London Life @tots100 @royalgdnhotel @RoyalGardenHotel #rghfamilies

We love visiting London as family but as there is so much you can do in London with children and only so much little feet can take, to make it more fun and relaxing to incorporate a hotel stay into it. Centrally located near Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park lies The Royal Garden Hotel which is the perfect family base. I can definitely vouch for this as I stayed here with my own mum and dad and siblings when I was young and it was fabulous!

The hotel offers a 5 star service for families including toys and games to enjoy in the park or room, early dining in the Terrace Room from 5.30pm, free breakfast for kids on certain rates, babysitting service,  cots and high chairs and spacious rooms for two adults and two children (under 11) to share. With all of the family’s needs taken care of you can just enjoy London life doing whatever takes your fancy!

We visited London in September, taking advantage of our Merlin passes we concentrated on these activities – the London Eye (at dusk), Madam Tussauds (meeting Prince Harry!), The London Dungeon and Aquarium. There was loads to do on the South Bank and we had a brilliant time. As fans of musical theatre ee also went to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory live on stage – we had a box and it was all very exciting.

On previous visits we have also seen The Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and at Horse Guards Parade (this runs alternate days at each), visited the National History Museum to see the dinosaurs and the Science Museum which are essential when visiting with children.  Here are some photos from four years ago and again recently of us at the Science Museum. These activities are all free too!

Last time we visited we went on the Original Tour hop on/off bus around London which was educational and interesting. Ethan had lots of questions as they have been looking at the Great Plague in school. We also did the river tour which was part of the bus ticket which was a first time for the boys. We paid a visit to Ripley’s Believe it or Not at Piccadilly Circus which was a minefield of information and fun! Noah did graffiti of  his name on an interactive wall and Ethan lost his legs and feet!

There is so much to do in London and when we pay our next visit top of our list would be

• watch Matilda the Musical as the boys are huge Roahl Dahl fans
• experience some history and culture at Kensington Palace and the Tower of London, which we have walked past lots of times but not actually visited. The boys would love Diana’s memorial playground where we can remember a very special lady.
• enjoy the fresh air at London Zoo which we visited several years ago but love, love, love!
• fly high on the Emirates Airline cable car to the O2
• visit to see Santa at Hamleys or Harrods (if it is near Christmas)
• a trip to the top of the Shard to see the wonderful views

What are your must see highlights of London? Where would you recommend we go!?

 

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