We'll be visiting London early in November for about a week with my 12 and 9 year old daughters. It's their 1st trip, our 2nd trip. We want to fully experience London, so thought we'd look into the smaller inns and b&bs listed in the London guide, but after seeing prices, we're wonder if renting an apartment for the week might be better. I have no experience with airbnb but it looks promising. Any suggestions? Things to avoid or look out for? Neighborhoods that work well with kids?
Posted by
Australia
33 posts
Hi, i think an apartment is a great idea. I travelled with 2 teenage boys for a week there last year and we stayed too far out of central London and the tube trip was too long when we were going home after a very long day of sightseeing. They had a great time at the London Dungeon but might be a bit scary for the 12 year old. The London Eye is wonderful if it's not too crowded and we all loved the British Museum- mummies galore! We ate at pubs nearly every night and we found the Wetherspoon Pub chain amazing value for money. We had a delicious lunch in Westminster Arms Pub near the Parliament buildings. Squeeze past the drinkers out the front and head downstairs for yummy pies and Irish coffees in atmospheric surrounds with friendly staff. The Pizza Express chain has the most unusual exotic pizzas but great fun.
Try to visit Hampton Court Palace as well as the Tower of London. Spend the day there and go to an award winning pub near the palace for dinner. The gardens as well as the buildings and History are fascinating. Go on a sunny day if possible.
Then theres Harrods of course and Hamley's Toy store nearby which can get very crowded.
We did the hop on hop off bus but i wouldn't recommend them. It's easier, quicker and more fun to take the tube everywhere using the Oyster card. We bought Visitor Oyster cards before we left home through our travel agent. We hopped off the plane and followed the signs to the tube station and straight on to the Piccadilly line into London! The tube comes every 3 minutes and there's clear electronic signs inside the carriage so you know exactly where you are.
Have fun! London is the best place for you all to have an amazing time!
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
We stayed at the Celtic Hotel last year and loved it.. so much so we are hopefully returning next May. They have quad rooms with bathroom for 141 GBPs.. and it includeds a great cooked breakfast.. cereal, toast, eggs as you like, bacon , sausage.. made to order! Location was great, close to tube and near Russell Square.
I have also looked at staying at a place called a guesthouse called 72QT.. it has very good reviews and includes a mini kitchenette in the Family rooms.. good for morning breakfasts or evening snacks.. saves money that way. Rates seem to be about 150 GBPs for the Family Room.. ( and those rooms do have private bathrooms..some of the cheaper ones do not)
Posted by
OP
27 posts
Oh my goodness, this is so helpful!