3 of London's Most Family-Friendly Spots

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Thinking of visiting London with your family? London famously has plenty to offer you. If you're a history buff, spots such as the Tower of London will be a real delight. Meanwhile, enthusiasts of theater and the arts love the West End theatre district (some even make special trips here just to see the latest shows). The dining scene is huge and multicultural, and of course shopping is a hit with many, from trendy boutiques to the famous department stores. And as far as family-friendly sites is concerned, the number can be slightly overwhelming. So to start you off, here are three that I consider absolutely essential.


(One quick note: riding the Underground here can be a bit confusing, in addition to pricey for a family - for example an one-way adult fare from Leicester Square to Tower Hill will set you back £4.90, though it's less if you buy a multi-fare card - so especially if you're also planning to take day trips outside London, your might consider booking a rental car in advance.)


The Tower of London


Frankly, from the outside, one of Britain's most famous medieval building looks slightly unimpressive as well as grim, but that impression changes once you get inside. Built in the early 12th century in the wake of the Norman Conquest it's actually not a single tower but a complex of various towers and other structures, spread across a dozen acres. In its long history the Tower was used for many things - most notoriously a prison and place of execution (it is of course said to be haunted by the many unfortunately jailed and executed here) - but is also famously home to Britain's royal Crown Jewels. Lines to get in can be long (especially in high season) and the price of admission on the steep side (£28.90 for adults, half that for kids), but most who visit say it's worth it. 


Buckingham Palace


Built in 1703 as the palace of the Duke of Buckingham, then bought by King George III and eventually, as of 1837, the London residence of Britain's monarchs, 19 "staterooms" (used for state functions) of its total of 775 rooms are open to visitors for several months each year (the plan in 2020, coronavirus pandemic permitting, is July 25 through October 4). Tours are audio-guided, and it's generally recommended people set aside at least two hours (and keep in mind that until you get out to the gardens, there are no restrooms available). Tickets are for select time slots and should be booked well advance, and they too are also a bit dear, at $33.50 for adults, $30.75 for seniors, kids from five to 17 $18.90 each (under five years no charge); the famous changing of the guard at the front gates, however, every day at 11 am, is free.


Portobello Road Market


Both visitors and locals adore this Saturday flea market (with smaller outdoor markets open on other days) and series of shops extending up and down this street, lined with Victorian buildings, in the Notting Hill district (its popularity boosted especially by appearances in several movies over the years, most particularly Notting Hill in 1999, and the Paddington Bear children's books). The market is especially known for its antiques and fashion, both vintage and contemporary (there are of course plenty of souvenirs on offer, as well). And by the way, near the corner of Portobello and Acklam Road you'll spot a work by the famed street artist Banksy.

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