Top 10 Must-Sees in Westminster, the South Bank & Southwark

This part of London is where the postcard images truly come to life, but it’s so much more than just a photo opportunity. The “Top 10 Sights” here offer a powerful blend of British political history, world-class art, and iconic modern entertainment. It’s a combination that provides an unparalleled educational and engaging experience for families. What’s fantastic is how these major institutions are continually updating their offerings to welcome families, ensuring that even the most historic sites feel fresh and exciting.  

Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)

The iconic silhouette of the Houses of Parliament, with the Elizabeth Tower (home to Big Ben) standing proudly beside it, is a sight that truly says “London.” This is the heart of the UK’s political life, where laws are made and the nation’s course is debated. For families, the sheer Gothic grandeur is awe-inspiring, and kids often recognise it from films and TV. There’s a certain thrill in standing before a place where such significant decisions are made.  

While you can’t just wander in, there are excellent tour options. Guided tours and multimedia tours (which include interactive games for children up to age 11) are available on Saturdays throughout the year and from Tuesdays to Saturdays during parliamentary recesses and school holidays. These tours last about 90 minutes and give you a peek into the stunning interiors, including the House of Commons and the historic Westminster Hall – where Guy Fawkes faced trial for his Gunpowder Plot! If your family is up for a climb and includes older children (11+), separate tours of the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) can be booked, involving 334 steps and the chance to see the famous bell up close. It’s essential to book any tour in advance, especially during peak times.  

The variety of tours – from the standard guided option to the child-focused multimedia tour and the more physically demanding Big Ben climb – demonstrates a thoughtful approach to visitors. It allows families to select an experience that best aligns with their children’s ages, interests, and stamina, making a visit to this potentially formal institution more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of family groups.

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster)
• Where: Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA. Visitor entrance usually via Cromwell Green for tours (Ticket Office at Portcullis House, Victoria Embankment ).  
• Open: Tours: Saturdays; Tue-Sat during recess/school holidays. General tour times 9:00/9:30 to 16:15/16:30. Big Ben tours on select dates. Always check the official website as Parliament is a working building and times can change.  
• Cost (from 1 April 2025) :
  • Guided Tour: Adult £34 (£36 on day), Child (5-15) £18 (£20 on day). Under 5s free (tour not recommended).
  • Audio Tour: Adult £27 (£29 on day), Child (5-15) FREE/£10* (£12 on day) (*one child free per paying adult).
  • Big Ben Tour: Adult £35, Child (11+) £20.
• Family Perk: Seeing where UK laws are made! Multimedia tour has engaging content for kids. The iconic building itself is a huge draw.
• More Info: parliament.uk/visit  

Our Take: “Wow, stepping inside the Houses of Parliament is like walking into a real-life storybook! The kids were just amazed by how grand everything looked. We opted for the multimedia tour, and the interactive bits were a lifesaver for keeping the younger ones engaged. Learning about Guy Fawkes in the very hall he was tried in? Goosebumps! Remember to book your tickets ahead, especially if you’re visiting during school holidays, as it gets super busy.”

Tate Modern

Housed in the colossal former Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern is one of the world’s most visited and exciting modern and contemporary art galleries. Its sheer scale, especially the vast Turbine Hall which often hosts monumental installations, is an experience in itself. The Blavatnik Building extension not only adds more gallery space but also a fantastic public viewing terrace on level 10, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the London skyline, including St Paul’s Cathedral across the river.  

For families, Tate Modern is surprisingly engaging. The gallery actively encourages a relaxed atmosphere – they even say “Make noise in our galleries!”. During UK school holidays, they often run free, 30-minute family tours designed for children aged 5-11, meeting on Level 2 of the Natalie Bell Building. It’s always a good idea to call the ticket desk on the morning of your visit to confirm which tours are running. Accessibility is excellent, with accessible toilets on every floor, a quiet room available in the Natalie Bell Building on Level 4, and even ear defenders that can be borrowed from the Ticket desks – a thoughtful touch that shows a real understanding of diverse family needs. This deliberate effort to create a welcoming environment, challenging the traditional “hushed reverence” of art galleries, makes it a far less intimidating and more enjoyable prospect for parents visiting with younger children. General admission to Tate Modern is free, though special exhibitions usually have a charge.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Tate Modern
• Where: Bankside, London SE1 9TG. Nearest Tube: Southwark, Blackfriars.  
• Open: Daily 10:00–18:00.  
• Cost: Free general admission. Charges for special exhibitions.  
• Family Perk: Family tours during holidays, interactive art potential, huge spaces to explore, amazing free views from the Blavatnik Building, welcoming atmosphere for kids.
• More Info: tate.org.uk  

Our Take: “Tate Modern is HUGE and so much fun, even if you think modern art isn’t your thing. The kids loved the scale of the Turbine Hall. We were lucky to catch a family tour which was brilliant – the guide really knew how to get the kids looking and thinking about the art in a fun way. And the views from the top of the Blavatnik Building? Absolutely amazing! Best part? General entry is free, so it’s great for the budget.”

London Eye

An iconic part of London’s skyline, the London Eye is a giant cantilevered observation wheel offering breathtaking panoramic views across the capital. Each of its 32 high-tech glass capsules holds up to 28 people, and a full rotation takes about 30 minutes. On a clear day, you can see up to 40 km (25 miles) – all the way to Windsor Castle! Kids will love spotting famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and St Paul’s Cathedral from a bird’s-eye perspective.  

Opening hours vary seasonally, generally running from 11:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 20:30 on weekends and during school holidays, but it’s always best to check the official website for the specific day of your visit. Ticket prices also vary, with adult tickets starting from around £29 if booked online in advance, and children (3-15 years) from around £25. Infants under 3 go free. Fast Track tickets are available if you want to reduce queueing time, starting from £44. Booking online in advance is highly recommended as it usually guarantees the best price and entry. The London Eye often participates in multi-attraction ticket deals, which can offer significant savings if you plan to visit other Merlin attractions like SEA LIFE London Aquarium or Madame Tussauds, many of which are conveniently located nearby in County Hall. This dynamic pricing and strong promotion of online advance booking and bundles reflect a sophisticated approach to managing visitor flow and encouraging wider engagement with nearby attractions. For families, this means planning ahead can lead to good value, but spontaneous visits might come with a higher price tag.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: London Eye
• Where: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB. Nearest Tube: Waterloo.  
• Open: Daily, hours vary seasonally (e.g., winter 11:00-18:00; summer/holidays 10:00-20:30). Always check official website.  
• Cost: Adults from ~£29 (online advance), Children (3-15) from ~£25. Infants free. Fast Track and multi-attraction bundles available.  
• Family Perk: Unforgettable 360° views! Kids love the “flight” and spotting landmarks.
• More Info: londoneye.com  

Our Take: “You can’t come to London with the family and NOT go on the London Eye! The views are just spectacular – we spent the whole 30-minute ride pointing out everything from Buckingham Palace to St Paul’s. Top tip: book your tickets online beforehand, you’ll save a bit of money and can often get a timed slot. And look out for combo tickets if you’re planning to visit other nearby attractions like SEA LIFE!”

Westminster Abbey

A place steeped in over a thousand years of British history, Westminster Abbey is more than just a beautiful church; it’s the nation’s coronation church since 1066, the venue for royal weddings (including Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s), and the final resting place of more than 3,000 great Britons, including seventeen monarchs.  

For families, the Abbey offers a journey through time. Highlights include the ancient Coronation Chair, where monarchs have been crowned for centuries; Poets’ Corner, with memorials to literary giants like Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens; and the stunning Lady Chapel with its fan-vaulted ceiling. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, located high up in the medieval triforium, display treasures from the Abbey’s collection and offer unique views down into the Abbey and out towards the Houses of Parliament.  

The Abbey is generally open for visits Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 15:30 (last entry) and Saturdays from 9:00 to 15:00 (last entry), but it’s crucial to check the official website as times can vary due to services and special events. On Sundays, the Abbey is open for worship only, and attending a service like Evensong (often with the renowned choir) is a wonderful way to experience the Abbey for free. For paying visitors, adult tickets are around £30, children (6-17) around £13, and a family ticket for one adult and one child is £30; children under 5 are free. A multimedia guide is included with admission, and a free Children’s Trail (available in several languages, subject to availability) can make the visit more engaging for younger ones. Verger-led tours, which include a visit to the normally inaccessible Shrine of St Edward the Confessor, are also available for an additional fee. The Abbey’s approach of offering various ways to engage—from free service attendance and children’s trails to comprehensive multimedia guides and premium tours—caters to different family interests and budgets, making this historic monument accessible.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Westminster Abbey
• Where: 20 Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA. Nearest Tube: Westminster.  
• Open: Mon-Fri 9:30-15:30; Sat 9:00-15:00 (last entry). Check website for variations, Wednesday Lates , and Sunday service times.  
• Cost: Adult ~£30, Child (6-17) ~£13, Family (1 adult, 1 child) £30. Under 5s free. Multimedia guide included. Children’s Trail free.  
• Family Perk: Children’s Trail! Stepping into history, seeing the Coronation Chair, spotting famous names in Poets’ Corner.
• More Info: westminster-abbey.org  

Our Take: “Westminster Abbey is breathtaking! It feels like every stone tells a story. The kids were surprisingly into finding the tombs of famous kings and queens. Ask for the Children’s Trail when you go in – it really helped them engage. And the Coronation Chair? Even the grown-ups were impressed! It’s definitely worth getting the multimedia guide, which is included in your ticket.”

Tate Britain

Home to the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day, Tate Britain offers a journey through the nation’s artistic heritage in a magnificent building on Millbank. While it showcases a vast range of styles and periods, it’s particularly renowned for holding the largest collection of works by J.M.W. Turner, one of Britain’s most celebrated painters, as well as an extensive collection of works by William Blake. The atmosphere here is often described as more relaxed than its contemporary counterpart, Tate Modern, which can be a plus for families.  

Tate Britain is very welcoming to families. Entry to the main collection is free for everyone, though special exhibitions usually require a paid ticket (members can bring up to six children free to exhibitions). The gallery provides excellent family facilities, including buggy-friendly access, baby-changing facilities on the lower floor near the Djanogly Café and in the Clore Gallery, and a welcoming attitude towards breastfeeding anywhere on site. The Djanogly Café itself offers hot and cold food, with a “Kids Pick and Mix” lunch option, and high chairs are available. Families can also eat packed lunches outside or in Millbank Gardens.  

To make art engaging for younger visitors, Tate Britain offers several dedicated activities and spaces. “Tate Draw” allows kids to see their digital sketches come to life, while the “Play Studio” is an imaginative space, and the “Story Space” encourages reading, play, and creation. These are typically open every weekend and on Fridays during term-time, and daily during school holidays. Family tours are also sometimes available; check the website for the latest schedule. This comprehensive strategy of providing distinct physical spaces for family interaction, alongside tours, moves beyond passive viewing to encourage active participation and creative engagement, fostering an early appreciation for art.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Tate Britain
• Where: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG. Nearest Tube: Pimlico.  
• Open: Daily 10:00–18:00.  
• Cost: Free general admission. Charges for special exhibitions. Members can bring up to 6 children free to exhibitions.  
• Family Perk: Dedicated family creative spaces (Play Studio, Story Space), Tate Draw, family tours, kids’ meals in café, relaxed atmosphere.
• More Info: tate.org.uk  

Our Take: “If Tate Modern feels a bit too much with little ones, Tate Britain is a fantastic alternative. It’s got a calmer vibe, and they have brilliant dedicated family spaces like the Play Studio. Our kids loved Tate Draw! Plus, seeing some really famous British paintings up close was pretty special. The café is family-friendly too, with a good kids’ lunch deal.”

Downing Street

The iconic black door of Number 10 Downing Street is instantly recognisable as the official residence and office of the British Prime Minister. Next door, Number 11, is traditionally the home of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. While you can’t go on a tour or even walk down the street itself (it has been closed to general public access for security reasons since 1989), it’s still a significant landmark to see, even if only from behind the security gates on Whitehall.  

For families, it’s a quick stop that connects current affairs with a tangible place. Kids often recognise it from the news, and it can spark interesting conversations about government. If you’re keen on a photo that feels a bit closer to the action, a fun tip is to visit 10 Adam Street, about 800 metres away. It boasts a very similar black door and has become a popular spot for tourists to snap a souvenir photo. This official suggestion of an alternative photo opportunity is a clever way to manage tourist expectations, acknowledging the public’s desire to engage with the iconic image of Downing Street while direct access remains impossible. It’s a pragmatic solution that provides a “next best thing” for that classic London picture.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: 10 Downing Street
• Where: Whitehall, London SW1A 2AA. Nearest Tube: Westminster.  
• Open: Not open to the public. View from security gates on Whitehall.
• Cost: Free (to look from outside).
• Family Perk: Seeing a world-famous landmark (from a distance!). A quick and easy sight to tick off while walking between Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square.
• More Info: gov.uk/government/organisations/prime-ministers-office-10-downing-street

Our Take: “You can’t go inside, but it’s still pretty cool to peek through the gates at the famous Number 10 Downing Street! The kids recognized it from the telly. If you want a fun photo, apparently there’s a lookalike door at 10 Adam Street nearby – might be worth a giggle as you can get right up to that one!”

Churchill War Rooms

Step back in time to the tense days of World War II at the Churchill War Rooms, the secret underground headquarters where Winston Churchill and his government directed the war effort. Preserved much as they were left in 1945, these historic rooms offer a fascinating and atmospheric glimpse into this critical period. You can explore the Cabinet Room, the Map Room (untouched since the lights were switched off in 1945), and Churchill’s private bedroom. An excellent audio guide is included with admission, bringing the stories of those who worked here to life. There’s also the Churchill Museum, an interactive gallery dedicated to the life and legacy of the iconic wartime leader.  

This attraction is particularly engaging for older children and teenagers with an interest in history; the “secret bunker” aspect and the stories of wartime leadership are captivating. The museum itself notes that it aims to help visitors “discover and learn together right where history happened” , and some reviews mention engaging displays and activities available for younger visitors if you ask staff. Given the serious nature of the subject, it’s a place that can spark a lot of thoughtful discussion. Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours here. The museum’s efforts to make this complex history accessible, through child/student discounts and engaging displays, broadens its appeal beyond just adult history enthusiasts.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Churchill War Rooms
• Where: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AQ. Nearest Tube: Westminster.  
• Open: Daily 9:30-18:00 (last entry 17:00).  
• Cost: Adult £33, Child (5-15) half-price (£16.50), Under 5s free. Student discounts available.  
• Family Perk: Stepping directly into WWII history! Very atmospheric and educational for older children and teens.
• More Info: iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms  

Our Take: “For a real history lesson brought to life, the Churchill War Rooms are incredible. It’s like stepping into a time machine! The audio guide is excellent, and it’s fascinating to see where Churchill made those big wartime decisions. Probably best for older kids and teens who have a bit of an interest in history, but very atmospheric and a truly memorable experience.”

Southbank Centre

The Southbank Centre is a vibrant hub of arts and culture nestled along the Thames, comprising several world-class venues including the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall (and Purcell Room), and the Hayward Gallery. It’s known for its diverse programme of music, dance, art exhibitions, and literature events, often with a friendly and egalitarian atmosphere. The BFI Southbank (British Film Institute) is also part of this complex, offering a rich selection of films, and the National Theatre is just a short walk further east along the river.  

What makes the Southbank Centre particularly fantastic for families is the sheer amount of free entertainment and activities on offer, especially during summer and school holidays. The pedestrianised outdoor spaces frequently host free performances, bustling food markets, and pop-up bars. Kids will adore Jeppe Hein’s “Appearing Rooms” – jets of water creating ever-changing “rooms” to run through on warm days. There’s also the tranquil Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, a hidden oasis with wildflowers and great views, and the Little Library in the Royal Festival Hall, a cosy spot for children to share a poem or story. The Centre runs a packed schedule of family-specific events, from orchestral concerts for kids (like FUNharmonics ) and interactive workshops (such as LEGO Replay Workshops ) to storytelling sessions and themed activity days, many of which are free or very reasonably priced. The diversity and frequency of free family programming, combined with its welcoming public spaces, make the Southbank Centre a major destination for accessible cultural fun, offering much more than just ticketed shows.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Southbank Centre (including Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Hayward Gallery)
• Where: Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX. Nearest Tube: Waterloo, Embankment.  
• Open: Royal Festival Hall building generally open Tue-Sun 10:00–23:00 (Mon closed). Individual venue and event times vary.  
• Cost: Many free events and spaces. Charges for specific performances, exhibitions, and some workshops.
• Family Perk: Huge variety of free & paid family events, outdoor spaces, summer water fountains, Little Library, food markets.
• More Info: southbankcentre.co.uk  

Our Take: “The Southbank Centre is a winner for families! There’s always something going on, and often it’s free! We love the buzz of the place, especially in summer with the outdoor food stalls, and the kids adore the Appearing Rooms water fountains. Check their website before you go, as they have tons of family-specific shows and workshops – we caught a brilliant kids’ concert last time we were here.”

Shakespeare’s Globe

Experience theatre as it was in Shakespeare’s time at this faithful reconstruction of the iconic 1599 Globe Theatre. Watching a play here, under the open sky (the “wooden O”), is a truly magical experience. You can choose to sit in the tiered galleries or, for an authentic (and cheaper!) experience, stand in the yard as a “groundling” right in front of the stage. Performances in the main Globe Theatre run from April to October. Adjacent is the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, an intimate, candlelit indoor theatre based on Jacobean designs, which hosts performances year-round.  

Guided tours of the Globe Theatre are available daily and offer a fascinating insight into the theatre’s history, Shakespeare’s London, and the reconstruction process. Tours often include lively storytelling and sometimes live demonstrations like stage fighting, which kids find particularly exciting. Tours last about 50 minutes, plus time for the exhibition , and run year-round, though they finish by midday when performances are scheduled in the Globe. Ticket prices for guided tours are around £20-£27 for adults and £10-£20 for children. Play tickets vary widely, with standing yard tickets starting from as little as £5-£10, while seated tickets can range from £25 to over £80 depending on the production and seat location.  

The Globe is surprisingly family-friendly. Children under 3 can attend performances for free (no ticket required, they can sit on a lap), and prams are welcome on tours (though not in the auditorium during shows, storage is available). There are baby changing facilities, and the site is breastfeeding-friendly. The nearby Swan restaurant offers a children’s menu. This thoughtful approach, offering free entry for the very youngest and providing practical facilities, makes what could be a challenging historical theatre experience remarkably accessible for families.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Shakespeare’s Globe (Theatre, Tours, Sam Wanamaker Playhouse)
• Where: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT. Nearest Tube: London Bridge, Blackfriars.  
• Open: Tours daily (times vary, check website). Performances: Globe Theatre Apr-Oct; Sam Wanamaker Playhouse year-round.
• Cost: Tours: Adult ~£20-£27, Child ~£10-£20. Plays: Standing from £5, Seats £25-£80+.  
• Family Perk: Unique open-air theatre experience, engaging tours with demos, kids under 3 free for shows, family facilities.
• More Info: shakespearesglobe.com  

Our Take: “Seeing a play at Shakespeare’s Globe is like nothing else! We took the guided tour first, and the kids were captivated by the stories and the stage fighting demo. If your kids are older and up for it, standing in the yard for a play is an amazing (and cheap!) experience – just be ready for all weather! They have great facilities for families too, which is a real bonus.”

Imperial War Museum (IWM London)

The Imperial War Museum London powerfully documents the story of modern war and its impact on society, from World War I to the present day. The museum’s vast atrium, with aircraft suspended from the ceiling and tanks on the floor, is immediately impressive for all ages. Galleries explore themes such as trench warfare in World War I, life in London during the Blitz, and the experiences of those affected by conflict worldwide.  

For families, IWM London offers free entry, which is a huge plus. They also run free, fun-packed family activities and adventure trails every weekend and daily during UK school holidays. Look out for the “Story Seekers” activity designed to help families explore the museum together. While the subject matter is serious, the museum makes a significant effort to engage younger visitors. However, it’s important for parents to be aware that the Holocaust Galleries, while incredibly important, are not recommended for children under the age of 14 due to their content, which includes graphic footage. This clear advisory demonstrates responsible curation. The museum’s free admission and tailored family activities make it an accessible and valuable educational resource, allowing families to explore complex historical themes in a supportive environment.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Imperial War Museum London (IWM London)
• Where: Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ. Nearest Tube: Lambeth North.  
• Open: Daily 10:00-18:00.  
• Cost: Free general admission.  
• Family Perk: Free entry! Impressive large exhibits (planes, tanks), family trails and activities (weekends/holidays).
• More Info: iwm.org.uk  

Our Take: “The Imperial War Museum is huge and really makes you think. The kids were wowed by the massive planes hanging from the ceiling. They have family trails which are great for guiding you around and making the exhibits more accessible for them. Just a heads-up, the Holocaust Galleries are very powerful but definitely not for younger children (the museum recommends under 14s give it a miss).”