Traveling to London with grandparents and kids? It’s totally doable—and fun! Whether you're sipping afternoon tea, riding a double-decker bus, or exploring world-famous museums, London has something for everyone. This guide covers what to do, where to eat and stay, and how to make the most of your multigenerational London adventure.
Why London is Great for Multigenerational Travel
Accessible public transportation (tube, buses, and taxis)
Variety of activities for all ages and mobility levels
English-speaking destination with plenty of signage and support for tourists
Family-friendly neighborhoods and hotels
What to Do on a Multigenerational family trip to London
Here's your guide to multigenerational travel with kid-friendly sights, accessible attractions, and stress-free tips.
Museums & Cultural Sites
London has a museum district with a cluster of museums within blocks from each other and most of the museums are free. There is tube stop that drops you right in front of the museum, so it's east to access.
British Museum – Free and stroller/wheelchair accessible
Natural History Museum – Great for kids and adults
Tower of London – History buffs of all ages will love it
Tate Modern - A world renown modern art museum. Tate Modern is not in the museum district but is near another cool spot I share about below.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Hyde Park – Rent a pedal boat or picnic near the Serpentine
St. James’s Park – Perfect for photos and a relaxing stroll
Iconic Experiences
Afternoon Tea – There are so many options for afternoon tea, anywhere from fancy lux vibes, to unique and kid friendly or a more relaxed vibe.
London Eye – Panoramic views with pods that fit everyone
Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour – Great way to see the city without too much walking
Bonus Fun for the Kids (and Kids at Heart)
Harry Potter Studio Tour: A bit outside London, but worth it for fans.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium: Great for little ones who need a break from museums.
Hamleys Toy Store: Seven floors of pure kid heaven on Regent Street.
Where to Stay a Multigenerational family trip to London
Look for hotels or Air BnB's in these family-friendly neighborhoods:
South Kensington: Close to museums and peaceful streets.
Bloomsbury: Central location with a cozy, historic feel.
Covent Garden: Lively, walkable, and full of shops and restaurants.
Great Hotel for Families to Stay in London
We prefer hotels (I like fresh towels daily, someone to make my bed, and the option of breakfast down stairs) over Air BnB's but that can sometimes be difficult when traveling as a family of 5. The Residence Inn Hotel, Kensington was perfect for us.
Our family stayed in a 2 bedroom suite which had 2 bathrooms, and a living room area that included a fold out bed as well as a kitchen. It provided the space we needed and the comfort of hotel life. We also opted for the daily breakfast buffet. When traveling with kids, I find it helpful to have breakfast at the hotel, so we can be ready to start our day of sight seeing once we leave the hotel.
Our hotel was near a few different Tube stations and there was a bus stop right in front of our hotel. The Residence Inn Hotel, Kensington is within walking distance from a grocery store and a number of eateries.
Where to Eat in London with Kids and Grandparents
This is still a food blog, so naturally one of the best parts of any trip is the food! London often gets a bad wrap for the food scene, but it delivered. Whether you’re wrangling hungry kids or looking for a charming spot to treat grandma to tea, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s be honest—traveling with family means someone is always hungry. Luckily, London has plenty of delicious, family-friendly options that cater to all ages and appetites. Here are a few places we actually visited and loved, plus why they’re great for multigenerational travel:
Dishoom or Cinnamon Bazaar (Covent Garden) – Indian comfort food in the most gorgeous setting. Plenty of vegetarian options too.
Cacciari’s (South Kensington) - This cozy Italian gem hit all the right notes—charming atmosphere, fresh pasta, and pizzas that even picky eaters devoured. It’s tucked away on a quiet street, and was walking distance from our hotel. The service was warm and welcoming, and the portions were generous without being over the top. Definitely a win for families!
Orjowan (South Kensington) - If you’re looking to try something a little different but still accessible for all ages, Orjowan is a fantastic Lebanese restaurant. Think flavorful grilled meats, fresh salads, and fluffy pita—plus plenty of vegetarian options. The atmosphere was relaxed, and the food came out quickly, which is always a plus when dining with kids or tired travelers.
The Lampery (Tower Hill) - Stylish without being stuffy, The Lampery is a lovely spot for brunch or dinner near the Tower of London. We loved the modern British menu, which featured everything from beautifully poached eggs to slow-roasted meats. It was quiet enough to enjoy a conversation, and the chic decor gave it a little “treat yourself” moment for the adults in the group.
Borough Market (London Bridge) - Borough Market is a must for food lovers—and it's a great stop when you’ve got a group that can’t agree on one place to eat. Everyone can grab what they like: fresh fish and chips, Indian street food, cheese toasties, or just a sweet treat from a local bakery. There’s some seating scattered around, and it’s a fun, sensory-filled experience for kids and grownups alike.
Fish! at Borough Market - The menu keeps it simple and satisfying, with standout dishes like the award-winning British beer-battered fish & chips, grilled lobster, oysters, fish pies, and more. Ideal for both seafood lovers and families craving comfort food. Situated in a former Victorian pea-shelling warehouse, the restaurant blends historic charm with modern design. The outdoor terrace offers great views of Southwark Cathedral and The Shard, making it a scenic spot for lunch, brunch, or dinner.
Megan’s (multiple locations – we visited Battersea Power Station location) - Megan’s feels like the Pinterest board of your dreams came to life—string lights, cozy corners, and Mediterranean-inspired comfort food. Their brunch is lovely, but we stopped in for a casual dinner and it was perfect: friendly service, shareable plates, and just the right mix of trendy and approachable. Definitely a place I’d visit again.
Pro Tip:
Many London restaurants recommend reservations—especially for dinner and brunch on weekends. Book ahead when you can, and always ask if they offer high chairs or have space for strollers if you’re traveling with little ones.
3-Day London Itinerary for All Ages
Here is how we spent 3 days in London with three generations. Our youngest traveler is 10-years-old and our oldest traveler is over 60-years-old.
Day 1: Central London
Breakfast at the hotel
Sight Seeing at Westminster Pier: Big Ben, The London Eye, and Tower Bridge, The Shard.
Lunch at Borough Market - So many yummy food stalls. We ate fish and chips at a restaurant in the market and enjoyed dessert from some of the stalls. The chocolate covered strawberries and the donuts were favorites.
Dinner at Lebanese restaurant near the hotel
Day 2: History + Afternoon Tea
Breakfast at the hotel
London Science Museum -
Jurassic Afternoon at the Amperstamp Hotel - The kids really enjoyed this. Be sure to make a reservation
Dinner at Covenant Gardens - We feasted on Indian food and gelato for dessert
Day 3: Parks + Play
Breakfast at the hotel
Buckingham Palace and stroll through St. James Park
Cable car ride and lunch at The Lampery
Uber Boat Ride to Battersea Power Station
Explore and dinner at Battersea Power Station
Tips for Multigenerational Travel Success
Plan downtime – Build in rest breaks for older and younger travelers. The itinerary does not show it but I built in rest time after lunch on each day. We went back to our hotel 2 of the days to relax before dinner. We had down time of sitting on the boat ride and the cable car, so we did not return to the room on day 3.
It's tempting to want to pack your day with sightseeing and attractions, but if people are tired and grumpy, then that's no fun. Be mindful and do a temperature check between activities.
Buy tickets in advance – Skip lines at popular attractions or book in advance.
Use contactless payment cards or Oyster cards for easy Tube access. The Tube and buses also used Google and Apple pay, which allowed us to tap our phones for easy access.
Be flexible – Everyone might not do every activity, and that’s okay
Don’t forget food flexibility. Pick restaurants with diverse menus to please picky eaters and foodies alike. The restaurants I listed above offered a variety of options. My MIL is pescatarian so we made sure to find restaurants that offered a variety of options for her.
Pack light but smart – Bring comfy shoes and a light jacket; the weather changes quickly. It was chilly on our fist day in London, but got warm on the other days.
Making the Most of Your Multigenerational London Trip
Traveling with kids and grandparents doesn’t have to be chaotic—it can be a joyful bonding experience that your whole family will talk about for years. With a little planning, London becomes the perfect destination for your next multigenerational vacation.
Want More Family Travel Guides
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Let me know in the comments if you enjoy family travel and if you have any tips to share.
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