Where To Stay In London With Family – 6 Best Options

Wondering where to stay in London with family?

Choosing the best area to stay in London with your family comes with a few unique challenges.

London is a famously expensive city, and family-friendly accommodations—especially larger rooms—often come with a hefty price tag.

Another factor to consider is that London’s attractions are spread out, making it tricky to find a location that checks every box without a few compromises.

Add to that the fact that hotel rooms in the city can be quite small, and planning a family trip may feel like a daunting task.

But there’s good news! London offers numerous green parks in and around the city center, perfect for kids to stretch their legs or enjoy a morning stroll.

The city’s excellent tube system also makes it easy to stay in spacious, family-friendly neighborhoods just outside the bustling center while still enjoying easy access to all the iconic sights.

With world-class attractions like the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, which are not only fascinating for all ages but also free to visit, London offers a wealth of experiences for families.

This guide will help you navigate your accommodation options, from affordable family-friendly hotels to strategic neighborhoods, so you can focus on making the most of your trip to this magical city.

Each recommended area comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, and these will be summarized at the end of each section.

But first, let’s start with an overview of all these convenient areas.

The best areas to stay in London with family are South Kensington, Paddington, Waterloo, Marylebone, Bloomsbury, and Westminster.

These areas are all located centrally, but not in the bustling heart of London where you can find all the nightlife.

All of the areas have great connectivity to London’s metro system, allowing you to reach the major sights in a breeze.

We’ve also added some areas that have family-friendly attractions nearby.

South Kensington: this area offers direct access to Hyde Park, great connections to major attractions, and three different tube lines, plus easy access to the Natural History, Science, and Victoria & Albert museums. As it’s a relatively quiet neighborhood, it’s probably the perfect area in all of London for families. I would start looking for something that fits your budget here.

Paddington: a quieter area with affordable hotel options, proximity to Hyde Park and the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and great tube connectivity. A great alternative to South Kensington, especially in terms of affordability.

Waterloo: Waterloo is a transportation hub, meaning that you have superb connectivity to other parts of the city. Surprisingly, it’s a relatively quiet area in the evening, making it excellent for families. From here, you can also visit the popular Borough Market, a true foodie paradise for young and old. Busses for day trips to places like Bath and Stonehenge depart from here as well.

Marylebone: this area offers great access to family-friendly attractions, including the London Zoo and the museums. It also has a vibrant nightlife scene, something the previous three areas don’t have. Great for families who like to explore London in the evening as well with great food. Keep in mind that Marylebone is a bit of a premium area, and family rooms don’t come cheap.

Bloomsbury: Bloomsbury is the budget-friendly alternative to Marylebone. You can find the British Museum and the Charles Dickens Museum here. If you’re looking for something affordable, stay as close as possible to St. Pancras. Know that budget-friendly hotels are often located further away from the key attractions, so you must pick a hotel near a metro station.

Westminster: If your budget allows it, Westminster is among the best areas you and your family can stay at. It offers stunning river views and proximity to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey. It has superb connectivity with metro lines that lead you to every corner of the city. The downside of all te convenience it has to offer? The price tag.

The best areas to stay in London with family are:

1. South Kensington

Located just below Hyde Park, South Kensington is a family-friendly haven offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to busier tourist hubs like Covent Garden.

This charming neighborhood combines direct access to nature, world-class attractions, and excellent transport links, making it an ideal base for families visiting London.

In my personal opinion, it is the best area to stay in London with family.

One of South Kensington’s standout features is its proximity to Hyde Park, perfect for morning strolls, picnics, or exploring landmarks like Kensington Palace, Wellington Arch, and the Royal Albert Hall.

It’s simply very nice to just walk around a large park in the morning just after breakfast. And as you will see, many others will agree on that.

The area offers fantastic connectivity with three tube lines: two offering direct routes to iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, and the third providing easy access to Buckingham Palace.

From Big Ben, a short walk across the bridge brings you to the London Eye, where you can also hop on a River Thames boat tour for stunning views of the city.

Using the metro is a must, especially when you travel with children.

For families, South Kensington shines with its proximity to three of London’s most renowned museums:

The Natural History Museum, with its awe-inspiring dinosaur exhibits.
The Victoria & Albert Museum, perfect for exploring art and design.
The Science Museum, beloved for its interactive exhibits that captivate children and adults alike.

The neighborhood also offers a range of spacious, family-friendly hotels, further enhancing its appeal.

With its perfect mix of convenience, cultural attractions, and a peaceful ambiance, South Kensington truly stands out as the best area to stay in London with kids.

Pros

Central location that’s relatively quiet and peaceful.
Direct access to three very convenient metro lines.
Direct access to Hyde Park.
Good access to London’s famous museums.

Cons

The area is more residential than tourist-orientated, meaning that you always have to travel a bit to see the major sights or find a restaurant.
It’s not a budget-friendly area.

2. Paddington

Paddington, located north of Hyde Park, offers an even quieter atmosphere compared to South Kensington.

Like South Kensington, you have direct access to the park and you have great access to the metro.

That makes it automatically a great candidate when traveling with kids.

You’re located closer to the museums and other vibrant areas in London.

The popular Sherlock Holmes Museum is also easy to reach.

There are some differences between Paddington and South Kensington though.

South Kensington has simply more to offer, while Paddington mainly offers a good location and good connectivity.

There aren’t that many restaurants to discover, nor shops or attractions.

But it’s easier to find something that probably fits your budget compared to South Kensington.

Let me be clear, both serve as excellent bases to stay with kids.

Both areas are safe, relatively quiet, clean, and have good access to public transport to reach the major attractions within ten minutes.

You won’t be bothered by massive crowds or nightlife.

It’s just that the area is a bit dull, and that’s probably not a bad thing.

Pros

Quiet, residential area with good connectivity to the metro lines.
Direct access to Hyde Park.
Safe, clean, and no massive crowds.
Higher chance of finding something that fits your budget.

Cons

Not many things to do or to discover. For that, you always have to travel a bit.
A bit of a dull area.

How to get around in London with your family? This is a bit of a no-brainer, as the metro system in London is the best in the world. Use it as much as possible to travel from one area to the other.

However, in the center of London, the views are so beautiful, that using the metro constantly will result in you missing out on these views.

So, my advice is to plan your days and stick to one area at a time.

For example, on the first day, you solely explore the area around Big Ben. You simply take the metro to Westminster, and from there, you can easily explore everything on foot. If you do plan to explore multiple tourist areas a day, make sure to buy a day ticket that allows you to use the metro as much as you want.

Alternatively, you can use a hop-on-hop-off bus. The biggest benefit is that you can enjoy sightseeing as you travel between popular areas.

3. Waterloo

Waterloo is yet another convenient area to stay in London with kids.

It’s located opposite of Big Ben and here, you can find major attractions such as the London Eye, Sea Life, Shrek’s Adventure, and several other family-friendly venues.

Waterloo itself is home to Waterloo Station, a transportation hub.

You can easily reach other popular areas from here, and this train station also serves as the departure point for many day trips around London.

In the evening, it’s a relatively quiet area, making it an excellent option for families.

You can also find several markets in this part of London, such as Borough Market, Blackfriars Road Food Market, and Tabard Street Food Market.

These markets are great for foodies and you can find all sorts of street food here that your kids will love.

As you’re located near the River Thames, it’s very easy and recommended to stroll along the waterfront with London’s iconic buildings in the background.

Waterloo is an excellent option for families who want to stay in a central area with good connectivity and good access to the famous highlights of the city as well as family-friendly activities.

As an extra, you’re staying near the departure point for day trips to Stonehedge and Bath, which can come in handy.

However, the hotels are pricy, especially the ones close to the river.

If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, find something a bit further away from the river but make sure to have good access to a metro station.

Pros

Great access to major sights and family-friendly attractions.
In the evening, it’s relatively quiet making it a good base for families.
Waterloo Station offers great connectivity and serves as the departure point for several day trips.
Waterfront strolls with iconic buildings in the background.
Great food scene thanks. to the food markets.

Cons

Finding something affordable along the riverside is difficult.
Affordable accommodations are located further away, and the advantages of this area become less significant when staying there.

4. Marylebone

Marylebone, located to the east of Paddington, offers a more central location while still providing access to two beautiful parks: Regent’s Park, home to the London Zoo, and Hyde Park.

Staying in this area also means being close to unique museums such as the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the Grant Museum of Zoology, as well as the renowned British Museum.

Like Paddington, Marylebone boasts excellent metro connectivity, making it easy to reach all parts of the city.

However, the key difference lies in its proximity to busier areas, including the vibrant nightlife of Soho and the exclusive Mayfair district.

This means that Marylebone also features its share of more expensive, luxury hotels.

If your budget allows, it’s a fantastic place for families, especially those visiting with older children who want easy access to evening attractions like Piccadilly Circus or Chinatown, all within walking distance.

Also, the iconic Harrods is just a short journey away. The place to be for shopaholics.

It’s the perfect area for families who prioritize a central location and really want to experience what a world city London is.

That means that during the day and the evening, there are tons of things to explore.

Because this area has so much to offer, it comes with a premium price tag.

Pros

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Cons

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Here are twelve common and perhaps not-so-common activities in London to do with your kids:

Natural History Museum – Explore fascinating exhibits, including dinosaurs and a giant blue whale skeleton, perfect for curious minds.
Science Museum – Interactive, hands-on exhibits make this a fun and educational stop for all ages.
London Zoo – Visit animals from around the world in Regent’s Park, including penguins, tigers, and gorillas.
London Eye – Enjoy stunning views of the city from this iconic Ferris wheel.
Hyde Park – Perfect for a family picnic, boat ride, or playtime, with plenty of green space to relax.
The Tower of London – Discover centuries of history, including the Crown Jewels and stories of famous prisoners.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour – A must-see for fans of the series, offering a magical look behind the scenes with props, sets, and costumes.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum – Enter the world of the famous detective at his fictional residence at 221B Baker Street.
Harry Potter Walking Tour – Explore real locations where the Harry Potter films were filmed, including iconic landmarks like Leadenhall Market and Millennium Bridge.
The Transport Museum – Located in Covent Garden, this museum showcases the history of London’s transport system in a fun, interactive way for kids.
Sea Life London Aquarium – Discover marine life, from sharks to penguins, on this family-friendly underwater adventure.
Visit a Football Stadium – Take a tour of iconic stadiums like Wembley, Emirates or Stamford Bridge for an exciting behind-the-scenes look at English football.

5. Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is a charming neighborhood renowned for its numerous museums, such as the British Museum, the Charles Dickens Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, and the Grant Museum of Zoology.

It is well-connected by the Piccadilly Line, offering easy access to popular attractions like Piccadilly Circus and Buckingham Palace.

While Bloomsbury is relatively quiet and lacks some of the major tourist spots found in other parts of London, a short tube ride will take you to these iconic locations.

On the plus side, Bloomsbury offers more affordable hotel options and is conveniently located near St Pancras International Train Station, making it an ideal choice if you’re arriving or departing by train.

Given the vastness of London, staying near St Pancras can save you valuable travel time across the city.

Around St Pancras International Train Station, you can find quite some affordable hotels.

Keep in mind that if you arrive by airplane, the train that connects you to the city center does not always go straight to St Pancras.

For example, if you land in Stansted (Ryanair), you will arrive at Liverpool Street Station.

It’s important to figure this out before booking a hotel.

Bloomsbury and St Pancras aren’t perfect and you are located a bit away from major attractions, but they are excellent in terms of affordability.

Due to its popularity and recent renovations, these areas do feel more commercialized than before.

On the bright side, the shops and other venues do make it a bit more convenient though for us tourists.

Pros

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Cons

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6. Westminster

The last area we recommend for staying in London with the family is Westminster.

This location is extremely convenient, putting you close to some of the top attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and 10 Downing Street.

You’ll also enjoy excellent access to public transport, with Victoria Station nearby as a major hub. Staying along the River Thames will also allow you to enjoy stunning views of the river and iconic landmarks.

However, keep in mind that prices in Westminster are higher.

If your budget allows, it’s definitely one of the best areas to stay in London with the family, thanks to its central location and easy access to the main attractions.

But for most of us, Westminster is far above our budget.

Pros

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Cons

This part will be updated soon.