Top 10 Family Friendly Attractions for your Next London Weekend Getaway

Planning a trip to London with children is all about striking the right balance between the city’s famous landmarks and plenty of fun, family-friendly activities.

This city offers a wealth of experiences, from interactive museums to outdoor adventures, ensuring both kids and adults can have a memorable time. Start your adventure at The Cumberland Hotel, conveniently located by Marble Arch, providing easy access to all the must-see attractions.

This guide highlights the top 10 London attractions you can’t miss, perfect for a family exploration filled with fun, history, and exciting discoveries.

Table of Contents:

• London Transport Museum: Where London’s story rolls on
• Young V&A: A creative kids’ museum built for play
• Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, blue whales, and wow-factor galleries
• London Zoo: Wild discoveries in the heart of the city
• Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: Christmas in central London
• The London Eye: The city’s skyline in a single spin
• Tower of London: History, drama, and the Crown Jewels
• Westminster Abbey: Gothic grandeur for curious minds
• St Paul’s Cathedral: Climb to the dome, see the city
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter: Magic in motion
• How to plan your family route like a London pro
• Stay in the centre of the action at The Cumberland London
• FAQ: Family-friendly London basics

London Transport Museum: Where London’s story rolls on

You’ll find the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden – a short Tube hop from The Cumberland Hotel.

Don’t let the word “museum” put you off. This under-the-radar spot is brilliant for families. Little ones (ages 0–7) can dress up as bus drivers, climb into mini vehicles and let their imaginations run wild, while older kids can try their hand at fixing a bus in the interactive Future Engineers gallery. And honestly, the full-size vintage trains and red buses are just as exciting for grown-ups.

If you’re looking for things to do in London with an energetic bunch – especially when the weather’s unpredictable – this place is a real winner.

Top tip: weekdays are generally calmer, especially once the school rush has passed. If you’re squeezing in some sightseeing between meetings, this is an easy win. It feels like playtime for kids, but there’s plenty here for grown-ups as well.

Young V&A: A creative kids’ museum built for play

Head east to the Young V&A (formerly the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green). This bright, lively space is all about letting children explore and experiment at their own pace. The interactive galleries bring art, design and tech to life – and yes, kids are actively encouraged to touch everything.

Expect a museum where kids can splash colour around, build robots, invent stories and explore hands-on exhibits. It’s perfect for burning off energy – and a great way to add something fresh to a London-with-kids itinerary.

Local tip: the Young V&A is right in the middle of an area full of independent cafés and leafy parks. The perfect spot for exploring east London with children.

Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, blue whales, and wow-factor galleries

No family-friendly London itinerary would be complete without a visit to the legendary Natural History Museum in South Kensington.

This is a place where a trip to a museum can easily turn into a full-day adventure. The entry hall alone – home to “Hope,” a 25.2-metre blue whale skeleton – is enough to leave jaws dropping. From there, families can wander through dinosaur galleries, marvel at glowing minerals and watch the animatronic T-Rex roar.

What makes it even better? Entry is completely free (though booking a time slot is recommended), and the building itself is almost as awe-inspiring as the exhibits.

If you’re looking for a London experience that never gets old, the Natural History Museum sets the bar.

Business travellers: if you’re in London for work and need a quick escape, the museum’s late openings and temporary exhibitions offer science with a grown-up twist. You can easily take it all in under two hours, though if the kids are along for the ride, they’ll probably want a little longer to explore!

London Zoo: Wild discoveries in the heart of the city

You don’t need to leave the city to see incredible animals. London Zoo (ZSL London Zoo), right inside Regent’s Park, is a rare patch of greenery in central London. From lions and penguins to a rainforest in full bloom, it’s packed with interactive sessions, feeding times, and play zones.

Why do both families and business travellers love it? It’s all about scale – you can spend an hour or a whole day, stroll the leafy gardens, catch a keeper talk, or simply marvel at being just a few feet from an Asiatic lion.

For those staying at The Cumberland Hotel, Regent’s Park and the Zoo are just a short trip north. You could check out the flamingos in the morning and still be back in time for afternoon meetings.

Insider hint: Buy tickets online before you go-queues can build up, particularly at weekends and school holidays.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland: Christmas in central London

If you’re visiting London over the winter, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is an absolute seasonal highlight.

Here you can enjoy ice skating under the stars, a giant observation wheel, circus shows, festive street food, and tiny thrill rides perfect for little explorers. It’s perfect for families looking for a one-stop dose of classic London winter fun – but it’s just as enjoyable for colleagues or couples catching up after a long day.

Most London family Hotels can’t match The Cumberland Hotel’s access here: you’re a two-minute walk from the entrance, which means you can dash back to warm up by the bar whenever you please.

Practical tip: Pre-book entry and ride passes (it does sell out on weekends). Early sessions are best for families with younger children-less crowded and still sparkling.

The London Eye: The city’s skyline in a single spin

You’ll spot the London Eye on almost every skyline, but it’s much more than a photo opportunity. The slow rotation gives families a relaxed thirty-minute circuit, perfect for spotting Big Ben, The Shard, St Paul’s, and all those little rooftop details that kids love to point out.

For those staying near Marble Arch or Oxford Street, including The Cumberland Hotel, getting to the South Bank is simple: take the Central Line to Waterloo, then enjoy a short riverside stroll.

Want something extra special? You can even book a private pod for a business event with a difference.

Book ahead: Advance tickets usually cost less, and you’ll avoid the main ticket queues. Try to visit earlier in the day if you’re not a fan of crowds.

Tower of London: History, drama, and the Crown Jewels

Nothing makes “What to do in London” more epic than a trip through a real royal fortress. The Tower of London sets young imaginations spinning-traitor’s gates, tales of ravens, and the chance to see the Crown Jewels up close.

Adults won’t get bored either: the Yeoman Warders’ tours are loaded with stories and humour, and the exhibitions frequently cover everything from medieval armour to secret tunnels beneath the city.

Best of all, it’s easy to organise a half-day exploring the Tower and riverside around it, then head back to central London for a late lunch or business catch-up.

Neighbourhood tip: Tower Bridge is just a five-minute walk away – perfect for doubling up your sightseeing with a stroll across one of the world’s most iconic bridges.

Westminster Abbey: Where royal history comes alive

Stepping inside Westminster Abbey is like fast-forwarding through centuries of royal history. It’s a top family attraction, especially for children or teens fascinated by monarchs, coronations, or grand architecture. The nave alone gives a real sense of the scale of British history – poets, scientists, and statesmen in every direction.

It’s a brilliant choice for families with older kids or for business travellers wanting to experience London’s history without the crowds of other hotspots. Audio guides make the stories accessible for younger visitors, and the Chapter House offers a calmer, fascinating space to explore.

Practical tip: Book timed tickets in advance and allow at least an hour to wander. Pair a visit to Westminster Abbey with the Houses of Parliament for a classic half-day of London history.

St Paul’s Cathedral: Climb to the dome, take in the city

St Paul’s Cathedral is a true London icon – its dome pops up on countless Instagram feeds, but the real magic is inside. It’s a great spot for families, with panoramic views (perfect for a London-backdrop selfie) and fascinating historical stories. Climbing to the Golden Gallery is no small feat – 528 steps to the top – but the skyline view is absolutely worth it.

If you’re mixing leisure with business, St Paul’s is just a short hop from the City’s main offices – easy to fit into any schedule.

Added extra: Your entrance ticket includes access to the crypt, the burial place of heroes and artists, which is just as atmospheric as the dome itself.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter: Magic in motion

Got Harry Potter fans in the family? Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a family must and one of the highest-rated attractions for London with Kids.

Take the train or coach up to Leavesden and walk the real sets: the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Express. Adults will find the behind-the-scenes craft just as thrilling as the wizardry, from props and prosthetics to full-scale dragons.

It’s a great experience for a once-in-a-lifetime treat, or for corporate teams looking for something alternative when visiting the city.

Essential: Tickets must be booked in advance, and they go fast-try for a morning slot to make the most of the day.

How to plan your family route  for your London weekend like a pro

Here’s how we guide guests at The Cumberland Hotel:

• Mix central icons with hands-on museums: Start the day with must-see attractions like the Natural History Museum or the London Eye during quieter morning sessions, then let the kids burn off energy at the London Transport Museum or Young V&A after lunch.

• Stick to one area per half-day: Avoid criss-crossing the Tube. For example, you could pair the Tower of London with a quick wander around St Katharine Docks, or combine St Paul’s with the Millennium Bridge.

• Book ahead whenever you can: Popular spots like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or the Warner Bros. Studio Tour can sell out days – or even weeks – in advance, especially during school holidays.

• Use nearby parks and playgrounds: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and hidden gems like Coram’s Fields make the day smoother for families with younger children.

• Leave room for the unexpected: Some of London’s best family discoveries happen between stops – buskers at Covent Garden, tucked-away bookshops on Charing Cross Road, or street theatre near the South Bank.

For those mixing work with leisure, schedule morning meetings near Marble Arch or Oxford Street, then spend the afternoon exploring nearby museums or galleries. London is perfect for blending business with a bit of standout family fun.

Stay in the centre of the action at The Cumberland London during your next weekend city break

Picking the right base makes all the difference for your London weekend visit.

The Cumberland Hotel puts you next door to the capital’s busiest shopping-Oxford Street’s just steps away-and a stroll from Hyde Park’s fresh air. We’re one of the family Hotels London locals trust for space, style, and speedy connections across the city.

If you’re looking for hotels near Marble Arch with easy access to all the top sights (plus food and music on your doorstep), this is the perfect spot to start and end your day. Our team are always happy to share our favourite city tips too – from must-see routes and secret shortcuts to the best local eats for families.

Ready to explore London? Book your stay and enjoy a hassle-free city adventure.