Are you planning a trip to London with kids and aren’t sure where to stay? Keep scrolling to check out my top 10 picks for the best family-friendly hotels in London!
This list of the best family-friendly hotels in London England was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
London is an exciting place to visit with kids! Finding family-friendly hotels that are just right for your crew is a step that will make planning things to do in London much easier.
There’s truly something for every family member in London. Maybe you’re a history buff interested in Roman ruins, or you want the thrill of riding the iconic London Eye. Make sure to visit The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾ and see film locations in person!
The key to finding hotels for families in London is finding a central location. It’s a bit pricier, but it’ll save you the headache of taking a taxi in traffic. The heart of London is super easy to walk and when you need to, just take the metro!
All the London family accommodations on my list are in central London neighborhoods near popular attractions for families.
Below you can read about what I think are the best areas to stay in London with kids below, as well as the best hotels in each.
Don’t have time to read a bunch of London blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting London with kids.
Popular London Tours/Activities
- London Eye (this is a relaxing adventure where you can see a birdseye view of London)
- Double-Decker Bus Tour (this one has a 2-hour guided tour option)
- Harry Potter Walking Tour (this one is especially for families)
- WB Studios in London (this is a MUST-DO for any Harry Potter fan)
- Afternoon Tea (this one takes place on a vintage double-decker bus)
- Flytographer Photo Shoot (this is an easy and affordable London photography option)
Kid-Friendly London Hotels
- Crowne Plaza London Kings Cross (this is right by Kings Cross Station, which is really convenient)
- The Clermont London (this is an easy walk to the London Eye and Buckingham Palace)
- Georgian House Hotel (this is perfect for Harry Potter fans)
Where to Stay in London with Kids
London is the capital of England and the largest city in the country. The River Thames runs through the middle of it, with core neighborhoods centering around Buckingham Palace and Big Ben along both banks of the river.
You can find many family-friendly hotels in London conveniently close to the sites you want to see. There are great hotels in quiet areas and bustling central locations. Read about my top picks for London neighborhoods below.
Save Money with Points
Here are the best credit card offers for families who travel and want to use points to pay for airfare and hotels.
Westminster
If you can swing the higher price for a prime location, staying in Westminster is worth it! This is where you’ll find Buckingham Palace where you can watch the Changing of the Guard.
What makes this the best area to stay in London with family is the combination of attractions, metro lines, and quality hotels.
You can find high-end hotels closer to the heart of Westminster, but I highly recommend families look for some of the best London hotels for families in St. James’s.
This Westminster neighborhood is just north of the sprawling St. James’s Park. Close by are the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square.
South Bank
On the southern bank of the River Thames in South Bank. The sheer number of kid-friendly attractions is what makes this area one of the best places to stay in London for families! Look in Waterloo for cool street art and the Graffiti Tunnel.
There’s Big Ben, the London Eye, and the London Aquarium along the water. And Lambeth is a residential area that draws young families.
Here you’ll find museums and lovely green spaces with playgrounds. Plus, because South Bank draws a younger crowd, there are fun, trendy places to eat and shop.
Book a Family Photo Shoot
Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND it guarantees that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.
Kensington
Kensington is another family-centric residential area, but more upscale. And when thinking about where to stay in London for tourists, it’s a great central location that’s less busy than Westminster.
This is where to come if you’re looking for family-friendly hotels in London, as well as short-term rental homes on the luxury side.
Enjoy majestic Victorian homes along tree-lined streets and large parks. Spend the day running around at Kensington Gardens, home to the Princess Diana Memorial Playground. There are fun art exhibitions, as well as many museums that are popular with families.
Victoria
Victoria is where to stay in London for families if you want a quiet residential area that’s also affordable.
During our London family trip, we purposefully choose a hotel right between Pimlico and Belgravia close to both the Victoria Station and Victoria Coach Station. It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend the area.
Victoria itself is a retail and entertainment hub where you can find many family-friendly hotels nearby (especially if you have a smaller family).
If you want to find be near the hustle and bustle but not in the middle of it, you can find a few similar neighborhoods. Some other good options are Paddington and Greenwich. (https://acatimes.com)
Top 10 Hotels in London for Families
Below you can read about just a few of the best hotels for kids in London in the neighborhoods you just read about. Each one sleeps a family of 3 to 5 and offers amenities that families will appreciate.
The Trafalgar St. James
Stay literally steps away from the statues of Trafalgar Square with a room at The Trafalgar St. James.
Enjoy 2 onsite restaurants, including a rooftop terrace eatery with views of the River Thames and the London Eye. You’re less than 5 minutes from the Underground and multiple art galleries, including the National Gallery.
This luxury stay in a historic art-deco-style building boasts beautifully designed rooms and suites. Families can go with a Suite with a King bed and twin sofa bed or a room with 2 doubles. Cribs are not offered at The Trafalgar. Check the latest rates and availability.
St. Ermins Hotel
Less than a 10-minute walk from the Houses of Parliament is St. Ermins Hotel in Westminster.
Over 100 years old, the site of this upscale hotel is a historic estate that was once part of covert operations during World War II! There’s a restaurant serving contemporary European fare.
One of the best family-friendly hotels in London, St. Ermins Hotel offers amenities like complimentary bicycle rentals. Enjoy sitting by the fire in one of the cozy common areas.
And your kids will get a kick out of high tea, which is served daily in your rooms and throughout the hotel! Check the latest rates and availability.
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences
Enjoy the London family vacation at the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences. There are all the comforts of home just a short walk from Buckingham Palace and some of the best shopping in London town.
A luxury all-suites hotel, Taj 51 boasts 5 onsite restaurants and a full-service spa. If you’re looking for London hotels for families of 5 or more, check out Taj 51.
They offer 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom suites with full kitchens, washers/dryers, and complimentary travel cribs. You can also utilize childcare services for a night out. Check the latest rates and availability.
Marlin Waterloo
When it comes to affordable family-friendly hotels in London, the Marlin Waterloo gets you a great place in a prime location.
A bit modest on the amenities, you can still enjoy offers like in-room massages, laundry services, and free breakfasts. Spacious studios are perfect for families with kitchenettes.
The Marlin Waterloo is in the heart of the South Banks art district, with theaters, cool art galleries, and museums all around you. Less than 10 minutes away on foot is the Southbank riverfront.
Take kids of all ages to the amazing playground at Jubilee Park or watch entertaining street performers along The Queen’s Walk. Check the latest rates and availability.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall
You can’t beat the quality locale of the London Marriott Hotel County Hall. You’re right in the middle of all the entertainment at County Hall, including the London Eye.
And just a walk across Westminster Bridge offers exciting historic sites like Big Ben and the Churchill War Rooms.
Enjoy luxury digs at the London Marriott at County Hall and score a river view! Book a room with lounge access to complimentary tea service and breakfast daily.
Guests also have access to an indoor pool, gardens, bike rentals, and babysitting. Check the latest rates and availability.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel, London
Another best place to stay in London with family is the Radisson Blue Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel in Kensington South.
This lovely hotel is in a renovated line of 19 historic Victorian townhouses. Today they make up a chic hotel Kensington Gardens.
You’re also minutes from the Gloucester Road train station and kid-friendly museums, including the famous Museum of Natural History!
Take advantage of daily breakfasts at an onsite restaurant that also serves lunch and dinner. Families can book comfortable family rooms that have bathtubs. And cribs are available if you ask for one when booking. Check the latest rates and availability.
London Marriott Hotel Kensington
A family of 3 has the option to book a room at the London Marriott Hotel Kensington, another mid-range option by a trusted hotel chain.
Walk the streets of Kensington to see Victorian architecture or visit one of the spacious parks with gardens and playgrounds, just 15 minutes away from your hotel.
The London Marriott Kensington offers beautiful rooms and basic amenities. While there are no cribs available, rooms offer beautiful interiors with lounge access.
You can enjoy a restaurant and a bar, as well as room service and complimentary buffet breakfasts. Check the latest rates and availability.
Monarch House
Stay in an apartment hotel like Monarch House in central Kensington. One of the best hotels in London for kids, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while also enjoying the conveniences of 24-hour concierge services.
Enjoy daily housekeeping and a private garden. Each unit includes a washing machine and a kitchenette.
You’re also across the street from Holland Park, which has 2 really cool playgrounds. Check the latest rates and availability.
The Apartments by The Sloane Club
The Apartments by The Sloane Club, an aparthotel in Belgravia, is one of the best family hotels in London.
You can stay in a gorgeous 2-bedroom unit inside a Victorian townhome with a full kitchen with a washing machine. There are also amenities like childcare services, walking tours, and bike tours.
The Apartments are close to the amazing boutique shops on King’s Road and Ranelagh Gardens. Take the littles to see the topiaries at the Chelsea Flower Show!
You’re also close to 3 different metro stations. Check the latest rates and availability.
Georgian House Hotel
When looking for where to stay in London with a family on a budget, the Georgian House Hotel is a quality choice.
You’ll find this family-owned hotel inside a 175-year-old Georgian townhouse in Pimlico. Every room has a different personality. There are even wizard-themed suites for Harry Potter fans!
Families can book a quadruple room with 2 double beds and an ensuite bath. They also offer free travel cribs up to age 2.
Take a stroll to the Victoria Place Shopping Centre and the surrounding cafes, bakeries, and restaurants. Or take the metro a few stops into Westminster for the day. Check the latest rates and availability.
FAQ about Visiting London with Kids
Book your tickets now! Family members of every age will find something they love in London, and it’s definitely worth the visit with kids. It’s fun to see the Changing of the Guard or impress your teen with a ride on the London Eye. And there are great parks, playgrounds, cultural attractions, and museums that will interest kids of all ages.
Most families will find London an easy choice. English is the primary language, it’s easy to get around on foot, and there are a variety of kid-friendly attractions. It’s a very family-friendly city! However, don’t overlook Paris. We actually combined our trip to London with a week prior in Paris and everyone had a blast.
When we asked our 5- and 8-year-olds what their favorite part of our latest trip was, they said it was the family-friendly tours we went on! London also has beautiful parks where you can feed ducks and find unique playgrounds for toddlers and older kids, too. If your kids are into Harry Potter, you can do a film location tour or visit The Harry Potter Store.
Book One of the Best Family Hotels in London
It’s not hard to find family-friendly hotels in London! I suggest making a list of what you and your family want to do while you’re in this exciting city. Most of the classic historical sites and tourist attractions are in the heart of London.
You can stay in a bustling area near Buckingham Palace or in a quiet residential area that is still a short distance from fun things to do. London is easy to get around with a quality underground train system and walkable neighborhoods. Find a hotel in your budget near the attractions that interest you and you’re set!
Looking for more London travel content? Check out the best hidden gems in London, my kid-friendly London itinerary, best London day trips, how to book a London photographer, best London Instagram spots, things to do in London at night, best London tours for families, things to do in London with kids, 1 day in London, 8 Exciting Things to do in East London With Kids, 11 Terrific Things to Do in London with a Toddler, and my top London travel tips!
