England itinerary with 10 and 8 yr old

I think your kids would enjoy Warwick Castle. It's more theme park than old ruin but the displays and interactive parts help bring to life medieval times. The castle itself is very well preserved and is great for exploring, many of the rooms are presented with furnishings from the era they represent or replicas and the great hall filled with medieval weapons and suits of armour is a hit with kids (and big kids). There are usually bird of prey displays, battle reconstructions, the kids can have a go at archery and so on.

I'd recommend Hampton Court as it's very kid friendly; they'll enjoy the Tudor kitchens, magic garden play area, and the possibility of running into a costumed figure from history. I'd go there on one of your road trip days as it's an easy and close train journey from central London.

My 8 and 10 year old niece and nephew loved Hampton Court, the Tower of London, the London Transport Museum, the Museum of London, and the Princess Diana playground in Hyde Park. Really, they liked anything interactive and things they could climb on.

I recommend Warwick Castle and Hampton Court.

I think you and the kids would enjoy Windsor Castle as well.

This is not really a day trip, as Greenwich is part of Greater London, but consider a boat trip on the river to Greenwich, where the kids can see and tour The Cutty Sark, an old wooden sailing ship. Also see the National Maritime Museum, Old Royal Naval College and the Royal Observatory. Do walk up the hill to the Observatory. The view of London and the river is spectacular from up there. The boat ride from central London will be a lot of fun. Best dock to depart from is the Tower of London Pier, but you can also depart from Westminster Pier. Take the Thames Clipper boat. They take the Oyster card. Just tap it when you get on.

The Greenwich trip can easily be done in a half day.

Thanks to all of your for your advice! I really appreciate you taking the time to give me some ideas.

If your kids like Harry Potter, Muggle Tours does a great walking tour of Harry Potter filming sites. The guides are drama students/graduates so are very engaging. My daughter loved it when she was nearly 8.

Also House of MinaLima, 26 Greek Street, behind the Palace Theatre has displays of props and sales of artwork from the HP films. Whiled away much time there yesterday.

I'd pick one of Warwick or Windsor. Hampton Court is an interesting palace added to over the years.

I'd take a second look at Day 2. For me, as an adult, I could spend multiple days at the British Museum and the National Galley. But, I think 2 traditional huge museums in one day might be too much for kids of their age, although, of course, you know them much better than I do.

I would recommend the London Eye. My son loved that. My kids also enjoyed the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, and seeing Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster etc. My kids were 5 and 8 when we went 2 years ago. My 8 year old LOVED navigating the tube.

We leave for England again in 10 days. We are going to visit Warwick castle this time. I'm very excited and know the kids will love it. I visited many years ago and enjoyed it a lot.