London with 13 yr old daughter

I don't know that there's a "must see" list. My dtrs, 12 & 15, just really seemed to be interested in the differences between our country and London. They very much enjoyed Hampton Court and the maze there, and the London Eye was a hit. The Tower of London was ok, but the weather played a part in that. They both loved the Borough Market, google it. Double decker bus rides were fun. In fact, all forms of transportation were a novelty. Harrod's wasn't too enjoyable, but a grocery store was.

What I was pleased with was that I was able to teach them to travel, and I think those lessons will stick. They were just nervous enough to listen to me, and that doesn't always happen at that age. So have her take her own money, in a money belt, and a day bag with essentials, and her own camera. Have a code system to let each other know when there's a dangerous situation to move away from. Let her learn to navigate public transport. Have fun!

many thanks for your response. very helpful. hill

I agree with the previous post. I went to London on my first European trip when I was 14 and the things I remember most are: the maze and gardens and Hampton Court, the long driveway at Windsor Castle, and the ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London. Oh, and the grocery section of Harrod's! Unlike anything I had ever seen before.

Hi Hill,

The first time I went to London I was 13 years old, and I went with my mother.

What made the biggest impression on me during that trip was the red double decker buses (which during my "choice of activity" I opted to ride for an hour), and the theatre. You can't help but get excited and wrapped up in it. I actually didn't want to go, but had the most fun when I was there. I remember we saw Miss Saigon- I'm sure if the Lion King is playing that would go over well.

Having recently been, I would also suggest that you visit the Tower of London and take a beefeater tour! VERY funny. Informative, and they tell lots of jokes! Your daughter might also like riding the London Eye and visiting Covent Gardens, a shopping area with lots to entertain (street performers, ect).

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Lastly, I toured Buckingham Palace on both visits. As a 13 year old I was super excited to be in "the queens house". However, if you do this, make sure to reserve a ticket time online in advance. We waited in line for what seemed to me like hours the first time, which is unpleasant in the heat! Have fun!!!

We took our 13 year old daughter and 11 year old son to see Wicked at the Apollo Theatre last summer and they loved it. Also rode the double decker bus through London and got off and on when we wanted. The changing of the guards at the palace is a fun thing to do. My kids loved London...just playing at walking through Hyde Park is great.

We started taking our son and daughter to the UK when they were about 9-11 years old. They both loved: Windsor- the town and castle and you can watch the changing of the guard there much better than Buckinham; Tower of London; Covent Garden Market- lots of street performers/buskers and the market is different each day but Friday and Saturday seemed their favs- Leciester Square for people watching. As far as theater- They enjoyed Mama Mia and I bet your daughter would too- just be sure you are comfortable with the subject matter. Wicked would be a good choice too as would Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. Also- a cruise on the Thames- either from Windosr or the bridge near Pariliment up to Greenwich - they also have a nice market in Greenwich on Sunday and the park is really nice. Hemley's Toy store on Picadilly is fun to visit as is Harrod's. The original Hard Rock Cafe is fun, too.

The London Eye. Its definitely an awesome view.