There’s so many things to do in London with kids, a few days are needed to make the most of what the English capital has to offer. Whether you are enjoying London in summer, exploring Christmas activities in London or staying for a long weekend, there’s plenty of places to stay, the only issue is deciding which one to choose! In this article, I will help you find the best family-friendly hotels in London to suit your needs. I will focus on hotels and accommodation options located in central London in easy access of its main attractions – and for different budgets. There will also be a guide on how to get around London with kids.
Why stay in central London?
London is a large city if you include ‘Greater London’ but the key sites are fairly central and generally walkable, especially if you are dividing it up into different areas for different days. For example, doing my Great Fire of London walk on one of the days. On another, visit London’s historic sights such as the Tower of London or the museums located in South Kensington such as the Science Museum National History museum and the V&A. And perhaps going to the London Eye and Parliament buildings in Westminster. There’s also plenty of places to explore outside of London too.
If you are travelling to London with younger children, it’s worth staying central to the main places you want to visit in London, cutting down on travel times. When our children were younger, we found staying at a centrally located hotel was hugely beneficial on city trips. It means you are able to come back to the room if they got tired for a nap or to rest little legs and get some downtime before going out again. It helped break up the days and make them more manageable.
If you are visiting London with older children and teens, it’s easier to get on and off tubes and trains so more of an option to stay a bit further out although that can add extra travel costs (especially if you are staying very far out).
Getting around London with kids
If you are staying in central London, walking is a great way to see the city. As a local, I love walking in London and always find places or parts of architecture I have never previously noticed even on my most well-trodden routes.
London is very well connected by public transport. The London Underground – which is referred to as ‘the tube’ is easy to navigate and good fun for children to go on too with its colour-coded lines and maze of tunnels. If you are travelling with children in a push chairs, not all the stations have lifts.
The main tube stations which are accessible are Green Park, Waterloo and Kings Cross. Otherwise, you have to take prams/pushchairs up stairs and escalators which I have done many times before but can be a two person job and comes with some hazards. Remember though, if you take the underground all the time, you miss out on seeing the sites. Buses are also abundant and frequent. I recommend City Mapper app to help you get around.
Now you know how to get around and can get ideas on London days out, where should you stay?
Luxury places to stay in London with kids
Four Seasons, Park Lane
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This is a hotel splurge, without a doubt, but the Four Season’s reputation as a family-friendly is renowned. Positioned in the heart of London in Park Lane, it is a stones throw from Hyde Park, London’s Theatre land in Piccadilly Circus and Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the King.
How family-friendly is the Four Seasons?
Everyone is treated with the same level of service at the Four Seasons. Younger guests receive a complimentary amenity on arrival while board games and puzzles are available to use throughout their stay. If you have children under 5, they eat at the hotel for free. The Four Seasons has a themed turndown service to match their interests as well as personalised gifting. They also provide film vouchers for a family movie night in the room with complimentary popcorn.
Browns Hotel, Mayfair
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In the heart of Mayfair, Browns Hotel exudes an elegant and very British feel. Its intricate, stylish decor in the communal areas extends into its rooms. Browns hotel’s homage to the British art and fashion scene has been solidified with the Paul Smith suite, designed by the fashion designer himself.
Expect to be given individual treatment throughout your stay. The breakfasts are divine and there is a top class restaurant there as well as Donavon’s bar where jazz and decadent cocktails are served up.
How family-Friendly is Browns hotel?
Children are given extra special treatment at Browns. There are the usual cribs, high-chairs and kids menu available if you are staying in the London hotel with kids. Children can get a teddy turn down service too.
Athenaeum Hotel and Residences
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Overlooking Green Park, the Athenaeum is an elegant central London hotel in a wonderful location to explore London. As well as Green Park, it is also in walking distance of Hyde park and Buckingham Palace. The hotel has family suites, interconnecting rooms and apartments with kitchenettes, a feature which I find hugely helpful in preparing food for children, particularly when they are younger.
There is a dedicated children’s concierge which can help worth recommendations for family-friendly. It can also supply children with kites, bikes and duck food for exploring the outdoors.
Milk and biscuits can be delivered for bedtime and if parents fancy a grown-up night out, the hotel has babysitting services. Children under 12 also eat for free.
Medium range London hotels with kids
Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge
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Close to London’s South Bank and Westminster, the heart of UK politics, stands the Park Plaza. On its doorstep is the London Eye, aquarium and Shrek Adventure with the hotel offering discounts to visit these attractions. When you get time away from sightseeing, it has a 15 metre indoor swimming pool and spa. It also has four on-site restaurants including the award-winning Brasserie Joël and Ichi Sushi & Sashimi Bar.
What is Park Plaza like for families?
It offers spacious suites with kitchenettes as well as bigger suites with a living room. Children get goody bags with activity books and a specially curated children’s menu.
Millennium Gloucester conference
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Located in South Kensington, this hotel is great for the hub of London attractions in the area. These include the National History Museum, Science Museum, V&A as well as Hyde Park. A short journey away is Buckingham Palace and Westminster.
The hotel has family room with connecting rooms and family-friendly offers such as free breakfast for under 11s. It also has the usual high chairs, cots and kids menus.
Budget hotels to stay in London with kids
Ibis, London Blackfriars
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This hotel is very close to London’s South Bank where a ten minute walk will get you to London Tate Modern Gallery and 20 minutes to the London Eye and Big Ben. It is in a good location if you want to explore do my Great Fire of London walking tour. Southwark underground station is close by with the jubilee taking you to Waterloo, Bond Street and beyond.
All rooms have city views and family-friendly connecting rooms are available.
Premier Inn, County Hall
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If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel in London with kids then Premier Inn has you covered. There are several in London to choose from, including Premier Inn County Hall which is near the South Bank attractions such the London Eye, London Aquarium and Shrek Adventure as well as Westminster. London’s theatre land and Trafalgar Square also in very easy walking distance.
Rooms come with family-friendly features such as interconnected rooms and the hotel often has discounts for tickets to local attractions. This is a cheaper alternative to the nearby Park Plaza).
If you prefer, there are also plenty of options to rent an apartment in central London, which gives the added advantage of having your own kitchen and living space.