Family Zen experience in London – top tips:
With summer imminent, London is a fantastic place to keep your kids endlessly entertained, and we’ve come up with some top tips for a tranquil family visit – yes we believe that London, with kids, stress free really is possible. From timing guidance to cunning ideas for having some much needed me-time, these tips can ensure a relaxing stay in the capital.
1; Stay central
This makes everything easier; less travel distance, more options for methods of travel and so on. It may even make walking a possibility – let the kids blow off some steam and appreciate London life from the pavement. However, it’s equally imperative to assure you are in a tranquil area. Less noise, less fuss is a policy I find constantly relevant, so head for one of London’s residential oases like Pimlico. Maybe consider an apartment or other self-catering alternatives, ( we offer these as well!! – look at our apartment page https://georgianhousehotel.co.uk/room/westminster-apartments/ ) because then you can eat whenever, and make sure the kids get something they like.
2; Take the bus
Of course, the tube is an exciting experience in itself, but having pushchairs can prove it quite a mission. Buses are much easier when travelling with very young children, due to the access being far simpler – no escalators, more time to embark when required and you get to enjoy the view.
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Luxury Westminster Apartments offering short-stay accommodation ideal for business or for a family. Central London flats equipped with all comforts.
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3; Avoid peak times
Although an early start may seem perfect to begin your skip from park to Tower Bridge to museum to aquarium… the crowds are inevitable and best avoided for the sake of peace and sanity. Rush hour runs up to 9am and from 5pm. Consequently, it’s more pleasant to travel at off-peak times, as well as planning the biggest attractions during lunchtime for example, so you can smile smugly at the queues as you rise above them on the London Eye. Even a little bit of organisation can go a long way to making everything run smoothly, such as booking tickets in advance to make waltzing past queues become perfectly normal, so planning ahead is to be strongly recommended. Offers and deals are more likely to be found online as well.
4; Have a big breakfast
Nothing can destroy sneaky plans for off-peak visits like hunger. The famous Georgian House breakfast provides a huge range of unlimited delicacies for all dietary requirements, which is perfect for eradicating the chance of detrimental hunger pangs and filling you with energy (other great breakfasts are available!). Also, taking water is essential so you can enjoy iconic landmarks and city farms without interruption.
5; Agree shopping rules
In the same way that gift shop pleading can occasionally become somewhat tedious for parents, staring at dresses for hours can seem ridiculous for young ones, so one rule for all can be decided in advance, so that everyone knows what they’re in for and can mentally prepare.
6; Plan some open space time and calm time
There are obvious benefits to factoring in some open space time during your visit and London with its beautiful parks is one of the greenest cities in the world. Perhaps explore Battersea Park, which is a lovely green space with loads to do, especially in summer. Additional calm occasions make for a more civilised tone and an opportunity for relaxation. The Georgian House offers afternoon tea for kids, which is a fabulously delicious (and fun!) English experience that provides an early evening meal so you can head out later. Check out our page to see the amazing things available – https://georgianhousehotel.co.uk/food-drink/
7; Baby sitting
After a day of dutiful family dedication, you definitely deserve a break. Get the kids tucked up in bed and arrange for a babysitter to take over for the evening while you can spend it in an elegant restaurant demand-free. For instance, sitters.co.uk are a great website that can provide care for as little as £7.50 an hour.
8; Utilize technology
Many ingenius apps are available to assist you in this process for effortless planning as well as the Georgian house Handy smartphones. For example ‘Hoop’ suggests family and child appropriate events and can tailor to age range, ‘Citymapper’ offers every route option for travel including prices, timings and maps, and ‘Mumderground’ is a brilliant guide for parents using the Tube showing pushchair friendly stations.
Are you planning on giving a stress-free family London visit a go? We would love to know how you get on – tell us your story on Facebook….
