Planning a trip to London? After an unforgettable solo adventure with my eight-year-old, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to do this iconic city right. Here’s everything you need to know: where to stay, what to do, what to pack, and where to eat. Consider this your London cheat sheet.
Last spring, I embarked on one of the most magical trips – a mama-son adventure to London with my youngest, Max. A one-on-one trip with him was something I had dreamed of doing for years, and finally, the stars aligned to make it happen (catch up on why I wanted to book this trip here). If you’ve ever thought about taking your kids to this beautiful city, I highly recommend it. After all, London is packed with charm, rich history, and plenty to do for both kids and grown-ups alike.
Off we went for 8 days, just the two of us, exploring, connecting, and soaking in the magic of being somewhere entirely new. This guide to London is a collection of some of the places we saw, stayed, and loved, as well as many others that came highly recommended before our adventure across the pond. Hopefully, you’ll find it helpful and enjoy reading!
Where We Stayed in London
We stayed at The Kensington, and it was absolutely perfect for travelling with a child. It’s quiet, cozy, and tucked into a beautiful little neighbourhood. Plus, it had a mini kitchenette (a lifesaver for snacks or quick breakfasts) and was super close to the Tube – which made exploring the city a breeze. Overall, my final review is 5 stars. I was truly impressed with this hotel and would very highly recommend it.
Things To Do in London
London is one of those cities that truly has it all! History, charm, iconic landmarks, incredible food, and world-class culture around every corner.
Here’s a roundup of top things to do in London that deserve a spot on your itinerary:
- Experience afternoon tea – A must! Offered at many places like The Ritz or One Aldwych.
- Visit the Tower of London – Explore centuries of royal history, the Crown Jewels, and the iconic Beefeaters.
- See the city from above on the London Eye – A must-do for first-timers, with breathtaking panoramic views of the skyline.
- Wander through Borough Market – One of London’s oldest and most beloved food markets, packed with artisanal treats and global flavours.
- Catch a West End show – London’s theatre scene is unmatched. Snag tickets for hits like The Lion King, Les Misérables, or Hamilton.
- Walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens – A peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, with picturesque trails and historic monuments.
- Visit Buckingham Palace – Try to catch the Changing of the Guard for the full royal experience.
- Take a river cruise on the Thames – A scenic way to view landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and the Houses of Parliament.
- Shop along Oxford Street, Regent Street & Covent Garden – Iconic London shopping districts filled with everything from high street to designer brands. Covent Garden is a must, with street performers and bustling with energy.
- Visit a world-class museum or gallery – The British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum and National Gallery are all standouts (and many are free).
- Check out Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market – A colourful neighbourhood known for antiques, charm, and that iconic Hugh Grant movie moment.
Travelling with kids? Check out our full guide to the best family-friendly things to do in London.
What I Packed & Wore in London
Packing for London in the spring can be a bit tricky – the weather changes on a dime! Here’s what I actually wore on repeat:
- A classic trench coat: Perfect for layering and unpredictable weather.
- Comfortable sneakers: A must for all the walking.
- Large travel tote bag: Cute and practical.
- Light sweaters & tees: for layering up or down.
- A fancier (but comfortable) dress: For high-tea or a fancy dinner (I wore this so many times and have it in two colours).
- The comfiest heels EVER: Seriously, these are my go-to.
- An expandable duffle: This was a MUST – a great thing to pack for my return flight when I had shopped for souvenirs!
- I splurged on a new camera! Capturing memories is a non negotiable.
For Max, I packed:
- Layers (hoodies, tees, a light jacket)
- Runners for walking
- A backpack with snacks, water bottle, extra layers and games.
P.S. Don’t forget a universal power adapter and a small umbrella – they came in handy more than once! London is magical in every way, and the rain simply comes with it.
Where to Eat in London
London is truly a foodie’s dream! Therefore, this guide to London would be incomplete without a dedicated section on the best places to eat. First of all, the food scene offers a beautiful mix of bold flavours, buzzy atmospheres, and charming tradition. Moreover, whether you’re in the mood for a cozy pub meal, an artisanal sourdough pizza, or even an unforgettable dinner with a view, this city not only delivers but also goes above and beyond. If you’re a foodie yourself, I recommend reading my full guide on where to eat in London.
Franco Manca
- Incredible sourdough pizza with seasonal specials
- Fast-casual perfection (great for takeout or dining in – we did both!)
- Locations all over, we visited the one near Kensington Hotel
Hawksmoor
- Classic British steakhouse, perfect for a special dinner
- Ethically sourced steaks, triple-cooked chips, and must-order Sticky Toffee Pudding
- We loved the Spitalfields location for its cozy vibes
Big Mamma Group
- Jacuzzi (Kensington): Four floors of Italian drama and THE best truffle pasta
- Gloria (Shoreditch): Maximalist decor and lemon meringue pie dreams (top of my list for next time!)
Hot tip: Book early – these spots are always buzzing
Iconic British Pubs
- The Anglesea Arms (South Kensington): Cozy, historic, and full of charm
- The Devonshire (Soho): Classic British fare done right
- St. John (Farringdon): For the foodies – honest, no-frills British cooking
Best Pubs for Atmosphere + Food
- The Churchill Arms (Notting Hill): A floral-covered pub with Thai food inside (!?)
- The Spaniards Inn (Hampstead): One of London’s oldest, ideal after a stroll on the Heath
- The Mayflower (Rotherhithe): Candlelit riverside magic
Coffee Faves
- Monmouth Coffee: A London institution – always a line, always worth it
- Kaffeine: Aussie-style café with fab flat whites and buttery pastries
- WatchHouse: Cool interiors + perfect oat milk flat white
- Gail’s Bakery: Cinnamon buns + solid coffee = morning made
- Ralph’s London: As a Ralph Lauren lover, this was such a special place to sit and enjoy a great cup of coffee
Afternoon Tea
- Aqua Shard: Afternoon tea with a view – magical at sunset
- Kensington Hotel: Gorgeous service (they even had an artist paint us!)
- The Ritz: Iconic, grand, and oh-so-British
- Claridge’s: Elegant Art Deco tea perfection
- The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental: 30+ teas and Hyde Park views
- One Aldwych: Themed “Charlie & the Chocolate Factory” tea that kids (and grown-ups) will love
London has a way of staying with you long after you leave (in the very best way). It’s a city that rewards curiosity, welcomes kids with open arms, and feeds you extraordinarily well at every turn. Whether you’re planning your first visit or your fifth, I hope this guide helps you make the most of every single moment.
It’s where core memories are made.
And if you go (and you absolutely should) come back and tell me everything. I want to hear all about it.
Xo,
Tori
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