Bournemouth London

Mums Tips

Travel with kids

Published on Thursday, 03 October 2013 12:22

Last Updated on 03 October 2013

Monica Costa

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For many, London is synonymous with tourists, stress and overcrowded tube trains; however, for the millions living in the capital, it is so much more. All you need is a bit of local knowledge to fully
experience all the wonderful cultural, culinary and historical sites the city has to offer.

So why not, on your next free weekend, take the opportunity to go on a short city break to somewhere unknown, or a place you’d like to re-visit. Suxi Dixon did just this, and left the quiet comforts of her home in Bournemouth to experience London like she has never done before – even though she visits regularly for work.

If you’re there for the thriving arts scene, you won’t be disappointed. From the numerous theatre performances on every day at the West End, to small amateur productions, you won’t struggle to find a play you’ll enjoy.

Whether you fancy Thai, Italian, Japanese or some old-fashioned pub grub, London’s diverse culture means you’ll always find something you fancy to eat. For those on a budget, you’ll find a cluster of good places to go in and around Soho, so why not start your evening with a cheap pint in one of the famous Sam Smith’s pubs, Glasshouse, followed by a tasty bento box in Taro’s revered premises a few doors down, all for under £20.

The city has a lot to offer for families with children of all ages from museums to parks. You’ll find creepy crawlies, dinosaurs and other creatures at the Natural History Museum, or sit back and watch one of the many films on show at the IMAX 3D cinema inside the Science Museum. It won’t be difficult to keep them amused, and with a number of family-friendly restaurants dotted around the city, you’ll be able to round off your hectic day with someone else doing the cooking.

As most people choose public transport to make your way into London, the idea of hiring a car for a weekend is often overlooked; however, there are a lot of advantages of hiring and with the rising cost of train prices it can sometimes be far more economical – especially if you are more than one travelling. If you arrive by car, it is worth making a detour to places on the outskirts of London such as Kew to stroll around their infamous gardens, or soak up some history in Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College and National Maritime Museum. Take the stress out of the trip and hire a car, take your time to get there and visit places on your way.