Top 10 Royal London Experiences Beyond Buckingham Palace
London is overflowing with royal history and fun for the whole family – and there’s so much more to explore beyond just Buckingham Palace. From medieval castles to lush parks and quirky royal rituals, here are ten royally awesome London experiences (beyond Buckingham Palace itself) that kids and parents will love. We’ve gathered up-to-date details on tickets, hours, and insider tips so you can plan an unforgettable family adventure. So grab your crowns (and strollers), and let’s dive in!
Tower of London – Medieval Adventure and Crown Jewels
Visiting the Tower of London is like stepping back in time – and it’s surprisingly fun for kids. This 900-year-old fortress has served as a royal palace, prison, and even a zoo! Today, families can explore its stone towers, meet the famous ravens, and gasp at the glittering Crown Jewels (yes, the actual crowns and scepters worn by kings and queens!). The Yeoman Warders (aka “Beefeaters”) lead free tours filled with grisly tales of intrigue and daring escapes that older kids and teens will find thrilling. Don’t worry – the guides mix in plenty of humor to keep things light.
The Tower opens at 9:00 AM most days (10:00 AM on Sundays & Mondays) and closes by 5:30 PM in summer (earlier in winter). Plan on arriving early; the last entry slot is 3:30 PM. From March through October, hours are roughly 9 or 10 AM to 5:30 PM (with final admission at 5:00). In the quieter winter months (Nov–Feb) the Tower closes around 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00). Tickets aren’t cheap – adult entry is about £35.80, kids 5–15 are £17.90 – but under-5s go free. Consider a family ticket or membership if you plan to visit multiple royal sites. (Historic Royal Palaces membership covers the Tower, Hampton Court, Kensington Palace, etc., and can pay off for a big family.) Also check for National Rail 2-for-1 deals and online discounts; for example, Westminster Abbey has a 2-for-1 deal and free child entry with each adult via Days Out Guide – the Tower often has similar offers.
Family tips: The Tower’s cobbled lanes are stroller-friendly in parts, but some medieval staircases (like up White Tower) aren’t – bring a baby carrier or be ready to park the stroller (there are a few buggy parks). Little ones will love spotting the Tower’s resident ravens, who hop around the grounds (legend says the kingdom will fall if they ever leave!). Catch the free Yeoman Warder tour first – it departs every 30 minutes and is included in your ticket – to get engaging stories that bring the place alive for kids. Don’t miss the interactive exhibits: try on a knight’s helmet in the armory or learn about the wild animals that once lived here in the Royal Menagerie exhibit. There are toilets with baby-changing facilities on site, and if hunger strikes, you can grab lunch at the on-site café or kiosks (the medieval meat pies are surprisingly kid-approved!). For a picnic, there’s a quiet lawn area by Tower Green – or even better, exit for a break on the nearby Tower Wharf with river views and benches.
After you’ve marveled at the Jewel House and wandered through ancient walls, let the kids burn off energy just outside on Tower Hill. From here, you can also snap a family photo with Tower Bridge in the background – it’s right next door. As for nearby eats, St Katharine Docks (10 minutes walk) has family-friendly restaurants and cafes by the marina. And if you’re not totally “castled” out, consider a short Thames ferry ride from the Tower Pier to Westminster – a boat ride is a fun way to commute with kids and gives a unique perspective of London.
(Source: Historic Royal Palaces – Tower of London official site)
Westminster Abbey – A Royal Church Kids Can Explore
Westminster Abbey may be a solemn Gothic church, but it’s also an awe-inspiring playground of history for young minds. This is where kings and queens are crowned (including the new King Charles III) and famous figures from kings to scientists are buried. As you walk through the soaring nave and candlelit chapels, point out fun details to the kids: the intricate mosaic floors, the old coronation chair (with scratch marks from schoolboys and a hidden stone underneath!), and even the graves of real-life explorers and authors like Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens. There’s a special multimedia guide included with admission – be sure to ask for the kid-friendly version, which uses storytelling to keep children engaged.
Visiting hours: The Abbey is generally open for tourists Monday–Saturday (closed Sunday for church services). Plan for roughly 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM on weekdays, and 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturdays. (They stop entry a bit earlier on Saturdays so the Abbey can prepare for evening services.) Remember: Sundays the Abbey isn’t open for sightseeing at all – though you’re welcome to attend a service for free if you wish, which can be a beautiful experience (albeit perhaps long for young kids). Always double-check the schedule online because occasional state events or funerals can close it without much notice.
Tickets: Adult admission is £30 (with free multimedia guide) and kids 6–17 are £13. Children under 6 enter free. There’s a family deal where one adult + one child is £30 (so essentially kids go free with a paying adult) – a great perk if you’re a single parent or have an odd number of adults. Also, if you book your ticket on the Abbey’s website, you can upgrade to an annual pass for free on the day of your visit. Just ask staff to stamp your ticket before you leave, and you can come back up to three times in a year at no extra cost – handy if your family wants a second look or if you missed something.
Family-friendly perks: Strollers are allowed inside (the floor is mostly flat), though be mindful of some uneven 13th-century paving – it might be a bumpy ride for a buggy. The Abbey staff are used to families; kids under 12 must stick with adults, but they’re welcome to explore and even complete a fun Abbey trail sheet (ask for it at entry). One highlight for grade-schoolers is the Coronation Chair – currently in a glass enclosure, but you can get close and imagine the coronations. Near the exit, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries (up in the loft area) have cool treasures like an old royal marriage license and coronation souvenirs – worth it for older kids if you have time (it requires a small extra fee and climbing stairs). For a break, head to the Cloisters – open-air courtyard halls where kids can stretch their legs or quietly munch a snack you brought. There are toilets (with baby changing) off the Cloisters.
Before leaving, consider a treat at the on-site Cellarium Café. Tucked in the Abbey’s medieval storehouse, this café offers kid-friendly lunches (sandwiches, soup, and scones for a quintessential English cream tea). They have high chairs and it’s a calm spot to rest – you’ll all deserve a sit-down after absorbing so much history! As you step back outside, St. James’s Park is just a 5-minute walk – a perfect next stop to let kids run around after being (mostly) respectful inside the Abbey.
(Sources: Westminster Abbey official site – Visiting info)
Kensington Palace Gardens – Playtime and Princess Memories
For a royal experience that’s equal parts history and outdoor play, head to Kensington Palace Gardens. This isn’t just one garden – it’s a whole expanse of parkland, flower beds, and tucked-away play areas around Kensington Palace (the childhood home of Queen Victoria and current London home of William and Kate). The good news for families: Kensington Gardens (the public park) is free and open daily from 6:00 AM until dusk. You can wander tree-lined paths, feed ducks in the Round Pond, and even find the statue of Peter Pan (see if your kids can spot the fairies and mice sculpted around it).
A must-do for those with younger children is the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, located just north of the palace. This fantastic playground features a huge wooden pirate ship marooned in sand, teepees, and interactive sculptures – it’s a mini adventure land! Kids can dig in the sand “beach” or follow the sensory trail while grownups relax on the ample benches. The playground is free but gated and supervised for safety: only adults with children age 12 and under are allowed in. It opens at 10:00 AM daily year-round. Closing time varies with seasons: in long summer days it’s open until 7:45 PM (May–Aug) and gradually earlier in winter (as early as 3:45 PM Nov–Jan). Note that last entry is 15 minutes before closing, and on warm weekends there can be a queue to get in once it reaches capacity – waits of 15 minutes to an hour are possible at peak times. To avoid lines, arrive near opening or later in the afternoon. There’s a small café kiosk by the playground selling coffee, ice cream, and kid staples like sandwiches – perfect for a quick refuel.
Strolling the gardens, you’ll also come across the Sunken Garden next to Kensington Palace, which is famously where Prince Harry and Meghan announced their engagement – and where a lovely statue of Princess Diana was unveiled. The Palace Gardens immediately around Kensington Palace (including the Sunken Garden and the Orangery Lawn) are actually free to visit during palace opening hours (roughly 10:00–6:00). You can wander through the manicured flower beds and shaded arches known as Cradle Walk at no cost. On nice days, consider bringing a picnic blanket – the lawns by the palace are a picturesque spot for a family picnic with views of the palace façade and blooming flowers in summer.
If your family is interested in history, you can also choose to visit inside Kensington Palace (tickets about £20 adults, £10 children, with family bundles available). The palace museum has exhibits like Victoria: A Royal Childhood in the very rooms young Princess Victoria lived. Inside you’ll find interactive displays (e.g. try on replica historical costumes) which can engage kids, but keep in mind it’s a relatively small palace – doable in about an hour. Strollers are permitted inside, though at busy times you might be asked to fold them in tighter quarters. If you skip the interior, no worries – the gardens themselves provide plenty of royal ambiance.
Nearby family conveniences: There are several cafés in the park – the Italian Gardens Café at the north end and the Broad Walk Café near the palace – offering sandwiches, kids’ lunch boxes and toilets. For more substantial fare, Queensway and Kensington High Street on either side of the park have many family-friendly restaurants (from casual pizza to fish and chips). Also, consider timing your visit so the kids can nap in their stroller as you enjoy a leisurely walk – the paths through Kensington Gardens are flat and perfect for prams. Hotels around Kensington are plentiful; many (like Royal Garden Hotel or Premier Inn Kensington) cater to families with larger rooms and are walking distance to the park. In the evening, the park itself quiets down, but you might take the family to a nearby pub that welcomes children for an early dinner – British pubs often allow kids until around 8 or 9 PM. With playground fun, open space, and a dash of princess history, Kensington Gardens offers a royally relaxing day out.
(Sources: Royal Parks – Kensington Gardens FAQs; Royal Parks – Diana Memorial Playground info)
The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace – Art and Royal Treasures
Tucked next to Buckingham Palace is The King’s Gallery (formerly known as the Queen’s Gallery, renamed now that a King reigns) – a bite-sized art museum that’s surprisingly family-friendly and a great indoor option. This gallery hosts changing exhibitions of items from the Royal Collection, meaning you might see anything from Leonardo da Vinci drawings to Queen Victoria’s personal jewelry depending on the current theme. Don’t worry, it’s not a stuffy art gallery – the exhibits are curated with rich visuals, and they often have interactive screens or trail booklets to keep kids engaged (ask at the entrance if there’s a family activity guide for the exhibition).
Visiting details: The King’s Gallery is open Thursday through Monday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry at 4:15 PM). It’s closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and occasionally shuts for a few weeks when they’re installing a new exhibit (so it’s worth checking the Royal Collection Trust website if you’re traveling off-season). Tickets are reasonably priced for an attraction in central London: about £19.00 for adults and £9.50 for children (ages 5–16). Kids under 5 go free. If you have a London Pass or other combo ticket, this gallery is often included. Keep your ticket – you can get it stamped to become a one-year pass for free re-entry, which is a common perk at Royal Collection sites (handy if you think you might return or if the little ones speed through faster than expected).
Inside, expect to spend 1 to 1.5 hours here. The space is stroller-accessible with lifts available, and there’s a free multimedia guide (with a kids’ commentary option) that brings the exhibits to life. The current exhibition as of 2025, “The Edwardians: Age of Elegance,” showcases over 300 objects from the opulent Edwardian period – including fancy royal fashions and even early photographs. Some children, especially those interested in costumes or art, will be fascinated by the lavish outfits and the chance to see how kings and queens lived over 100 years ago. If your kids are younger or not big on art, the Gallery is small enough that boredom won’t be a huge issue – you can do a quick sweep of highlights (maybe have them pick their favorite painting or object in each room).
Practical stuff: There’s no café inside the King’s Gallery, but you’re in the heart of London so food is only steps away. The Buckingham Palace Road area has plenty of options; for a quick family lunch, try the Buckingham Palace Mews Café (just around the corner at the Royal Mews) or head to St. James’s Park across the road for an outdoor picnic if the weather cooperates. Restrooms (with baby changing facilities) are available inside the gallery.
One neat aspect for families is the gallery shop at the exit. It has unique souvenirs like coloring books of royal fashions and inexpensive postcard reproductions of famous paintings – a fun way for kids to take home a bit of royal art. And since the Gallery visit is relatively short, it pairs perfectly with watching the Changing of the Guard (which happens late morning nearby – see section 10 of this list) or with a tour of the Royal Mews next door (the stables). In fact, you can buy a combination ticket called a “Royal Day Out” that includes Buckingham Palace State Rooms (seasonal), the King’s Gallery, and the Royal Mews with a discount.
Overall, the King’s Gallery offers a calmer, more educational counterpoint to some of the more active attractions – it’s a chance for the whole family to slow down and say “ooh” and “ahh” at some truly beautiful royal treasures. And who knows? It might just spark your child’s inner artist or historian!
(Sources: Royal Collection Trust – Visit info)
The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace – Horses, Carriages and Royal Coaches
If your kids love animals or princess carriages, they’ll go crazy for The Royal Mews. Located alongside Buckingham Palace, the Royal Mews is a working stable that houses the King’s horses and those spectacular royal coaches and carriages used in ceremonies. This is where you can see the golden Cinderella-style coach that carried King Charles III during his coronation – the Gold State Coach on display is enormous and looks straight out of a fairy tale. The Mews is one part living stable, one part museum, and it’s very hands-on for kids: they even have a wooden horse that children can “tack up” with a saddle and reins, and miniature royal livery uniforms for dress-up! Few museums encourage you to play with the exhibits, but here kids can try pretending to be royal footmen, which makes for great photo ops.
Hours and tickets: The Royal Mews is open from spring through autumn each year (it closes in winter when the horses go on their break). In 2025, it’s open March 13 – November 2. Typically it’s open Thursday–Monday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM). During the busy summer peak (mid-July to end of August), they open daily – so Tuesday/Wednesday are added – to accommodate more visitors. Always check ahead because there are occasional closure dates if there’s a big event at the Palace (for example, it may close for a day if there’s a state visit or royal event). Tickets are more affordable than other royal sites: about £17 for adults and £8.50 for children (5–17) when purchased in advance (prices are a tad higher if you buy on the day). Under 5s enter free. A nice thing here is that your ticket can be converted into a 1-Year Pass – just ask a warden to stamp it before you leave, and you can revisit the Mews for free for the next year. Handy if your little one demands to see the horses again!
Family highlights: Once inside, you can usually meet some of the Windsor Grey or Cleveland Bay horses that pull the carriages. They’re often in their stalls where kids can see them up close (no touching the King’s horses, though!). Staff grooms are on hand and are super friendly in answering children’s questions like “What are the horses’ names?” – fun fact: each horse has its name displayed on a plaque above its stall, and kids enjoy trying to spot their favorite name. The coaches themselves are jaw-dropping – besides the Gold Coach, there’s the elegant Glass Coach (used for royal weddings) and even tiny miniature carriages that princes and princesses played with, like a mini barouche gifted to Queen Victoria’s children pulled by ponies and even goats. The Mews provides a free family multimedia guide as well, narrated by “Majesty” and “Scout” (two cartoon horse characters) and a corgi named Rex, which lead kids through games and stories as you tour. It’s aimed at ages 7–11 and does a great job keeping them engaged (“Can you find the unicorn emblem on this carriage?” etc.).
Make sure your children try sitting in the replica carriage – there’s a model landau (open-top carriage) that everyone can climb into to feel like royalty going for a ride. And the dress-up station with kid-sized (and adult-sized!) uniforms means you can all dress as royal coachmen and snap a family photo in costume. These interactive touches really make the Royal Mews a hit with kids. Even toddlers will enjoy seeing the “horsies” and shiny carriages (though they might not follow the audio guide, they’ll definitely sense the magic of the place).
Amenities: The Mews has toilets and baby-changing facilities near the entrance. Note that food and drink aren’t allowed inside (and none is sold on-site), so plan a snack break before or after. Fortunately, you’re right by Buckingham Palace Road which has cafes and sandwich shops aplenty. One convenient option is the Royal Mews café (during summer months) just outside the exit – it offers light lunches and excellent pastries. Alternatively, grab some treats from a nearby Pret or Marks & Spencer and enjoy them across the street in Green Park or St. James’s Park.
With excited kids in tow, you might spend around an hour at the Royal Mews, or longer if they’re really into the activities. Timing tip: If you come in the late morning, you could pair this with the 11:00 AM Changing of the Guard ceremony – watch the guards, then head into the Mews by 12 or so once the crowds disperse. Many families say the Royal Mews is a surprising favorite – it’s intimate, interactive, and truly conveys that real people (and animals!) work behind the scenes of all the royal pomp. Don’t be surprised if your children leave wanting a toy horse or carriage from the gift shop – which, by the way, has adorable plush horses and even DIY cardboard carriage kits. It’s royally good fun.
(Sources: Royal Collection Trust – Group pricing info; RCT family activities at the Mews)
Windsor Castle – A Day Trip to the King’s Favorite Castle
Take a break from the city and venture to Windsor Castle, the King’s weekend home and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world. It’s about an hour by train from London, and absolutely worth the trip for families. Windsor Castle looks like a storybook fortress with its round towers and battlements – kids will feel like they’ve entered a real-life fairy tale castle (because they have!). Inside, you’ll walk through the grand State Apartments with their golden decor and knights’ armor, and you can visit St. George’s Chapel where many royals (including Queen Elizabeth II) are buried. A highlight for many children is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House – an extravagant dollhouse built in the 1920s that has running water, electricity, and tiny replicas of royal items. It’s basically a miniature palace and usually leaves kids wide-eyed.
When to go: Windsor Castle is open to visitors year-round, but its schedule is a bit unusual. Currently, the castle is generally open Thursday through Monday, and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This is because it’s a working royal residence and they’ve kept some closure days for maintenance (and for the King’s private use). On the days it’s open, hours are roughly 10:00 AM – 5:15 PM (last entry 4:00 PM) in the warmer months (March–Oct), and 10:00 AM – 4:15 PM (last entry 3:00 PM) during Nov–Feb. So if you visit in winter, plan to arrive by early afternoon. Also note: St. George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays (it’s open only for church services), so if you go on a Sunday you can tour the castle grounds and State Rooms, but not the chapel interior. (However, you could attend the Sunday church service at 10:45 AM if you wished, but that’s more for older kids who can sit quietly through a service.)
It’s smart to check the Royal Collection website before your trip because occasionally the castle closes for state events or royal ceremonies. For instance, it often closes one day in June for the Order of the Garter ceremony (in 2025 it’s closed June 16). And of course, it’s shut on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Dec 25–26).
Tickets: Adult tickets are about £35.00 and children 5–17 are £17.50 (kids under 5 enter free). There’s also a Young Person rate (age 18–24) around £23, which is useful if you have a college-age child in your group. Family tickets can save money: a ticket for 2 adults + up to 3 kids is around £71.00, and 1 adult + up to 3 kids is about £45.00 – significant savings if you fit those categories. As with other royal sites, if you buy directly from the official site, you can convert your ticket into a 1-Year Pass at the end of your visit (just get it stamped), giving you free re-entry for a year. This is great if you think you might come back for another day trip or even for one of their special events (around Christmas they often have festive decor and kid activities).
Exploring with kids: Start at the courtyard after the security entrance, where you can see the grand Round Tower. Keep an eye out during the morning – on days when the Changing of the Guard at Windsor is scheduled, you might catch the Guards marching with their band inside the castle at 11:00 AM (they don’t do it daily; usually it’s on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at Windsor). If you’re there on one of those days, it’s a bonus mini-parade for the kids to watch.
Windsor offers a free multimedia guide with your ticket, and they have a special family tour audio led by “Scorch” the dragon – a fun, friendly voice that speaks to kids and guides them through the castle’s highlights. Absolutely grab this! It turns the visit into a kind of treasure hunt, with Scorch prompting kids to find things like “the dragon hidden in the ceiling” or the “tiny crowns” in the decor. Another interactive offering is the “Family Activity Bags” available at the entrance on weekends and holidays – these are backpacks with puzzles and dress-up items to use as you explore (ask staff if they’re available during your visit).
In the State Apartments, don’t be shy about pointing things out and telling stories – for example, in the Grand Reception Room ask your kids if they can imagine dancing at a royal ball under the immense chandeliers. In the Waterloo Chamber, find the portrait of a young Victoria; in St George’s Hall, notice the shields of knights (and the blank ones for those who disgraced themselves!). These little details spark curiosity. The Dolls’ House is usually a hit – note that sometimes, if it’s extremely crowded, the staff might route visitors past the Dolls’ House quickly, but typically you get a good view of it. Press the button that lights it up so the kids can peek into all the tiny rooms.
By the time you finish inside and watch the soldiers on guard (there are usually a couple posted in the Lower Ward – kids love seeing them in their red uniforms and bearskin hats up close), you’ll have spent a good 1.5 to 2 hours. Outside, enjoy the views from the North Terrace (you can see the Thames Valley) and then perhaps wander down into Windsor town for lunch or ice cream.
Family amenities: Strollers are allowed in the castle precincts, but not inside the State Apartments – you’ll need to check them into a free buggy storage at the entrance. A baby carrier could be useful for infants. The castle has toilets with baby changing at several points (near the entrance and by the café). There’s a nice Undercroft Café on-site now (opened in the medieval undercroft where Henry VIII used to dine!) serving sandwiches, kid-friendly bites and treats – it’s atmospheric and convenient if the kids are hungry and you don’t want to exit yet. Otherwise, Windsor town just outside the castle gates has a variety of eateries. A fun, affordable family option is Goddard’s at Windsor for traditional pie & mash, or grab something from the market stalls and have a picnic on Windsor Long Walk (the great park/avenue in front of the castle).
If time permits and your kids still have energy, you might combine the castle visit with nearby attractions: Legoland Windsor is a short drive/bus from town (though that’s a full day on its own), or simpler, take a stroll across the pedestrian bridge to Eton to see where princes William and Harry went to school. But honestly, exploring Windsor Castle itself will fill most of your day with memorable royal experiences.
Come evening, if you’re staying overnight in Windsor, many pubs welcome families for dinner – try the King and Castle (a pub right opposite the castle) which has a kids’ menu and outdoor seating with castle views. Parents can sample a local ale while kids recount their favorite parts of the castle. After dark, the castle is beautifully lit – a magical sight for all ages before you tuck in for the night or hop back on the train to London.
(Sources: Royal Collection Trust – Windsor opening times and prices; Official Windsor info)
St. James’s Park – Royal Green Space with Birds and Playful Breaks
Right in the heart of London’s royal district, St. James’s Park offers a refreshing break for families – think of it as the royal back yard. This 57-acre park sits between Buckingham Palace and Whitehall, making it an ideal stop as you trek between sights. It’s famous for its pelicans – yes, real pelicans! – which have been resident in the park for centuries (originally a gift from a Russian ambassador in 1664). Every day around 2:30 PM, the park managers feed the pelicans by the park’s lake, near Duck Island Cottage. It’s quite a sight to see these big-beaked birds gobbling fish and sometimes even perching on the park benches. Kids are delighted by how close they can get to these friendly feathered royals.
The park is open all year, typically from early morning (5 or 6 AM) until midnight in summer and somewhat earlier in winter (dusk or around 8 PM) – essentially, it’s generally open during daylight and a bit beyond. There are many entrances, and no fences that fully close off, so it’s very accessible whenever you need a breather. Entrance is free, of course.
What makes St. James’s Park great for families is its wildlife and relaxed vibe. The lake running through the park is home to ducks, swans, and geese – bring along a packet of bird seed or peas (bread isn’t great for them) and the kids can feed the ducks. You’ll also see plenty of cheeky squirrels willing to approach (they might even gently take a peanut from your hand, to kids’ delight). If you look up in the trees, you might spot bright green parakeets which have made London’s parks their home – some visitors manage to have them eat from their hand (it helps if you have an apple or grapes).
Family facilities: There’s a great cafe in the middle of the park, aptly named St. James’s Park Café, by the lake. It has outdoor terrace seating where you can enjoy coffee, sandwiches, or an ice cream while the kids chill out. Washrooms (with baby change facilities) are located here too. The park’s paths are paved and stroller-friendly, and there are plenty of benches and open lawns if your toddler needs to toddle. While St. James’s Park doesn’t have a large playground like some bigger parks, there is a small sandbox play area near Horse Guards Parade (toward the park’s east end) – it’s modest, but under-5s might enjoy digging for a bit. Mostly, the whole park is a natural playground: open spaces to run, climb-able low railings, and birds to chase (in a friendly way).
Consider making this park your go-to picnic spot during a day of sightseeing. You’re only a few minutes’ walk from Buckingham Palace – so some families watch the Changing of the Guard, then escape into the park to let the kids run off the wiggles. You can sit on the grass with a view of the palace on one side and the London Eye ferris wheel peeking above the trees on the other. In spring, the park’s flower beds are bursting with colorful tulips which make a lovely backdrop for family photos (those classic shots of red tulips and the palace – this is where they’re taken).
If you’re around in the late afternoon or early evening, St. James’s Park is a peaceful place to wind down. On summer evenings, the park is often filled with Londoners relaxing after work; you might catch a band playing at the park’s small bandstand or just enjoy the cooler air as the sun sets behind Buckingham Palace. For parents, there are a couple of kiosks that sell wine and beer – you could sip a Pimm’s (a very British summer drink) while the kids are finishing their ice creams. For a more formal dinner, you could stroll out of the park to Victoria or Piccadilly areas where there are family-friendly restaurants, but honestly even just having a picnic dinner in the park can be wonderful on a nice evening.
Safety-wise, the park is well-patrolled and quite safe, even after dark when the paths are lit – though with kids, you’ll likely be back at your hotel by then. If you are nearby at night (maybe coming out of a theater show with teens), walking through St. James’s Park offers a stunning view of Buckingham Palace illuminated.
In summary, St. James’s Park might not be a “wow” attraction like a castle or museum, but it’s an essential part of a family’s royal London experience. It’s free, it’s beautiful, and it allows kids to just be kids between more structured sightseeing. Plus, where else can you have a picnic with pelicans in the middle of a capital city?
(Source: The Royal Parks – St. James’s Park pelican feeding info)
Greenwich Park – Where Time Begins and Families Unwind
Venture to Greenwich Park for a royally green escape with a dash of science and seafaring history. Greenwich Park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks, and it’s perched on a hill with arguably the best view in London – you can see the Thames, the tall ships by the riverside, and the whole city skyline beyond. It’s a bit outside central London (about 20 minutes by train or a scenic 35-minute boat ride down the Thames), but it makes for a fantastic half-day trip with kids.
First stop often is the Royal Observatory at the top of the hill – this is where the Prime Meridian line is, meaning you can literally have one foot in the Western hemisphere and one in the Eastern hemisphere! There’s a steel strip marking longitude 0°0′ – a fun photo-op for the family. The Observatory museum (ticketed) has cool space and astronomy exhibits, including the room where famous astronomers worked and the giant telescopes they used. One highlight for families is the Planetarium shows – they have kid-friendly star shows where you lean back and tour the universe (check the schedule; there are specific “Space Safari” shows for under-7s and more in-depth shows for older kids). Combination tickets for the Observatory + Planetarium are around £16 adult, £8 child, or you can visit just the meridian courtyard for a bit less (note: children under 5 often free). If you don’t want to pay, you can still see the Meridian line – a lesser-known trick is that there’s a freely accessible line just outside the observatory gates on the path (it’s the same longitude). So families on a budget can still snap that hemispheres photo without buying tickets, though the exhibits inside are pretty engaging if you have a budding astronaut in the family.
The park itself is a joy. It opens at 6:00 AM daily and closes at dusk (exact closing times shift with the seasons – for example, 9:30 PM summer, 6 PM winter). It’s big, hilly, and has loads of old trees and grassy lawns. At the top of the hill by the observatory, you’ll find the statue of General Wolfe – from there, take in that panoramic view with your kids (they’ll spot the skyscrapers and maybe the cable car over the Thames). Roll down the hill or stroll down to the expansive flat lawn area – perfect for running and playing. Pack a frisbee or a ball; you’ll see local families doing the same.
One corner of the park (southeast side) contains the Greenwich Park Playground, a nice play area with swings, slides, and climbing frames. It’s near the Maze Hill Gate entrance. There’s also a sandpit for toddlers and benches for parents. So if the kids need dedicated playtime, that’s the spot. Another hidden gem is the Deer Enclosure in the park’s west side (near the Queen’s House end) – a small herd of deer resides there (descendants of deer kept for royal hunts long ago). You can’t go inside the fenced area, but you can often spot the deer through the fence, which is always exciting for young animal lovers.
Greenwich is rich in attractions: right downhill from the park you have the National Maritime Museum (free entry). If your kids like ships, pop in here – it’s very hands-on with things like cannon simulators and a big model ship they can play on. And of course the Cutty Sark, a historic tea clipper ship, is dry-docked by the river (ticket required to go aboard, but even seeing it from outside is impressive). Depending on your family’s stamina, you could combine the park and one of these museums in a day.
Family tips: Greenwich Park has several toilet facilities (with baby changing) – one by the observatory and one by the playground and one near the Maritime Museum. It’s stroller-friendly, though the hill is steep – you may get a workout pushing a buggy up to the observatory. If that’s a concern, there’s also a road train shuttle that sometimes runs up the hill in summer for a small fee, or you can catch a bus from the town center up to the top. But many families just walk – maybe reward kids with an ice cream at the top!
For lunch, you have options: The Pavilion Café inside the park (by the Rose Garden) does kid-friendly bites and has outdoor seating. Or head to Greenwich Market just outside the park (open daily) – it’s street food heaven, with everything from artisanal hot dogs to crepes, which you can then take to the park. On a warm day, nothing beats fresh fish and chips eaten on a park bench in Greenwich. If you need a sit-down, pubs like the Plume of Feathers or Trafalgar Tavern welcome families and even have kids’ menus (the Trafalgar has river views and history – Charles Dickens dined there!).
If you stick around into the evening (especially in summer), Greenwich can be a nice place for parents to enjoy a low-key night out with kids in tow. Perhaps an early dinner at a riverside pub where the kids can watch boats go by, or even catch a family-friendly show at the Peter Harrison Planetarium (they sometimes do early evening astronomy shows). Some evenings you might find open-air theatre or music in the park as well – check local listings.
However you spend your time in Greenwich, don’t miss the journey itself: take a boat one-way if you can. The Thames Clipper boats (Uber Boat) run from central London (Westminster or Tower piers) to Greenwich, and they’re like a floating bus – no reservation needed, you can use an Oyster/transit card. Kids absolutely love speeding along the Thames, passing under Tower Bridge, and spotting landmarks from the water. It’s a fun, different mode of travel that turns the commute into an attraction. And for a quirky finish, consider returning via the DLR train to central London – sit at the very front car; the DLR has no driver, so kids feel like they’re “driving” the train!
(Sources: Royal Parks – Greenwich Park opening times; Royal Museums Greenwich info)
Hampton Court Palace Gardens – Tudor Playgrounds and the Magic Maze
Take your kids back to Tudor times with a trip to Hampton Court Palace – specifically its magnificent gardens and outdoor attractions. This palace, once home to the infamous King Henry VIII, sits alongside the River Thames a bit southwest of London (about 35 minutes by train from Waterloo Station). While the palace interior is grand, many families find the sprawling gardens and kid-centric features the most memorable part of the visit. We’re talking about winding hedge mazes, huge parklands where deer roam, and even a magical themed playground.
Visiting info: Hampton Court Palace is typically open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (closed Mondays and Tuesdays outside of special holidays). Last entry is at 4:30 PM, and they start ushering people out by 5:30. The gardens are included with palace admission, but note that on a few dates each year they actually let everyone in for free just to enjoy the gardens (no palace ticket needed). These Garden Open Days are usually one weekend in winter and a few days in summer – for 2025, for example, there were free garden days in January, March, May, and a whole week in early July. If you happen to be around then, it’s a sweet deal. Otherwise, a palace ticket gets you full access: Adult ~£28 (off-peak) to £30 (peak), Child (5–15) £14, and kids under 5 free. They also offer family combo tickets (e.g. £71 for 2 adults + up to 3 kids). Consider booking in advance online for a slight discount and to skip the queue.
Once inside, your kids might think they’ve arrived at Hogwarts – Hampton Court’s red brick turrets and great gatehouse are very atmospheric. But save the indoor tour for later; when energy is high, hit the gardens first. Directly behind the palace, you’ll find the formal Tudor gardens with manicured hedges and vibrant flowerbeds (the Privy Garden is a highlight of symmetry). Encourage the kids to sniff the roses or run down the long arbor walkway – it feels like a tunnel of greenery.
Don’t miss the Maze! Hampton Court’s hedge maze is the oldest maze in Britain and world-famous. It’s a must-do for families. It’s not huge in area, but it’s cleverly confusing – comprised of tall hedges that can easily hide mom and dad around a corner. Let your children be the navigators; they’ll love leading (and maybe misleading) you through. No worries if you get a bit lost – that’s the fun – and there are staff who will yell out helpful directions if you’re truly turned around. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes to solve. The maze is included in your ticket (on the free garden days, they charge a small fee for the maze). One tip: strollers can fit in the maze pathways, but it’s a tight squeeze and turning can be tricky, so you might park it nearby. Also, the maze is open slightly shorter hours than the palace – generally it closes by 4:45 or 5:00, so do it early if you’re visiting late in the day.
Right next to the Maze is something relatively new and absolutely brilliant for kids: the Magic Garden. This is an expansive playground with a Tudor fantasy theme – think castles to climb, slides, a dragon-shaped sandpit, and even a splash fountain area where kids can cool off in summer. The Magic Garden is included with your admission and operates seasonally (open roughly Easter through end of October, same days/hours as the palace but typically closing at 6:00 PM in summer). It has sections for various ages – toddlers have a soft-play zone, while older kids can scramble up a grassy mound to a lookout tower. There’s seating for parents and a small café cart inside. On a warm day, bring swimsuits or a change of clothes for the kids because the splash fountains will be irresistible. This is a perfect spot to let them blow off steam after being on good behavior in palace rooms.
Other garden attractions: Show the kids the Great Vine – the world’s largest grapevine, over 250 years old – still growing in the palace greenhouse (they sell its grapes in autumn!). Stroll through the shaded Wilderness area, especially lovely in spring when it’s filled with daffodils. If you’re visiting in autumn or winter, you might spot some of Hampton Court’s resident deer in Home Park beyond the formal gardens; they often graze in view. The gardens are so vast you won’t cover it all – and that’s okay. Focus on what engages your family most: maybe that’s racing around the yew trees of the Knot Garden or watching swans by the river canal.
When you’re ready, you can explore some of the palace’s indoor exhibits – often they have costumed guides or even live Tudor cookery in the huge kitchens (the kids will be amazed at the enormous fireplaces where whole oxen were roasted). Family audio guides are available and there are “Family Trail” booklets (the Young Henry VIII trail is popular, where kids search for symbols like the Tudor rose throughout the rooms). Also, look out for Chapel Royal (still an active church) and the Gallery where Henry’s wives are said to haunt – older kids might enjoy the ghost stories!
Amenities: The Tiltyard Café on the grounds offers a variety of lunch options, including kid-friendly meals and snacks, with indoor and outdoor seating. High chairs are available, and it’s a great place to pause (they serve a mean slice of Victoria sponge cake if you want a taste of British baking). Bathrooms with baby changing are by the café and other spots in the palace.
Hampton Court is a full day outing if you make use of everything (palace + gardens + play), but you can also do a half-day focused just on gardens and playtime. It’s very flexible. If you want to turn it into an evening, the nearby village of East Molesey across the bridge has some quaint family-run restaurants and pubs. One lovely option is to have an early dinner at a pub like The Mute Swan (right outside the palace) or Prince of Wales (in town) – they welcome kids and it’s fun to dine locally after the tourist crowds have left. In summer, the palace also runs outdoor events (like Luna Cinema screenings or evening ghost tours) – something parents might enjoy if staying nearby (perhaps with a babysitter back at the hotel for the littlest ones).
Finally, consider transport: kids usually love taking the train to Hampton Court (there’s even a little jingle when the announcer says “This train is for Hampton Court” that my children mimicked for days). The train drops you a 5-minute walk from the entrance. Alternatively, in summer there are boat services from central London (Westminster or Richmond) to Hampton Court – it’s a long ride (~3-4 hours) but very scenic and enjoyable in good weather, and you can do one direction by boat, one by train for variety.
Hampton Court Palace and its gardens truly offer something for every member of the family – history, play, nature, and even a bit of the mystical. Your kids will leave knowing that real kings lived (and played) here – and they’ll probably sleep well that night after all the adventure!
(Sources: Historic Royal Palaces – Hampton Court info; Londonist – Free Garden days)
Royal Walking Tour & The Changing of the Guard – Pageantry on Parade
No trip to London is complete without witnessing the Changing of the Guard – that iconic ceremony where the King’s red-coated guards march with music and switch duties. It’s essentially a free royal show in the streets, and kids often find it mesmerizing (or at least the brass band and horses keep them interested!). The key is to do it smartly, especially with children in tow.
The main event happens in front of Buckingham Palace. Currently, the Guard Change takes place at around 11:00 AM on most Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (generally those four days, weather permitting) – though schedules can change monthly, so double-check an official source like the Household Division website for the exact dates during your visit. It usually does not occur on Tuesdays or Thursdays, except in summer peak when it can be daily. Plan to arrive by 10:15-10:30 AM to snag a decent viewing spot, because crowds swell quickly.
What will you see? Starting around 10:30, the Old Guard (the soldiers finishing their shift) and the New Guard (the incoming soldiers) will assemble and march from nearby barracks to the Palace accompanied by a military band. There’s often music – everything from traditional marches to fun medleys of pop songs (yes, kids might hear a Beatles tune or Star Wars theme played by a royal band!). The actual handover in the palace forecourt is at 11:00 and lasts about 30-45 minutes. During that time, if you’re up by the palace fence, you’ll see guards marching, swapping places, and the band playing. Younger kids might not follow the “ceremony” aspect, but they’ll enjoy the spectacle – the bright uniforms, big bearskin hats, and the pomp of it all.
Best viewing spots with kids: If your little ones can’t see over the crowd, consider watching from the Victoria Memorial (the big white fountain/statue in front of the palace). You won’t see the detail of the handover inside the gates, but you can perch on the steps and get a panoramic view of the marching and band – plus if kids get restless they can move around a bit on the steps without disturbing others. Another option: the guards actually march from St. James’s Palace down the Mall to Buckingham Palace. Standing on the Mall (the road) near St. James’s Palace or along Birdcage Walk can give you a close-up of the marching band coming past, and it’s far less crowded there than directly at Buckingham. Many families opt for “a bit of both”: watch the band come down the Mall, then stroll through St. James’s Park instead of staying for the full palace ceremony – this avoids the crush when it’s over.
If you want a more structured experience, there are guided walking tours that focus on the Changing of the Guard. A good guide will know exactly where to stand and will narrate the history and fun facts during the wait. Some tours even reposition you to catch the guards on horseback at the Horse Guards Parade. Speaking of which – another branch of guard change happens at Horse Guards Parade (Whitehall) at 11:00 AM (10:00 on Sundays) where the mounted Household Cavalry swaps duty. This is a smaller ceremony but very kid-friendly because: horses! There’s usually plenty of space to watch behind the barriers, and the sight of the cavalry in shiny breastplates and plumed helmets is pretty awesome. If your children love animals, they might prefer this over the palace guard change. You can even meet and take photos with the cavalry guards posted at Horse Guards after the ceremony; they stand outside the arch on duty and are quite patient with tourists (just mind the horses – don’t stand directly behind them and follow the posted guidelines about touching).
Now, making a Royal Walking Tour out of it: One popular route is to start at Buckingham Palace for the Guard Change, then walk through St. James’s Park (perhaps feed some ducks or have a snack break) over to Horse Guards Parade (check out the horse guards or the Guard Museum there if interested). Continue under the arch to Whitehall where you can wave at 10 Downing Street (home of the Prime Minister) and then end at Westminster Abbey/Big Ben area. This walk is flat, scenic, and covers a ton of royal and government highlights in one go. It’s about a mile in total – very doable with a stroller or even a toddler who can alternate walking and piggyback rides. And you’ve got St. James’s Park halfway as a built-in playground/rest stop. You can reverse this route too (start at Westminster, end at Buckingham) depending on timing.
Tips for Changing of the Guard with kids: Bring a small foldable periscope or even stand the kids on something like a foldable stool if you plan to be at the palace gates; some parents bring these to help their child see over the crowd. Snacks and water are essential to keep them happy during the wait – it can be boring for kids to stand in one spot for an hour. Maybe play “I Spy” or count Union Jack flags while waiting. Keep a close hold – it does get crowded and it’s easy to get separated (consider those wrist-to-wrist child safety tethers or at least make sure they know to stay nearby). Restroom alert: there are no public toilets right at Buckingham Palace. The nearest are across the road in St. James’s Park or in Green Park. So plan a “bathroom pit stop” before grabbing your spot, or immediately after the ceremony head into St. James’s Park café loos before the next activity.
Once the band marches off and the crowd disperses (around 11:45), you’ll find it convenient that Green Park and St. James’s Park flank the palace – perfect for letting kids run around after being relatively still. Also, right by Buckingham Palace on Buckingham Gate road, there’s a Royal Collection gift shop that sells guard-themed souvenirs – if your child has been begging for a toy guard or a fuzzy bearskin hat of their own, you can make a quick stop (it’s high quality but a bit pricey; alternatively, you’ll find cheaper versions in stalls across the city).
Finally, if the family needs a reward after an early start and successful guard-spotting, consider an afternoon treat. A fun nearby option is the Rubens Hotel (on Buckingham Palace Road) which does a special “Little Prince and Princess” afternoon tea for kids – with mini sandwiches, cookies, and milkshakes. It’s a splurge, but a very royal way to celebrate. Otherwise, even grabbing some cupcakes from a café and having your own little picnic in the park can feel celebratory.
The Changing of the Guard encapsulates what’s magical about London – history, pageantry, music, and a sense of living tradition. By experiencing it as part of a relaxed walking tour, your family gets a big dose of royal London without spending a penny. Don’t forget to ask the kids afterwards which part they liked best – the marching soldiers, the horses, or the band playing music. Their answer might surprise you! And those memories of soldiers in bright red uniforms and plumed horses will likely be among the stories they tell friends back home.
(Sources: – Guard change schedule; Household Division official info)
Wrap-Up: From the Tower’s ancient stones to Greenwich’s sweeping skies, these royal London experiences offer something for every member of the family. The key is variety and pacing: mix the educational tours with playtime in parks, balance museum browsing with interactive fun like mazes and dress-up. London makes it easy with plenty of free or discounted options for kids and lots of green spaces to recharge. By using the tips on timing, tickets, and family perks we’ve provided, you’ll navigate London like a pro and avoid common pitfalls (like arriving on a Tuesday to a site that’s closed – we’ve got you covered there!). Whether your children end up adoring the royal horses at the Mews or can’t stop talking about “that huge castle where the Queen lived,” you’ll have created a trove of shared memories. Enjoy your royal adventures in London – and don’t be surprised if your kids start practicing their own royal waves from the stroller! Safe and happy travels.
