South Kensington, if the budget stretches. That’s my answer.
If it doesn’t, London still has a good answer at every budget. You pick by the train line more than the neighborhood name.
The short answer
Stay in South Kensington if the budget allows, because two free museums and Hyde Park are a walk from the door. Pick Southwark near London Bridge if you want to walk to the big sights, Paddington if you’re flying Heathrow, and a zone 2 apartment on one tube line for a big family on a full week.
Like this kind of help? Add Adventures We Seek as a preferred source on Google so you see us first.
When we did London, we stayed at the Residence Inn by London Bridge. Borough Market was a walk away, and it’s one of our favorite stops of all. The smell hits you first. Fresh bread, cheese, spices, something sizzling.
South Kensington
The Natural History Museum is on Cromwell Road, and it’s free. The Science Museum is right around the corner on Exhibition Road. Also free. Wonderlab inside it costs extra, and on a rainy day I’d pay it.
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are at the top of the road. The Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens is free, with a big wooden pirate ship to climb all over. Grown ups only get in with a kid!
Some of my favorite days in London were the ones where we started in Kensington and just walked. Past the gardens, past rows and rows of beautiful homes, then on to Chelsea. And the CARS!!! Maseratis, Land Rover Discoverys, one after another.
The catch is price. Everybody knows this is the easy spot.
Southwark and London Bridge
This is where we stayed. South of the river you can walk to Borough Market and Tate Modern, then over Tower Bridge to the Tower of London. It’s still zone 1, and the Northern and Jubilee lines both run through London Bridge.
Paddington, if you’re flying Heathrow
The Heathrow Express runs to Paddington in about 15 minutes. With three kids and all the bags that come with them, that matters more than a nice view.
Zone 2, on one good line
This is what I’d look at for a family of five on a full week. Bigger rooms, apartments that sleep everyone, and one train into the middle.
Ask how many changes it takes to get to the places you’ll go every day. You want zero. A change with three tired kids at 5pm is where days go sideways.
And if you miss your stop on the tube, like we did a few times, take it as a sign you were meant to see another part of town.
Ask where everybody sleeps
“Family room” means something different at every London hotel. Ask exactly where the fifth person sleeps. A real bed, a rollaway and the floor are three very different weeks.
Two connecting rooms are often the better answer. Somebody always wants the light on when everyone else wants it off.
First trip, younger kids, budget allows: South Kensington.
You want to walk everywhere and eat well: Southwark.
Late flight in, early flight out: Paddington.
Family of five, a full week: a zone 2 apartment on one line.
My London city guide has the free museums, the neighborhoods and how the tube works with kids. Short on time? These are the four nights that cover London. Heading to Asia next? Here’s how many days I’d give Tokyo with kids, and if you’re weighing a ship, I answered if a Disney cruise is worth it for a family.
Want help picking the right spot for your crew? Here’s how I plan trips with families as a travel advisor.
London with kids, your questions
What’s the best area to stay in London with kids?
South Kensington, if the budget allows. The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and Hyde Park are all a walk away.
Is Southwark a good area for families?
Yes. It’s zone 1, and you can walk to Borough Market, Tate Modern and over Tower Bridge to the Tower of London.
Where should we stay in London if we fly into Heathrow?
Paddington. The Heathrow Express gets you there in about 15 minutes.
Where should a big family stay in London on a budget?
A zone 2 apartment on one tube line that goes straight into the center with no changes.
Are London museums free for kids?
The Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are free to get in. Some special exhibits and Wonderlab cost extra.
Can a family of five fit in one London hotel room?
Sometimes, but ask exactly where the fifth person sleeps. Two connecting rooms or an apartment is often the better answer.
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Adventures We Seek is my travel blog and planning resource. Trips are booked through Favorite Grampy Travels.
Share this:
Discover more from Adventures We Seek
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.