When you live in London, it’s easy to forget how many world-class landmarks are just a Tube ride away. Kids might groan at the idea of another museum, but what if they could stand under the same arches as Harry Potter, watch the Changing of the Guard with their own eyes, or see the real Big Ben chime at noon? London’s landmarks aren’t just for tourists-they’re part of the city’s heartbeat, and with the right approach, they become unforgettable family moments.
Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament: More Than a Clock Tower
Big Ben isn’t actually the name of the tower-it’s the bell inside. But no one cares about that when you’re standing on the South Bank with your kids, watching the clock’s hands move and hearing that deep, rhythmic chime. The best time to go? Mid-morning on a weekday. The crowds are thinner, and the light hits the Gothic spires just right. Bring a snack from Fortnum & Mason-their sausage rolls are legendary-and find a bench near Westminster Bridge. Kids love spotting the boats on the Thames and pretending they’re on a royal parade.
Don’t pay to go inside unless you’re planning a guided tour (they’re only open when Parliament isn’t sitting). Instead, walk the length of the riverbank to the London Eye. You’ll get the same iconic view without the ticket line. Pro tip: If your kids are under 16, they can ride the London Eye for free during certain off-peak hours-check the official site before you go.
The Tower of London: History That Doesn’t Feel Like School
The Tower of London isn’t just a castle-it’s a prison, a treasury, a royal palace, and home to the Crown Jewels. And yes, it’s haunted. The Beefeaters (officially called Yeoman Warders) are the key. These are not actors-they’re retired soldiers with decades of service. Their stories are real, dark, and oddly funny. Ask one about Anne Boleyn’s ghost or the ravens. They’ll tell you the ravens can’t fly away because their wings are clipped-and if they do, the kingdom will fall. Kids believe it. They always do.
Book timed entry tickets online. The queues at the entrance can stretch past the London Bridge. Once inside, head straight to the Crown Jewels. The glass cases are guarded by armed soldiers, and the diamonds are so bright they look fake. The Medieval Palace exhibit has interactive screens where kids can try on virtual armor. There’s also a small playground near the entrance if you need a break. Pack sandwiches-there’s a café, but it’s overpriced and crowded.
The London Eye: A Sky-High Perspective
At 135 meters tall, the London Eye gives you a view of the whole city. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Windsor Castle. For families, the best time to ride is late afternoon. The light is golden, the city lights start to come on, and the queues are shorter than in the middle of the day.
Book a family ticket-it’s cheaper than buying four singles. Choose a capsule with a window seat for the kids. The ride lasts 30 minutes, and there’s no spinning, so it’s perfect for toddlers and grandparents alike. Bring a camera. You’ll want to capture the moment your child points at St. Paul’s and says, “That’s where they got married!” (They’re thinking of Prince Charles and Diana, but it’s still a sweet moment.)
Afterward, walk down to the Southbank Centre. There’s often free street performance-jugglers, magicians, or live music. Grab ice cream from St. John’s, a local favorite near Waterloo Bridge. Their salted caramel flavor is the real deal.
London’s Parks: Nature with a Side of History
London has more than 3,000 parks, but only a few are truly family landmarks. Hyde Park is the obvious pick. Rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine, feed the ducks near Diana Memorial Fountain, or let the kids run wild at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. It’s one of the best in the world-think rope bridges, sand pits, and water features designed by a landscape architect who actually listened to children.
For something quieter, head to Greenwich Park. It’s free, it’s less crowded, and you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city. Don’t miss the Royal Observatory. Kids can stand on the Prime Meridian line and pose with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and one in the Western. The gift shop sells compasses shaped like London buses-perfect souvenirs.
And if you’re in east London, Victoria Park in Bow has a giant splash pad, a miniature railway, and a weekly farmers’ market with free samples. It’s where locals go when they want to feel like they’ve escaped the city-without leaving it.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: Quiet Grandeur for Busy Families
St. Paul’s doesn’t get the same buzz as the Tower or the Eye, but it’s one of the most family-friendly landmarks in London. The dome is climbable-528 steps to the Golden Gallery. It’s a workout, but kids love the challenge. There’s a rest stop halfway with a view of the Thames. The Whispering Gallery is another hit-stand on one side, whisper, and your voice travels all the way around. Kids giggle for ten minutes straight.
Entry is £20 for adults, but under-17s get in free. The cathedral’s crypt has a small exhibition on the Great Fire of London. There’s a hands-on fire engine kids can climb into. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch the choir singing Evensong. It’s free, it’s at 5:30 PM on weekdays, and it’s the most beautiful half-hour your family will spend in London.
Madame Tussauds: Wax That Feels Real
Yes, it’s touristy. But if your kids are into pop culture, this is the place. The new Marvel Super Heroes zone lets them pose with Spider-Man and Black Widow. The Royal Family section is surprisingly detailed-the Queen’s crown looks real, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s mustache is perfect. There’s also a 4D cinema experience with a London-themed ride that includes rain, wind, and a surprise rollercoaster drop.
Buy tickets online. The line outside can be 45 minutes long. Skip the gift shop unless you want a £25 keychain. Instead, head to the nearby London Planetarium-it’s free with your Tussauds ticket, and the space show is mind-blowing for ages 8 and up.
London’s Hidden Gem: The Churchill War Rooms
Most families skip this one. Big mistake. The Churchill War Rooms are a network of underground bunkers where Britain planned its victory in WWII. The rooms are frozen in time-telephones still on the desk, maps pinned to the walls, even the tea cups from 1945. Kids can press buttons to hear real audio clips of Churchill’s speeches. One boy once shouted, “He sounds like a grumpy grandad!” and everyone laughed.
It’s tucked under the streets of Whitehall. Entry is £26 for adults, but kids under 16 are free. The café serves proper English scones with clotted cream. Buy one. Sit by the window. Watch the traffic. And remember: this is where a whole country held its breath.
Final Tips for London Families
- Get an Oyster card or use contactless payment. Kids under 11 ride free on Tube and buses.
- Many landmarks offer free family trails-pick one up at the entrance. The British Museum’s “Treasure Hunt” is a hit with 7- to 12-year-olds.
- Plan one big landmark per day. London is exhausting. A walk in Kensington Gardens after the Natural History Museum is better than cramming three sites.
- Use the London Pass only if you’re hitting five or more paid attractions. It’s worth it for families who plan ahead.
- Don’t underestimate the power of a pub garden. Many have play areas and kids’ menus. The Red Lion in Soho has a tiny garden with swings and free juice boxes.
London doesn’t ask you to choose between history and fun. It gives you both-side by side, in the same breath. Whether you’re standing under the arches of Tower Bridge, watching the pigeons swirl around Trafalgar Square, or eating fish and chips by the Thames with salt still on your fingers, you’re not just seeing landmarks. You’re making memories that stick.
What’s the best time of year to visit London landmarks with kids?
Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal. The weather is mild, the crowds are smaller than in summer, and many attractions have special family events. Easter and half-term weeks are busy but worth it for themed activities like the Tower’s knight tours or the British Museum’s dinosaur hunts.
Are London landmarks wheelchair and stroller friendly?
Most major landmarks are fully accessible. The London Eye, Tower of London, and St. Paul’s have ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets. Some older buildings like the Churchill War Rooms have narrow staircases, but they offer guided tours for visitors with mobility needs. Strollers are allowed everywhere, though some areas like the Whispering Gallery at St. Paul’s require you to leave them at the entrance.
Which London landmarks are free to visit?
Many of London’s best landmarks are free: Trafalgar Square, the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. You can also walk along the Thames Path, explore Covent Garden’s street performers, or wander through Hyde Park without paying a penny. Free doesn’t mean less impressive-it just means you save money for ice cream.
How do I avoid long lines at popular attractions?
Book tickets online in advance. Most major sites offer timed entry slots. Arrive right at opening time-lines are shortest before 10 a.m. Skip the ticket booth entirely. Also, consider visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Weekends and Fridays are packed. And if you’re staying for more than a few days, the London Pass can skip lines at some sites.
What should I pack for a day of landmark-hopping with kids?
Comfortable shoes (seriously, wear them), a light rain jacket (London weather changes fast), snacks, water bottles, a portable charger, and a small first-aid kit. Bring a foldable stroller if you have toddlers. And don’t forget a notebook or sketchpad-kids love drawing the landmarks they see. Many museums offer free activity sheets at the entrance.
