This plan balances famous sights with hands-on fun and relaxed time outdoors, keeping each day focused on a nearby area. Times between stops are approximate by public transport or on foot, and prices are per person unless noted.
Budget
Approximately £170–£280 per person for listed attractions and meals, excluding accommodation and local transport; children’s prices vary by age.
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn (May–September) for longer daylight and milder weather; book major attractions ahead, especially in school holidays.
Westminster and the South Bank
See London’s landmark sights, then cross the river for a big wheel, riverside stroll and an easy family dinner.
Morning
See Westminster’s landmarks
Explore the area around and ; allow time to admire the buildings from outside, or book an Abbey visit. The Abbey is about a 5-minute walk from .
FreeMorning
Visit
A fascinating look at royal history and architecture; family tickets and child rates are available, and advance booking is helpful. It’s about a 5-minute walk from .
About From £13 for children; adults from £30Afternoon
Ride the
Cross Westminster Bridge and take in the city from the observation wheel; pre-booking can save time. It’s about a 15-minute walk from .
About From £29 for children; adults from £39Afternoon
Wander the
Enjoy the riverside walk, street performers and views toward St Paul’s; stop for a snack whenever the family needs a break. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the .
FreeEvening
Have a relaxed dinner at
Choose from stalls with plenty of family-friendly options; check opening hours, as the market is not open every evening. Take the Jubilee line from Waterloo to London Bridge, around 10 minutes including station access.
About £10–£20
South Kensington museums and Hyde Park
Spend the day among engaging, mostly free museums before unwinding in one of London’s best-known parks.
Morning
Explore the
See the dinosaur galleries and impressive Hintze Hall; allow a couple of hours, especially with children. The is about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeMorning
Try the hands-on galleries at the
Interactive exhibits make this a good family stop; the Wonderlab has an additional ticket charge. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the .
FreeAfternoon
Take a break in
Stretch your legs, find a playground or stroll by the Serpentine after the museums. It’s roughly a 15-minute walk from the to the park’s southern paths.
FreeEvening
Dinner around
Head back toward the station for an easy choice of casual restaurants and cafés. It’s about a 15-minute walk from ’s southern paths.
About £15–£25
Tower of London and Covent Garden
Start with fortress history by the river, then finish with street performers and a choice of family-friendly West End entertainment.
Morning
Discover the
Explore the fortress, meet the Beefeaters and see the Crown Jewels; book ahead and allow at least half a day. Arrive directly by Tube or on foot from a nearby hotel.
About From £15 for children; adults from £34Afternoon
Walk across
Enjoy the river views from this famous bridge; the exhibition and glass walkway are optional extras. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the entrance.
FreeAfternoon
Explore
Browse the market halls and watch the street performers, with plenty of nearby places for an early bite. Take the Tube from Tower Hill to , around 20 minutes including station access.
FreeEvening
Catch a family-friendly West End show
Choose a suitable performance for your family and book tickets in advance; matinees can work better for younger children. Many theatres are about a 5–15-minute walk from .
About From around £25
Good to know
Getting around
Use contactless payment or an Oyster card on the Tube and buses; children under 11 travel free on buses and the Tube when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
Booking
Reserve timed entry for the , , and any theatre show. Check opening times before setting out.
Family pace
Build in snack and playground breaks, and consider choosing either the or if your children tire of museums.
Market hours
’s hours vary and it closes on some days, so confirm it is open before making it your dinner plan.