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We’ve loved our family vacations in London, and it’s such a privilege to be able to live in this fabulous city. Now that we’ve lived in London for about 6 months, it’s fun to start sharing some more London family travel tips. It’s been a blast getting familiar with the neighborhoods across the city to figure out the best places to stay in London with a family as well as where to find the best family-friendly activities in London!
If you’re looking for the best area to stay in London with family, I’ve listed our favorite family-friendly neighborhoods in London and some suggestions for the best family friendly hotels in London for each neighborhood. I hope these ideas for accommodation for families in London is helpful on your visit!
These are the sites we use most often and work best for booking stays in London and Europe more broadly. If you choose to book, we really appreciate you using our links!
This first site is where we tend to find the best deals on family accommodations in Europe in particular – it amalgamates lots of different sites and prices and has different options like hotels, extended stay, serviced apartments, rentals, and more. We just make sure to read reviews and have found some incredible places at fantastic deals.
The top family-friendly London areas I’d recommend are South Kensington/Knightsbridge, Mayfair/Marylebone/Soho, and Westminster. Some of these areas sort of blend together, but they’re all great pockets that have lots to do (and eat!) and have excellent access to the rest of the city. These are perfect spots to stay in London with kids to be near the best things to do in London with kids. Here are some great London accommodations options for each!
Westminster is an ideal base for families visiting London due to its proximity to the most famous landmarks in London. You’ll be walking distance to London attractions like Big Ben, the London Eye, and the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. The area is also home to iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, and has access to large parks for some play breaks. Perhaps most ideal, Westminster’s central location ensures convenient access to explore other parts of the city. Here are some options that will put you near all the best things to do in Westminster London.
A couple of these are just across the river on the south bank, or the Waterloo area, but are a very short walk across the bridge to Westminster!
South Kensington and Knightsbridge are the perfect areas for families who want to visit the best London Museums. This area is home to the best child-friendly museums in London – Natural History Museum and Science Museum, as well as the Victoria & Albert Museum (which has a terrific children’s activity backpack you can rent for free). And they are free to enter!
The neighborhood boasts beautiful green spaces and some of the best parks and playgrounds for children in London, including Kensington Gardens with the Princess Diana Playground. It’s also home to the Royal Albert Hall, which has family-friendly performances. Kensington also offers a variety of family-friendly dining options so you’re sure to find something that pleases everyone
Bordering on the east end of South Kensington and a touch closer to central London is Knightsbridge, which tends to be a bit more upscale. You’ll find world-famous department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and you’ll be close to lots of museums and cultural sites. These accommodations are close to all the things to do near Kensington & Knightsbridge:
The Mayfair/Marylebone areas offer families visiting London with kids a blend of cultural experiences and convenience. Hyde Park, as well as top sights in for families in London and kid-friendly attractions in London like the British Museum and Leicester Square are just a short walk away. Soho can also be a great spot, though tends to be a bit busier with more nightlife options, so I recommend going a bit further into Mayfair/Marylebone if you can. This area also offers a variety of family-friendly dining options.
Here are a few additional neighborhoods to check out for family-friendly accommodations in London.
Hammersmith is one of those slightly off-the-beaten-path spots to stay with kids in London and I love it for that exact reason! It’s very much a local living rather than tourist area, which gives it a fun vibe with plenty of restaurants, pubs, shops, grocery stores, and more. It tends to be significantly less expensive than some of the super central locations, but with fabulous transport links to easily get to most tourist locations (four different Underground lines lead here!). It’s not far into zone 2 and also has a wonderful park close by (Ravenscourt Park). A great one for families who aren’t afraid of public transport and want some more affordable lodging with plenty of amenities around. Easy access to Heathrow, airport, too, as it’s on the Piccadilly line!
Chelsea is a charming neighborhood for families visiting London with kids. It’s close to some of the best things to do in London with children, including the interactive Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. There are numerous family-friendly restaurants and cafes, as wells as close proximity to the River Thames.
Notting Hill offers a lively yet relaxed atmosphere and is known for its child-friendly cafes and boutique shops. Its central location allows easy access to London’s major parks and attractions – it’s close to Hyde Park as well as Paddington Station. Here are some family friendly London accommodations in Notting Hill.
You’re right in the thick of things in Covent Garden! The theater district is lively and loud and fun. This neighborhood is rich in cultural attractions and fun things to do with kids in London like the London Transport Museum and boasts a variety of family-friendly dining options, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. Plus, its central location makes it easy to explore surrounding areas and is within walking distance to several London landmarks and the best activities for kids in London. These London accommodations ensure you’re close to attractions near Covent Garden.
London is notoriously expensive and it’s tricky to find budget accommodations. However, if you’re looking for some less expensive areas of London, Camden, Canary Wharf, and Fulham can be great choices. Fulham in particular is more residential and lovely, but has some good options for family-friendly hotels.
