At a glance
Culture
Historical
Families
Curator's statement
London is a great family destination! I love London for its history, museums, gorgeous gardens and spectacular neighborhoods; while my kids love London for its shows, shopping and historical castles. With several flights a day from Dulles to London, my family sees London as a fun and easy trip. I've curated some of my favorite places to visit in London in this guide.
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Things to do
Greatest Hits
London is a city where you can walk through history. There are a lot of places to visit in London – but the city is easy to get around, so it's possible to see a lot, even on a short trip.
Start with a visit to the iconic Westminster Abbey (you know, the place where every royal ties the knot).
At Westminster Abbey, you can visit more than 30 tombs of England’s past monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth I, Henry V, and Mary Queen of Scots (a.k.a. Bloody Mary).
Afterward, head to the Tower of London where executions – such as that of the divisive figure, Anne Boleyn – once took place.
Continue your historic journey with a visit to Hampton Court Palace, a location which was once home to Henry VIII. It was here that the dramas, many wives, and Tudor court unfolded under the eye of the ruthless Henry VII.
While at the palace, take the kiddies to the The Magic Garden, which is a great playground. Speaking of gardens, you’ll want to stop by Kensington Palace. At Kensington – the home where Queen Victoria grew up – you’ll find even more stunning gardens to explore.
Finally, no visit to London is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace** and the **Royal Mews, where all the carriages are kept. While at the palace, make sure to stick around for the changing of the British guard, a frequent ceremony full of British pageantry in which a new troop of solemn faced guards relieve the standing officers.
Don’t miss out on a visit to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Originally founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th-century, Windsor was home to 39 different monarchs over the years. Today, the Queen spends most weekends at Windsor Castle.
If traveling with family, chances are the little ones will want a break after so much history. Head out for shopping at Hamleys, a go-to spot for toys.
A note from
Deb
While at the Tower of London, don’t miss the Crown Jewels and the daily feeding of the resident ravens. You’ll be surprised to find out what they eat!
Consider becoming a member of the Historic Royal Palaces for entry to several of London’s main historical attractions, including the ones mentioned above.
Eat & drink
Sketch: After a day spent exploring London’s historical highlights, stop by for some classic British tea at this pink-hued favorite.
Selfridge’s: Along with being a massive department store, think of Selfridge’s as a giant food hall serving everything from gelato to oysters. Selfridge’s is home to Instagram-worthy restaurants such as Dior al Alto and Aubaine.
Harrod’s Food Hall: Touting itself as the world’s greatest food emporium, here you’ll find a variety of food from their chocolate to bakery halls.
Things to know
Considerations
London is a massive city, so when visiting for the first time, it helps to plan your routes and have a sightseeing game plan. Take time to look at the neighborhoods and places you want to visit, the sights you want to see, and how much time (by Tube, foot, bus or car) it will take to get there.
Local transportation
With a reliable metro system (the Tube), getting around London is a breeze. Comparable to riding the NYC subway, riding the Tube is as much a part of the London experience as sightseeing. Just remember that London’s Tube – unlike New York’s subway – shuts down nightly, Sunday through Thursday. For an even more budget-friendly public transport alternative, London’s bus system is equally as reliable.
Curator
Deb Swacker
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Advisor
Deb Swacker
Advisor
Deb Swacker
