New Year in London with 9 yo

[rootbeerfan]

I'm thinking of taking 9 yr old DD to London for New Year as a treat, I've not been in years and DD never been

Can anyone recommend cheapish, centralish accommodation?

What's good to do in London with children? I fancy doing the obvious things like the London Eye and museums but would appreciate suggestions of anywhere cheap or free as we'll be on a limited budget

Also is there much open on January 1st?

Thanks!

We took our 7,9 and 11 yr olds to London Dungeon and the I cant believe museum in the centre of town. Both are a bit gruesome but they loved it. Also there is a new years day parade in London which is fantastic. Don't forget museums like the Natural History are free and the open top buses are great.

Hello,

Did you find anywhere to stay?

How girly is your DD? The V&A have a historical clothing exhibition which includes huge court/ballroom dresses and funky sixties clothes that she might like. It is free and I think they are open over new year www.vam.ac.uk/your_visit/opening/index.html. If not then the science museum have an interactive gallery called launchpad and a very funny exhibition on the history of domestic appliances in the basement - also free. Both of these are in South Kensington. There is a GBK nearby (have a look for vouchers online) or an amazing cookie shop in the tube station. Other places to eat are quite expensive near there but all of the museums have picnic areas so you could stock up in M&S first.

The Museum of London is over by St Pauls has a good exhibition on the great fire and Roman London (rooms laid out to show how different classes of family would actually live). www.museumoflondon.org.uk/English/VisitUs/

The parade starts at noon on new years day and should be good free entertainment: www.londonparade.co.u

One of my fave places to go and just wander around as a kid was China Town. There is a restaurant on the corner near the car park called Wanchai. Everything is half price at lunch time - you can get a main course for £3 or £4 and dim sum for £2.50.

Go to the martin lewis website and print off all the restaurant vouchers before you come. There are not very many independant places to eat in central london and if there are they tend to be very expensive. However, you will find a pizza express, yo sushi, prezzo or whatever on every corner www.moneysavingexpert.com/deals/cheap-restaurant-deals

Have a lovely time