Travelling in London with kids: Fares, Tickets and Advice

Travelling in London with kids: Fares, Tickets and Advice

by Ren Nair
Last Update: 19 Oct 2023

When planning a family trip to London…

…one of the things you’ll be thinking about is how are we going to get around London, and, how travelling in London with kids works.
You’re probably asking yourself what fares children need to pay on London´s public transport and you may even want to know how to use London´s public transport with a buggy.

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Index

• Children´s fares when travelling in London
• Travelling from the airport to central London
• Travelling in London with a buggy

Travelling in London with kids: Fares and transport passes

When travelling in London with kids it is important to know that children will pay different fares on London´s transport depending on their age. There are transport passes for children, and these transport passes will be valid for London´s underground network, buses, DLR, overground and trains within London travel zones.

Children under 11 years of age

Children under the age of 11 travel free on London´s buses and trams, with or without an adult, at any time, and don’t need a ticket.
Children under the age of 11 also travel free on London Underground, DLR (Docklands Light Railway), overground and TFL rail without a ticket if they’re accompanied by a paying adult. Up to 4 children can travel for free with an adult that has a valid ticket.
When entering the London underground with children under the age of 11, it’s advisable to use the larger access doors. These doors are wider and don´t close as fast as the single doors and are designed for people travelling in London with kids, those with luggage or disabled passengers.

Visiting attractions with kids?

Keetoo stands out as one of the top choices for families seeking days out in London, offering substantial savings on gate prices while providing seamless access through the convenience of your phone. With everything stored digitally and total flexibility, Keetoo ensures hassle-free and enjoyable days out with the kids. Simply choose the places you wish to visit, who’s going with you and up pops the saving and you’re on your way!

Children from 11 to 16 years of age

Children between the ages of 11 and 16 can travel at a reduced rate on London´s public transport. There are several options and to make it simple, we’re going to summarise these below.
Children from 11 to 16 years old can also travel with an adult Oyster card or travel card if necessary. But bear in mind, they’ll not benefit from reduced rates on travel.


Option 1: Oyster card with Young Visitor Discount

This is a great option if you’re planning on travelling in London with kids. An Oyster card with young visitor discount will apply half adult rates for 14 days. After 14 days this discount will expire, and the Oyster card will charge full adult rates again. The Oyster card can also be returned at the end of your trip, just like a normal Oyster card.

All you need to do is buy an Oyster card or a Visitor Oyster card, either online or at an underground station, and then ask a member of staff to set the Young Visitor Discount. This discount can be applied at any underground station in London, including the underground station at Heathrow Airport. An adult will need to give their personal details to register the Oyster card before the discount can be applied, and you might be asked to confirm the child´s age.
You and your child will need to be together when asking for the Young Visitor Discount to be set onto an Oyster card, and an adult can request the young visitor discount to be set for up to 4 children (on separate Oyster cards).


Option 2: Zip Oyster Photocard

The Zip Oyster photocard will entitle children of up to 16 years of age to reduced fares on the underground and overground and other TFL services, as well as free travel on trams and buses. The Zip Oyster photocard is normally the best option for children that live in London, as the process to get an Oyster photocard for a child can take some time and there’s an initial registration fee of up to £20 – so this is normally not the best option for visitors.

You can get a Zip Oyster photocard if you live in London, all you need to do is fill in a form that you will find at your local Post Office and return it to the Post Office. You will also need to include a passport sized photo and a copy of the birth certificate or passport and pay the fee. You should get the Zip Oyster photocard in 2 weeks.

If you’re a UK resident, you’ll need to do the process online on TFL’s website and you should get the Zip Oyster photocard within 4 weeks.

If you live outside the UK you will need to do the process online on TFL’s website. When applying, you’ll need to choose which London Visitor Centre (Liverpool Street Station, Victoria Station, Euston, Gatwick, King’s Cross station) you want to collect the Zip Oyster photocard from, as it will not be sent to your home address. You’ll need to apply at least 3 weeks in advance but can also apply up to three months in advance.


Option 3: 1 Day Child Travelcard

A one-day child travelcard will allow unlimited travel at any time of the day on any form of public transport in London for the chosen London travel zones. No ID is needed to purchase this one-day child travelcard, but fares using an Oyster card with young visitor discount are normally cheaper. If you’re visiting London for several days and choose this option you’ll have to buy a one-day child travelcard for each day, and this will work out a lot more expensive than using an Oyster card with young visitor discount.

Option 4: 7 Day Child Travelcard

To buy a 7-day child travelcard in London there are 3 options: 1 – By adding a weekly travelcard into a Zip Oyster photocard. This is undoubtedly the most complicated option, as you need to request a Zip Card Oyster photocard first and then add the 7-day travelcard onto it. 2 – Buy a 7-day child travelcard online. This is probably the easiest way of getting one, as you do not need a Zip Oyster photocard and they will send it to your home address before you travel. 3 – Buy a 7-day child travelcard at a national railway ticket office (not an underground station).


People 16 to 18 years old

People aged 16 to 18 can also apply for a 16 – 18 Zip Oyster photocard, which will apply half adult rates on any form of public transport in London. Travelcards at a reduced price can also be added onto Zip Oyster photocards.
For more information about travelling in London with kids visit: Transport for London.

Travelling in London with kids: Travelling to Central London from the airport
Stansted, Luton and Gatwick airports are all located outside London’s Travel Zones, so fares when travelling with kids to and from these airports are different to fares when travelling in London with kids, so under 11-year old children will need a ticket.

An Oyster card is valid for travel into Central London from Gatwick Airport, but children under 11 will also need a train ticket to get to central London from Gatwick Airport, even if they are accompanied by an adult.

Heathrow and London City Airports are both inside London Travel Zones, so fares are as explained above. Children under 11 travel free and Children under 16 can travel with an Oyster card with young visitor discount.


Travelling in London with a buggy

If you are planning a trip with a baby or toddler, it may be that you wish to bring your buggy or stroller to London, especially if you’re planning on spending the whole day walking around London.

Travelling in London with a buggy can be quite easy if you know which route is best, or it can be a complete nightmare if you have to go up or down 300 steps when there are no lifts.

Don’t stress, we’re going to explain how to travel on London´s public transport with a buggy.


Travelling on London´s buses with a buggy

Public buses in London have a dedicated wheelchair and buggy space as well as easy street-level access. Travelling by bus with a buggy normally is the easiest option to get around London. You can enter the bus via the back door, which makes it a bit easier too. Up to two pushchairs are allowed in the dedicated buggy space on a bus but do bear in mind that during busy periods you may be asked to wait for the next bus or collapse your pushchair.


Travelling on the London Underground with a buggy

The trick to travelling in London with kids using a pushchair is to check London´s accessible underground map in advance and choose your route carefully. Being able to plan your route choosing accessible stations makes life much easier, and it may just mean that you need to get off at the next stop and walk 5 minutes, rather than having to take a buggy and a baby up 100 steps.

Unfortunately, not all underground stations in London are accessible. Most underground stations in London will have escalators, and many stations will also have some stairs at some point before reaching the platform. Many other stations have lifts to some of the platforms, and some stations are completely accessible, with lifts from the ticket office to the platform.

If you need help going up or down the stairs and you ask a member of staff for help, for health and safety reasons they will ask you to carry the baby and they will take the buggy for you.


London Underground Accessibility Maps

On the London Underground map, you will see that accessible underground stations are marked with the symbol of a wheelchair, in either a blue circle or a white circle.

• Blue circle: the underground station is fully accessible, which means that it is possible to go from street-level onto the underground carriage without any steps at all. In these cases, the platform will have an area that is slightly elevated to avoid any steps when getting onto the train.

• White circle: this means that there are no steps from street-level to platform, but there is some unevenness when getting onto the train. This is important for someone using a wheelchair, but it normally isn´t a problem when taking a buggy onto the train.

In addition to this map, there’s a Step Free Tube Map that is a lot more detailed and the one we’d recommend you check when travelling on the London Underground with a buggy. This map highlights the degree of accessibility at each station in detail and it also explains how accessible it is to change between underground lines at different stations.

Welcome to our Blog!

Hi, I’m Ren, a travel lover a mum of 2 and founder of Keetoo, a  leading website and app for tickets for days out.
On this blog, I share our family travel experiences with practical information, pictures and useful tips!

Join us for more tips on London and UK travel

Explore London like a local

with our insider’s mini guide

Download for FREE now

    Explore London like a local

    with our insider’s mini guide.
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      What to do on a Saturday in London

      What to do on a Saturday in London

      by Ren Nair
      Last Update: 17 July 2023

      There are so many things to do on a Saturday in London

      that planning a weekend in the city will be an easy task. Choose from an array of Saturday Markets, explore the different shopping districts, dine in the best restaurants or enjoy some of the best events in London.
      We’d highly recommend a stroll around one of the beautiful parks of London and in summer, there are even public pools that people flock to! And not to mention the vast number of museums and shopping centres to explore.

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      How to spend a Saturday in London

      However, there are also some things that are only available to do on a Saturday – so we’re going to tell you about those too.

      • Saturday Markets in London
      • Tourist attractions
      • Museums
      • Shops and restaurants
      • Guided tours
      • Something different
      • Suggestions

      Saturday Markets in London

      If you’re planning a trip to London, it’s worth planning your trip knowing that some of the best street markets in London are only open on Saturdays, so don’t forget to include this in your itinerary.

      Portobello Road, the iconic Notting Hill flea market. Even though parts of Portobello Road Market are open on other days of the week, there’s a full market on Saturdays. Open from 9.00am to 7.00pm, this is undoubtedly the best day to visit.

      Borough Market is the oldest market in London, and a must-see. Located next to London Bridge Underground Station, there’s a full market from Wednesdays to Saturdays, and on Saturdays, the market is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm..

      Camden Market is another incredibly famous London market, and even though it opens every day of the week, there is a full market on Saturdays, with all of the shops and stalls open. Camden Market is open daily from 10am to 6pm (except Christmas Day).

      Broadway Market is a wonderfully charming street market next to Regent’s Canal in Hackney that only opens on Saturdays. It’s not a popular tourist spot, but frequently visited by locals. Broadway Market is open from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.

      Spitalfields Market is open every day of the week, and on Saturdays their opening times are from 11.00am to 6.00pm. Located next to each other, Brick Lane Market, Petticoat Lane Market and Spitalfields Market are open on Sundays.

      Maltby Street Market is a hidden gem located in south-east London. It’s open during weekends, and on Saturdays is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

      Brixton Market not only includes a beautiful covered market but is also on pedestrianised roads. The outdoor markets are located on Electric Avenue, Pope’s Road and Brixton Station Road. Brixton Village and Market Row are covered market arcades but are also connected to the outdoor markets. On Saturdays, the outdoor markets and the covered markets are all open, and there’s also a themed market on Brixton Station Road. Brixton Market is open on Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.

      Tourist attractions open on a Saturday in London

      All tourist attractions in London open on Saturdays (except if it’s Christmas Day!). This includes London’s most famous attractions like: The London Eye, The View from the Shard, Madame Tussauds, The Sea Life Aquarium, the Tower of London, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey (just to name a few!).
      Sightseeing bus tours and sightseeing river cruises also operate on Saturdays in London, and they can sometimes be the best way to see London when the streets are crowded!

      Museums open on a Saturday in London

      All the famous museums in London are open on Saturdays, including The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Tate Modern, just to name a few!

      Shops and restaurants open on a Saturday in London

      Shops and restaurants in central London are always open on Saturdays (except if it happens to be Christmas Day!) and you can walk, shop and dine in the most popular tourist spots in London such as Regent Street, Oxford Street, Soho, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus.
      Famous big department stores such as Harrods, Fortnum and Mason and Liberty are open on Sundays. Westfield shopping centres (White City and Stratford) also open on Sundays.

      Guided tours available on Saturdays

      Walking tours are available mostly during the weekends in London, some famous walking tours include Jack the Ripper, Changing of the Guard walking tour or the famous Harry Potter locations walking tour.

      Walking tours in London

      Located in the heart of the city, between the Strand and the River Thames is Somerset House, an incredible neo-classical building. On Thursdays and Saturdays, you can enjoy art and culture with a free guided tour of Somerset House, yes FREE! You’ll see 55 fountains dancing in the courtyard, and during the winter months you can even ice-skate. They often host open-air concerts, film and contemporary art and design exhibitions.

      Do something a little different

      If you’ve done all the most popular spots in London, then maybe it is time to explore an area that you’re not as familiar with. For example, you could make your way to the beautiful Richmond neighbourhood, where you can visit the farmer’s market on a Saturday or stunning Greenwich, where you’ll also find the Royal Observatory. The district of Hampstead has plenty of trendy bars and restaurants as well as Hampstead Heath, a stunning park to explore – and you can see the spectacular London skyline from the highest point in the park!

      Our suggestions to spend the perfect Saturday in London
      We think the best way to spend a Saturday in London is to spend the morning at one of the amazing Saturday markets in London before heading to Covent Garden to see the street entertainers, do some shopping and go to one of the restaurants. And as the sun goes down, head to the South Bank, for a walk along the River Thames – taking in the sights of the London Eye, Westminster Bridge and Big Ben.

      Welcome to our Blog!

      Hi, I’m Ren, a travel lover a mum of 2 and founder of Keetoo, a  leading website and app for tickets for days out.
      On this blog, I share our family travel experiences with practical information, pictures and useful tips!

      Join us for more tips on London and UK travel

      Explore London like a local

      with our insider’s mini guide

      Download for FREE now

        Explore London like a local

        with our insider’s mini guide.
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          What to do on a Sunday in London

          What to do on a Sunday in London

          by Ren Nair
          Last Update: 17 July 2023

          London never sleeps…even on a Sunday!

          So, you can expect the crowds to be out in their masses with full shops, restaurants, and pubs full of locals and tourists. Don’t worry if you’re only here for the weekend, you’ll find that London has plenty to offer on a Sunday.

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          How to spend a Sunday in London

          • Sunday Markets in London
          • Tourist attractions open on a Sunday in London
          • Museums, Shops and Restaurants
          • Sunday Roast
          • Guided tours
          • Explore a different neighbourhood
          • Indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea
          • More ideas
          • What to avoid on a Sunday in London

          Sunday Markets in London

          If you’re planning a trip to London, it’s worth planning your trip knowing that some of the best street markets in London are only open on Sundays, so don’t forget to include one of these in your itinerary:

          Spitalfields, Petticoat Lane and Brick Lane:

          Open only on a Sunday, one of the most famous markets in the East End of London is Brick Lane. Right next to it, is Petticoat Lane and Spitalfields Market – so why not visit all 3 in a day? Whether you’re looking for independent food stalls, vintage goods and crafts, London has it all. Find out more about these markets here.

          Columbia Road Flower Market:

          Enjoy the amazing colours and flowers at this sweet-smelling market in East London.

          Other markets to explore:

          Brixton Market, Camden Market and Maltby Street Market are also great markets to explore on a Sunday, even though they are also open on other days of the week.

          Farmers markets in London:

          One of the best things to do at the weekend is to visit a farmers market, where you can enjoy the tastes and smells from the bakers, cheese makers, fruit farmers and butchers. Take a wander through the stalls and taste some samples. You can enjoy a great selection of meats, cakes, pies, cakes and of course, the delicious artisan breads. Some popular farmers markets include:
          Queen’s Park Farmers Market
          Marylebone Farmers Market
          Alexandra Palace Farmers Market

          Tourist Attractions on a Sunday in London

          Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral are the only visitor attractions closed on Sundays, so there’s plenty to see and do.
          This includes London’s most famous attractions like the London Eye, The View from the Shard, Madame Tussauds, the Sea Life London Aquarium, the Tower of London and Shakespeare’s Globe to name a few are all open on Sundays.
          Sightseeing bus tours and sightseeing river cruises also operate on Sundays, and they can sometimes the best way to see London when the streets are crowded!

          Museums, Shops and Restaurants open on a Sunday in London

          All the famous museums in London are open on Sundays, such as The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, The British Museum and the Tate Modern just to name a few!

          If you are looking for a little retail therapy, fear not because all the shops in central London will be open. Popular shopping areas like Oxford Street and Regent Street will still be bustling, however they will close earlier than they do during the week, usually at 6pm.
          Famous department stores such as Harrods, Fortnum and Mason and Liberty are open on Sundays too. Westfield shopping centres (White City and Stratford) also open on Sundays.

          You’ll always find somewhere to eat in central London, everyday of the week. Restaurants are always open on Sundays (except if it happens to be Christmas Day!) and you can walk, shop and dine in the most popular tourist spots in London such as Regent Street, Oxford Street, Soho, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, just to name a few.

          Treat yourself to a traditional Sunday roast

          What better way to end the week than with lashings of gravy over beef or lamb or nut roast with all the trimmings of stuffing, parsnips, Yorkshire puddings and pigs in blankets. To experience a truly traditional roast dinner, one of the best places to go to is a pub. Some of the best spots are The Harwood Arms in Fulham, Blacklock Soho in Soho and Bike Shed Motorcycle Club in Shoreditch. And of course, if you are visiting Spitalfields Market, you will find plenty of pubs serving up roast dinners every Sunday.

          Great places to explore on a Sunday include:

          A trip to Greenwich is perfect for exploring the stunning views, visiting the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark. You can also take to the air on one of the cable carts. Greenwich Market is only open Sundays, making it the perfect day to visit.
          Explore the area of Richmond, where you will also find a craft market on a Sunday.
          Or take a stroll through the beautiful Hampstead neighbourhood where you can enjoy laid-back bars and explore the gorgeous Hampstead Heath – here you can see the London skyline from one of the city’s highest points.

          Enjoy an afternoon tea

          The British love their tea and what better way to enjoy this other than with a traditional afternoon tea. With a huge amount of variety, from fancy high-end hotel teas to novelty science themes, chocolate themes and even afternoon teas on double decker buses, there’s something for everyone!

          Some of the best afternoon teas are:

          Afternoon Tea Cruise. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with bubbles, finger sandwiches and cakes, whilst you admire London from the River Thames.
          Brigits Afternoon Tea Bus Tour combines seeing all the top tourist sights like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace whist enjoying bubbles, finger sandwiches and cakes.
          Scoff & Banter Tea Rooms on Oxford Street is perfect for nibbles, Champagne and a wealth of teas after a long day of shopping on London’s most famous shopping street.
          Tale as Old as Time Tea at The Kensington, is a Disney lovers dream with Mrs Potts and Chip crockery, and cakes in the shape of the iconic characters from Beauty and the Beast. Those looking for something a little quirkier will love this.

          Looking for more ideas?

          A great way to spend a Sunday is by taking a stroll along the South Bank, and enjoying the sights of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye. Places like Covent Garden and Leicester Square make an excellent setting for a night-time stroll. Explore the lights of China Town as well as enjoying the many street performances. You won’t get bored on a Sunday in London, there’s simply too much to do.

          What to avoid on a Sunday in London

          The only places we’d advise you avoid at the weekend are the office parts of the city such as Moorgate, Farringdon and Bank. During the weekend, they are empty, and some shops and restaurants are even closed.

          Welcome to our Blog!

          Hi, I’m Ren, a travel lover a mum of 2 and founder of Keetoo, a  leading website and app for tickets for days out.
          On this blog, I share our family travel experiences with practical information, pictures and useful tips!

          Join us for more tips on London and UK travel

          Explore London like a local

          with our insider’s mini guide

          Download for FREE now

            Explore London like a local

            with our insider’s mini guide.
            Download for FREE now


              Best Mobile Apps to use while visiting London

              Best Mobile Apps to use while visiting London

              by Ren Nair
              Last Update: 17 July 2023

              1. Keetoo Mobile App, of course!

              Download Keetoo

              Keetoo puts modern families, friends, and WhatsApp groups at the centre of a world where they can find, book and enjoy the best experiences for them, at the tap of a screen.

              From unique days out to the UK’s best attractions, experiences and cinemas, keetoo allows you to get outside into the world and enjoy more time together.

              Choose your attraction combination and save

              A great day out without compromise.

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              2. CityMapper

              https://citymapper.com/london?lang=en

              Over half of humans live in cities, where mobility is a daily need. Public transport is the most used form of mobility in the most significant cities of the world and is essential to solving key issues such as congestion, affordability, and the environment. At Citymapper, they are solving these challenges so getting from A to B is seamless.

              3. Google Pay

              https://pay.google.com/

              Google Pay is a digital wallet and payment platform from Google. It enables users to pay for transactions with Android devices in-store and on supported websites, mobile apps and Google services, like the Google Play Store. When you download it you can link your credit or debit card to the app and use them to pay shops, cafes and even London transport.

              4. TFL Oyster and Contactless App

              https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/tfl-oyster-and-contactless-app

              Manage your contactless and Oyster cards on the go. With the TFL Oyster App you can add credit to your Oyster, check your journey history and more!

              5. Santander Cycles App

              https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/santander-cycles/community

              If you like cycling then using the Santander bikes that are dotted around London is one of the best options to move around the city. Download the Santander Cycles App and you will be able to find the nearest bike stations, hire your bike quicker and check your spend.

              6. National Trust

              https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/mobile-apps

              Find special places, get key information and see what’s on at the different National Trust locations. Don’t forget to buy that membership!

              https://www.accessable.co.uk/

              Use AccessAble to find wheelchair friendly venues or check out disabled access and facilities. AccessAble is your accessibility guide.

              10. AccessAble

              https://www.uber.com/global/en/cities/london/

              Always useful when you need to go from A to B and can’t use public transport! The Uber app is perfect for those times when you’re stuck in the rain, or have to get somewhere quickly.

              9. Uber

              https://britishstreetfood.co.uk/app

              The British Street Food app showcases the best street food in Britain. It’s revolutionary, with live GPS maps showing who’s trading where and when. It details the specials of the best traders and encourages punters to photograph – and review – their food.

              8. British Street Food Mobile App

              7. Best Coffee Guide Mobile App

              Welcome to our Blog!

              Hi, I’m Ren, a travel lover a mum of 2 and founder of Keetoo, a  leading website and app for tickets for days out.
              On this blog, I share our family travel experiences with practical information, pictures and useful tips!

              Join us for more tips on London and UK travel

              Explore London like a local

              with our insider’s mini guide

              Download for FREE now

                Explore London like a local

                with our insider’s mini guide.
                Download for FREE now


                  Top 10 London Attractions for Kids

                  Top 10 London Attractions for Kids

                  by Ren Nair
                  Last Update: 17 July 2023

                  Choose your attraction combination and save

                  A great day out without compromise.

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                  Visiting London with kids should be an enjoyable and memorable experience.

                  So, if you are planning on visiting London with little (and not so little) ones and want to guarantee an unforgettable family trip, it is important to know all about the best London attractions for kids.

                  London is a city where children come first, so you will always be able to find fun and unique attractions for kids throughout the year. From museums to experiences London is the city that really does have it all.

                  The best London attractions for kids

                  To help you find and enjoy the best family days out for children in London, I have put together a list of our top 10 London attractions for kids.

                  The London Eye

                  A ride on a giant Ferris wheel is something that most children will 100% love. Rising to a height of 135 metres, the London Eye offers wonderful views of London, so adults tend to enjoy it just as much as the kids (I know I certainly did!). I recommend booking in advance via the Keetoo App to get more value from this attraction.

                  London Zoo

                  London Zoo is in Regent’s Park, one of the most beautiful parks in the city. Enjoy a trip to London Zoo and get up close and personal with lions, tigers, giraffes, and creepy crawlies – it is a must-see attraction for little ones. Be sure to check out the daily schedule of events and feeding times. You cannot miss the penguin show!

                  HMS Belfast

                  Situated between the Tower of London and London Bridge, the HMS Belfast is the most significant surviving warship of World War II. This floating museum offers an insight into life onboard during wartime. Kids will love climbing the ladders between decks, exploring below sea-level and there is even an interactive game. Sometimes there’s special family events one weekend a month which I highly recommend. Entry is free for under 5’s which is a huge bonus!

                  A hop-on hop-off bus tour

                  In my opinion, taking a bus tour is the easiest option for London sightseeing with kids. Not only can you use the bus as a form of transport for the day, but you also get great views of the landmarks and children love the novelty of sitting upstairs on the open-top deck. Most of the bus tour companies also include a River Thames cruise in their ticket, so you get to see London from two perspectives.

                  Legoland Windsor

                  Situated outside of London close to Windsor Castle, Legoland is easy to get to by public transport. Trains to Windsor depart from London Waterloo and London Paddington, but once at Windsor station you will need to take a connecting bus to Legoland, which can be a bit of a hassle with smaller children. There is also the option of taking a direct coach from London Victoria coach station which I think is probably the easier option for families.

                  Shrek’s Adventure

                  Situated close to the London Eye and one of London’s newest attractions, Shrek’s Adventure takes kids to a land far away where they can enjoy magical adventures alongside the world’s favourite green ogre and his friends. A great attraction to consider when looking for things to do in London with kids. Book with your Keetoo app to make the fun go further at this attraction.

                  Harry Potter Studios

                  If your child (or you) are a Harry Potter fan, then a visit to the Harry Potter Warner Bros. studios is a must. Discover the sets where many of the movies were filmed, ride the Hogwarts Express, learn to ride a broomstick, and try a famous butter beer as you follow Harry Potter´s footsteps.
                  This is unsurprisingly one of London’s most popular attractions and is advanced booking only, so be sure to book several weeks in advance as tickets sell out extremely quickly.

                  The Lion King musical

                  One of London’s most successful musicals of recent years, the Lion King is simply outstanding. It is always one of my top recommendations to friends who are coming to London with kids. You can get tickets from around £35 each and I think it is totally worth the money.

                  The Natural History Museum

                  At first, you could be mistaken for thinking that the Natural History Museum would not be that entertaining for kids, but the truth is, it’s made for them! They will be able to admire some of the strangest, preserved animals on the planet, along with dinosaur skeletons and so much more. The star of the show is currently ‘Hope’, the giant whale skeleton that presides over the central gallery. And the best thing about visiting here is that it’s a free museum for adults and children! WIN!

                  More things to do in London with kids

                  In addition to my top 10 London attractions for kids, there are so many other places to consider when visiting London as a family.
                  I particularly love musicals as they offer so much fun and entertainment for all ages. In addition to the Lion King mentioned above, I would also recommend Matilda and The Prince Of Egypt.

                  Welcome to our Blog!

                  Hi, I’m Ren, a travel lover a mum of 2 and founder of Keetoo, a  leading website and app for tickets for days out.
                  On this blog, I share our family travel experiences with practical information, pictures and useful tips!

                  Join us for more tips on London and UK travel

                  Explore London like a local

                  with our insider’s mini guide

                  Download for FREE now

                    Explore London like a local

                    with our insider’s mini guide.
                    Download for FREE now


                      London in Three Days

                      London in Three Days

                      by Ren Nair
                      Last Update: 17 July 2023

                      There’s so much you can do in London in three days.

                      But when planning a trip to London, you really want to make the most of everything that this amazing and diverse city has to offer. We have designed a free itinerary for you to follow which includes London’s top attractions like Big Ben, The London Eye, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London and St Paul’s cathedral.
                      There is so much to see in London that our first advice when spending three days in London is to make sure that you have chosen a fairly central hotel, preferably in zones 1 or 2 if possible. This means you will then spend less time and money on public transport. We would also recommend that you plan and know what routes or itineraries you are going to follow so that you don’t have to think about where to go on the day. It’s also best if you get up early, so save the lie-ins for when you get home!
                      If it’s your first time in London and you want to see as much as possible, you need to think about going on a hop-on hop-off bus tour; it’s an easy way to see a lot in a city as big as London and it really helps you to figure out where things are if you use it on your first day. You will also get a free river cruise which is brilliant and something that we would very highly recommend.

                      Choose your attraction combination and save

                      A great day out without compromise.

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                      London in three days: Day 1 in London

                      • Changing of the Guard
                      • Westminster Abbey
                      • Big Ben and London Eye
                      • Regent Street and Carnaby Street
                      • Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus
                      • Leicester Square and Covent Garden

                      Big Ben and the London Eye our must-sees for your first day in London if you’re are planning on visiting London in three days, so we have designed a walking route that starts at Buckingham Palace to see the famous ceremony of the Changing of the Guard, and then we will go on to explore some of the city´s most important landmarks, such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus…

                      This walking route is approximately 4.5 miles long, and we would allow at least 4 – 6 hours, although it could easily take you all day, especially if you go on the London Eye or visit Westminster Abbey.

                      Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

                      Our walking route starts at Green Park Tube Station. From here, you’ll walk across Green Park to get to Buckingham Palace, where you will get a chance to watch the famous Ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. This ceremony takes place at 11 am, but we recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes in advance as it does get quite crowded. Check confirmed dates here: Changing of the Guard in London. After watching the changing of the guard ceremony, we will then walk through the small but wonderful St James’s Park.

                      Westminster Abbey

                      We will then walk along Whitehall, passing 10 Downing Street, and make our way towards Westminster Abbey. It really is a shame to visit London and not visit Westminster Abbey so it’s something that we would recommend. If you buy your tickets in advance you’ll skip the queues and it will be cheaper than buying the entry ticket at the door. It will take you around 2 hours to visit Westminster Abbey.

                      Big Ben and London Eye

                      From here you can walk past the Houses of Parliament where you can admire the magnificent Big Ben, obviously one of London’s most famous landmarks. You will cross Westminster Bridge and get the perfect photo of Big Ben as well as the London Eye.
                      Once you cross Westminster Bridge, you can go towards the London Eye and continue walking along the Southbank until you get to Royal Festival Hall. This is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or a bite if you’re feeling a bit hungry as there are plenty of restaurants and cafes. Just behind the Royal Festival Hall there is also a food market during the weekends, so that’s worth a visit if you fancy a bit of street food.

                      Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus

                      You will then cross the Thames along the Golden Jubilee Bridge and head towards Trafalgar Square, the famous piazza with the four lions. This is where you will find one of London’s most famous galleries, The National Gallery, which is free to enter. From here it’s only a short walk to another one of London’s famous landmarks, Piccadilly Circus.

                      Regent Street and Carnaby Street

                      From here, we would recommend that you walk along Regent Street, spotting Hamleys on your right; London’s largest and best toy store. You will then go past Liberty, one of London’s most famous stores, discover Carnaby Street and London’s famous Soho. You will end your route through Soho exploring the infamous Chinatown of London.

                      Leicester Square and Covent Garden

                      You will next discover Leicester Square where you will come across another two famous shops – M&M’s and LEGO Stores! Leicester Square is where London’s film premieres take place so you might bump into a famous actor if you are lucky (we once saw Will Smith!). From Leicester Square it’s only a short walk to Covent Garden, one of the most beautiful places in London and the perfect way to end your very first busy day exploring London. You will find lots of restaurants in this area so it is the perfect place to have something to eat or drink before heading back to your hotel.

                      This is also where you will find most theatres in London. If you can, we recommend watching one of the most famous musicals in London.

                      Day 2 in London

                      You will start your second day in London by walking along what is possibly London’s busiest and most popular street: Oxford Street. From there you can discover the many secrets that Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens have to offer before heading to explore at least one of London’s most famous museums. At the end of our route, you will definitely want to go to Harrods, London’s most famous department store.

                      • Oxford Street and Marble Arch
                      • Hyde Park
                      • Kensington

                      Oxford Street and Marble Arch

                      Our starting point for your second day in London is Oxford Street Tube Station. From here you’ll head west, discovering all the high street shops that Oxford Street has to offer. You will walk past John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Selfridges; one of the oldest department stores in London. As you walk along Oxford Street, keep an eye out for a little sign that indicates St Christopher’s Place, a little piazza with several restaurants and cafes that is hidden away and that definitely deserves a pit stop for a quick rest. Once you get to the end of Oxford Street you’ll find Marble Arch.

                      Hyde Park

                      As soon as you enter Hyde Park you’ll arrive at Speaker’s Corner. From here we have designed a route through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for you to discover the most important sights of these two beautiful parks. This includes Peter Pan’s statue, the Italian Water Gardens, Kensington Palace and the Albert Memorial. If you are visiting London with kids don’t forget to take them to the Diana Princess of Wales’ Memorial Playground.

                      Kensington

                      As you exit Hyde Park, you’ll find yourselves in front of the amazing Royal Albert Hall. The Royal Albert Hall offers tours to those who would like to explore one of the world’s most famous concert halls. You will then walk towards South Kensington, where you will find some of London’s most famous museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. It can take you a few hours to visit each of these museums but they offer free entry so it is worth visiting at least one if you have time.

                      Our route takes you along Kensington High Street and Brompton Road until you get to Harrods but, before you head this way, you can always stop for a coffee or something to eat around South Kensington Tube Station as there are several cafes and restaurants in the area.

                      Day 3 in London

                      If you are visiting London in three days, then we would recommend that you spend some time visiting the famous Tower of London and walking along the Southbank, as well as admiring St Paul’s Cathedral.

                      • Monument and North Bank of the river
                      • Tower of London and Tower Bridge
                      • Southbank

                      Tower of London and Tower Bridge

                      Walking along the North Bank of Thames you will reach a point where you can no longer continue along the Bank of the river and you just need to follow the road until you see one of London’s most important landmarks: The Tower of London. We highly recommend that you visit the Tower of London as no one should visit London and miss the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels.
                      It will take you around 2 hours to visit the Tower of London and it is much easier and more convenient if you use your Keetoo App to do this. Inside the Tower of London there is a wonderful cafe / restaurant where we would recommend you try an authentic British Pie and Mash or stop for some much needed tea and cake.

                      Our next stop will be Tower Bridge. Not only do you get to see this magnificent landmark, but you will cross Tower Bridge on foot. Before you go up the steps to get to Tower Bridge though, we would recommend that you have a wander around St Katharine’s Dock as it is one of London’s best kept secrets. There are numerous restaurants in this area, so it’s the ideal place if you are looking to have lunch somewhere. In St Katharine’s Dock is where you can find The Dickens Inn, a unique pub housed in a beautiful 18th century warehouse, serving pub food as well as fine grill and pizzeria.

                      You will then continue to walk across Tower Bridge, admiring its beauty. The Tower Bridge Exhibition is also open to the public and has an astonishing viewing platform from where the views are amazing. Another great spot for a picture!

                      South Bank

                      Once you cross Tower Bridge, you will be able to walk along the South Bank of the river Thames, a very enjoyable walk that will allow you to get a proper feeling of what it means to visit London. You will first walk past London’s City Hall (Greater London Authority’s headquarters) and the HMS Belfast; Europe’s only surviving second world war cruiser, a historic warship and a museum where you will get the opportunity to explore what life was like at war at sea.
                      As you continue walking along the South Bank, you will come to Hay’s Galleria, one of our favourite places in London. Here you will find a selection of restaurants and cafes as well as a few shops and stalls. Our next stop will be Borough Market, one of the most spectacular markets in London. Make sure to visit during market opening days (Wednesday – Sunday) as this area is not the same if the market is closed.
                      Continue walking along the South Bank, passing Shakespeare’s Globe and Butler’s Wharf until you reach the Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge. Here there’s a perfect view of St Paul’s Cathedral on the other side of the river. You can then cross the Millennium Bridge to go and see St Paul’s Cathedral or continue walking along the South Bank, as you can walk all the way to the London Eye.

                      More suggestions to spend three days in London

                      London Markets: We highly recommend a visit to Camden Market or Portobello Road in Notting Hill. You could always go to one of these markets first thing in the morning and then head to the Tower of London and start walking along the South Bank, as we mentioned above. It will be an exceptionally long day, but you can always stop and go to your hotel when you have had enough!
                      London Museums: Notably the Natural History Museum, Science Museum or the Victoria & Albert Museum. You could spend a whole day in some of these museums if you are not careful so it really depends on how much you want to see. You could always combine a market and a museum, or a museum and the South Bank walk mentioned above.

                      Best Travel Options when visiting London in three days

                      If you are visiting London in three days, we think that the best way to get around the city is by using an oyster card or a visitor oyster card. You can also use a contactless debit or credit card on London’s public transport system but check bank commission charges if it’s a non-UK card. This is the cheapest way to get around London in three days, and you can use any of those cards to go on public buses, tube, dockland light rail trains or trains within London Travel Zones.

                      Welcome to our Blog!

                      Hi, I’m Ren, a travel lover a mum of 2 and founder of Keetoo, a  leading website and app for tickets for days out.
                      On this blog, I share our family travel experiences with practical information, pictures and useful tips!

                      Join us for more tips on London and UK travel

                      Explore London like a local

                      with our insider’s mini guide

                      Download for FREE now

                        Explore London like a local

                        with our insider’s mini guide.
                        Download for FREE now


                          London in Two Days

                          London in Two Days

                          by Ren Nair
                          Last Update: 17 July 2023

                          London in two days can be an unforgettable experience.

                          Whether it’s a romantic weekend or a city break with friends, you’ll find that you can see a lot of London if you plan your 48 hours well. You’re also still guaranteed to leave London wanting to come back again!
                          Depending on how much time you have to spend you will be able to see pretty much all the must-sees of London in two days and even visit some top attractions or one of London’s fantastic museums.
                          If it’s your first time in London then you MUST see some of the most famous attractions in the city, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Oxford Street, Regent Street and Soho. We would also recommend that you visit one of London’s famous markets; Camden Town or Portobello Road are full of personality. This way, you will leave London with the feeling of having seen the real city as well as the tourist hot spots.
                          To help you plan your 2 day trip to London, we have designed two different options for you to consider, so that you can make the most of your two days in London.

                          Choose your attraction combination and save

                          A great day out without compromise.

                          SAVE NOW

                          Why not consider the hop-on hop-off bus tour for either 24 or 48 hours? It is definitely the easiest way to get to the most important places in London, whilst enjoying the ride and the views. You also get a free river cruise which in our opinion is something that you need to do if it is your first time in London. You also get a free walking tour included in the ticket, so you do actually get a lot for your money.
                          We suggest that you do the famous river cruise from Westminster to the Tower of London. Alighting at the Tower of London leaves you time to explore the area and even visit the magnificent Tower of London, which will take you about two hours. Remember that you can access The Tower of London easily by using your Keetoo App. Then you can hop-on the bus tour right there and continue your open bus tour to explore more of London.
                          If you are visiting London in two days, as well as visiting the Tower of London you should also have time to visit the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

                          London in two days: Day 1 in London

                          Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

                          We begin our first day in London with a route that starts at Green Park Tube Station. From here, you can walk across Green Park to get to Buckingham Palace, where you will get a chance to watch the famous Ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. This ceremony takes place at 11 am, but we recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes in advance as it does get quite crowded. Make sure you check the dates too as it does not take place every day during the year. You can then walk through St James’s Park, one of London’s prettiest parks.

                          Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament and London Eye

                          Once you have walked through St James’s Park and crossed Horse Guards Parade, you can walk along Whitehall, going past 10 Downing Street, and making our way towards Westminster Abbey. It really is a shame to visit London and not visit Westminster Abbey, so it’s something that we would recommend. If you buy your tickets in advance you’ll skip the queues and it will be cheaper than buying the entry ticket at the door. It will take you around 2 hours to visit Westminster Abbey.
                          From here you can walk past the Houses of Parliament and take a quick break to admire Big Ben, obviously one of London’s most famous landmarks. You can then cross Westminster Bridge and get the perfect photo of Big Ben and the London Eye, which is located on the other side of the river Thames.
                          Once you cross Westminster Bridge you’ll soon get to the famous London Eye and this is the perfect opportunity to go on what is arguably London’s most iconic attraction. If you know you definitely want to go on the London Eye, we highly recommend that you buy your tickets in advance using the Keetoo app and, if possible, get fast-track tickets to skip the queues as the queue for the London Eye can be quite long.

                          After this, you can continue walking along the South Bank until you get to the Royal Festival Hall. This is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or a bite if you’re feeling peckish as there are plenty of restaurants and cafes (Inside the Royal Festival Hall there are also free public loos!). Just behind the Royal Festival Hall there is also a food market during the weekends, so that’s worth a visit too if you fancy some street food.

                          Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street and Carnaby Street

                          After exploring the South Bank, you will cross the Thames along the Golden Jubilee Bridge and head towards Trafalgar Square, the famous piazza with the four lions and Admiral Lord Nelson’s statue. This is where you will find one of London’s most famous galleries, The National Gallery, which is free to enter. From Trafalgar Square it’s only a short walk to another one of London’s famous landmarks, Piccadilly Circus.

                          From here we would recommend that you walk along Regent Street, where you will find Hamleys, London’s largest and best toy store. You will then go past Liberty, one of London’s most famous stores and discover Carnaby Street and London’s famous Soho. You’ll end your route through Soho exploring the infamous Chinatown of London.

                          Leicester Square and Covent Garden

                          Then it’s onto Leicester Square, where you will come across another two incredibly famous shops – M&M’s and LEGO Stores. Leicester Square is where London’s film premieres take place so you might bump into a famous actor if you are lucky (we once saw Will Smith!). From Leicester Square it is only a short walk to Covent Garden, one of London’s most beautiful places, perfect to end the first busy day of your trip to London. You will find lots of restaurants in this area so it’s the perfect place to have something to eat or drink before heading back to your hotel.

                          This is also the area where most theatres in London are and what better way to end your first day in London than by going to see one of the city’s world famous West End musicals.

                          Day 2 in London

                          If you are visiting London in two days, then we would recommend that you spend your second day in London visiting the famous Tower of London and admiring Tower Bridge. You’ll also be able to take a lovely walk along the South Bank of the Thames, not forgetting to see or even visit St Paul’s Cathedral.

                          Monument and North Bank of the river

                          Our route starts at Monument’s Tube Station, from where you will start walking towards London Bridge. You will see The Monument to the Great Fire of London on your left-hand side which has a viewing platform reached by a narrow winding staircase of a whopping 311 steps! As you continue walking, you will reach London Bridge and you are then able to walk along the South Bank of the River Thames. From here you will get some awesome views of Tower Bridge and The Shard, London’s tallest building; a perfect selfie spot!

                          Tower of London and Tower Bridge

                          Walking along the North Bank of the River Thames you will reach a point where you can no longer. Continue along the Bank of the river, and you can follow the road until you see one of London’s most important landmarks: The Tower of London. We highly recommend that you visit the Tower of London, as no one should visit London and miss the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels.

                          It will take you about 2 hours to visit the Tower of London and it’s much better if you book the tickets in advance with your Keetoo App. Inside the Tower of London there is a wonderful cafe / restaurant where we would recommend you try an authentic British Pie and Mash or stop for some well earned tea and cake.
                          Our next stop will be Tower Bridge and, not only do you get to see it, but you can also cross Tower Bridge on foot. Before you go up the steps to get to Tower Bridge though, we recommend that you have a wander around St Katharine’s Dock as it is one of London’s best kept secrets. There are numerous restaurants in this area so it is the ideal place if you are looking to have lunch somewhere. In St Katharine’s Dock is where you can find The Dickens Inn, a unique pub housed in a beautiful 18th century warehouse, serving pub food as well as fine grill and pizzeria.

                          Then, continue to walk across Tower Bridge, admiring its beauty. The Tower Bridge Exhibition has a viewing platform that you can also visit, just remember to add your kredits to your Keetoo App for easy access!

                          South Bank

                          Once you cross Tower Bridge, you can walk along the South Bank of the River Thames, a very enjoyable walk that will allow you to get a proper feeling of what it means to visit London. You’ll first walk past London’s City Hall (Greater London Authority’s headquarters) and the HMS Belfast; Europe’s only surviving second world war cruiser, a historic warship and a museum where you will get the opportunity to explore what life was like at war at sea.
                          As you continue walking along the South Bank, you will get to Hay’s Galleria, one of my favourite places in London. Here you will find a selection of restaurants and cafes as well as a few shops and stalls. Our next stop will be Borough Market, one of the most spectacular markets in London.
                          Continue walking along the South Bank, passing Shakespeare’s Globe and Butler’s Wharf, until you reach the Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge. Here you’ll find a perfect view of St Paul’s Cathedral on the other side of the river. You can then cross the Millennium Bridge to go and see St Paul’s Cathedral or continue walking along the South Bank as you can walk all the way to the London Eye, something that we would highly recommend if you have time.

                          Best Travel Options when visiting London in two days.

                          If you are visiting London in two days, the best way to get around the city is by using an oyster card, a visitor oyster card or contactless debit or credit card. This is the cheapest way to get around London in two days and you can use any of those cards to go on public buses, tube, Docklands Light Railway trains or trains within London’s Travel Zones.

                          Welcome to our Blog!

                          Hi, I’m Ren, a travel lover a mum of 2 and founder of Keetoo, a  leading website and app for tickets for days out.
                          On this blog, I share our family travel experiences with practical information, pictures and useful tips!

                          Join us for more tips on London and UK travel

                          Explore London like a local

                          with our insider’s mini guide

                          Download for FREE now

                            Explore London like a local

                            with our insider’s mini guide.
                            Download for FREE now


                              London in One Day

                              London in One Day

                              by Ren Nair
                              Last Update: 17 July 2023

                              There’s no place like London,

                              and it’s impossible to see everything that the big smoke has to offer in one day alone. But! If you are planning on visiting London in one day then you will certainly want to make the most of your time and not miss any of London’s most important attractions and sights, especially if it’s your first time in London.

                              London has a long list of iconic places and attractions that anybody who’s anybody wants to see and visit, but if you only have one day to spend in London you really need to plan your day properly to see as much as possible. The team at Keetoo have prepared two different options for you to consider, two different itineraries for you to have two amazing day’s out and make the most of your one-day trip to London.

                              Choose your attraction combination and save

                              A great day out without compromise.

                              SAVE NOW

                              So, you’re spending one day in London and you want to see as much as possible! We would highly recommend that you go on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, enjoy a Thames River Cruise and then head to the London Eye.

                              The open top bus tour takes you to all the must see important places, such as Big Ben, London Eye, Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Oxford Street and Regent Street, plus you can stay on the bus or get off at any stop and then get back on the bus whenever you want to. It’s an easy way to explore London and not have to worry or fuss about public transport.

                              The free river cruise is fantastic, and in our opinion one of the best things to do in London if you have just one day. From the river you will be able to see the houses of parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare’s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral, famous bridges such as London Bridge, millennium bridge and the most famous of all: Tower Bridge. You will also get some amazing views as well as perfect photos of Tower Bridge and The Tower of London from the river cruise.

                              If you are arriving at King’s Cross St Pancras Station to spend one day in London, then the open top bus tour would be ideal, as there is a bus stop to hop on the bus as you exit the station.

                              We would recommend that you get fast-track tickets for the London Eye online beforehand using the Keetoo app, so you avoid the long queues and go directly to the prepaid tickets queue, this way you will make sure you make the most of your day in London.

                              London in One Day: Option 2 – Walking Route + London Eye

                              For the ramblers and strollers amongst you we have designed a walking route which will enable you to discover London in one day if you’d rather walk and avoid public transport to see the sights of London. With our walking route you will see some of London’s most important landmarks and you’ll probably have time to see the Changing of the Guard, visit Westminster Abbey and go on the London Eye.

                              Walking route to see London in One Day step-by-step:

                              Our walking route starts at Green Park Underground Station. From here you can walk towards Buckingham Palace, where the famous changing of the guard ceremony takes place at 11.00 am on certain days. Make sure you check the exact dates to avoid disappointment.

                              After seeing Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, you can walk across St James’s Park and along Whitehall, heading towards Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the London Eye.

                              After a short walk along London’s beautiful South Bank, you can cross the Thames again and walk until you get to the famous Trafalgar Square. This is where the National Gallery (free entry) is. From Trafalgar Square, you can easily walk towards Piccadilly Circus.

                              From Piccadilly Circus you can walk along Regent Street to get to Carnaby Street. After a small walk-through London’s Soho, you will reach Leicester Square and Covent Garden.

                              London in one day: Map

                              If you are going to spend just the one day in London it may be tempting to buy single fares if you are going to use London’s public transport, such as the underground or the bus, but we would encourage you to either buy an oyster card for the day or use contactless payment if you can. You will pay a lot less for each journey this way than buying single fares or even a day travelcard, as the oyster card’s daily capping makes it cheaper to use than using a day travelcard.

                              Welcome to our Blog!

                              Hi, I’m Ren, a travel lover a mum of 2 and founder of Keetoo, a  leading website and app for tickets for days out.
                              On this blog, I share our family travel experiences with practical information, pictures and useful tips!

                              Join us for more tips on London and UK travel

                              Explore London like a local

                              with our insider’s mini guide

                              Download for FREE now

                                Explore London like a local

                                with our insider’s mini guide.
                                Download for FREE now


                                  My Top 10 Day Trips from London

                                  My Top 10 Day Trips from London

                                  by Ren Nair
                                  Last Update: 17 July 2023

                                  Planning a day trip from London?

                                  Don’t stress! With many famous English cities being located within easy reach from London like Oxford or Cambridge, you’ll be surprised about how much you’ll be able to fit into a short trip.

                                  Did you know that it’s also possible to see some of the most famous and important UK tourist spots in just one day? It’s easy to plan self-guided trips from London as well as discovering the different guided day trips from London that are available. If you are tight for time, this is a great way to see more places in a day.

                                  1. Day trips from London: Visiting Oxford

                                  It only takes one hour by train to get to the beautiful city of Oxford from London, so it´s no surprise that Oxford is one of the most popular choices when it comes to planning day trips from London. Oxford isn’t known as the biggest of cities, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble fitting everything into one day, just don’t spend too long at The Fudge Kitchen (I’ve spent a good deal of time here)!

                                  What to see in Oxford in one day

                                  Oxford is famous for its prestigious University and personally I think that visiting some of the colleges that are open to the public are one of the main attractions of this historical city. Some of the most famous places that cannot be missed during a day trip to Oxford are Trinity College, Bodleian Library, or the Ashmolean Museum.

                                  Not sure how to get around? No problem! You’ll be able to walk around the cobbled streets of Oxford and discover the beauty of the city on foot. Or, you can jump on the hop-on hop-off bus tour to discover everything the city has to offer.

                                  How to get to Oxford from London

                                  I find that the easiest way to get to Oxford is by train. There is a train that leaves from London Paddington station (London travel zone 1) to Oxford. You can buy train tickets in advance and see the timetables on the Trainline website.

                                  Guided tours from London to Oxford

                                  Don’t fancy the train? The best thing about guided day trips from London is that the coach will take you directly to where you need to go, but it is also the best way to see more than just one place in a day, this option is perfect when exploring Cambridge and Oxford.

                                  2. Day trips from London: Visiting Cambridge

                                  The famous city of Cambridge is also located less than an hour away by train from central London, and as it is a small city it is also one of the most popular options when planning day trips from London.

                                  What to see in Cambridge in a day

                                  In one day, you will have time to tour the city of Cambridge as well as visiting some of the University’s colleges that open to the public normally at noon. Some of the key places you cannot miss in a visit to Cambridge are the mathematical bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, The Backs, Round Church, King’s College and King’s College Chapel, to name but a few.

                                  How to get to Cambridge from London

                                  I find that getting to Cambridge from London is quite easy, as there are direct trains from London King’s Cross as well as from London Liverpool Street Station in central London to Cambridge Station. You can buy train tickets in advance and see the timetables on the Trainline website. The only drawback is that it can take you about 30 minutes to walk from Cambridge train station to the city centre, if you don’t fancy the walk you can jump on the sightseeing bus tour that stops just in front of the train station.

                                  Guided day trips to Cambridge from London

                                  One of the easiest ways to explore Cambridge from London is by going on one of the coach tours from London. The best thing about this option is that you can visit two places in one day, for example a guided tour to see Cambridge and Oxford in one day will certainly tick some sightseeing off of your list!

                                  Choose your attraction combination and save

                                  A great day out without compromise.

                                  SAVE NOW

                                  3. Day trips from London: Visiting Stratford Upon Avon

                                  This is one of my favourite day trips from London, and it’s the one I usually recommend to my family and friends when they come to visit me in London. Stratford Upon Avon is the birthplace of the one and only William Shakespeare (he’s kind of a big deal there!) and with a train journey from London of about two hours, you’ll certainly have enough time to get versed in olde English!

                                  What to see in Stratford Upon Avon in one day

                                  One day is certainly enough time to see the best of Stratford Upon Avon. Visit the house where William Shakespeare was born and take a look around the other historical houses. While you’re there, have a browse in some of the shops or stroll down the canal. You’ll be surprised at how much Stratford Upon Avon has to offer.
                                  If you’re feeling peckish, Stratford Upon Avon is a beautiful small town where you will have the opportunity to try a typical cream tea or even have a full blown afternoon tea in one of the many tea rooms that you will find walking through the streets.

                                  How to get to Stratford Upon Avon from London

                                  From Marylebone train station in central London, there is a train to Stratford Upon Avon that takes about two hours. From Stratford Upon Avon´s train station it’s just a short walk to the centre. You can buy train tickets in advance and see the timetables on the Trainline website.

                                  If you’re really looking to fill your day it’s possible to visit Stratford Upon Avon with a guided tour from London, and the best thing about this is that you will be able to combine the trip to Stratford Upon Avon with a trip to another city in England, for example:

                                  Oxford, Warwick Castle and Stratford Upon Avon

                                  Stonehenge, Bath and Stratford Upon Avon

                                  Oxford, Stratford and the Cotswolds

                                  4. Day trips from London: Visiting Bath

                                  Bath is one of the most beautiful cities in England, and it really is one of the most recommended day trips from London that you can think of, even though it is a bit further away than the other cities that I have already mentioned. A trip here would also make a brilliant mini trip if you are thinking about spending a couple of days somewhere.

                                  What to see in Bath in one day

                                  The Roman Baths is the most famous attraction in Bath, and definitely a place that you will have to visit when visiting Bath. Bath Abbey, which is right next to the famous Roman Baths, is another must-see in Bath but just being able to walk through the city centre and towards the Royal Crescent is one of the highlights of visiting Bath. Don’t forget to visit the Jane Austin Centre too!

                                  How to get to Bath from London

                                  From Paddington station there is a train to Bath Spa train station, and it only takes 90 minutes to get there. From Bath Spa Train Station, it will only take you a few minutes to get to the city centre if you’re walking. You can buy train tickets in advance and see the timetables on the Trainline website.

                                  Another option is to get to Bath by coach with a guided tour. You can combine the visit to Bath with a visit to somewhere else, such as:

                                  Stonehenge and Bath

                                  Stonehenge, Stratford Upon Avon and Bath

                                  Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath

                                  5. Day trips from London: Visiting Stonehenge

                                  Who hasn’t seen a photo of the mysterious Stonehenge?! These famous metamorphic rocks placed in concentric circumferences are located an hour and a half by car from London, making this one of the most popular day trips from London.

                                  What to see in Stonehenge

                                  You can see the most famous megalithic archaeological monument in the world and learn all about it in the visitor centre. A visit to Stonehenge is a truly unforgettable experience.

                                  How to get to Stonehenge

                                  Ok, so Stonehenge is not the easiest place to get to from London by public transport, but it only takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to get there by car. The best way to visit Stonehenge in my opinion is by coach, using a guided tour, and to make the most of the day you can see Stonehenge on the way to another city such as:

                                  Stonehenge and Bath

                                  Stonehenge, Stratford Upon Avon and Bath

                                  Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath

                                  6. Day trips from London: Visiting Windsor

                                  Located only 40 minutes from London, Windsor town is another favourite day trip from London, a beautiful historic town home to Windsor Castle, a residence of the Royal British family ( they’re kind of a big deal here!).

                                  What to see in Windsor

                                  Windsor Castle is obviously the biggest attraction in the town of Windsor, but Windsor itself is a pretty little town which is definitely worth seeing.

                                  “The Long Walk” is one of the key places to see in Windsor, a long avenue from which you will get stunning views of Windsor Castle and one of the photos you can’t leave without taking! In Windsor you will also find Eton College which is open to the public on Friday afternoons and, of course, there’s Legoland!

                                  Although Windsor is small, there is a hop-on hop-off bus tour which takes you around Windsor, with stops at both of the Windsor train stations and Eton College. You will also get perfect views of “The Long Walk” from the top deck of the bus.

                                  How to get to Windsor from London

                                  You can get a train to Eton from Paddington and Waterloo train stations in central London. From either Eton Central or Eton Riverside you will have to walk a few minutes to central Windsor. You can buy train tickets in advance and see the timetables on the Trainline website.

                                  Guided tours from London to Windsor are also available, and you can either choose from a coach tour to Windsor with food included, or make the most of the day by visiting another place on the same day, such as:

                                  Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath

                                  Oxford, Windsor and Stonehenge

                                  7. Day trips from London: Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios

                                  If you are going to be in London for a few days and you are a true Harry Potter fan, visiting Warner Bros Studios in London should be on your list! The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studios have become one of the most visited attractions in London and is advance booking only, tickets sell out weeks or even months in advance, so make sure to get your tickets in advance if you are planning on visiting. Expelliarmus!

                                  What to see at the Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros Tour

                                  When you visit the Harry Potter studios, you will go through the original stages that were used to shoot the Harry Potter films, including places like the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, Hagrid’s cabin and so much more. You will also see a giant scale-model of Hogwarts, an exhibition of the clothes used to shoot the movies, the authentic Hogwarts Express train and you can even try the Butterbeer in the cafeteria. They’re actually really nice!

                                  How to get to Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios

                                  Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios are located just outside of London. In order to get there, you need to get to Watford Junction via London Euston train station and then get the dedicated Harry Potter studios shuttle bus from this station to the Warner Bros Studios.

                                  Another option is to buy tickets to Warner Bros Studios with transfer from London or combine the visit to the Warner Bros Studios with a day trip to Oxford.

                                  8. Day trips from London: Visiting Legoland

                                  If you are visiting London with kids then visiting Legoland in Windsor is surely one of the best surprises we can think of. Made with more than 47 million pieces of Lego, it is one of the most famous theme parks for children in the United Kingdom.

                                  How to get to Legoland from London

                                  You can get a train to Eton from Paddington and Waterloo train stations in central London. There is a shuttle bus from both stations, Eton Central and Eton Riverside, to Legoland. You can buy train tickets in advance and see the timetables at the Trainline website.
                                  A good idea is to spend a couple of days in Windsor, one day to see Windsor Castle and explore the city of Windsor, and another day to see Legoland.

                                  9. Day trips from London: Warwick Castle

                                  Warwick castle is a well-preserved medieval castle located in Warwickshire, and it’s a perfect family day trip from London as there is a lot of entertainment available for the whole family.

                                  10. More Day trips from London to consider

                                  If you are going to be in London for a few days but want to make the most of your time, you may want to visit one of London’s many beautiful neighbourhoods and places that don’t normally make it to the top 10 London attractions. The best thing about this is that you just need to jump on the tube and you can be where you want in a flash. If you have an oyster card don´t forget that you can use it to travel within London´s transport zones, and if you have a London Travelcard simply make sure you know what travel zones you’ll be visiting.

                                  Some suggestions are:
                                  Richmond
                                  Hampstead
                                  Greenwich
                                  Kingston Upon Thames
                                  Kew Gardens
                                  Hampton Court Palace
                                  Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey)
                                  Dover Castle and White Cliffs of Dover
                                  Leeds Castle

                                  How to get to Warwick Castle from London

                                  There are regular trains from London Paddington to Warwick Station, and from here you’ll need to walk for about 15 minutes. You can buy train tickets in advance and see the timetables on the Trainline website. Another option is to go on a coach tour to Warwick Castle.

                                  You can buy entrance tickets to Warwick Castle in advance or buy guided tour tickets, see them all here: Visit Warwick Castle.

                                  Welcome to our Blog!

                                  Hi, I’m Ren, a travel lover a mum of 2 and founder of Keetoo, a  leading website and app for tickets for days out.
                                  On this blog, I share our family travel experiences with practical information, pictures and useful tips!

                                  Join us for more tips on London and UK travel

                                  Explore London like a local

                                  with our insider’s mini guide

                                  Download for FREE now

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                                    with our insider’s mini guide.
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                                      15 Great Things to Do in Liverpool

                                      15 Great Things to Do in Liverpool

                                      by Ren Nair
                                      Last Update: 17 July 2023

                                      What UK city is so famous that we could omit the name, give you three clues, and you'd still know the location to which we refer?

                                      Before you guess, here are your three clues: Cilla, The Beatles, and The Mersey.
                                      Yes, that’s right. It’s the one and only Liverpool. An iconic city with iconic names, Liverpool is a fantastic place to head for a fun and exciting family outing.
                                      For a truly memorable day trip to Liverpool, get your visit planned to perfection. Here, you’ll discover 15 things to do in Liverpool for your next fun day in this unique, vibrant, and historic UK city.

                                      1. The Beatles Story

                                      What better way to start your tour of Liverpool than an introduction to the Fab Four, who put this city on the world stage?
                                      The Beatles Story is a permanent exhibition at the Royal Albert Dock. This award-winning experience will take you through the Beatles’ timeline and their connection to the city where they first performed.

                                      With replicas of some of their most well-known haunts, including the renowned music venue, The Cavern, this tour might make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time to the 1960s.

                                      2. River Mersey Ferry Cruise

                                      If you plan on staying in Liverpool overnight, get inspired by the famous Gerry and The Pacemakers song and take a 50-minute ride on the river.

                                      This popular sightseeing cruise is the best way to take in the full view of the beautiful Liverpool skyline, so don’t forget to bring a camera.
                                      The ferry journey is wheelchair and pushchair accessible and includes full commentary from a tour guide. The ferry departs from Liverpool Pier Head every hour during peak season.

                                      3. Anfield Stadium Tour

                                      Football fans shouldn’t miss a visit to Liverpool Football Club’s world-famous home ground, Anfield. The tour includes a walk up to the Kop, the perfect place to take your stadium and pitch photos.
                                      You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes experience of a big matchday with a tour of the dressing rooms, tunnel and press room, plus a look at the vast collection of trophies.
                                      The tour includes guided commentary via a headset, available in eleven languages as part of the Liverpool FC interactive museum.

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                                      4. Take a Bus Tour

                                      If you only have time for a single day out in Liverpool, buy a ticket to ride the red, open-top bus as it makes its way around the city. If the weather is your friend, sit on the top deck for a fantastic view of your surroundings.
                                      The City Explorer Liverpool Bus Tour passes 14 top tourist attractions, including the Dock, two cathedrals (Liverpool and Metropolitan) and the Cavern Quarter.
                                      The bonus feature of this bus tour is that your ticket is valid for 24 hours, giving you a chance to hop on and off. That’s perfect if you have small children who don’t want to walk their tiny legs around the city centre.

                                      5. The Bombed-Out Church

                                      During the 1941 Liverpool Blitz, St Luke’s church, suffered catastrophic damage from a bomb, leaving this beautiful building no more than a shell. For 60 years, the ruins of this once great church remained empty.
                                      Since 2001, this historic building has had a new lease of life as a cultural centre. It now hosts events, art, music and theatre.
                                      The “bombed-out church”, as it’s known locally, is an excellent stop on your tour if you are someone who loves both a cultural fix and grand architectural surroundings.

                                      6. Tate Liverpool

                                      For more high-end culture, head to Tate’s Liverpool gallery, which sits in the heart of the Albert Dock. As with all British art galleries, entry is free for the permanent collection, and you’ll only pay to see the guest exhibitions.
                                      Tate Liverpool features a wide range of art, including works from Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol and Louise Bourgeois.
                                      The art gallery has provisions for the visually impaired. Families have a special room for young children to play or watch a film.

                                      7. Chinatown

                                      Take a visit to the oldest Chinatown in Europe, and sample some of the most authentic (and delicious) Chinese cuisine you’ll find in the North of England.
                                      At the entrance to Liverpool’s Chinatown is an impressive ceremonial arch (which comes directly from Shanghai), over 13 metres in height.
                                      Of course, take note of the date you intend to visit Liverpool. Chinatown is a magical place to enjoy Chinese New Year and a fantastic way to get involved in the traditional festivities.

                                      8. The Royal Albert Dock

                                      Liverpool has a rich maritime history. The city has one of the busiest docks in the UK. It also played a central role in international trade for Britain during the Empire.
                                      So, take a moment on your days out in Liverpool to explore the waterfront around the Royal Albert Dock.
                                      Today, the Dock is a bustling and energetic part of the city with shops, cafes, museums, restaurants, and bars, plus plenty of events and entertainment, including live music in the summer months.

                                      9. The Maritime Museum

                                      One of Liverpool’s most well-known museums is the Maritime, an excellent way for you to explore some of Liverpool’s fascinating history. There is fun for all the family, with exhibitions that showcase life at sea.
                                      Here, you’ll also learn about the history of one of the most famous maritime disasters, the Titanic, which has strong  connections to Liverpool (despite departing on its doomed voyage from Southampton).
                                      The museum is open every day except Monday, and entry is free.

                                      10. Liverpool World Museum

                                      When visiting Liverpool, if you need a museum guaranteed to be a big hit with children of all ages, try the World Museum. It boasts an aquarium, planetarium and a new interactive Doctor Who exhibit.
                                      And the fun doesn’t stop there. Dinosaur lovers will be thrilled at the skeletons in the natural history section of the museum. On the other hand, history enthusiasts can check out the collections in the ancient Egypt gallery.
                                      The museum is home to over 80,000 ancient artefacts and a world cultures collection comprising over 40,000 objects.

                                      11. Wild Shore Liverpool

                                      For older children (and anyone young at heart), the Wild Shore Aqua Park offers hours of joy in the form of inflatable slides, trampolines, pedalos, paddle boarding and mini boats.
                                      This activity is seasonal, so it only opens from April onwards. Still, it will be perfect if you plan on visiting in the hot summer months and want a unique and sure fire way to cool down from city life.
                                      The attraction is situated in Duke’s Dock, next to the Ferris wheel, and has toilets and changing facilities on site.

                                      12. The Wheel of Liverpool

                                      For an unbeatable photo of Liverpool, head to the giant Ferris wheel at Keel Wharf. This ten-minute ride will take you 60 metres above the city for a beautiful bird’s eye view.
                                      The Ferris wheel has 42 capsules and has a VIP section for those looking for a more luxurious experience.
                                      That VIP capsule features leather seating and a DVD player. You can even crack open the Champagne. Though, with a glass floor, it’s not one for the faint-hearted.

                                      13. Shiverpool Ghost Tour

                                      Shiverpool certainly wins our award for the best name of any ghost tour in the UK. But this enjoyable experience doesn’t stop at the title. On the contrary, these tours have a National Tourism Award.
                                      The tour takes you past some of Liverpool’s most historic (and haunted) streets, with a tour guide who’ll provide a captivating story of some of Liverpool’s most intriguing tales.
                                      The tour is available to visitors all year round, and the organisers offer private tours too. While Shiverpool is a family experience, it may be unsettling for very young children.

                                      14. Experience the Cavern Club

                                      The Beatles Story might have a replica of the Beatle’s first venue, but did you know you can still visit the real thing? The legendary 65-year old Cavern Club maintains its status as a historic venue and still hosts live music even today.
                                      The club is open seven days a week, with live music each afternoon and evening. While the club is ticket-only, you can also visit the pub and restaurant at the same venue.
                                      The centrally-located club is easy to find on Mathew Street.

                                      15. The Liverpool and Metropolitan Cathedrals

                                      Impressively, Liverpool has two cathedrals worth adding to your itinerary when finalising your plans to visit Liverpool. The Liverpool and the Metropolitan.
                                      For breathtaking architecture, wonder at the Anglican, Liverpool Cathedral. It’s the largest in the UK and eighth-largest across Europe.
                                      The cathedral, built between 1904 and 1978, provides a tower tour that will allow you to see the city from 500 feet above sea level.
                                      If the weather is promising, try their Thursday Twilight experience, where you may be lucky enough to see a stunning, panoramic sunset from high above the city.
                                      In contrast, the Metropolitan is the Catholic cathedral of Liverpool. This cathedral, built between 1962 and 1967, is a unique futuristic architecture, sometimes nicknamed the “Wigwam”.

                                      Check Out These Fabulous Things to Do in Liverpool

                                      With a rich history, world-renowned culture, and fantastic fun, Liverpool has something to offer for all the family.

                                      Now’s the ideal time to sign up for our Keetoo app and get started planning your trip. Choose from the many wonderful things to do in Liverpool for a truly unforgettable family break.

                                      Welcome to our Blog!

                                      Hi, I’m Ren, a travel lover a mum of 2 and founder of Keetoo, a  leading website and app for tickets for days out.
                                      On this blog, I share our family travel experiences with practical information, pictures and useful tips!

                                      Join us for more tips on London and UK travel

                                      Explore London like a local

                                      with our insider’s mini guide

                                      Download for FREE now

                                        Explore London like a local

                                        with our insider’s mini guide.
                                        Download for FREE now