A weekend trip to London is up at the top of many of our travel bucket lists. With so many different experiences on offer to enjoy, what would your dream weekend look like? Having tea with the Queen? Catching a show on a world-renowned West End stage? A game of crazy golf in a neon wonderland?
We've headed into the city with your family in mind to find the very best that London has to offer - from the famous sights to the lesser-known spots. Read on to find out our dream itinerary for the best family experience in London.
Friday Night
As you turn onto Chichester Street, take in the art deco red brick of Dolphin House and know you've found a home for the next few days. As you head through the archways, you will be transported to a little slice of laid back luxury right in the heart of London. Located within Zone 1, just a stone's throw from the river and a quick stroll to Pimlico tube stop, you couldn't be better connected for an action-packed family weekend in London.
There's space for the whole family with our two or three-bedroom serviced apartments and plenty of on-site facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Whether you've arrived by car or train, travelling with the kids can be a little stressful - so take it easy this evening and treat yourselves to a delicious meal in the Dolphin Square Bar & Grill.
Saturday Day
Pop back to the Bar & Grill for a full English breakfast to set you up for a full day of sightseeing. A visit to the Tower of London is a great way to start your day. Purchase your tickets in advance to make your lives more comfortable and arrive in time for it opening at 10 am. The White Tower is packed full of family-friendly activities, and a visit isn't complete without a peek at the Crown Jewels and a chat with a Beefeater.
When you've finished, take a walk over Tower Bridge and look down the river to get a great view of some of the most famous sites in London. Wander along the river towards London Bridge and stop off at Borough Market for lunch, London's oldest and most famous food market. Kids will be in awe of the vibrant smells, colours, and cuisines and the never-ending taste samples on offer. Our favourites are La Tua Pasta for fresh homemade Italian treats and Padre for delicious Mexican street food.
For afternoon fun, cross the Thames once more and head to Puttshack, Bank for a very silly few hours playing crazy golf on their neon-lit courses. If you're extra lucky, you might even win big on the putting prize wheel! From here it's a smooth tube ride back to Pimlico to get ready for your evening out.
Saturday Night
Catching a show on the West End is one of London's unmissable experiences, so get your glad rags on and head out for an evening in the big city. Start with a wander through the brilliantly colourful Neals Yard and grab a pizza at Home Slice, a relaxed and family-friendly spot not far from the major theatres. Just remember to leave room for the all-important interval ice cream!
If your family are musical fans, you'll be absolutely spoilt for choice. For a brilliant classic, we highly recommend The Lion King, filled with jaw-dropping costumes and memorable musical numbers you won't be disappointed. If you're after something a little newer for all the family to enjoy then Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical adaptation of 'Cinderella' is one not to miss.
Finish the evening with a wander through the ornate gates and red lanterns of China Town before you make the short trip back to your cost apartment for a well-deserved sleep.
Sunday morning
Sunday mornings were made to be lazy, and our luxury facilities offer the perfect opportunity for relaxation for all the family. Send dad out to nearby Gail's Bakery for pastries and juice to start your morning right. Fuelled and ready to go, kids can enjoy the on-site pool while parents can get their flow on with a morning yoga class.
However, if you'd like to really start your morning with relaxation, then adults can take advantage of London's only Moroccan hammam style spa right on site. Soak in the luxurious Moroccan décor and soft lighting and take an hour out of parenting to enjoy a massage, facial, or traditional hammam ritual, you deserve it!
Sunday Afternoon
With a morning of pampering complete its time to get the kids back out in the fresh air, so jump on the tube at Pimlico and head up to High Street Kensington Station. A quick 10-minute stroll will see you enter into the world-famous Hyde Park to explore. To spark their imaginations and yours get yourselves over to the best playground in the world, The Princess Diana Memorial playground. Themed around Peter Pan, this is the closest place you'll get to Neverland in London.
If you're lucky to be in London on a hot summer day, we recommend cooling off in the water in Hyde Park's very own Serpentine Lido and children's paddling pool. What better way to spend a family afternoon in London than playing in the park and swimming in the sun?
A quick pit stop on the way back will see you giving the Queen a wave at her home in Buckingham Palace, and if you're lucky, you might even see the Changing of the Guard.
A weekend in London with your family will be an unforgettable experience, and with so much on offer, you'll want to revisit time after time. Having a great base to sleep in, a comfy home from home, while you visit is essential. Dolphin House Serviced Apartments offer you comfort, luxury, and relaxation while being only a short journey from all of the action in the heart of the city. Book now to make your dream itinerary into a reality.
