Fun, Food & Footsteps!
By Angela from Cinch Your Life
Let me tell you, London with kids is an adventure—equal parts magical, exhausting, and expensive (but only if you don’t play it smart!). If you’re planning a family city break, choosing the right location to stay is a total game-changer. As a family of 4 (14 year old, 11 year old and Simon and I) we based ourselves at Park Plaza County Hall in Waterloo, which meant Westminster was next door, and we could actually walk to most attractions—saving money on transport and our legs from falling off. We went two years ago and stayed a but further out of the City – which meant a lot more Underground Travel and a lot more walking.
Also, hot tip—we got a studio room with a kitchenette, which meant tea, coffee, snacks, and breakfast were all sorted before stepping out the door. Essential for hungry teenagers (and adults) on the go!
Day 1: Covent Garden Vibes & Theatre Hacks 🎭
After arriving and dropping our bags, we took a stroll to Covent Garden, where there’s always something happening—street performers, amazing shopping, and a great buzz. We had a dander about, looked in a few shops then for dinner, we hit Ave Mario, an Italian restaurant bursting with character, atmosphere, and seriously good pizza. The kids devoured it, and honestly, so did I. It felt authentic Italian Pizza and hit the spot perfectly.
Then came my greatest London money-saving hack—last-minute theatre tickets. Top tip – book on the theatre’s direct website (not a booking agent site) as it will be cheaper. Mrs Doubtfire came highly recommended, we wanted a family show with humour and this show did not disappoint. It was showing at Shaftsbury Theatre in London – so we looked up the theatre’s own site – HERE. 🎟️ We booked the cheapest seats (£25 each, which is still expensive! But they went up to an eye-watering £181 each!) for Mrs. Doubtfire, but once we arrived, and I realised they we in the very back row of the Gods, and the stage was a dot, I asked if there were any better seats available. For just £15 extra per person, we were upgraded to prime seats on the first balcony in the second row (original price £100 each)—saving us £50 per ticket. Always ask—it pays off! We booked this on HERE.
Day 2: Westminster Palace & Overpriced Rice 🏛️
An early start took us to Westminster Palace, and here’s a top tip: this tour is completely FREE and one of the best things we’ve ever done in London. Our guide, Princeworth, was engaging, fun, and full of knowledge. We got access to the House of Commons, House of Lords, and even Prime Minister’s Question Time!
Even if politics isn’t your thing, the Westminster Palace tour is an absolute must—not just for its historical significance, but for the sheer majesty of the building itself. The architecture is breathtaking, and walking through its ornate chambers and grand halls is like stepping into a living piece of history.
What makes it even more fascinating is that this was originally a Royal Palace, dating all the way back to Henry VIII’s reign. To think that this very (gigantic) Westminster hall was once home to one of the most infamous monarchs in history is truly spine-tingling!
Beyond its royal past, Westminster is also central to the story of democracy and social change, particularly in the Suffragette movement. I loved seeing The Tides sculpture, a striking and powerful tribute to the courage and resilienceof the women who fought for the right to vote. It beautifully reflects their journey, struggles, and triumphs—a real moment of reflection in the heart of British politics.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or just someone who appreciates a brilliant free experience, this tour is well worth your time. You can book it HERE.
Later, we treated ourselves to dinner in Chinatown, but fair warning—Feng Shui was tasty but extortionate. £9.50 for a single fried rice?! 🙃 After 18,000 steps, I wasn’t in the mood to argue. Early night was needed!
Day 3: Hampton Court Palace & Spooky Laughs 👻
We took a 30-minute train to Hampton Court Palace, home of Henry VIII’s legendary feasts. This place is massive, and in warmer weather, you could easily spend the entire day. We lasted four hours before frostbite set in and retreated to the café for a warm-up lunch.
That night, we booked a Comedy Ghost Tour Bus, and I’ll admit—I thought it might be cheesy, but it was hilarious!The kids loved the gruesome history of Jack the Ripper and Guy Fawkes, and the storytelling made it way more fun than a regular history lesson. Highly recommend!
Day 4: Battersea Power Station & Bottomless Pizza 🍕
On our final day, we had a lazy breakfast before heading to Battersea Power Station—a MUST-SEE since its multi-million pound transformation into the ultimate shopping, dining, and entertainment hub.
For our last supper, we treated ourselves to Gordon Ramsay’s pizza restaurant, where they offer a Bottomless Pizza Deal—£20 for adults and £10 for kids. If you have hungry teenagers, this is 100% the place to go!
A quick hop on the Heathrow Express, and we were home, tucked up in bed by 10 PM. London = conquered. ✅
Top Tips for a Stress-Free London Trip
✔ Stay Central – Saves time, transport costs, and unnecessary walking!
✔ Westminster Palace Tour is Free – Do it! It’s one of London’s best-kept secrets.
✔ Theatre Ticket Hack – Book cheap seats, then ask for an upgrade at the venue.
✔ Budget for Food – Chinatown will rinse your wallet if you’re not careful!
✔ Hampton Court Palace is Worth It – But dress warm in winter!
✔ Try Unique Experiences – Comedy ghost tours and Battersea Power Station are next-level fun.
Final Thoughts?
London is an incredible family destination, and with a little planning, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable trip. Pack comfortable shoes, get to grips with the Underground and shop smart for Theatre tickets!
Now, who’s planning their next adventure? ✈️