London has a secret that most American families don't know before they arrive: the city's best museums are free. Not discounted. Free. The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Tate Modern, the National Gallery — all free, all world-class, all genuinely excellent for families. That changes the economics of a London trip considerably, and it means you can spend your budget on experiences rather than admissions.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
A complete breakdown of your 7 Days in London. Click any day to expand.
Arrive and check in to the South Bank or Southwark — the best family location in London, walkable to the Tower of London, Tate Modern, Borough Market, and the South Bank cultural quarter. Westminster Bridge for the classic Big Ben photo (best in the morning light). Westminster Abbey (€27/adult, free under 5) — 1,000 years of British history, the coronation church, the Poets' Corner. Book online to skip the queue.
Walk along the South Bank to Tower Bridge (€12/adult, €5.80/child) — the glass floor walkway 42 meters above the Thames is terrifying in the best way. The Tower of London (€34/adult, €17/child) is adjacent — the Crown Jewels, the Yeoman Warder tours, the Tower Ravens. Budget 3 hours.
Borough Market (Borough High Street) for dinner — London's best food market, open until 8pm Thursday-Saturday. Every cuisine imaginable, excellent quality. The Monmouth Coffee, the Neal's Yard cheese stall, and the Rabot 1745 chocolate shop are mandatory stops.
South Bank, Southwark, or Borough — Premier Inn Southwark is excellent value for families
Practical Tips
What to Pack
- •Waterproof jacket — London weather is unpredictable year-round
- •Comfortable walking shoes — you will walk 6-10 miles per day
- •Compact umbrella stroller — London has excellent pavements and most attractions have lift access
- •Carrier as backup for tube stairs and crowded areas
- •Portable phone charger — long days, lots of navigation
Money-Saving Tips
- •London's best museums are free: British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A, Tate Modern, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery
- •The TKTS booth in Leicester Square sells same-day West End tickets at 25-50% discount
- •Pret A Manger and Itsu for quick, affordable lunches — London has excellent fast-casual options
- •Borough Market for dinner — excellent food at market prices, significantly cheaper than restaurants
Local Insights
- •London is one of the most family-friendly cities in the world — children are genuinely welcomed everywhere
- •The Tube is efficient but can be overwhelming with young kids — buses are slower but easier with strollers
- •British weather is famously unpredictable — pack layers and waterproofs regardless of the forecast
- •Afternoon tea (€40-60/person at a proper hotel) is a genuine London experience worth doing once — the Ritz, Claridge's, and The Savoy are the classics
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