5 days in London, City of London, Brighton, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
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VisitBritainWorried about trying to keep the children entertained on your next trip to London? Don't fear! This is an itinerary that the whole family can enjoy.
For more information on this trip, please contact Visit Britain at travelinfo@visitbritain.org.
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London is the capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, and is the largest city in Western Europe. Situated on the River Thames in southeast England, London is historically one of the great world cities and remains a global capital of politics, culture, fashion, trade and finance. London will serve as the host city for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.
London boasts a vast number of attractions for the traveler. Among the most famous are Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster (including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament) in Westminster. Shoppers can head to Portobello Road, which claims to be the world’s largest antiques market, for antiques, souvenirs and other knick-knacks or simply a walk through time.
London has a large variety of shows from fringe to Broadway-like musicals and productions. The West End district is where you’ll find the last type, with famous imported Broadway shows and some very good local productions.
Express by Holiday Inn London City is two miles from the Tower of London and Oxford Street and approximately 20 miles from London Heathrow Airport. This location is also a short walk from the Old Street Tube Station, one mile from the British Museum and Saint Paul's Cathedral, two miles from Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, three miles from the London Eye and Westminster Abbey, and four miles from Harrods. The property's amenities include the complimentary continental breakfast and Great Room Restaurant. The hotel also offers valet laundry service, currency exchange, and parking (fee). All rooms feature high-speed Internet access, cable TV, in-room movies, coffee/tea facilities, and hairdryers.
Contact Information: 275 Old Street, EC1 9LN London, United Kingdom 44-20-73004300
Mussels, Frites and Belgian beers are the order of the day at the Covent Garden branch of the Belgo chain. Situated in a basement, Belgo Centraal's industrialist decor - with benches, metal and earthy colors - creates a unique atmosphere, particularly enjoyable in a group because it affords you space for a little boisterousness. Have we mentioned the mussels and frites yet? Seriously, if you're in the mood for hearty Belgian fare, whether it's sausages (try the wild boar) or Waterzooi (a light chicken and vegetable stew topped with cream), Belgo hits the spot. Be sure to wash it all down with beer from their huge, and often bizarrely-named (from Delirium Tremens to Paauwel Kwak), selection. There's a kid's menu, too (excluding beer, of course), and often-changing promotions (lobster and frites meal deals, for example).
Westminster Abbey is regarded as a Medieval architectural masterpiece. It has been the venue for most of the country's coronations since 1066 and for numerous other Royal occasions. At present, it is still a church dedicated to regular worship and to the celebration of great events in the British nation. Westminster Abbey features the final resting places or commemorations of a large number of famous poets, scientists, musicians, artists, authors and more.
With seven floors, the Science Museum allows one to explore the history of technology and glimpse into the future. Starting at the Launchpad, where you learn the laws of science, you can move through a vast array of interactive galleries which demand audience participation. From medical history to nuclear physics, it's all covered. Challenging the perception amongst many children that science is boring, the multitude of things to press, touch, watch and think about, make this museum a firm favorite with the kids. A popular attraction is the IMAX cinema showing 2D and 3D films for an additional cost. Please call before visiting, as event schedules are subject to change.
Contact Information: Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD London, United Kingdom +44 870 870 4868
The Tate Modern Restaurant is just one of the many places to tuck in at the Tate Modern. Situated on Level 7, the restaurant prides itself on its rich and fresh stock of produce, sourced locally and from Europe. Great wine and great views (St.Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye) add to the charm of the structure that once housed a power station. With it's minimalistic decor and occasional mural and its full length glass windows, it's an ideal place to dine with company and by oneself alike.
The British Museum is one of London's top tourist attractions as well as a major scholarly resource. Its collection was bequeathed to the nation in 1753 and the Museum's distinctive Greek revivalist structure was built during the 19th Century. The collection expanded massively during the heyday of the British Empire, leading to the Museum's notoriety for plundering sources all over the globe and leaving it with over 6.5 million objects to look after. The displays cover about 14 acres and it is simply too tiring to tackle them all in one visit. The best way is to pick a collection or exhibition that interests you, explore that, and make return visits. And if you haven't got time for a proper visit, drop in for a coffee at the lovely Court Restaurant. Admission is free but charges may be made for temporary exhibitions.
Contact Information: Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG London, United Kingdom +44 20 7323 8299
This emporium is dedicated to everything Chinese it is huge, spacious and modern and filled to the gills with lacquer and gold. A wide array of woks and cute ceramic ware are available, as well as great gifts ideas from silks scarves to cute stuffed toys. The China House restaurant and bar, The Orient restaurant and The Clipper bar are all located here. The China House serves delicious, fast and simple food in elegant, oriental surroundings, while the Orient serves more formal, modern Chinese cuisine in traditional surroundings.
Richmond is a suburban town in southwest London, England and part of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It is located 8.2 miles (13.2 km) west-southwest of Charing Cross and is one of thirty-five major centres identified in the London Plan.[2] The formation and naming of the town are due to the building of Richmond Palace early in the 16th century and the development of Richmond as a London suburb began with the opening of the railway station in 1846. The civil parish of Richmond became a municipal borough in 1890, which was enlarged in 1933; it has formed part of Greater London since 1965.[3] Located on a meander of the River Thames, Richmond now forms a significant local commercial centre with a number of parks and open spaces and has a developed retail and night-time economy.
Hampton Court Palace is the oldest Tudor palace in England and promises a magical journey back through 500 years of royal history. With beautiful architecture, colourful gardens and plenty of family activities, it provides an unforgettable day out for everyone.
Hampton Court Palace is a magnificent blend of Tudor and Baroque architecture, covering six acres alongside the River Thames. After confiscating the palace from Cardinal Wolsey, King Henry VIII lived here with some of his many unfortunate wives. Hampton Court Palace is famed for its magnificent gardens, where music and flower shows take place in the summer. Otherwise, choose from one of six different tours, some feature costumed guides. The maze is another very popular attraction but expect to get lost. To get to Hampton Court Palace, take the river launch from Westminster, Richmond and Kingston for a scenic trip up the Thames. Alternatively, a train departs every thirty minutes from Waterloo to Hampton Court Station. Hours vary by season.
Contact Information: Hampton Court Road, KT8 2EU East Molesey, United Kingdom +44 844 482 7777
Kew Gardens is a world heritage site located in 121 hectares of stunning vistas and 6 magnificent glasshouses set in a beautiful landscape beside the river Thames between Richmond and Kew in south-west London. This once royal residence represents nearly 250 years of historical gardens. It is home to a remarkable collection of over 30,000 types of plants from all over the world that range from the beautiful to the peculiar. Kew offers a wonderful day out for all, whether garden, heritage or botanically inclined.
St. John Bread and Wine is a restaurant which also includes a bakery and wine shop. It was opened in 2003 in old bank premises on the strength of the already successful St. John Restaurant. The food is interesting and excellent quality, and obviously includes a whole range of fresh bread and pastries. The décor is simple and the atmosphere is relaxed. This is a very popular restaurant and children are welcome.
Brighton, a city on the south coast of England, attracts 8 million tourists per year. Visitors come for the plethora of restaurants, entertainment and business opportunities.
Brighton has emerged as a gay-friendly city and holds a similar place in Britain as San Francisco does in the United States. The city hosts a Gay Pride carnival each August that includes a parade and a fair.
Visit the exquisite Royal Pavilion, a former palace from the 1800s; treat the kids to Brighton Pier, full of arcades and restaurants; worship in the city’s oldest building, St. Nicholas Church.
Be careful that the kids don’t get an unwanted eyeful playing by the beach; a designated nudist area resides in the southern part of the beach!
