LONDON
FOR KIDS
101 of London's Best Things to do with Kids
Looking for some ideas to keep your kids entertaind in London? We have put together a few of our favourites.
Discover London's Famous Cream Beignets at the Fortitude Bakehouse
Address: 35 Colonnade, WC1N 1JD
Tucked down a cobbled mews near Russell Square, Fortitude Bakehouse is the kind of place you hope no one else knows about though the queue snaking from the door usually says otherwise. With its low key charm, benches for sunny day lounging and irresistible scent of fresh bakes, this Bloomsbury gem has carved out a devoted following. What sets it apart? Sourdough, but not just the loaves. Here, even the cakes, buns and pastries are slow fermented, giving a depth of flavour and texture that’s hard to match. Founded by Dee Rettali, whose Irish and Moroccan roots influence everything from the sausage rolls to the brioche bostock, Fortitude’s menu is full of creative surprises. The beignets filled with chocolate, cardamom and clementine cream are worth the detour alone. Whether you’re on your way to the British Museum or simply in need of a pick me up, this is one of London’s most rewarding bakery stops.
Find a moment of peace and quiet at the Wellcome Collection Library
Address: 183 Euston Rd., NW1 2BE
Step into the Wellcome Collection and you’ll find yourself in a museum like no other where art, science, medicine and culture collide in thoughtful, often unexpected ways. Just across from Euston Station, this free museum and library explores health and the human condition through a fascinating mix of exhibitions, archives and artefacts. The permanent displays sit alongside a dynamic programme of temporary exhibitions, often tackling contemporary issues with intelligence and flair. The adjoining library is a trove for the curious, featuring everything from medical manuscripts to journals on witchcraft and alchemy. With a café, shop and plenty of quiet corners to linger in, the Wellcome Collection offers a rewarding break from the everyday and an invitation to think a little differently.
Try London's best crepe at the world famous La Crêperie de Hampstead
Address: 77a Hampstead High St, NW3 1RE
La Crêperie de Hampstead, a beloved crêpe spot just off Hampstead High Street, has earned a stellar reputation for its mouthwatering crêpes. This small stall attracts eager crowds daily with its flawless mix of crisped to perfection crêpes, cooked with a touch of butter. The menu offers both savoury options, like cheese, ham, asparagus, mushroomsand garlicand sweet delights such as banana with Belgian chocolate topped with crunchy nuts. Founded in 1977 by Chef Edward De Mesquita, La Crêperie de Hampstead has become a local institution.
Watch chocolate being made at Harrod's new Chocolate Hall
Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, SW1X 7XL
Step inside Harrods' gleaming Chocolate Hall and you’ll find more than just confections it’s a full sensory spectacle. As part of the store’s lavishly restored Food Halls, this dedicated space marks a delicious tribute to Harrods’ 150 year love affair with chocolate. Here, some of the world’s finest chocolatiers share shelf space with Harrods’ own handcrafted creations, made live on site in the Chocolaterie. Watch through glass as skilled artisans temper, pipe and glaze their way through trays of ganache filled truffles and pralines. Every detail has been considered, from the black alabaster light well casting a soft glow on restored Edwardian marble, to the curated offerings from names like Pierre Marcolini and William Curley. It’s also the only UK department store producing its own chocolate on site, with an emphasis on responsibly sourced cocoa and support for farming communities. Equal parts heritage and indulgence, the Chocolate Hall offers a reason to linger and sample.
Watch The Changing of the Guard
Address: Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London SW1E 6HQ.
For a more relaxed vantage point on one of London’s grandest traditions, skip the crowds at Buckingham Palace and head instead to Wellington Barracks. Tucked just off Birdcage Walk, this lesser known spot offers an up close view of the Changing of the Guard’s opening act. Arrive by 10:15 to see the New Guard assembling and undergoing inspection, with the Regimental Band providing the soundtrack a varied playlist that’s often more playful than expected. At 10:57 sharp, the New Guard, colours in hand, march out and head towards the Palace. From here, you can either follow them up the Mall or stroll across St James’s Park and enjoy a coffee en route to catch the Household Cavalry trotting past at 11:37. Just minutes later, the Band returns, leading the St James’s Palace Detachment of The King’s Guard. It’s a more peaceful, equally ceremonial way to take in this royal spectacle.
Try the famous Apple Crumble at Humble Crumble
Address: 50a Seven Dials Warehouse, Earlham St, WC2H 9LA
Humble Crumble brings a singular focus to one of Britain’s most comforting classics. Tucked away in Covent Garden, this charming little stall serves nothing but crumble and does it exceptionally well. Each portion is handmade on site, using seasonal fruit and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, then baked to order for the ultimate freshly toasted topping. Flavours rotate with the seasons, from sharp rhubarb and custard to spiced apple or berry medleys, each served with your choice of crème anglaise, clotted cream or torched marshmallow. It’s indulgent, nostalgic and surprisingly refined. Their commitment to sustainability is just as considered as the crumble itself, with compostable packaging and a focus on ethical sourcing. The result is a comforting dessert that feels both timeless and entirely of the moment. Whether it’s a quick winter warmer or a post shopping treat, Humble Crumble turns a simple dish into a standout.
Try a Lemon Meringue Brionut at Comptoir Bakery
Address: 96 Bermondsey St, SE1 3UB
Comptoir Bakery is where French tradition meets London flairand no item captures this spirit better than their lemon meringue brionut. A clever twist on a doughnut and brioche hybrid, this zesty showstopper is filled with sharp lemon curd and topped with a generous swirl of caramelised meringue. It’s bold, beautiful and unapologetically indulgent. The bakery itself is a gem, founded by pastry chef Sebastien Wind and tucked in among the Bermondsey arches. Each pastry is handmade daily using time honoured techniques and top notch ingredients, from towering chocolate cookies to pistachio laced brionuts and elegant patisserie tarts. The menu is ever changing, with weekend specials and seasonal surprises always worth investigating. There’s even a selection of vegan and gluten friendly treats. Whether you’re popping in for a pastry or signing up for a baking class, Comptoir is all about joyful, generous baking with a French soul and a London accent.
Try London's Best Sausage Roll at the Ginger Pig
Address: Borough Market, Borough High St, London SE1 1TL
If you’re on a mission for London’s finest sausage roll, make your way to Ginger Pig. This beloved butcher’s shop, with branches across the city, has built a reputation not just for its exceptional meat, but for turning the humble sausage roll into something of a cult item. The meat is sourced from a network of small farms specialising in native British rare breeds, where animal welfare and traditional husbandry are front and centre. Everything is butchered and prepared on site, with nothing going to waste so alongside prime cuts, you’ll find pies, sausages and offal given equal pride of place. The sausage rolls are enormous, golden and packed with flavour. The classic pork is outstanding, the spicy lamb has its own fan cluband the steak and stilton is a hearty indulgence. These are no afterthought snacks. They’re hefty, flaky and deeply satisfying. Just don’t plan on sharing unless you really have to.
Try London's best burger at Black Bear Burger
Address: 1 Paddington Square W2 1DL
Black Bear Burger has just claimed the 2025 "Burger of the Year" crown at the National Burger Awards with its standout Miso Bacon Burger an umami packed masterstroke that beat 15 top rivals from across the UK. This East London favourite started humbly on Broadway Market, where founders Liz and Stew flipped patties after work. Their mantra? Simple, done well. And it shows. Everything is prepped in house, from the pickles to the ice creamand the meat is a cut above. Sourced from native breeds in the South West, their dry aged beef is chosen for tenderness and flavour, while their bespoke cut bacon is smoked with oak and chestnut for a crisp, smoky finish. It’s no gimmick laden menu just burgers built for maximum flavour. With permanent homes now in Shoreditch and Brixton, Black Bear has grown from market stall to must visit without losing its soul. Go for the award winning burger, stay for the fries and ferments.
Try London's poshest fish and chips at The Mayfair Chippy
Address: 14 N Audley Street, W1K 6WE.
The Mayfair Chippy may sit in one of London’s most exclusive postcodes, but this polished British restaurant keeps things grounded with a menu that celebrates comfort food done properly. While the classic fish and chips is the obvious headliner and well worthy of its accolades the kitchen isn’t afraid to branch out. Starters like Cornish salt and pepper squid with Thai dipping sauce, or a kedgeree scotch egg served with curried mayo, bring a playful international spin to British staples. Baked sourdough with smoked cod roe offers a lighter opening act, while more indulgent picks include a rich, cheese loaded lobster mac, offset by a tangy tomato and tarragon relish. The restaurant's famous shepherd's pie and steak and kidney pudding also prove that hearty tradition still has a place on the plate. With one AA Rosette, a Michelin Guide nodand a newly launched brunch menu, this is a Mayfair spot that delivers flavour without the fuss.
Visit the World's Oldest Toy Store - Hamleys
Address: 188-196 Regent St. W1B 5BT
Step through the doors of Hamleys and you’ll quickly see why this iconic toy emporium has enchanted generations. With seven stacked floors brimming with everything from plush Paddingtons to lightsaber wielding stormtroopers, it’s part toy store, part theatrical spectacle. Staff perform lively demonstrations, dance to musicand bring the toys to life in a way that delights children and draws curious adults into the magic. Each level has its own world to explore. There’s a floor for action figures, another for arts and craftsand one dedicated to dolls and dollhouses. Fans of Harry Potter and Star Wars will find entire sections filled with wizarding wands and intergalactic gadgets. VIP tours and personal shopping add a splash of sparkle to special visitsand during Christmas, the whole shop becomes a festive wonderland. It’s easy to find too, just a few minutes from Oxford Circus and Bond Street. A must for families and the young at heart.
Try Brick Lane's Famous Salt Beef Bagel at
Beigel Bake
Beigel Bake
Address: 159 Brick Ln, E1 6SB
Follow the queue to 159 Brick Lane and you’ll find Beigel Bake, a round the clock institution that’s been feeding Londoners since long before bagels were trendy. Open 24/7, this no nonsense bakery still hand rolls its beigels the traditional way, using a recipe unchanged for over 150 years. The star of the show? The salt beef beigel: tender slices of juicy, slow cooked beef, packed into a warm, slightly sweet bagel, slathered with English mustard and a slice of pickle for good measure. At just £3.50, it’s a bargain you’ll want to return for. The plain bagels are just 25p a pop and perfectly chewy, whether you’re grabbing a few for home or lining your stomach after a night out. From salt beef to smoked salmon, Beigel Bake has earned its place as a Brick Lane legend and a pilgrimage site for anyone who believes bread should be boiled before it’s baked.
Explore the French Tea Emporium of Mariage Frères
Address: 38 King St, WC2E 8JS
Mariage Frères, the prestigious tea purveyor, graces Covent Garden within a Georgian townhouse dedicated to the world of tea. As France's oldest tea house, this flagship store is a sanctuary for tea lovers, offering a global collection from rare vintage blends to aromatic infusions. It features an elegant restaurant where tea infused cuisine transforms dining into art, a museum showcasing tea's heritageand private spaces for intimate events. Mariage Frères is a journey into sophisticated brewing traditions, making it a unique destination in the heart of London.
Buy some flowers from Columbia Road
Address: Columbia Rd, Bethnal Green, E2 7RG
Columbia Road Flower Market is London at its most colourful. Every Sunday, this narrow East End street transforms into a fragrant corridor of blooms, where traders call out prices and armfuls of tulips, roses and houseplants change hands at speed. The market, which dates back to 1869, draws a lively crowd of locals and visitors alike, all in search of a little botanical joy. Beyond the flowers, Columbia Road is a destination in its own right. The street is lined with more than 60 independent shops and cafés everything from antique dealers and art galleries to bakeries and delis many of which only open on market days. Arrive early to beat the crowds and bag the best stems, or drop by later for the chance of a cheeky deal as traders wind down. Just don’t forget your tote bag you’ll leave with more than you planned.
Discover the tranquil oasis of Kyoto Garden
Address: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, W11 4UA
Tucked within the greenery of Holland Park, Kyoto Garden is a serene corner that feels worlds away from the hum of West London. A gift from Kyoto to mark the Japan Festival in 1992, this Japanese garden is a symbol of friendship between two nations and a tranquil spot for quiet reflection. The garden’s centrepiece is a cascading waterfall that flows into a koi filled pond, framed by maples, evergreens and traditional stone lanterns. But there’s more here than just a pretty photo opportunity. Winding paths and carefully placed features encourage a slow stroll and a moment of pause, while a second space, the Fukushima Garden, added in 2012, deepens the connection with Japan and honours support shown after the 2011 tsunami. Kyoto Garden is open daily from 7.30am and entry is free. Take your time it’s a place best savoured slowly.
Visit one of the most famous cemetaries in the world
Address: Swain's Ln, Highgate, N6 6PJ
Highgate Cemetery is no ordinary graveyard. Steeped in atmosphere and steeped in ivy, it's home to crumbling mausoleums, Gothic obelisks and an extraordinary roll call of notable names. And now, visitors can explore the West Cemetery alone for the first time, following a self guided route through its winding, tree lined paths. Established in 1839 by the newly formed London Cemetery Company, Highgate was built to relieve the pressure on overcrowded parish churchyards and to offer a more dignified final resting place for Victorian Londoners. The city had doubled in size in just 40 years and was in the grip of repeated epidemics, so a new solution was desperately needed. Entrepreneur Stephen Geary envisioned a series of grand cemeteries across the capital, but Highgate was the showpiece. Today, it remains one of the most evocative corners of the city a place where nature, architecture and history entwine in quietly dramatic fashion.
Discover Britain’s answer to the Sistine Chapel
Address: Old Royal Naval College, SE10 9NN
Few sights in London elicit quite the same reaction as that first glance upwards in the Painted Hall. Often called Britain’s Sistine Chapel, this Baroque wonder inside the Old Royal Naval College is a riot of drama, grandeur and symbolism. Designed and painted by Sir James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726, its vast ceiling and wall scenes stretch across 3,700 square metres and depict over 200 figures, from monarchs and mythical beings to naval heroes. Originally created as a dining hall for retired seamen, the space quickly outgrew its purpose, drawing admirers who came to marvel at Thornhill’s extraordinary work. Even Lord Nelson lay in state here, his coffin viewed by thousands beneath the painted sky. Following a meticulous £8.5 million restoration, the hall reopened in 2019 and now welcomes visitors daily. Don’t miss the expert led talks offered throughout the day they're the perfect way to unpack the layers of intrigue hidden in every brushstroke.
Explore Notting Hill in Bloom
Address: 1 Stanley Crescent, W11 2NB
Notting Hill’s cherry blossom season transforms its already charming streets into a soft hued wonderland. Pastel terraces and bold façades provide the perfect backdrop for clouds of pink and white blossom, with some of the prettiest blooms popping up right on residential roads. One of the standout spots is Portobello Road, where a deep pink sakura set against a rich purple house steals the show. Farmer Street and Hillgate Place, just a stone’s throw from Notting Hill Gate station, also boast a generous scattering of blossom laden branches. For those chasing that fairytale aesthetic, make a beeline for Stanley Crescent or St Luke’s Mews. The latter is a favourite for photographers – cobblestones, pastel houses and arching cherry trees combine to create a floral tunnel that looks like something from a storybook. Just don’t expect to have it to yourself on a sunny weekend. Blossom this good is never a secret for long.
Ride an Uber Boat along the Thames
Address: Blackfriars Pier, White Lion Hill, EC4V 3QR
Cruising through London doesn’t get much more scenic than a ride on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. These sleek catamarans glide along the Thames from Putney to Woolwich, offering both commuters and sightseers an efficient and stylish way to get around. With 24 piers and boats running every 20 to 30 minutes, it’s one of the easiest ways to explore London while avoiding the traffic. Step aboard and take in the skyline from the comfort of your leather seat, or head to the open air back deck for unbeatable views. Along the route you’ll spot icons galore – from the London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral to the Tower of London and The Shard. Further west lies the striking Battersea Power Station, while eastbound trips sail past Canary Wharf and on to Greenwich and beyond.
Visit the home of Sherlock Holmes
Address: 221b Baker St, NW1 6XE
Any Sherlock Holmes pilgrimage ought to begin at Baker Street. Exit Marylebone Station and you’ll soon spot the nine foot bronze statue of the great detective himself, pipe in hand and deerstalker at the ready. A short stroll leads you to 221B Baker Street – or at least the museum that claims the iconic address. Inside, the flat is faithfully recreated as described in Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories. Step into Holmes’ study, complete with violin, Persian slipper and scattered clues, or peek into Dr Watson’s bedroom where telegrams and notebooks hint at cases past. The museum draws fans from all over the world, so expect a queue, especially at weekends. And take note: the real 221B doesn’t quite exist on the modern street. Look between numbers 237 and 241 to find the entrance – a sleuth worthy search in itself. Elementary, really.
Find Serenity at England's first Thai Temple
Address: Buddhapadipa Temple, 14 Calonne Rd, London SW19 5HJ
Perched among the leafy streets of Wimbledon, the Buddhapadipa Temple offers a serene escape from the capital’s clamour. Built in the early 1980s with support from the Thai government, this was the first Thai Buddhist temple in the UK and remains a striking fusion of traditional architecture and spiritual calm. The temple's centrepiece is the gleaming white Uposatha Hall, adorned with intricate gold detailing and surrounded by tranquil gardens dotted with scripture panels. Inside, murals painted by young Thai artists weave Buddhist teachings with playful nods to global politics and pop culture – yes, even a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle makes a cameo. At the heart of the shrine sits a centuries old bronze Buddha statue, quietly watching over the meditation hall. Visitors are welcome daily to explore the gardens and soak up the stillness. For access to the shrine room, plan a weekend visit. Find it at 14 Calonne Road, a 25 minute walk from Wimbledon Station.
Try London's Best Hot Chocolate
Address: 54 Greek St, London W1D 3DS
Chin Chin takes hot chocolate to wild new heights, transforming a winter staple into something worthy of dessert theatre. Forget a handful of mini marshmallows here, the steaming cup is crowned with a dome of handmade marshmallow that’s torched to golden, gooey perfection before your eyes. The result? A sticky, smoky masterpiece that tastes like s’mores in a cup. There’s a vegan version too, rich and velvety with subtle notes of raspberry and apricot. This Soho spot is the flamboyant younger sibling of Chin Chin’s Camden lab, famed for its liquid nitrogen ice cream. The freezing may happen out back, but everything else screams spectacle think marble walls, gold paint and a stepped bench that doubles as seating and stage set. Chin Chin bills itself as London’s first dessert only restaurantand its creations are unapologetically over the top. From halva black tahini ice cream to molten cookie sandwiches, it’s a sugar laced fever dream worth diving into.
Try Chinatown's famous fluffy steamed buns
Address: 26-27 Lisle Street, London WC2H 7BA, UK
Steamed buns don’t come much better than those served at Bun House. Tucked away in Chinatown, this stylish spot is all about Cantonese style bao, handmade daily and filled with punchy flavours like char siu pork, spicy lamb and Hong Kong style curry chicken. Each one is hot stamped with a Chinese character that reveals the filling inside, though you may need a crash course to read them properly. Bun House’s buns are soft, slightly sweetand generously filled, ideal for a quick bite or takeaway. While the Pig Bun is the crowd favourite, those in the know also go for the custard bun with molten salted egg yolk or the pineapple bun, a golden topped sweet treat that’s closer to brioche than bao. Inside, the décor nods to retro Hong Kong cafés, but most customers grab and go. Be sure to try the Kaya French Toast with jasmine clotted cream – a sweet finish to a very satisfying snack stop.
Try Chinatown's famous Popcorn Chicken
Address: 7-15 Little Newport St, London, WC2H 7JJ
A riot of flavour and crunch, Ji The Chicken Shop at "Good Friend" in Covent Garden brings the bold, addictive appeal of Taiwanese night markets straight to central London. The stars of the show are the Taiwanese style popcorn chicken and crispy chicken breast golden, generously seasoned and wildly moreish, especially when paired with the signature plum chips and a cold soft drink. Expect queues snaking out of the cheery yellow shopfront come evening, but service is swift and well worth the wait. This is Taiwanese street food done right: piping hot, expertly crispedand spiced just enough to leave you reaching back for more. While the chicken steals the spotlight, don’t miss the crispy squid, tofu or sweet potato for a satisfying sidekick. Wash it all down with one of their fresh fruit teas or milky bubble teasand you’ve got a snack that’s both satisfying and snapshot worthy.
Try London's Best Korean Corn Dogs
Address: Bunsik, 62 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0BU
Korean corn dogs take the classic hotdog on a stick and dial it up several notches. These street food icons swap the traditional cornmeal batter for a slightly sweet dough, rolled in panko breadcrumbs for a light, crisp finish. But the real fun starts with the fillings. Alongside the usual sausage, you’ll find molten mozzarella, half and half combos, even whole cheddar blocks. Bunsik is London’s go to spot for Korean street food, the corn dogs come fully loaded and fried to golden perfection. Expect a riot of textures: gooey cheese meets crunchy coating, often dusted in sugar for a sweet savoury hit. Then come the sauces from sriracha mayo to classic mustard or even crushed crisps and Cheeto dust. TikTok has turned these corn dogs into a viral must tryand Bunsik’s version more than lives up to the hype. The cheese pull alone is worth the visit.
Try the famous Pandan Triangle Cake from Chinatown's Golden Gate Bakery
Address: 13 Macclesfield St, London W1D 5BR
Tucked beside the Chinatown Gate, "Golden Gate Cake Shop" offers a bite sized journey across Asia with its tempting array of freshly baked cakes and buns. The standout? Their much loved "Pandan Triangle Cake" – a soft, airy slice of green hued sponge delicately infused with fragrant pandan and filled with a silky cream centre. It’s light, sweet and incredibly moreish. Pair it with a BBQ pork bun or a golden egg tartand you’ve got the perfect Soho snack stop. Other favourites include the mango cream cake and classic pineapple bun, all baked daily and packed with flavour. Whether you're after a quick sweet treat or something to mark a special occasion, this unassuming bakery delivers on all fronts. Just be warned – one bite and you’ll be hooked.
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