For families visiting London, the vast array of events and attractions that are out there can lead to some confusion. Visitors are bombarded with enticing activities, all of which promise the earth and are ruthlessly competitive for your custom! Especially for families who are enjoying an extended stay, how do you make sure you’re choosing wisely? After you’ve sailed the Thames, taken in the views from the London Eye and marvelled at the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, what next?
We look at the best and most unique London experiences for your family. The best ways to make some memories during your time at your luxury serviced apartment in London.
City Farms
Quite a different experience to rural farms, the city farms that exist across the capital often provide more of an opportunity to get really close to the animals. Not too far south of the river, you will find Vauxhall City Farm. This farm is fully urban and takes up just 3/4 of an acre. However, kids enjoy loads of access to the animals, and the farm even offers horse riding and a ‘farmer for a day’ experience! Deen City Farm is situated within Morden Hall Park, not far from Wimbledon. Here, your family can enjoy lots of face to face contact with animals, with pony riding, animal feeding and meet and greet sessions daily.
Up High
Keep it local to your serviced apartment by enjoying a family climbing experience at Clip’n’Climb Chelsea. This repurposed warehouse contains a massive variety of climbing zones that accommodate families of all ages. So you can either learn together or just have a fun adventure. And it’s always good to have an indoor option since London can experience its fair share of rainy days, even in the Summer!
Down Low
If heights aren’t your thing, how about exploring underground London? We’re not talking about just taking the tube, though. Check out Hidden London’s occasional Underground Tours which will take you exploring disused tube stations. You’ll also learn about the history in which these places are seeped.
Or for a more everyday underground experience, take a walk under the Thames in the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. Originally built in 1902, this tunnel links Cutty Sark to Island Gardens. It was designed to give local residents access to the docks on the north bank of the Thames. Now, they’re an exciting addition to a visit to the Maritime Museum or market at Greenwich.
Unique Playgrounds
In all likelihood, by the end of your family’s first week at your luxury serviced apartment, you will have visited the Princess of Wales Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens. So, when a spectacular playground is always a winner for families, where next? Head to Hampton Court, where you can combine some historical sight seeing with the Magic Garden. Due to the towers, grottos and battlements, your family will make legendary memories at this playground.
Olympic Legacy
Even if you’re enjoying an extended stay in a Kensington based serviced apartment, it’s worth journeying east to explore the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It’s been seven years since the Olympics took place here and it’s now a destination in its own right. Central to the site is The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit, a hair raising experience which will certainly stick in the memory! Sporting legacy continues in the VeloPark, Aquatics Centre and Copper Box Arena where you can watch or take part. Add to this grasslands, playgrounds and waterways which all bring a sense of calm to your family day out.
Muggles and Magic
The global phenomenon that is Harry Potter shows no sign of abating, with new generations all becoming spellbound by the iconic wizard. So it’s likely that your whole family will be delighted with tickets to the Warner Bros. Studios tour. Explore Gringotts bank, the Great Hall and Diagon Alley. You can take a shuttle bus from Watford Junction or transport organised by your serviced apartment concierge service. As a result, the magic is well within reach for your family during an extended London stay.
