will be in London with kids for half term - what can we do?

VixxAnn

Hi

We are taking our three kids (13,10 and 4) to London on Monday for a few days holiday in Half term. Got a hotel booked (nr Euston/Kings Cross area I think) but now looking for ideas on what to do fairly cheaply and if there are any vouchers or deals going around at the moment.

So far we have only decided to do the Natural History & Science museums. Would like to do a bus or river trip / tour and altough I know you can do "normal" buses cheaper - I like the kids to have the commentary and learn a bit about what they are seeing. So any tips on whose best/cheapest (again any deals going??)

And my big worry - cost of food - eating out. Don't want to take them do greasy cafs! but cannot splash out on family of five eating at top notch places every day! Any suggestions (and we would do a couple of "better" places during stay)

Is it worth a visit to see changing guards?
any info most useful - will be able to check back over weekend but get train down on Monday

thanks

pboae

Changing the guards is kind of interesting, but it takes quite a while. Unless your kids are into soldiers and horses, etc they might get bored.

I don't know much about the bus tours, other than that there are loads of them, but one of them is called 'duck tours' and they have a weird looking amphibious vehicle which drives on the roads then goes on the Thames. I always thought that looked like fun.

Cheap food, there is a noodle bar called 'Hare and Tortoise' on Brunswick Square WC1, near Russel Sq tube. They are cheap and quick but it's really good food. There's also an Italian cafe next to Russel Sq tube, not so quick or cheap, but better than any of the other cafes round there.

There is also a supermarket in Brunswick Square, it was a somerfield last time I looked, but it changes all the time. It's a lot cheaper than the mini-marts round there.

There is also a Wetherspoons pub by Holborn tube station, and kids are welcome before about 8pm.

For somewhere a bit flasher (with a price tag to match) the Rainforest cafe on Shaftesbury Avenue is good.

Depending on how adventurous your children are, there is a road called Drummond Street at the back of Euston. It has loads of Indian restaurants, much better and cheaper than Brick Lane.

For other things to do, what about the Zoo, London Dungeons or the London Eye? Or you could check out the half price ticket stand and see if you can get a good deal on a matinee at the theatre.

ckerrd

Just back from London

London eye is great but wait for tickets was 40 minutes. Only 5 minutes after that and we were on the thing mind you. And this was quiet.

Science Museum well recommended although your kids will try to empty your wallets in the shop.
The Globe is worth a look as is the current exhibition at the Tate modern. The slides!!!

Great fun and free. You have to get tickets for a time slot to go on the slides but it is great. and scary!! We got to the Tate at 1000 and went on all the slides by just after 1100. Went back for more tickets (nothing to stop you doing this) and next slot for slides 4 & 5 was 2:30. Get there early. And slide 4 is the scariest.

There is a Pizza Express 5 minutes away along past the Globe which is fine for lunch.

The Real Greek is a chain where you can order bits and pieces and just nibble away so gives the kids a chance to experiment without ripping a hole on your pocket, there is one near Covent Garden.

Harrods is worth a look around as is Hamleys although if you come away without spending anything I will be well impressed.

Another place to eat is Caluccio's - as in the chef of the same name. great food well done and very informal.

IF you PM I iwll try and send you more info - if you want.

gerretl

Round the back of Piccadilly is the New Piccadilly Cafe. 'New' is a bit of a misnomer. It is like a throwback from the fifties, but really wacky. the 13 YO may get it, but the others may not. The rainforest Cafe is superb for kids, but a little pricey.
Agree about the Natural History and Science. (I am 37, and can't get enough of it.) Museum of London is worth checking out. They often do half term special events. If you have the time (and excuse the woeful pun) Greenwich is excellent. The observatory and Maritime are really good, but if you kids have an interest in history, you can see Harrisons clocks (the most important clocks made in history ever).
Don't forget the parks. London is full of them, and all of them are a great haven, particularly if the weathers good.
Also, Red Ken (bless him) makes sure there are activities in Trafalgar Square during the break.
Enjoy

C_Ronaldo

for lunches go to pret a manger(sp?)

martindow

Routemasters still run on the central sections of routes 9 and 13 - normal bus prices for vintage bus rides!

VixxAnn

thanks for the info folks - some of the eatery places sound useful

Fingers crossed the weather is fine then we can get out into the parks!

Is it easy/safe enough to take kids on tubes - or are you better walking / buses??

martindow

Yes the tube is fine and a great experience for children.

amszephyr

There's an M&S food shop at Euston station, in case you feel like a 'picnic' one eveing in your hotel. We have used it for breakfast, too - we buy fruit / yoghurt, etc. the night before.

gelato_cat

Yes. Please don't attempt it during the rush hour though - it's not nice for you and the commuters get frustrated.

Suze

VixxAnn wrote:

Is it easy/safe enough to take kids on tubes - or are you better walking / buses??

ckerrd

As an aside my 10 y/o son was not keen on the tube journeys initially this time, been before not a problem. I asked him why and he was worried that any of the big bags people had could contain a bomb!

We had a long chat and I reasured him and he was fine but it was an interesting take on things, from his point of view.