A London vacation is an adventure that offers something for the whole family. Because this great city has such a diversity of attractions, you can plan your trip to make sure everyone’s interests are covered. To do this, however, takes some planning. Here are some suggestions to make your London trip unforgettable for everyone.
Attraction for the Kids
With all its museums, old buildings and historical tours, London is a great place to feed your intellectual and cultural interests. While it’s also good to provide kids with educational experiences, remember that they also like to have fun. Fortunately, London has many kid-friendly attractions. For one thing, there are some fantastic plays and musicals that are appropriate for kids, including Wicked The Musical, Shrek The Musical and The Lion King.
When you’re shopping in London, there are some stops that your kids will appreciate. One of the best of these is the Toy Kingdom in Harrods, which has many incredible experiences such as an Enchanted Forest and an old-fashioned candy store. Another great experience for kids in London is ZSL London Zoo, which offers children the opportunity to meet animals up close with zookeepers.
Enjoy Shopping
There’s a good chance that at least someone in your family enjoys shopping. In London, you have everything from luxurious department stores to traditional markets. It’s best to sample a variety of shopping experiences in different parts of London. If you enjoy busy and diverse outdoor markets, don’t miss the Portobello Road Market, which is most famous for antiques but contains everything from clothing to food, music and books.
The best market for food is probably Borough Market, which dates back to the 13th century and now contains hundreds of stalls and vendors, selling items from all over the world. Westfield London is the city’s largest retail shopping area and has, over 300 stores. If you prefer elegant boutiques, galleries and designer shops, spend a few hours wandering around Mayfair.
Outdoor Activities
While some people are perfectly content to spend their vacation riding tour buses or wandering museums, others need some activity. In London, you can easily find a balance of activities. One of the most enjoyable ways to see the city is on a bike tour. Despite the traffic, London is actually a bike-friendly city. This is a way to see all of the fascinating London neighborhoods up close.
There are hundreds of bike tours, some focusing on major attractions while others are more specialized, covering history, food, art, literature and other interests. If you prefer to see London from the water, consider taking a Thames Rocket boat tour, which takes you down the Thames in a fast RIB (rigid inflatable boat).
Visit the Best Museums
The best museums offer something for the whole family. London has a dazzling number of museums, more than you’ll be able to fit into a single trip. You can choose one of the best areas to stay in London to make your access to museums convenient and easy. The British Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world, covering all of history and containing original items from the Parthenon, Egyptian mummies and the Rosetta Stone among many other exhibits.
Art lovers will want to visit the National Gallery, which specializes in European paintings. The Natural History Museum is another great museum with a vast collection of exhibits of animals and geological items. The Museum of London covers the city’s entire history, going back to prehistoric times.
London has something to offer people of all ages and tastes. The above are some of the highlights in a city that is full of history, architecture, entertainment, shopping and great food. When you plan your trip, make sure you consider everyone’s preferences so that your whole family has a great time.
About the Author
Anica is a professional content and copywriter from San Francisco, California. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. If you are looking for the best areas to stay in London, Anica suggests you check out London Connection as a great resource.