This plan mixes London’s big sights with hands-on museums, parks and easy meals that work well for families. Each day stays within one main area, with short travel times between stops; costs are rough per-person estimates in pounds.
Budget
About £80–£200 per person, excluding accommodation, local transport and major show upgrades; museum visits and parks are mostly free.
Best time to visit
Late spring or early autumn for generally mild weather and comfortable days outdoors. School holidays can be busier, so book popular attractions and shows ahead.
Westminster and the South Bank
See iconic Westminster landmarks, then cross the river for a relaxed riverside afternoon and evening.
Morning
See Big Ben and
Start with the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the statues around . The sights are close together, so allow time for photos and a gentle wander.
FreeAfternoon
Ride the
Walk about 10 minutes from across Westminster Bridge to the . The slow-moving capsules offer a memorable city view; booking ahead can save queuing.
About £30–£45Afternoon
Explore
It’s about a 2-minute walk from the to this riverside green space, a handy spot for a break and a little room to play.
FreeEvening
Dinner at the
Walk around 8 minutes along the river from to the Southbank Centre. Browse the food stalls for an informal dinner; check opening days and hours before you go.
About £10–£20
South Kensington
Spend a full day around South Kensington’s superb museums, with an outdoor break nearby.
Morning
Discover the
Explore the dinosaur gallery, wildlife displays and grand Hintze Hall. General admission is free, but special exhibitions may charge and timed entry can be useful at busy times.
FreeAfternoon
Get hands-on at the
Walk about 5 minutes from the to the for interactive galleries that suit a range of ages. Entry to the main museum is free; some experiences cost extra.
FreeAfternoon
Unwind in
Take a 15-minute walk from the to for fresh air and a change of pace. The Diana Memorial Playground is a popular family stop, though access and opening hours can vary.
FreeEvening
Have an easy dinner in South Kensington
Walk about 15 minutes back toward South Kensington station, where you’ll find plenty of casual family-friendly restaurants. Choose a nearby option to keep the evening simple after a museum-filled day.
About £15–£30
Covent Garden and Leicester Square
Enjoy central London’s street performers, a colourful market and a classic family-friendly evening show.
Morning
Watch the performers in
Explore the market hall and surrounding piazza, where street performers often entertain visitors. Arrive earlier for a calmer visit and check performance schedules on the day.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the National Gallery
Walk about 12 minutes from to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. Its collection is free to visit, and a short highlights route can keep the visit engaging for children.
FreeAfternoon
Browse
It’s around a 7-minute walk from the National Gallery to . Enjoy the small garden and nearby sweets and souvenir shops before dinner.
FreeEvening
See a family-friendly West End show
Most West End theatres are a short walk from , so choose a suitable show and check its age guidance before booking. Allow about 5–15 minutes to walk to your theatre, depending on the venue.
About £25–£100+
Good to know
Getting around
Use contactless payment or an Oyster card on buses and the Tube. A daily journey cap can help keep transport costs predictable; children’s fares and free-travel rules depend on age.
Planning with children
Leave time for snack and toilet breaks, and check museum entry arrangements, playground hours and food-market opening days before setting out.
Show tickets
Check age recommendations and running times before booking a West End show. Earlier performances can suit younger children better.