London is a bustling city filled with rich history, vibrant culture, and countless family-friendly attractions. As a parent travelling with young children, you’ll find plenty of things to love about this iconic city, but there are also some challenges. From stroller-friendly streets to public transport tips, I’ve gathered 10 essential insights I wish I knew before our family adventure in London. Whether it’s your first trip or you're returning with kids, this guide will help you navigate the city like a pro!
I may be a bit biased considering London is my favourite city in the whole world and we are planning to move to this cultural metropolitan in the near future but anyways, here’s a list of things you might want to read up upon before your trip to this beautifully chaotic city.
1. London is Very Stroller-Friendly
Consider packing your favorite stroller for this one. If there’s one thing for sure when you visit London, you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Especially when exploring central London, you'll want to do so on foot to soak in the beauty of the historical streets. But don’t worry if you need to hop on public transport—the Tube, buses, and trains can accommodate strollers, even if it means squeezing in a bit!
2. There Are Plenty of Changing Tables
When travelling to a new country, I always do my research about where to find changing tables. Although I’ve learned to change nappies in the stroller like a pro, I much prefer using a proper changing table. Thankfully, in London, you can find them around nearly every corner. Department stores like Harrods, John Lewis, and M&S, large stations, museums, and tourist attractions usually have them. Even most pubs offer changing facilities—just ask the staff for the key, as many times they’re in the disabled lavatory.
3. Museums are free for both you and your children
In London, most museums are free for everyone, including kids! Major ones like the British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, National Gallery, and the Natural History Museum don’t charge an entry fee. Plus, if you’re with a stroller, you might even get to skip the line, especially at the British Museum. A great time-saver!
4. Tourist Attractions Can Be Overwhelming
As much as I love London, I must admit, it can be overwhelming. With any large metropolis, the crowds can take a toll on both you and your little ones. The good news is that if you're exploring on foot, the crowds thin out just a short walk away from the tourist hotspots. But if you or your child get overwhelmed easily, avoid places like Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Leicester Square, and Tower Bridge during peak times. Early mornings are much more manageable.
5. Breastfeeding in Public Is Completely Fine
Breastfeeding in public is totally normal in London, and I’ve never gotten any strange looks. But if you prefer feeding areas, you can find them at Harrods, The British Museum, Selfridges, John Lewis, and other large warehouses.
6. High Chairs Are Available Everywhere
Nearly every restaurant, pub, or café has high chairs, even some of the posh ones. When we first visited, we were pleasantly surprised to find a high chair in the pub! It’s so common here. Even at places like The Ivy, they provide high chairs, which helps you feel better about bringing your little one along.
7. Londoners love children
Londoners absolutely adore kids, and our son Logan got a lot of attention and compliments wherever we went. Whether in a lift, at a restaurant, or even in the Tube, people were so friendly and eager to engage with him. One of our favorite experiences was dining at The Ivy, where the staff was so accommodating, Logan even ended up greeting other guests with the hostess!
8. Royal Parks Are Perfect for Unwinding
London is blessed with a collection of Royal Parks that provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. These parks, like Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, are ideal for kids to run around while you take a breather. Even in busy areas, the parks never feel too crowded, and they’re well-maintained year-round. Don’t forget to check out Richmond Park and Bushy Park, where you might even spot some deer!
9. There’s more to London than just central London
Central London is just the beginning! London is made up of 32 boroughs, and there’s so much more to see outside of the center. Take a trip to Richmond Park, explore the beautiful Kew Gardens, or visit Hampton Court Palace. If you have time, Battersea and Crystal Palace are also worth exploring, and they offer a quieter side of London.
10. Public Transport Is Easy, Once You Get the Hang of It
London’s public transport system is amongst one of the largest and most well organised in the world. Pretty much every location is reachable by either the underground, bus or train. However, there are so many options that it can become quite overwhelming. I could dedicate a full blog post on just this alone (and maybe will in the future). While it might seem overwhelming at first, apps like Google Maps make navigating the city much easier. Just choose the best route that works for your family, and off you go!
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