One in every of my favorite components of the town to discover, there’s a lot to tempt you to London’s South Financial institution with children – household points of interest galore, the possibility to walk alongside the Thames, a string of Instagrammable London sights.
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So in case you’re planning your London itinerary, or searching for concepts of issues to do close to the London Eye, I’ve picked out a few of the greatest choices for households.
There are suggestions for indoor points of interest for wet days in London and free days out on the South Financial institution with children, recommendations for toddlers and youths, and even a few of the greatest locations to remain on the South Financial institution in London.
The place is London’s South Financial institution?
Working alongside the south aspect of the Thames, formally London’s South Financial institution space stretches from Lambeth Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge.
For the sake of this piece, I’m additionally together with a number of highlights as far east as Southwark Bridge – round half-hour stroll from the London Eye and Sea Life Aquarium, it’s a simple stroll away, plus you may cross by in case you’re heading to the world round Tower Bridge with children too.
However in case you solely have time for a flying go to to the South Financial institution with children, the important thing household points of interest are set within the space between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, which can also be the place most non permanent actions happen.
The London Eye
One of many iconic sights of the town, the London Eye can also be an ideal place to get a chicken’s eye view of the capital.
Turning excessive above the South Financial institution and looking throughout the Thames, it’s greatest for good climate – unsurprisingly – however chilly sunny winter days can provide some gorgeously clear views.
Or time your ‘flight’ for sundown and watch the lights twinkling on throughout London.
Prebooking is strongly suggested, with reductions in case you purchase your tickets on-line prematurely. There are additionally fast-track tickets out there to skip the queues, which is good with children, particularly in peak season.
You may as well purchase mixture tickets with the London Dungeon and close by London aquarium.
For extra concepts of the greatest views in London with children, take a look at these alternate options
Sea Life London Aquarium
A stunning different to the town’s zoos for animal lovers, the Sea Life London Aquarium is a superb place to go to – one of many largest collections in Europe.
London’s aquarium homes over 500 species, 14 themed zones and greater than 2 million litres of water with some uncommon creatures to find, in addition to some favourites together with penguins and clownfish.
There are additionally usually particular occasions throughout college holidays, and you may be a part of behind-the-scenes excursions.
It could get busy at peak instances and on wet days, so it’s nicely value pre-booking and there are normally reductions in case you purchase on-line prematurely.
For extra concepts on how to economize on days out in London with children, take a look at my prime suggestions
Shrek’s Journey
Shrek followers will love the possibility to stroll by the world of Far Far Away, assembly a few of the well-known characters together with Princess Fiona and Donkey, in addition to Shrek himself.
There’s a problem to gather substances with a purpose to discover Shrek and make it house safely, with 10 themed dwell reveals and a 4D flying bus to finish Shrek’s Journey. Higher for main college aged children who’ll admire the enjoyable than for toddlers and preschoolers.
Maintain an eye fixed out too for particular occasions yr spherical, together with particular friends like Puss in Boots and a Shrek Santa at Christmas.
You may as well get mixed tickets to different Merlin points of interest, together with the close by aquarium or London Eye. Tickets with free cancellation are additionally out there from Get Your Information.
The London Dungeon
One for older and braver children, a visit to the London Dungeon is a scarily good time out, with dwell actors whisking you thru 1,000 really alarming years of historical past, plus loads of particular results and rides to get your coronary heart racing even quicker.
One in every of a string of places across the UK, like the opposite Dungeons, every location has areas themed to swimsuit its personal historical past too. The London Dungeon, for instance, brings you head to head with the Nice Fireplace and Sweeney Todd.
Prebooking is strongly suggested, with on-line reductions in case you purchase your tickets prematurely: greatest for teenagers and braver tweens. You may as well purchase mixture tickets to different Merlin points of interest.
Tate Fashionable
Set in a transformed energy station on London’s Bankside, Tate Fashionable is certainly not your common artwork gallery – children are inspired to speak (and there’s loads of house to run round within the turbine corridor) plus you’ll discover numerous simple methods even for youthful ones to get pleasure from what they see together with prompt video games.
The Tate Fashionable additionally has prompt routes for households to observe by the collections, which embrace huge names from the 20th century, akin to Matisse, together with works from the previous decade.
It’s free to go to and also you don’t at present must prebook, except you’re visiting one of many particular exhibitions (that are additionally paid entry).
The Florence Nightingale Museum
On the opposite aspect of Westminster Bridge Street from the London Eye, the Florence Nightingale Museum is an interesting and fewer visited cease to think about alongside the South Financial institution with children.
The museum tells the story of the woman with the lamp, together with her work as a nurse within the Crimean Warfare and her affect as a pioneer of contemporary nursing.
There are interactive reveals, and you may meet the redoubtable Miss Nightingale herself, in addition to studying extra quirky information – together with how she bought her title, and the actual fact she had a pet owl referred to as Athena. The museum additionally has household trails and common actions for teenagers.
The Globe theatre
Step again to Tudor England with a go to to the Globe Theatre, a reconstruction of the open-air playhouse the place Shakespeare labored, and the place his performs are carried out in the present day.
And in addition to shopping for a ticket for a efficiency – positively some of the memorable methods to see Shakespeare, particularly for teenagers finding out the performs – you can even take a tour behind the scenes.
The 50-minute excursions embrace tales of the unique sixteenth century playhouse and London in Shakespeare’s Day, the way it survived plague and political oppression, together with how the Globe was recreated, plus time to take a look at the exhibition house.
Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre is on the coronary heart of a variety of the occasions and actions which occur on the South Financial institution, proper right down to the road artwork painted on the skin.
However enterprise inside and there are some improbable artwork exhibitions to find in case you’re visiting London with teenagers, together with interactive installations and artwork on the Hayward Gallery.
For those who’re visiting the Southbank Centre with youthful children, you will discover family-friendly performances going down on the Queen Elizabeth Corridor, in addition to the annual Think about Competition for households each February.
Royal Competition Corridor
South Financial institution London can also be house to the world class live performance venue of the Royal Competition Corridor, a part of the Southbank Centre complicated and its largest efficiency house.
And whereas the emphasis is on concert events by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Philharmonia Orchestra (amongst resident orchestras), there are additionally household concert events to introduce children to classical music.
There’s something from Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes set to music, to The Making of The Orchestra and different family-friendly performances.
Stroll the South Financial institution
The River Thames is the center of the town, so a stroll alongside the river is all the time among the finest issues to do in London with children – don’t simply rush from A to B, save a while to find the quirky particulars, absorb the river views and benefit from the road performers.
Stroll from Westminster Bridge to Southwark Bridge, and there are views of landmarks just like the Homes of Parliament and St Paul’s, in addition to strolling previous the London Eye, the Tate Fashionable and Shakespeare’s Globe theatre.
For those who do deep going slightly additional and you may see the Golden Hinde, a duplicate of the ship wherein Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the globe, plus the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
There are sometimes altering non permanent artwork installations, even an city seashore in summer time, plus festivals and occasions all year long – take a look at this stroll alongside the South Financial institution for extra inspiration, in addition to these highlights to identify.
Spot the quirky lampposts
Take a more in-depth have a look at the lampposts as you head alongside The Queen’s Stroll and the riverside – referred to as dolphin lamp requirements, the fishy creatures twined across the base have by no means regarded very similar to dolphins to me!
Primarily based on statues of dolphins or fish with intertwined tails on the Fontana del Nettuno within the Piazza del Popolo in Rome, they’re generally described as stylised sturgeons – as soon as so useful they had been referred to as a royal fish.
Initially powered by electrical energy, they had been transformed to gasoline lamps earlier than switching again to electrical gentle once more in 1900 and plenty of are Grade II listed.
Discover the viewpoints
Save a while to move up onto the bridges for some further views alongside the Thames, together with from Golden Jubilee Bridge.
You might even begin your South Financial institution stroll from the northern Embankment and use the bridge linking Embankment tube and the Southbank Centre to get throughout – there’s normally a soundtrack of metal drums
Maintain strolling in the direction of the Oxo Tower (whose home windows cleverly bought across the prohibition on promoting) to Gabriel’s Wharf the place the financial institution widens and also you get an ideal view in the direction of Blackfriars Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Additional alongside the river, there are extra nice views from the Millennium Bridge resulting in St Pauls – you may see the cathedral peeking between the trendy buildings as you cross.
Take a ship journey
For those who’re seeking to take to the river, there are many decisions of boat journey from the South Financial institution with children, whether or not you need to pace down the Thames, hop on for a fast journey or get pleasure from a sightseeing tour.
For extra concepts of London boat journeys with children, take a look at this submit
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
For those who’re not searching for an extended cruise, aren’t fussed about commentary on board or desire a extra spontaneous possibility, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is unbeatable.
Whilst you can select the identical route as most sightseeing boat excursions in London, this operates virtually the identical method as a water bus, so it’s a enjoyable approach to get round London.
The boats go away from 23 totally different piers alongside the Thames, together with London Eye Waterloo pier, with common boats by central London, plus much less frequent routes to take you west to Putney and east past Greenwich, so far as Woolwich (Royal Arsenal).
You should utilize contactless to pay (in addition to your Oyster card), or e-book by way of their app, so there’s no must plan your tickets method prematurely. Or you may decide up a one-day limitless River Roamer journey cross: if there are two adults in your group, the household cross implies that children go free.
Metropolis Cruises hop-on hop-off boats
There’s a complete vary of various sightseeing boat excursions from Metropolis Cruises, together with ones with afternoon tea but in addition a 24-hour hop-on hop-off ticket, so you may get on and off the sightseeing boats at 4 totally different piers, if you need a number of cruises.
There’s commentary on board as they sail alongside the Thames, previous landmarks together with the Homes of Parliament and the London Eye, so it’s a enjoyable, hassle-free approach to spot a number of highlights with children – if the climate’s good, you may sit outdoors on the highest deck.
You may as well decide up mixed tickets, together with for riverside points of interest such because the London Eye plus a ship tour, or the Tower of London plus cruise.
The boats run usually from London Eye Waterloo Pier, in addition to between Westminster Pier, Tower Pier and Greenwich.
Get 20% off all Metropolis Cruises sightseeing excursions utilizing code CC20 till the top of 2024 – click on right here to get the low cost
Spot road artwork
London’s road artwork scene is continually altering, so it’s attainable to return repeatedly to see one thing new – however it’s simple to see a few of the capital’s eye-catching works as you wander previous different points of interest.
Stroll alongside the South Financial institution and you may see road artwork by Stik at Hungerford Bridge, not removed from the London Eye, for instance.
The graffiti on the Southbank Skate Park is continually getting a brand new look too, whereas the Southbank Centre usually sees new items added to its concrete partitions and stairs – typically specifically commissioned, the checklist has included Belgian artist ROA and East London’s Bread Collective.
Maintain going a bit additional and there’s a technicolour Shakespeare close to the Clink Road tunnel past the Globe too.
Or head slightly method in from the riverside to find the Graffiti tunnel – scroll down for extra.
Go to the Graffiti tunnel
This 300m Leake Road tunnel beneath Waterloo station is London’s longest authorized graffiti wall – the photographs change always however you’re assured to find one thing eye-catching right here.
Popularised after Banksy’s 2008 Cans Competition, there are generally classes for wannabe road artists however anybody can simply convey their very own paint and get artistic.
And although it’s solely round a five-minute stroll from the London Eye, it’s typically missed by the hordes of individuals visiting the South Financial institution.
Head down Chicheley Road and throughout York Street to search out it, or you may see the Graffiti tunnel location on Google Maps. Maintain an eye fixed out for any occasions going down on the Leake Road Arches, that are additionally house to varied locations to eat, together with Draughts Board Recreation Cafe and Mamuska for Polish meals.
Splash in a fountain
When London basks in one in all its occasional heatwaves, there’s nowhere higher to be than splashing in one of many fountains which have began popping up throughout the town – come ready with spare garments!
The Showing Rooms interactive sculpture on the Southbank Centre is without doubt one of the enjoyable choices, with jets of water creating ‘rooms’ earlier than they vanish simply as rapidly.
It’s value realizing that children want tops on to splash right here: a T-shirt over their swimming costume, a rash vest or a swimming costume with sleeves are all high-quality.
It normally seems on the Riverside Terrace, at degree two, for a number of months through the summer time, from across the begin of June to late August (though it’s switched off on Mondays).
Head to Jubilee Park playground
Jubilee Park & Backyard close to the London Eye has its personal playground in case you’re taking a stroll alongside the South Financial institution.
Set inside Jubilee Gardens, there’s a fab journey playground geared toward kids as much as 11 years, with cleverly designed wood constructions and spidery rope webs to entertain any budding younger climbers – refurbished in Could 2022, there’s additionally new gear for youthful children and sensory choices to make it extra inclusive.
Moments from each the London Eye, and Sea Life Aquarium, it’s simple to mix with the large household points of interest, plus Jubilee Gardens are a reasonably place for folks to take a couple of minutes to sit back out.
For added household enjoyable, there’s a carousel close to Golden Jubilee Bridge, simply to the aspect of Jubilee Gardens and the playground
Take a look at the skate park
Whether or not you need to watch the bikers and skate boarders take a look at out their methods otherwise you’re seeking to hone your personal abilities, that is one spot on the South Financial institution which is rarely quiet.
Set within the undercroft of the Southbank Centre, there’s been a skate park right here for many years, and it’s been referred to as the birthplace of British skateboarding.
With a collection of ledges, banks and a set of stairs for skate boarders to make use of, there’s additionally a railing separating these watching from these skating if you wish to have a look with out getting too shut.
Household actions on the South Financial institution
Together with the everlasting points of interest on the South Financial institution with children, there are common occasions and festivals going down through the yr.
The Think about Kids’s Competition takes place in February, geared toward children aged as much as 11, with a collection of free occasions to get pleasure from in addition to paid actions.
Within the run-up to Christmas, the South Financial institution additionally holds its personal winter market with stalls and road meals.
And there are common actions throughout college holidays too, together with artistic classes, household trails and extra. Take a look at the total particulars of what’s on for households on the Southbank for the newest data.
The place to eat on the South Financial institution with children
The South Financial institution is house to a string of chain eating places that are nice for households, together with Wagamama, Sincere Burger, Nando’s and pizza galore (together with Pizza Specific and Strada).
However you’ll additionally discover a number of extra choices to tempt with children of all ages, whether or not you’ve bought mini gourmets or fancy a twist on a number of classics.
Southbank Centre Meals Market
Head to the South Financial institution on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to search out the Meals Market remodeling the piazza on Belvedere Street behind the Southbank Centre.
If you wish to seize a espresso, juice, crepe or cookie, you’ll discover simple snacks to gas your exploring, however there’s additionally a powerful array of meals from world wide too, together with Ethiopian and Venezuelan dishes in addition to Caribbean and Punjabi curries.
There are many vegetarian and vegan choices too, in addition to craft beer for the grown-ups. Seize a seat at one of many outside tables or stroll again to the riverfront to eat.
Giraffe
Giraffe’s eating places are well-known for aiming to maintain all family members blissful – there are child-friendly classics but in addition parent-friendly dishes and cocktails.
The South Financial institution department is the biggest within the capital too, so when you can count on queues at this fashionable spot, they do usually transfer pretty quick.
There are brunch dishes together with pancakes on the youngsters menu, in addition to hidden veggie pasta, whereas the primary menu has something from tender shell crab burger to Thai duck stir fry.
Wahaca
Seize a burrito to go from the Mexican Road Kitchen meals truck by the riverside or head indoor for award-winning Mexican road meals at Wahaca, set inside recycled delivery containers.
The menu has all the pieces from quesadillas and enchiladas to vegan and veggie dishes, whereas there’s additionally a build-your-own-tacos possibility on the child’s menu.
You’ll be able to reserve tables throughout sure hours however in case you haven’t, the eating places holds some tables which might’t be prebooked, so it’s a great possibility in case you’re being spontaneous too.
Brewdog Waterloo
A restaurant with a slide in is all the time going to be a winner, and with tables set over two flooring, there’s normally house to seize a chew at Brewdog Waterloo – you may prebook, together with asking for tables close to the slide too.
There’s even an ice cream van, loads of child-friendly decisions on the menu and craft beers from the on-site BrewDog microbrewery (though sadly you may’t go into the speakeasy bar – entrance by the crimson telephone field – with children).
Brewdog can get very busy, so be ready for a wait in case you go to, and may also get crowded within the evenings as folks head in for a drink after work.
Gabriel’s Wharf
You’re spoiled for alternative at Gabriel’s Wharf, which can also be house to a string of quirky boutiques and homewares in case you’re searching for a novel memento of a go to to London.
For meals, the Gourmand Pizza Co is a winner in case you’re visiting the South Financial institution with children (whereas nonetheless tempting mother and father), or Sizzling Mess Toasties provides grilled cheese its personal twist – assume a macaroni cheese model, or duck bacon.
And Paradiso isn’t your common burger joint – there are vegan burgers together with buttermilk hen choices, plus sides like Bang Bang cauliflower.
There’s additionally nice Mexican meals at Hola Guacamole and Trinidadian meals at Limin’ Seaside Membership, together with artisan chocolate.
Inns on the South Financial institution with children
It’s simple to get to the South Financial institution from most locations in central London, in addition to by way of practice from Waterloo, however in case you’re searching for a household lodge on the South Financial institution, there are alternatives for all budgets.
Park Plaza County Corridor/Westminster Bridge
The Park Plaza lodge chain has a number of central London motels which provide their Household Expertise bundle together with the Park Plaza County Corridor on the South Financial institution, which is only a brief stroll from the world’s household points of interest, and Park Plaza Westminster Bridge.
Park Plaza’s Household Package deal contains kids’s goodie luggage, seasonal kid-friendly actions, plus free breakfast, lunch and dinner for teenagers beneath 12 when eating with mother and father.
Maintain an eye fixed out for household offers as nicely, akin to 2-for-1 gives on Merlin points of interest.
Premier Inn London Waterloo/London County Corridor
For those who’re searching for finances motels close to the South Financial institution with children, there are a number of Premier Inn motels close by.
The closest two are the Waterloo and County Corridor motels, though you can even keep slightly additional east with three extra choices in Southwark, together with one not removed from the Tate Fashionable and one other at Southwark Bankside.
You’ll find spacious household rooms with a double mattress plus a settee mattress and pull-out mattress, in addition to journey cots for infants at no further price. Youngsters additionally eat breakfast without spending a dime when eating with mother and father.
Marriot Lodge County Corridor
For those who’re searching for a little bit of luxurious in your keep on the South Financial institution with children, the Marriott in London’s former County Corridor constructing positively qualifies.
There are household rooms and suites, together with double double rooms – a bed room with two double beds is a uncommon discover in London.
Add in improbable views out throughout the Thames, plus it’s solely 100 yards from household points of interest just like the London Sealife Aquarium within the Riverside Constructing County Corridor.
Nox Lodge, Waterloo
Situated in Waterloo, only a brief stroll from London’s South Financial institution and its many points of interest, Nox Lodge is a beautiful family-friendly aparthotel.
Nox’s tremendous smooth household studios have a double mattress plus two singles for kids, in addition to a totally outfitted kitchenette with a fridge, microwave and toaster.
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County Corridor/lamposts/road artwork/Leake Road tunnel/skate park/what’s on signal copyright MummyTravels, Metropolis Cruises boat courtesy Metropolis Experiences, all different pictures courtesy of Depositphotos