London wears its history in layers—Roman walls beneath glass towers, Tudor tales beside modern art. From the Crown Jewels to living street theatre in Covent Garden, the city blends spectacle with everyday charm. For families, it’s a treasure trove: countless free museums, leafy parks, and transport that’s as much part of the adventure as the destinations.

Fun fact: more than 300 languages are spoken in London. Red double-deckers still rumble past Big Ben, while the Thames remains the city’s watery spine. Expect changeable weather—bring layers and a light rain jacket—and comfortable shoes for short, gentle strolls between Tube stops.

Practical notes for your budget: most national museums are free; contactless cards/Oyster are capped daily, so your rides won’t spiral. Children 11–15 can get a Young Visitor discount (ask a staff member to set it on an Oyster card). You’ll use only public transport; we’ve kept walking light and nixed anything “sporty.”

London

London rewards curiosity. One minute you’re watching guards march by Buckingham Palace; the next you’re face to face with a T. rex or the glittering Cullinan diamond. Your family’s half-day at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter is the highlight, with wands, sets, and Butterbeer in easy reach by train and shuttle.

Top kid-friendly sights nearby: the South Bank (street performers and views), the Tower of London, Greenwich by river, and the hands-on galleries at the Natural History Museum. For your photography stop, The Photographers’ Gallery in Soho is a focused, kid-manageable gem; the V&A’s Photography Centre is another excellent, free option.

Eat well on a budget: grab grilled cheese at Kappacasein in Borough Market, sourdough pizza at Franco Manca, pies at The Windmill Mayfair at lunch prices, or a classic fry-up at Regency Café. For a sweet treat, Brick Lane’s Beigel Bake or Bread Ahead doughnuts always win.

Where to stay (budget-forward, family-friendly):

• Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras (compact rooms, great transport hub): Check Point A Kings Cross or Alternate Point A Kings Cross link
• YHA London St Pancras (private family rooms, excellent value): Check YHA St Pancras or Alternate YHA St Pancras
• Premier Inn London County Hall (big rooms for families, unbeatable South Bank location): Check Premier Inn County Hall
• Browse more options: Hotels.com London or VRBO London

How to get to/around London:

• Compare flights and trains: Omio (flights in/from Europe), Omio (UK/Europe trains), Omio (buses in Europe). If you’re flying from outside Europe, compare on Trip.com flights.
• From Heathrow: Piccadilly or Elizabeth line into central (about 35–60 minutes). From Gatwick: Thameslink or Southern to central London (about 30–45 minutes). Use contactless/Oyster; daily caps keep costs predictable.
• Within London: Tube + buses are frequent and step-free at many stations; allow lifts/escalators where needed. We suggest short journeys and lots of rest/snack stops.

Day 1: Arrive, Soho’s Photography, and Covent Garden

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive earlier than expected, drop bags at your hotel. Grab an easy bite near your base: Gail’s Bakery (savory buns, cinnamon rolls) or Pret for quick sandwiches and fruit pots—budget-friendly and kid-approved.

Afternoon: Head to Soho for your photography fix at The Photographers’ Gallery (near Oxford Circus/Tottenham Court Road). Exhibits are compact, so you can engage without overwhelming your 11-year-old. For a snack, try Kaffeine (Australian-style coffee; hot chocolate and banana bread for kids) or Flat White (great for a quick refuel).

Evening: Wander to Covent Garden for street performers and dinner. Budget choices: Franco Manca (slow-fermented sourdough pizza), Din Tai Fung (dumplings; kids love the xiao long bao), or Homeslice (huge sharable pizzas). If energy allows, ride the riverside carousel on the South Bank before turning in. Optional splurge: The London Eye at twilight for skyline views—bookable here: The London Eye Entry Ticket.

Day 2: Harry Potter Studios (Half Day) + South Kensington Museums

Morning: Make this your Harry Potter Studios half-day. Take the Tube to Euston, then a fast train (about 20 minutes) to Watford Junction; from there, the dedicated shuttle (around 15 minutes) takes you to the studio. Budget tip: eat breakfast beforehand or plan lunch at the Backlot Café (try Butterbeer; the souvenir mug is optional). Expect the experience to take 3–4 hours.

Afternoon: Return to central London and ride to South Kensington (District/Circle/Piccadilly lines) for the Natural History Museum—free, fascinating, and perfectly non-sporty. See the Hintze Hall’s soaring blue whale and the dinosaur gallery. If queues look long, the Science Museum next door is another excellent, family-friendly option.

Evening: Dinner nearby: Honest Burgers (solid kids’ options), Comptoir Libanais (colorful Lebanese plates; mezze to share), or Squirrel (salads and warm bowls). For an easy dessert, scoop gelato at Oddono’s. If you prefer a quiet amble, ride one stop to Gloucester Road and enjoy the illuminated townhouse streets.

Day 3: Westminster, Thames Cruise, and the Tower of London

Morning: Start with a classic English breakfast at Regency Café (art deco interior; wallet-friendly). Stroll by Parliament and Big Ben, then board a narrated riverboat at Westminster Pier for a relaxing ride downriver toward Tower Bridge—fun for kids, zero exertion. Book here: Tower Bridge River Sightseeing Cruise from Westminster.

Afternoon: Disembark at St Katharine’s and head to the Tower of London. Yeoman Warder stories are wonderfully theatrical, and the Crown Jewels dazzle all ages. Pre-book entry here to save time: Admission Ticket to The Tower of London & Crown Jewels Exhibition.

Evening: Walk across Tower Bridge for postcard views, then circle back to St Katharine Docks for dinner. Good-value picks: Emilia’s Crafted Pasta (fresh, simple sauces), Côte (kids’ menus, French classics), or Pizza Pilgrims (Neapolitan pies). If you’ve got a second wind, ride the riverside bus 15 back toward Trafalgar Square for a lit-up city spin.

Day 4: Harry Potter Walking Tour + South Bank Send-Off

Morning: With more than half a day before your departure, enjoy a playful, guided walk through central filming locations and trivia challenges—ideal for families who’ve just seen the Studios. Book the tour here: Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - Guided Tour of London.

Afternoon: Loop back to the South Bank for a final riverside stroll and an easy lunch at the Jubilee Market Hall or the cozy, budget-friendly Giraffe on the riverside (kids’ menu). Pick up souvenirs at the market, then retrieve your bags and ride the Tube or train to your departure point.

Evening: Travel home. If your timing allows a quick pre-departure nibble, Beigel Bake (open long hours) is an inexpensive grab-and-go for the journey.

Extra ideas if you want to swap something in:

• Big Bus panoramic overview day (great if you’d like more sitting, less walking): Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
• Immersive art for older kids and adults: Frameless London

Daily transport tips: Aim for 2–4 short rides per day; the daily cap in Zones 1–2 keeps costs low (typically under £10/adult). Ask a staff member to set the Young Visitor discount on your child’s Oyster for half-price fares up to 14 days. Many station exits have lifts; when in doubt, switch lines to a more accessible station and take a short bus ride.

Booking checklist (with affiliate links):

• Hotels: Hotels.com London, VRBO London, or specific picks above.
• Flights/trains/buses: Omio (Europe flights), Omio (trains), Omio (buses), and if flying from outside Europe, Trip.com.
• Activities used in this plan: London Eye, Tower of London, Thames Cruise, and Harry Potter Walking Tour (links above).

In four easy, well-paced days, you’ll see London from the river, step inside royal history, and walk the wizarding world—all without blowing the budget or breaking a sweat. With reliable public transport and kid-friendly food at every turn, this is a capital adventure your family will want to repeat.