London Attractions
Now that you have purchased your theatre tickets, you may want to visit some of London’s famous attractions to fill up your day! Below we list some of our favourite attractions in the big city for you to be able to plan your perfect trip.
City Cruise – Afternoon Tea
What better way to spend an afternoon than cruising down the River Thames enjoying a spot of afternoon tea? Glide past London’s landmarks in style, accompanied by a delicious selection of sandwiches, cakes, pastries and scones. Cruising the river takes approximately an hour and a half, and makes for the perfect pre-theatre outing. With an endless supply of tea and coffee, it is even likely that a glass of bubbly will take your fancy! After tea, you can stroll upstairs on the boat to take in a panoramic view of a glittering London.
Prices: Children from £21.00, Adults from £31.00
Opening times: Cruise departure is 3:30pm, returning 5pm. It is recommended to arrive 15mins in advance.
Age Restriction: 5+
Nearest tube: Picks up at various piers along the Thames. Tubes can include Embankment.
Hamleys
No trip to London with the kids is complete without a visit to the iconic Hamleys. A historic toy shop located in Central London’s Regent Street, Hamleys is a multi-story building crammed full of toys to rival any other shop. Known for hosting regular events such as Santa’s visit, Hamleys is an interactive experience that allows your children to play with some of the toys and get shown how they work by the ever-energetic assistants. Experience magic, baffling toys, jaw-dropping lego sculptures and more! Children are often greeted by performers dressed as various characters, which can make for a very magical experience.
Price: Free to visit
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10am-9pm, Saturday: 9:30am-9pm, Sunday: 12pm-6pm
Age Restriction: Suitable for all ages
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus
The Making of Harry Potter – Warner Bros. Studio Tour
What could make for a more memorable London experience than a trip behind-the-scenes to Warner Bros. studios? The Making of Harry Potter has become one of London’s most popular attractions, with the chance to stroll down Diagon Alley, visit Privet Drive, delve into Hogwarts and try a taste of butterbeer! This magical tour is available as a coach package with Golden Tours, providing a pick-up and drop-off point close to Victoria Station. A great day out for all Harry Potter fans!
Price: Children from £61.00, Adults from £66.00
Opening times: Times vary depending on the day. Please check the Warner Bros. website
Age Restriction: Those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Nearest tube: Victoria
London Dungeon
Be transported to the scariest moments in London’s history, deep within the depths of the London Dungeon. Live actors, performances, rides and interactive special effects make sure that you are facing your fears as soon as you enter the experience! A unique 90 minute walk, London Dungeon introduces you to multi-sensory moments that include discovering Jack the Ripper to the Great Fire of London. A thrilling, fun and adrenaline-inducing experience, London Dungeon is recommended for only the bravest of us all!
Prices: Children from £18.20, Adults from £23.20
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10am-5pm, Saturday to Sunday: 10am-6pm
Age Restriction: 12+
Nearest tube: Waterloo
Thames Rockets: The Ultimate London Adventure
A “must-do experience” according to TimeOut, Thames Rockets is the fast-paced, action-packed race down the famous River Thames! Zoom under London’s famous bridges and catch the landmarks at breakneck speed, as you power through the big city and out towards the Docklands. An on-board sound system ensures a fantastically fuelled boogie towards the sea, whilst award-winning comedy guides make sure an exhilarating trip is accompanied by some top-quality chat.
Prices: Children from £25.95, Adults from £43.50
Opening times: Daily times slots at 11am, 2pm and 4pm
Age Restriction: Suitable for all ages
Nearest tube: Waterloo
London Zoo
Featuring over 800 amazing animal species to discover, London Zoo is a wonderful treat for children, families and animal-lovers! ZSL London Zoo includes immersive exhibits, play parks and restaurants to ensure everyone is catered for throughout the day. With each animal zone themed to the animal’s native climate, London Zoo features Land of the Lions, Tiger Territory, Gorilla Kingdom, Penguin Beach, Rainforest Life and Children’s Zoo, as well as a reptile centre, butterfly enclosure and aquarium!
Price: Children from £17.60, Adults from £24.25
Opening times: Monday to Sunday: 10am-6pm
Age Restriction: Suitable for all ages. Children under 2 go free
Nearest tube: Camden Town
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds has continued to be one of London’s top attractions for years. A historic waxworks museum, containing some of your favourite celebrities and film figures, this interactive experience guarantees that you and your family will meet beloved stars! Millions flock through the doors of Madame Tussauds since first opening 200 years ago and are able to meet their favourite legends. Immersive experiences include the Sherlock Holmes Experience, Marvel 4D and Star Wars.
Price: Children from £23.00, Adults from £29.00
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 9:30am-5:30pm, Saturday to Sunday: 9am-6pm
Age Restriction: Suitable for all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Nearest tube: Baker Street
Premier Dinner Cruise with Bateaux
Glide past London’s most iconic landmarks in style, with a premier dinner package with Bateaux London. Cruise down the River Thames whilst enjoying a four-course meal, which includes a welcome cocktail, bottle of wine and water, plus tea and coffee. A live band serenades you during dinner, with dancing involved towards the end. Bateaux London’s Chefs specialise in modern British cuisine, as well as vegetarian foods which ensure something for everyone. Perfect for those looking for a romantic getaway.
Prices: From £99.00 per person
Opening times: Boarding: 7.30pm, Departure: 8pm, Return: 10.45pm
Age Restriction: 12+
Nearest tube: Embankment
Sealife London Aquarium
London’s Sealife Aquarium continues to be the top attraction for those interested in seeing what lies beneath the ocean! One of the largest aquariums in Europe and home to over 400 species of sea life, Sealife Aquarium promises an immersive experience that helps you to discover your new favourite fish! From sharks to stingrays, clownfish to eels and more, the aquarium hosts a Behind the Scenes Tour, feeding displays and a scary walk through Shark Reef Encounter! A brand new themed experienced called Ice Adventure also allows you to discover life in the Antarctic.
Price: Children from £16.95, Adults from £23.50
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10am-7pm, Saturday to Sunday: 9am-6pm
Age Restriction: Suitable for all ages
Nearest tube: Waterloo
London Bridge Experience and Tombs
One of London’s scariest attractions, this interactive character experience leads you through a 2000 year history trip around London Bridge! An educational yet thrilling journey, relive the story of the first bridge inception, the Boudicca battle with the Romans and the horrifying consequences of treason. London Bridge was burned down several times, and you are able to experience the horror of being trapped on the bridge before escaping to The Star Inn, a rip-roaring pub that has a lively atmosphere until Jack the Ripper appears… Those who dare are given the choice to enter the terrifying tombs, a former plague pit which is now home to a chainsaw maniac…
Prices: From £17.00 per person
Opening times: Monday to Sunday: 10am-5pm and 10am-6pm during school holidays
Age Restriction: 11+
Nearest tube: London Bridge
Coca-Cola London Eye
Coca Cola’s London Eye has been the city’s central attraction for years, gracefully turning over the River Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. At peak point, you are able to take in a staggering view of the whole of London – truly a memory that won’t be forgotten. The gradual rotation takes approximately 30 minutes, and you have the option to hire out a private pod, take a relaxed journey round or have a tour-guide point out London’s greatest attractions. Hugely popular with tourists, this has often been the hotspot for proposals!
Prices: Children from £15.75, Adults from £22.50
Opening times: Monday to Sunday: 10am-8:30pm
Age Restriction: Suitable for all ages
Nearest tube: Waterloo
‘The Original Tour’ London Sightseeing
Founded over 65 years ago, The Original Tour is the main attraction for tourists and newcomers to take in the big city. Take in London attractions, landmarks and hidden spots on this fantastic bus tour that includes an educated guide to point out some great places! A full commentary is available in English, with eight other languages also being available on selected routes. Simply hop-on and hop-off throughout the day, allowing you to take in as much or as little of London as you wish!
Prices: Children from £12.50, Adults from £26.00
Opening times: Monday to Sunday: 8:30am-8pm
Age Restriction: Suitable for all ages
Nearest tube: Pick up points are located across London
The View from the Shard
The Shard, designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano, is arguably London’s finest landmark. Reaching a staggering height of 800ft, a trip to the top ensures a breath-taking view of the whole city. Spot the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Gherkin, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace all from this one spot! An amazing experience, with panoramic views that span up to 40 miles, The Shard is truly one of the best attractions on offer in London.
Prices: Children from £23.95, Adults from £29.95
Opening times: Sunday to Wednesday: 10am-7pm, Thursday to Saturday: 10am-10pm
Age Restriction: Suitable for all ages. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult
Nearest tube: London Bridge
Click here to view more great attractions
Including Jack the Ripper Walking Tour, St. Paul’s Cathedral, HMS Belfast, Cutty Sark and more!
