10 day itinerary
London
Itinerary
Planning a family-friendly itinerary for London during the festive season sounds like a delightful adventure! However, I must mention that London in late December to early January typically experiences chilly weather, often below 25 degrees Celsius. But let’s embrace the holiday spirit and create a fun-filled itinerary that keeps everyone entertained, even if it’s a bit brisk outside!
Day 1: Arrival in London
- Morning: Arrive in London and check into your family-friendly hotel. Consider staying in areas like or for easy access to attractions.
- Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around . Enjoy the festive decorations, street performers, and maybe grab a hot chocolate.
- Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like Pizza Express or a classic British pub with a cozy atmosphere.
Day 2: Explore the Royal Parks
- Morning: Head to and visit the . Enjoy ice skating, festive rides, and delicious treats.
- Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch in the park (weather permitting) or grab something from one of the stalls. Afterward, explore and see the .
- Evening: Dinner at a nearby restaurant, then take a walk to see the Christmas lights on Oxford Street.
Day 3: Museums and Culture
- Morning: Visit the . The dinosaur exhibit is a must-see for the kids!
- Afternoon: Head to the next door. It’s interactive and perfect for curious minds.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner in . Consider a family-friendly Indian restaurant like Dishoom.
Day 4: Iconic London
- Morning: Take a ride on the for stunning views of the city. Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
- Afternoon: Walk along the , stopping at the (free entry) and the . Grab lunch at one of the riverside eateries.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the area, then take a river cruise to see the city lights from the Thames.
Day 5: Day Trip to Windsor
- Morning: Take a train to Windsor (about 30 minutes). Visit , the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world.
- Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Windsor and have lunch at a local café. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful .
- Evening: Return to London and have dinner at a restaurant near your hotel.
Day 6: Harry Potter Day
- Morning: Visit the . Book tickets in advance as they sell out quickly!
- Afternoon: Enjoy the magical experience and have lunch at the studio café.
- Evening: Return to London and have dinner at a themed restaurant, like the Rainforest Café, for a fun atmosphere.
Day 7: Shopping and Theatre
- Morning: Spend the morning shopping at or along . Don’t forget to check out the toy department at !
- Afternoon: Have lunch at a nearby café, then head to the for a matinee show. Consider family-friendly options like “The Lion King” or “Matilda.”
- Evening: Dinner in the after the show. There are plenty of family-friendly options around!
Day 8: Historical London
- Morning: Visit the . Explore the history and see the .
- Afternoon: Walk across and have lunch at a nearby café. Then, visit the for some delicious snacks.
- Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the area, then take a stroll along the Thames.
Day 9: Adventure
- Morning: Take a boat to . Visit the and stand on the .
- Afternoon: Explore the and have lunch at a local pub. Don’t miss the for unique gifts!
- Evening: Return to central London and enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant, perhaps with a view of the city.
Day 10: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or a visit to a nearby attraction like the .
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
Budget Tips:
- Accommodation: Look for family deals or apartments to save on meals.
- Transport: Consider getting an Oyster card for easy travel on public transport.
- Attractions: Book tickets in advance for popular attractions to save time and sometimes money.
I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in London! Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to embrace the festive spirit, even if it’s a bit chilly!
