5-Day London Family Adventure: Outdoor Activities and Shopping for Locals
London, England
5 days
About London, England
Experience the vibrant and historic city of London, England, a global hub of culture, art, and commerce. Marvel at iconic landmarks like the majestic Buckingham Palace, the imposing Tower of London, and the modern London Eye. Explore world-class museums like the British Museum and the National Gallery, all offering free entry. Stroll through beautiful parks such as Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Enjoy shopping at Oxford Street and savour diverse cuisine at Covent Garden. Experience the magic of West End theatre and the charm of the River Thames. London's efficient public transport system, including the famous London Underground, makes it easy to explore this cosmopolitan city. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a shopaholic, or a theatre enthusiast, London has something for everyone.
5-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Discovering the British Museum and Oxford Street
Morning
Start your day at the British Museum, home to a vast collection of world art and artifacts.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch in a local eatery in the Bloomsbury area, known for its literary connections.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the shops and boutiques of Oxford Street, one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe.
Dinner
Have dinner in a family-friendly restaurant in the Soho area, known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene.
Evening
End your day with a visit to Piccadilly Circus, one of London's most popular tourist destinations, known for its iconic neon signs.
Day 3
Visiting the Natural History Museum and Hyde Park
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Natural History Museum, where you can see a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch in a local eatery in the South Kensington area, known for its museums and cultural institutions.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring Hyde Park, one of London's largest parks, known for its Speaker's Corner.
Dinner
Have dinner in a family-friendly restaurant in the Notting Hill area, known for its colorful houses and vintage markets.
Evening
End your day with a stroll around Portobello Road Market, one of the most famous street markets in the world, known for its second-hand clothes and antiques.
Day 4
Learning at the Science Museum and Shopping in Chelsea
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Science Museum, where you can explore interactive exhibits and learn about the history of science.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch in a local eatery in the Kensington area, known for its grand Victorian architecture and upscale shopping.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Victoria and Albert Museum, the world's largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design.
Dinner
Have dinner in a family-friendly restaurant in the Chelsea area, known for its affluent residents and high-end shopping.
Evening
End your day with a stroll around King's Road, known for its trendy shops, boutiques, and restaurants.
Day 5
Enjoying the London Zoo and Regent's Park
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the London Zoo, the world's oldest scientific zoo, home to a collection of 673 species of animals.
Lunch
Enjoy lunch in a local eatery in the Camden Town area, known for its eclectic market and vibrant music scene.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring Regent's Park, one of London's Royal Parks, known for its beautiful gardens and sports facilities.
Dinner
Have dinner in a family-friendly restaurant in the Marylebone area, known for its stylish shops and chic restaurants.
Evening
End your day with a visit to Madame Tussauds, where you can see wax figures of famous celebrities, historical figures, and more.
Attractions in Itinerary (24)
1Tower of London
A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the Crown Jewels.
2Tower Bridge
A combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894. The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become a world-famous symbol of London.
3Museum of London
The Museum of London documents the history of the UK's capital city from prehistoric to modern times. It's a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in London's past.
4Covent Garden
A popular shopping and tourist site in London, Covent Garden is known for its luxury fashion and beauty stores, artisanal food and drink, and live street performances.
5British Museum
Home to a vast collection of world art and artefacts, the British Museum is dedicated to human history, art, and culture.
6Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is a fashionable residential area in London, known for its garden squares and literary connections, including the Bloomsbury Group.
7Oxford Street
Europe's busiest shopping street, home to a number of major department stores and hundreds of smaller shops.
8Soho
Known for its vibrant nightlife, trendy dining scene, and high-end boutiques, Soho is a must-visit district in London.
9Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is a road junction and public space of London's West End in the City of Westminster. It is famous for its neon signs, fountain and the Shaftesbury memorial, and is surrounded by several noted buildings, including the London Pavilion and Criterion Theatre.
10Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in London is a natural history museum that exhibits a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history. It is one of three major museums on Exhibition Road in South Kensington.
11South Kensington
South Kensington is an affluent district in London, known for its grand Victorian architecture and its world-class museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
12Kensington
Kensington is an affluent neighborhood in London, known for its grand Victorian architecture, high-end shopping, and cultural institutions like the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
13Hyde Park
One of the largest parks in London, Hyde Park offers a lake, a rose garden, memorials, and various recreational activities.
14Notting Hill
Known for its charming pastel houses and annual carnival, Notting Hill is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, and multicultural neighborhood.
15Portobello Road Market
One of the most famous outdoor markets in the world, Portobello Road Market is known for its antique goods, vintage fashion, and street food stalls.
16Science Museum
The Science Museum in London is a major museum dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and medicine. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in these fields.
17Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the world's largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design, as well as sculpture, housing a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
18Chelsea
Chelsea is an affluent area in London, known for its high-end shops and boutiques, as well as its art galleries and restaurants.
19King's Road
A major street in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, known for its high-end shops, fashion boutiques, and historic sites.
20London Zoo
London Zoo is the world's oldest scientific zoo, home to a variety of animals from around the world. It's a must-visit for animal lovers.
21Camden Town
A popular and diverse area known for its market, music venues, and vibrant nightlife. It's also home to the Regent's Canal and a number of notable landmarks.
22Regent's Park
Regent's Park is one of London's Royal Parks, known for its beautiful gardens, sports facilities, and the London Zoo. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
23Marylebone
Marylebone is a chic residential area in London, known for its stylish shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as its historic buildings and cultural institutions.
24Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is a famous wax museum in London, featuring lifelike figures of celebrities, historical figures, and more. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in pop culture and history.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Fish and Chips
A classic British dish consisting of fried fish in batter served with chips. It's a must-try when visiting London.
Full English Breakfast
A hearty breakfast that includes bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. It's a staple in London and across the UK.
Sunday Roast
A traditional British meal that is typically served on Sundays, it includes roasted meat, roast potato, and accompaniments like Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, vegetables and gravy.
Chicken Tikka Masala
A popular dish in London, it's a British-Indian curry made of roasted marinated chicken in a spiced curry sauce.
Beef Wellington
A traditional British dish consisting of fillet steak coated with pâté and duxelles, which is then wrapped in puff pastry and baked.
Pimm's
A fruit cup, but may also be considered a liqueur, based on gin and can be served both on ice or in cocktails. It's particularly popular during the summer months.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
A British dessert consisting of a very moist sponge cake, covered in a toffee sauce and often served with a vanilla custard or vanilla ice-cream.
Ploughman's Lunch
A traditional British dish that typically includes cold, simple, and hearty ingredients like cheese, bread, pickles, and cold meats. It's a common pub lunch in London.
Bangers and Mash
A traditional British dish made of mashed potatoes and sausages, it's a staple in many London pubs.
Black Pudding
A type of blood sausage commonly eaten in Great Britain. It is generally served as part of a traditional full English breakfast.
Eton Mess
A traditional English dessert consisting of a mixture of strawberries, broken meringue, and whipped double cream. It's a summer classic in London.
English Tea
A traditional British drink, typically served with milk and sugar. Afternoon tea is a cultural institution in London.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit London, England as a tourist is typically during the spring (late March to June) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is generally mild and the city's parks are beautiful and blooming. The summer months (July and August) can also be a great time to visit, but they are usually more crowded with tourists. Additionally, December is a popular time to visit due to the festive Christmas season, despite the colder weather. However, London is a city that offers unique charm in every season, so it really depends on your personal preferences.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 2 | Tue | 2nd January (Scotland) |
March 17 | Sun | St Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland) |
March 18 | Mon | Day off for St Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland) |
March 29 | Fri | Good Friday |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday (regional holiday) |
May 6 | Mon | Early May Bank Holiday |
May 27 | Mon | Spring Bank Holiday |
July 12 | Fri | Battle of the Boyne (Northern Ireland) |
August 5 | Mon | Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland) |
August 26 | Mon | Summer Bank Holiday (regional holiday) |
November 30 | Sat | St Andrew's Day (Scotland) |
December 2 | Mon | St Andrew's Day observed (Scotland) |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
December 26 | Thu | Boxing Day |
How to get around
Underground (Tube)
The London Underground, also known as the Tube, is a convenient way to travel around the city. It has 11 lines covering 402 km and serving 270 stations. It's the quickest way to get around London.
Buses
London's iconic double-decker buses are a quick, convenient and cheap way to travel around the city, with plenty of routes to choose from. They're also a great way to see the city, with routes passing many of London's most famous landmarks.
Trains
London has an extensive overground train network that connects the city to the suburbs and beyond. These trains are a good option if you're travelling outside of the city centre.
Cycling
London has an extensive network of cycle paths and bike-sharing schemes such as Santander Cycles. Cycling can be a quick and healthy way to get around, especially in the city centre.
Taxis
London's black cabs are a famous sight throughout the city. They can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. All black cabs are wheelchair accessible and most have card payment facilities.
Ridesharing
Services like Uber and Bolt operate in London. They can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you're travelling in a group or have a lot of luggage. However, they can be more expensive than public transport.
River Services
Thames Clippers operates services up and down the River Thames and offers an interesting way to travel around the city. You can use your Oyster card or contactless payment card for an easy way to pay.
Trams
London has a tram network that operates in parts of south London. Trams are a good way to travel in areas they serve, offering a reliable and frequent service.
Emirates Air Line
This is a cable car link across the River Thames in East London, providing stunning aerial views of the city. It's a unique way to travel and see London from a different perspective.
Dockless E-scooters
London has several dockless e-scooter rental schemes operating in certain parts of the city. They can be a quick and convenient way to get around, especially for short journeys.
Walk
London is a great city to explore on foot. Many of the most famous landmarks are within walking distance of each other. Plus, you'll save money and get some exercise at the same time.
Important information
Currency£ GBP
Time zoneUTC 0
Driving sideLeft
Emergency phone112, 999
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about London, England as a first time visitor
1
London is a very walkable city, but it's also quite large. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
2
The city is known for its unpredictable weather. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat, even if the forecast looks clear.
3
Public transportation is very efficient. The London Underground, also known as 'The Tube', is the quickest way to get around the city.
4
If you plan to use public transportation frequently, consider getting an Oyster card. It's a cost-effective way to pay for travel on the Tube, buses, and other forms of public transport.
5
London is divided into several areas, each with its own unique character. Research the different areas to decide where you'd like to stay.
6
Tipping is customary in London. It's typical to leave a 10-15% tip at restaurants, but check your bill first as some places include it automatically.
7
London is generally safe, but like any big city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
8
The city is very diverse, with over 300 languages spoken. However, English is the main language and is spoken everywhere.
9
The currency in London is the British Pound (£). It's a good idea to have some cash on hand, but credit cards are widely accepted.
10
London is in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone. Make sure to adjust your watch when you arrive.
11
The legal drinking age in London is 18. You may be asked for ID if you look under 25.
12
Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places and workplaces in London, including pubs and restaurants.
13
London can be quite expensive, so budget accordingly. However, there are also many free activities and attractions in the city.
14
The city is known for its high quality tap water. It's safe to drink from the tap in London.
15
London's peak tourist season is in the summer, from June to August. The weather is warmest during this time, with temperatures typically ranging from 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C).
16
In winter, London can be quite cold, with temperatures typically ranging from 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Make sure to pack warm clothes.
17
London is a city that never sleeps. Many shops, restaurants, and bars stay open late, especially on weekends.
18
The city is very accommodating to those with dietary restrictions. You'll find plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options.
19
London is a great city for shopping. From high-end designer stores to vintage markets, there's something for everyone.
20
Finally, Londoners are generally polite and reserved. Don't be surprised if people keep to themselves on public transport. It's just the local culture.
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear (5 pairs)
Socks (5 pairs)
T-shirts (5)
Long-sleeve shirts (2)
Jeans or trousers (2 pairs)
Comfortable walking shoes
Pajamas
Lightweight jacket
Raincoat or umbrella
Scarf, gloves, and hat (if in winter)
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Hairbrush or comb
Travel-size first aid kit
Prescription medications
Sunscreen (if in summer)
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations
Guidebook or map
Emergency contacts and addresses
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Universal power adapter
Headphones
Camera
Charger for camera
Laptop and charger (if necessary)
Portable power bank
Miscellaneous items
Snacks for travel
Travel pillow and blanket
Earplugs and eye mask
Books or e-books for entertainment
Travel-size laundry detergent
Reusable water bottle
Ziplock bags for organization
Travel-size umbrella
Weather Conditions
London, England, is known for its unpredictable weather. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip, but here are some general tips to help you prepare. The city experiences a temperate maritime climate with all four seasons, but no extreme temperatures. During the summer months (June - August), you can expect average highs of around 22°C (72°F) and lows of around 12°C (54°F). It's typically the best time to visit for warm weather, but it can also be quite crowded. Spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November) are mild with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). These seasons are less crowded and offer beautiful scenery, but the weather can change quickly, so pack layers and always carry an umbrella. Winter (December - February) can be chilly with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Snow is rare but possible. If you're visiting during this time, be sure to pack warm clothing. Rain is common throughout the year in London. The city is known for its light drizzle, so no matter when you visit, it's a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket or an umbrella. Despite the unpredictable weather, London offers a wealth of indoor activities, such as museums, galleries, and historic sites, so you'll have plenty to do even if it rains. Remember, the weather can change quickly, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast each day and dress in layers. Enjoy your trip!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 14° / 2° | January is the coldest month in London, with occasional snow and rain. Pack warm clothing and waterproof shoes. |
February | 12° / 2° | February is still quite cold, with a mix of rain and snow. Warm clothing and waterproof shoes are recommended. |
March | 15° / 4° | March sees the start of spring, with slightly warmer temperatures and more daylight. Light jackets and umbrellas are advisable. |
April | 17° / 6° | April is generally mild, but there can be rain showers. Pack a mix of light and warm clothing. |
May | 20° / 9° | May is usually warm with longer daylight hours. Light clothing and a light jacket for evenings are recommended. |
June | 24° / 12° | June marks the start of summer, with warm temperatures and long days. Pack light clothing and sunscreen. |
July | 28° / 14° | July is the hottest month in London, with long sunny days. Light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat are advisable. |
August | 28° / 14° | August is also hot, with occasional rain showers. Light clothing, an umbrella, and sunscreen are recommended. |
September | 23° / 11° | September is generally warm, but evenings can be cooler. Pack light clothing and a light jacket for evenings. |
October | 19° / 8° | October sees the start of autumn, with cooler temperatures and changing foliage. Warm clothing and waterproof shoes are recommended. |
November | 15° / 5° | November is quite cold, with shorter daylight hours. Warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella are advisable. |
December | 13° / 3° | December is cold and often rainy, with short daylight hours. Warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella are recommended. |
Did you know?
Places near by London, England
Oxford
Home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, Oxford is a city filled with history and charm.
Cambridge
Known for its prestigious university and beautiful architecture, Cambridge is a city that combines the old and the new.
Bath
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bath is famous for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture.
Stonehenge
One of the world's most famous prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Brighton
A vibrant seaside resort known for its iconic pier, Brighton offers a mix of beach fun, shopping, and nightlife.
Stratford-upon-Avon
The birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon is a market town with more than 800 years of history.
Windsor
Home to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor is a town full of history and charm.
Canterbury
Famous for its stunning cathedral, Canterbury is a historic English cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Leeds Castle
Dubbed 'The Loveliest Castle in the World', Leeds Castle offers 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens.
Warwick Castle
One of the most well-preserved medieval castles in England, Warwick Castle offers a look into the country's past.
