Here’s What to Do in London With Your Family, According to a Top Travel Advisor

Whether you’re a movie buff or an aspiring historian, the city of London has something to offer for every member of the family. Here's how one travel expert recommends you see the city.

Traveling in and of itself is a whole ordeal. Add your family to the mix, and planning the itinerary quickly becomes complicated as you try to find something for everyone to enjoy. Being prepared for the destination you're visiting is important — and that's where a travel advisor can come in handy.

Here's exactly what I, a professional travel advisor, would do on a trip to London with my family.

How to Get Around London

London can be cost-effective, with most of the city’s museums being free (exceptions include entry fees at some exhibitions). You can soak up the city’s atmosphere best by ditching the car and traveling on foot. Not only will you see more and spend less time in traffic, but you'll also benefit from the walk. Lastly, invest in a guide to help you make the most of your time; London is a big city, and an expert can ensure you get the best of it all.

For Culture Lovers

London has been the setting for many movies, including several that kids of all ages will know well. While in the city, immerse yourself in these famous films through custom experiences.

One option is to have Mary Poppins pop by the hotel to put on a performance for the entire family. She can conduct a sing-along and offer treats from her magic carpet bag. Fans of wizardry, meanwhile, may be interested in a Harry Potter tour that visits some of the film’s most iconic sites, including Platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross Station, the Ministry of Magic, or Diagon Alley. And for youngsters, NoteWorthy offers an exclusive experience at the filming locations of "Paddington." On the private tour, guests will go behind closed doors and explore the tunnels of the London Underground that Paddington famously trotted in.

Related: This London Neighborhood Has World-class Theater, Impressive Museums, and Cool Cocktail Bars

For Sports Enthusiasts

NoteWorthy provides a variety of sports experiences. Polo lovers, for example, can meet with a top player from England in a private West Sussex club, followed by a lesson that teaches the basics of the game.

For Conscientious Travelers

Educate your children on how they can leave a long-lasting legacy on the destinations they visit. By giving donations and exploring historical attractions throughout the city, visitors ensure local and national monuments are maintained, developed, and preserved for future generations to enjoy. For example, NoteWorthy’s exclusive changing of the guards experience benefits The Guards Museum, which tells the story of the five regiments of foot guards from the 17th century to present day.

For Foodie Families

Visit one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, learn about its history, and taste samples from the various artisan stalls. Top stalls include Bath Soft Cheese, a family-owned operation, and Ginger Pig, a farm that offers an array of rare, native livestock, with an emphasis on animal welfare.

Or, take a trip to Fortnum & Mason — a department store that has held a Royal Warrant since 1910 — for a masterclass on how to create the traditional British Scotch egg.

For History Lovers

Go beyond looking at artifacts in a museum and interact with them, too.

At NoteWorthy’s new exclusive experience at the Churchill War Rooms, you can step behind the scenes of Room 58. Marked on official maps as “special accommodation,” it's speculated this is where Churchill met his top advisors and members of the Secret Service.

Visit London’s finest Royal Warrant stores, where the royals shop. Royal Warrants are a mark of recognition for those who have supplied goods or services to the royal family. These special warrants are held by a wide range of organizations, from tailors and hat shops to chocolatiers and delicatessens.

Related: How London Became One of the World’s Most Diverse Dining Destinations

For Those Craving a Local Experience

The best way to see the city is to visit less-populated neighborhoods. Skip the West End’s busy museums and royal palaces and head north to Marylebone village to be immersed in local life as you walk the high street and picnic in nearby Regent's Park. Or, explore the charming neighborhood of Chelsea, known for its small boutiques, restaurants, and the annual Royal Horticultural Society’s Flower Show (best known as the Chelsea Flower Show).

Nicola Butler is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Ireland and the U.K. trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Butler by contacting her at nicola@noteworthy.co.uk.

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