London at Christmas - things to do with 5 year old

[labamba007]

Anyone have any tips on things to do in London at the end of November. We're taking 5 year old DS!

We took 4 year old DD in August for the first time. We travelled up and stayed overnight.

Day 1 we went to the Natural History Museum. She’s dinosaur and animal mad so loved it! It was unbearably hot in there, but don’t think you’ll have the same issue in November!!

After than we went to South Bank for the evening, had some dinner, wandered, went in the carousel, looked at London eye, Big Ben etc from there.

Day 2 we did a Thames boat trip down to Tower of London. Didn’t have time to do that justice so just wandered around the outside (but think we’d do it another time!?) and went on Tower Bridge.

Went for lunch in China Town then visited Hamleys; hubby has fond memories of being taken there as a kid and lots of toys, but found it a bit packed myself.

Time to head home after that.

DD loved it and keeps asking when we’re going back to London 🙂

Should add obviously this wasn’t Christmas! Historically there used to be nice stalls along South Bank (mini Xmas market) but it’s been over 5 years since we last went to London around Xmas so don’t know if that still happens.

There’s a great Lego store in Leicester Square and an M and M shop (which I don’t really understand) but I agree with Partyqueen. You could stay on the boat down to Greenwich and go on the City Sark or visit the Maritime Museum. There is also a Museum of Childhood at Bethnal Green.

I would personally stay away from the toy shops. I would second showing dc Big Ben and the eye (go on the eye if you can but it is £££!!).

Covent Garden good for the decorations and street performers, they do 'snowfall' every hour or so but not when it starts.

There is the transport museum there too, I didn't enjoy that but I seem to be a lone voice!

Natural History Museum good - Aquarium also really good!

Very £££ but the Ampersands themed afternoon tea is really great for kids just near the NHM.