at 17, but would have loved it at 13. Though she did also love Fortnums at 13.

Bear in mind that there is a bus strike in London on 1st to 3rd of December . I would avoid taking the car if you can parking is horrifically expensive.

the fashionista tea at The Berkeley is nice