London for the weekend with kids
Back in October 2019 our family decided our first half-term holiday from school would be to visit London. We had moved from the U.S. to Bergamo, Italy in June and were looking forward to traveling within Europe ever since.
School was scheduled for a half day on that Thursday, so we thought a London trip from Thursday to Sunday would be just fine. We didn’t realize how affordable it is to travel within Europe. We found roundtrip tickets from Bergamo to London for just 54 euros each. Amazing! We didn’t want to pay extra for luggage so we told our girls that they were to pack light for the weekend, just using a backpack each. We did pay for one carry on which was for my husband and I, though. It was convenient to put our jackets in as well. October in London can be quite chilly!
The day had finally come to start our adventure. We made it to the airport two hours ahead of departure time, when we realized we didn’t check in before arriving. The lady at the counter told us since we didn’t check in, we lost our tickets and if we wanted to still go, we had to pay for brand new tickets. I mean, we were already there and excited for our trip so we went ahead and bought brand new tickets. Still, it was not that bad considering we only paid 54 euros each to begin with.
Anyhow, we put that past us and didn’t let it ruin our trip. With Ryanair, you don’t fly into the big airports in the city, you fly into either Gatwick, Standsted and London Luton. Then you have to get into the city center by taxi, bus, or train. Since we arrived late at night, we took an uber, but on the way back we took a bus. Both worked out fine, but it depends on your situation.
Let the fun begin!
We made it to the city center and found our airbnb. It was nice, but no big deal. What we learned is that lodging is expensive for a decent place. So do your research and find what area you want to stay in and whether you want to be close to the center or a little further away. What is your budget? What’s the easiest way to get to the tourist spots? Let these questions guide your research so when you get there, it’s stress free. My suggestion is to create loose itineraries that can get you started for each day you are there. I found some on pinterest that had great suggestions on of course the typical sights, but also some off the beaten path. I also ask friends and family who have been there to suggest top spots that I shouldn’t miss.
Once you are settled, it’s time to let the fun begin. Once you head out, make sure you bring what you need especially for changes in weather. A fall October day can be very chilly, so make sure you have a coat that can keep you warm, especially when traveling with kids. An umbrella you can fit in your purse is also a good idea. The last thing you want to do is have to come back to your hotel or where ever you are staying because you need to change clothes, or have to buy a jacket instead from an over priced store.
When we travel I love to experience the city as a local does every day. That means going to restaurants that they might go to and eat the local dishes. This gives me a feel for the city that I would not get if I ate in chain restaurants.
Dining out
Heddon Street Kitchen
It’s by famous chef, Gordon Ramsay, from the show, “Hell’s Kitchen.” https://www.gordonramsayrestaurants.com/heddon-street-kitchen/
This one is great for kids. The kids menu had great options that aren’t typically found for kids which included an ice cream sundae bar. My girls were so excited to eat up, so they can get to make their ice cream with all the fixins’. We didn’t have a reservation, but we were seated without waiting, even though it was a busy night and it was packed with people.
Masala Zone
If you know anything about London, you know it has a big Indian population and this one has been rated as one of the 6 best Indian restaurants. My husband surprised me by getting reservations here and when we walked in, we were pleasantly surprised by the dramatic decor. The ceiling is full of a vibrant display of Rajasthani puppets hanging from the top. We asked our waiter for his recommendation for beginners since we haven’t eaten out at an Indian restaurant before.We ordered a platter of a sampling of typical Indian dishes. It was perfect for the whole family. We enjoyed everything so much.
Peggy Porschen Parlour
Vanity Fair Magazine has said that this place is the best for cupcakes. https://www.peggyporschen.com/pages/peggy-porschen-belgravia There are two locations, so before you make reservations, make sure you know which one you’re going to. We didn’t realize this and went to the wrong one and only found this out when they couldn’t find our reservation. Oops! They still sat us down, so we were happy. We went for an afternoon snack of cupcakes and tea. It is for sure a whimsical, must see place that you will be able to take great pics for you to share on your social media. And yes, the cupcakes as well as the tea were not too shabby! Just look at them!
Sketch
Another tea, Alice-in Wonderland, whimsical spot is Sketch. This place was recommended by a friend. It has a few different rooms to eat in, each with its own charm. We went for breakfast so the other rooms weren’t open to be seated in. Still, the experience was amazing and worth the stop.
The food!
British food in my opinion, isn’t that exciting, but if you find a good pub, the food will be great. We walked into one or two that weren’t that great so in order to avoid mediocre food, search up reviews online and make reservations.
Day trips
One of the highlights of the trip was going to Stonehenge and Bath. With only 4 days, we thought it might not be enough time, but we’re glad it worked out. It was a well organized tour on a comfortable, but packed, bus. We headed out early in the morning and returned late the same day. Our tour guide was very entertaining which made the two hour ride to Stonehenge, our first stop, more pleasing. It was a rainy and windy day, so make sure to check the weather before you head over there. We couldn’t even open our umbrellas because of the wind. Of course, when you get there, the place is incredible, and you’re left thinking to yourself, how could this be real?
After about two hours, you get back into the bus, and head to Bath. Famous for its Roman Baths, you are left to roam free for another two and half hours. We went into the Roman Baths and went back in time, dressing up as the people during the time the baths were used. We drank from the water that comes from the baths, weird, I know. It was warm and gross but cool to say you tried the water that was thought to have healing powers back in the day.
Don’t miss
London is a huge city with so much to see. I suggest making a list of things you want to make sure you don’t miss and plan your days accordingly. One thing we really liked was seeing the changing of the guards. Everyday at 11:30 no matter the season, you can see this happen. This is a free attraction that is worth seeing if it’s your first time. You can follow the guards as they march between St. James and Buckingham Palace. Along with the Tower of London, the Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, London Eye, and the many amazing museums, you can stay here for a week and still have so much more to see.
We also loved seeing the charming are of Notting Hill. The movie, Notting Hill with Julia Roberts definitely made this area famous. It’s worth taking a look if you’re in the area.
We left London knowing we had to come back. We did our best at trying to cram in as much as we can during the time we were there. When we go back there’s a list of things I would want to see, but for the short 4 days, we did a lot! If you visit London, let us know your experience.
