Eat, Play, Save: The Ultimate Budget Family Guide to London
London with Kids
“Without frugality none can be rich, and with it very few would be poor.”
Big Ben with a peek at the London Eye.
Who says you need to break the bank to experience the magic of London? From free museums to hidden gems, there are countless ways to explore the city without draining your wallet. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly activities, a great deal on accommodations, or savvy tips to save as you go, we’ve got you covered. Pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a picnic lunch), because with our guide, your London family trip will be full of memories, not empty pockets. Let’s get started on making your dream London vacation happen—without the hefty price tag!
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Balancing Travel Costs: London on a Budget with Kids
After spending a month in Ireland and Wales, we were starting to learn that the exchange rate was catching up with us quickly. We landed in London, excited to see the city and its iconic sights, but we were keenly aware that the cost of our accommodations (always the biggest expense) and dining needed to be offset by some frugal choices when it came to entertainment and sight-seeing.
As a full-time travel family, we often have to balance more expensive countries with lower cost destinations to keep our average costs on budget. However, our calendar had us spending 2 months in Europe before making our way to more affordable cities in Southeast Asia. With a little bit of research and planning, we discovered that we could experience lots of London attractions without spending a single penny!
Click on photo to enlarge and see descriptions.
Why spend a fortune on expensive tours when your kids might be just as happy (or happier) with the free option? Sometimes, just seeing an iconic landmark is enough to spark their excitement—no pricey admission tickets or guided tours required. If your kids light up just at the sight of Big Ben, the Changing of the Guard, or Tower Bridge, why battle the crowds with older children or risk boredom with young children when you can soak in the experience at your own pace? Save that budget for something they'll truly love—like ice cream at world-class museums or afternoon tea in Covent Garden.
Lace up your comfiest shoes—you’re about to rack up thousands of steps! From marveling at iconic landmarks to splashing in city fountains, there are plenty of ways to keep the whole family entertained without blowing your budget in this incredible city. Sure, some of these spots offer paid admission or guided tours (and if that’s your thing, go for it!), but we found that our kids were just as thrilled to see the major attractions from the outside—no tickets required. With free entry to world-class museums and budget-friendly public transit, they'll be happily exhausted and ready for a good night's sleep back at your London accommodation, whether that's a hotel room, an Airbnb, or something totally uncommon.
To provide even more FREE fun for your kids, we’ve created a 17-page London Activity & Fact Book filled with coloring sheets, fun facts, journal prompts, and puzzles. Download and print it out before you leave for London, giving your kids the opportunity to learn and be entertained before, during, and after your London trip.
Free Iconic Landmarks in Central London
No London trip is complete without visiting at least a few of its main attractions. Sure, some of the following places charge admission fees to allow for a more in depth tour or visit, but, if you're like us and trying to save some money in one of the most expensive cities, you may find that your entire family is just as happy (if not more so) simply walking by them or viewing them from the exterior! Here are just a few of the main attractions that you can enjoy, as budget travelers, in the heart of the city:
Trafalgar Square
This public square features some of London’s top attractions, including historic buildings, statues, monuments, and galleries. Located in Westminster, the square is named after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The battle, which was a key win for the British during the Napoleonic Wars also brought the death of Admiral Horatio Nelson. It is in his honor that Nelson’s Column, the centerpiece of the square, is dedicated.
In addition to Nelson’s column, you can enjoy the Trafalgar Square fountains, view the four plinths, and admire the Trafalgar Square lions, designed by sculptor Sir Edward Landseer (who insisted on using a dead lion from London Zoo for his sketches). You can also find The National Gallery and St Martin-in-the-Fields Church in Trafalgar Square. (Just don’t feed the pigeons here—that became illegal in 2007!)
Throughout the year, you can even take part in some of the celebrations, including Lunar New Year, St. Patrick’s Day, St. George’s Day, and Christmas. From Trafalgar Square, you’re about a 12-15 minute walk from Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament!
Big Ben & Parliament Square
Parliament Square is also located in Westminster, near Westminster Abbey where Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were married in 1947. While entry to the famous abbey does require admission fees in the form of a paid ticket, it costs nothing to see it from the outside. We were blown away by the exterior architecture that is so intricately designed and very well maintained. Our girls also enjoyed seeing the trademark red phone booths (and capturing a couple pictures).
Our whole family loved wandering around Parliament Square and seeing statues of icons like Nelson Mandela, Millicent Garrett Fawcett, and Winston Churchill. From Parliament Square, you’ll have stellar views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. If you walk from the square toward the Westminster Bridge, you can get a look at the River Thames, have a broader view of the Palace of Westminster, and even catch your first glimpse of the London Eye! Westminster Bridge runs from Parliament Square on the north to Lambeth Palace Road (where the London local government once sat) on the south side.
Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge, which is often confused for London Bridge (a much smaller bridge located next to it), is one of the most photographed landmarks in London. With its neo-Gothic architecture and twin towers connected by walkways, it is a beautiful sight to behold. The bridge is located between the Thames Tunnel and London Bridge. The Tower Bridge has been featured in movies like Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), Mission: Impossible (1996), and Sherlock Holmes (2009).
There are paid tours available for the Tower Bridge if you’d like to learn the history and get a close-up view of the architecture. If your goal is to limit costs but still get some fabulous views, try the Queen’s Walk, Potter’s Fields Park, or St Katharine Docks for great views and photo opportunities of Tower Bridge.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is full of history! You can take a tour for a reasonable price and it will give you the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels and famous ravens! However, in keeping with our budget theme, getting a good look at the Tower and being prepared to share some of its interesting history with your kids is a great way to peak their interest without spending a dime. With our FREE Printable London Activity & Fact Book, which you can download HERE, your kids might even be able to teach you something about the Tower of London!
Buckingham Palace
You definitely want to see Buckingham Palace while you’re in town. It's perhaps the most iconic location for tourists to see. We recommend pairing your visit to the Palace with time spent in St. James Park. If you time your visit right, you can even witness the Changing of the Guard which takes place every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11:00am and lasts for about 45 minutes. The Buckingham Palace Old Guard gathers in the palace forecourt at 10:30. They are joined by the St. James Old Guard who begin their march from St. James’s Palace (which was built by Henry VIII and was home to the monarch before Queen Victoria moved to Buckingham Palace in 1837). All of this is free to watch but can be quite crowded, particularly on weekends and during school holidays.
Free Museums in London
Perhaps the best way to learn about London is to make a stop at a British museum. Many of London’s museums are absolutely free! While they will gladly accept (and do encourage) donations, there is no entry ticket required at the following museums:
Bank of England Museum
Located in Central London, right in the heart of the financial district, The Bank of England Museum will educate your crew on banking history dating back to the 17th century! Through the use of audio-visual technology, you can learn all about interest rates, inflation, bank notes, and more. You’ll also find countless artifacts on display, including 17th century banknotes and coins. This is a great museum for families who homeschool (like we do) or anyone who wants to hold a real gold bar—who wouldn’t?
Imperial War Museums
The Imperial War Museums is actually a family of 5 different museums. Not all of them are free, however. They include The Imperial War Museum London, the Churchill War Rooms, the HMS Belfast, the Imperial War Museum North (in Manchester), and the Imperial War Museum Duxford. For our purposes, we’ll just focus on the IWM London.
The Imperial War Museum London covers British conflicts from World War I to the present day. You’ll find a Holocaust Exhibition and an area dedicated to the Cold War, among many others. Audio guides are available and a good way to keep young children engaged. This is an interesting museum for families with kids of all ages. Entry to the museum is free and there is no need to book in advance.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum was one of our favorite stops while we explored London. It is home to five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology. Its most popular exhibits are the dinosaur skeletons which never cease to amaze young and old, alike.
We spent a few hours wandering through the exhibits. Our bird-lover, Rachel, loved seeing some rare and extinct species of birds in one exhibit. She was also able to get a close-up look at their skeletons and some of their adaptations and special features. We were astounded by the number of hummingbird species on display!
We also enjoyed walking through a bug display that had us feeling a little creepy and taking extra time to make sure we cleaned our crumbs up and kept our spaces tidy for a while afterwards. Be sure that your kids look all around and UP while they’re at the museum. You wouldn’t want them to miss treats like the blue whale skeleton mounted from the ceiling as they wander through the museum.
Free Family-Friendly Parks in London
London is home to so many parks, including eight Royal Parks. All of them are free and provide visitors with acres of natural settings to relax and wander. Here are just a few to consider:
Hyde Park
Nicknamed “The People’s Park,” Hyde Park is truly a special place. You can meet a friend, have a family picnic, or just simply come to enjoy solitude in nature. It’s here where speakers like Karl Marx, George Orwell, and Nelson Mandela have all drawn crowds or where the Rolling Stones headlined a free concert in 1969! You’ll also find the Serpentine (a 40-acre recreational lake) with its lakeside paths and nearby cafés. Hyde Park is the sight of Winter Wonderland at Christmastime. The Royal Parks shop is located here as well and it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir.
Kensington Gardens
Located adjacent to Hyde Park (you might not even realize you’re in a different park), you’ll find Kensington Gardens. The Serpentine Bridge is generally known as the boundary between the two parks. Here, you can stroll by Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana made her home. Your children can even enjoy the playground named for her. The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground features a giant pirate ship, teepees, and a sensory trail. (Be aware that those over the age of 16 must be accompanied by a child to enter the playground.)
We enjoyed watching the pigeons while we sipped a cup of coffee at The Broad Walk Café. Then, we walked down The Broad Walk and watched the swans swimming in The Round Pond. We also spent time taking in the massive and intricate Albert Memorial, located across the street from Royal Albert Hall. The stunning memorial was commissioned by Queen Victoria as a tribute to her husband who died of typhoid in 1861 at the age of 42.
If you spend time wandering, you might just find these statues: Peter Pan, Physical Energy, King William III, and Queen Victoria. As a matter of fact, you can even add a few items to the list and have your kids go on a scavenger hunt to see how many you can find.
In our free, kid-friendly London Activity & Fact Book, which you can download HERE, we help to get your kids started with their very own London Scavenger Hunt. (Here’s a few more notable items to add to your scavenger hunt list: Speke Monument, Two Bears Fountain, Queen Caroline’s Temple, the Arch by Henry Moore, and Queen Anne’s Alcove.)
St James’s Park
Oldest among the Royal Parks, St James's Park is truly special. Be sure to grab lunch (or even just a coffee) at St James's Café and grab an outdoor table where you can overlook the lake and fountain (just be careful of the pesky pigeons). This park opens up to Buckingham Palace so it’s a natural addition to your visit to the Palace. If you visit the park around lunchtime, you can even see the pelicans being fed.
In addition to these parks, the other Royal Parks include: The Green Park, The Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park, Bushy Park. Additionally, there are two other properties maintained by the Royal Parks: Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. Each has its own special features, ranging from wetland areas, gardens, and wildlife to playgrounds and sports facilities. All completely free!
Free Splash Parks & Fountains in London
If you’re exploring London with kids in the summertime, you’re going to want to know where you can cool down. Here are some of the best places to let your kids splash and frolic—for free—around town. Your kids will have a great time getting cooled off and maybe even make a new friend or two. Be sure to bring a towel and a change of clothes!
Jeppe Hein’s Appearing Rooms Fountain
Located at Southbank Centre, this dancing fountain is a fun place for kids (and their parents) to cool off. You’ll find the fountain on the Riverside Terrace at the entrance to the Queen Elizabeth Hall. The fountain is usually open Wed–Sun from 10am until 6pm during the summer months.
The Granary Square Fountains
Boasting 1,080 jets, this popular fountain at King’s Cross is sure to be a welcome respite for kids and parents who are worn down by the summer heat. The fountains are open daily during daylight hours. A big bonus for this location is that there are restrooms and changing facilities located nearby at the Coal Drops Shopping Yard and also near Waitrose.
The Riverside Fountains
If you’re looking for a place to entertain your weary kids on a hot day and have spectacular views, The Riverside is your spot! Fed by a series of underground pools, a series of 200 water jets spring up to the welcome squeals of the kids. You’ll also enjoy a tremendous view of the Tower Bridge while your children splash and play.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, located just outside London Stadium, is not only home to some fantastic play areas and a climbing wall but it also includes the Waterworks Fountains, complete with 195 individually controlled jets of water. The fountains are open March to October from 10am–5pm, but be sure to check their website, as the fountains are switched off on major event days, including West Ham match days.
Free City Farms in London That Kids Will Love
While these farms are free to visit, a donation is highly recommended and much appreciated. Many of these locations do community outreach and your donation allows them to continue to provide wonderful services to their communities and to tourists like you. Here are just a few you could choose from:
Hackney City Farm
Located between Broadway Market and Columbia Road, Hackney City Farm includes pigs, goats, a donkey, and an Italian Café. You can even take a pottery class (for a reasonable fee) or learn about beekeeping!
Mudchute Park & Farm
This 32 acre farm in the East London countryside has over 100 animals and includes a petting zoo, a duck pond, and an Equestrian Center. You’ll want to take public transportation, though, because there is no on-site parking at Mudchute Park and Farm.
Surrey Docks Farm
This working city farm is on a mission to teach the community about farming, food production, and the natural environment. Visitors are welcomed, for free, from 10am–4pm every day. In addition to interacting with animals like goats, sheep, pigs, and ponies, you can visit the Farm Shop at Surrey Docks Farm for seasonal vegetables and free-range eggs.
Stepney City Farm
This small but enduring farm welcomes visitors Tue-Sun from 10am–4pm. Stepney City Farm also hosts a farmer’s market on Saturdays from 10am–3pm. Children and their parents can meet farm animals like sheep, goats, ducks, donkeys, and pigs. They can also learn how to grow food no matter the season.
Budget Family Accommodations in London
To help you locate family-friendly accommodations in London, we have narrowed down the areas that we believe are the best for comfortable and relaxing stays. For the most current availability and pricing, you'll want to following the links provided to booking.com and use these neighborhood filters along with your specific travel dates and family requirements.
London Family Accommodations
Here are some of London's safer neighborhoods with relatively affordable accommodations for families. We have provided options below that are highly rated, have at least 2 bedrooms, less than $300 a night, and are convenient to transportation and kid-friendly attractions:
Historical charm with maritime heritage and village atmosphere
Exceptional safety record with family-friendly parks and attractions
Direct access to central London via DLR (20 minutes to Bank station)
Free attractions nearby including Greenwich Park, Royal Observatory, and the Prime Meridian Line
Significantly lower accommodation costs compared to central areas
Quiet, safe residential neighborhood with excellent schools
Crystal Palace Park with its famous dinosaur sculptures and large play areas
25-minute direct train to Victoria or London Bridge stations
Vibrant community with excellent safety ratings
End of Victoria Line means guaranteed seats into central London (25 minutes)
Award-winning local restaurants and the longest street market in Europe
Family attractions include Walthamstow Wetlands nature reserve and William Morris Gallery
Upscale yet affordable area with exceptional safety record
Beautiful riverside location with Richmond Park nearby
Direct access to central London via District Line and Overground
Perfect balance of urban amenities and green spaces with deer, cycling paths, and boat trips
Modern accommodations in the rejuvenated Olympic Park area
Multiple transport options (Central Line, Jubilee Line, DLR, Overground)
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with playgrounds and water features
Westfield Shopping Centre with family restaurants and entertainment
Insider Tip: When booking, look for accommodations near Underground stations to maximize convenience, and consider apartment rentals for the best family value. Areas to be somewhat more cautious about for budget accommodations would include parts of East London (though many areas have improved significantly) and some sections of South London.
If you're looking for a way to cut costs while staying in a family-friendly home environment, TrustedHousesitters offers a fantastic solution. You get accommodation, usually in a fully equipped home/apartment, and in exchange, you care for the pet(s) and home during your stay.
This is especially great for families with kids who have a structured schedule which includes breaks for naps and/or for those who just want occasional trips to London while in town. It is also an appealing option for those who want a more home-like atmosphere with room for everyone to spread out, a fully-equipped kitchen where you can cook meals, and a pet (or a few) to spoil and love while in town.
You can browse pet sits around London (or the world) for FREE before committing to a paid membership just by signing up for an account HERE. Then, when you're ready, you can choose your annual plan depending on your needs. The annual subscription is extremely affordable. In fact, just one pet-sit will most likely cover the annual fee. Use our discount code—UNCOMMON25—for a 25% discount on your first year!
Budget Dining in London with Kids
Yes, it’s possible to find economic ways to feed your family while visiting London. Sure, you may want to splurge on a couple of meals (perhaps even try the full English breakfast), but here are a few places to find a great meal for a reasonable cost.
St. George’s Tavern
This quintessential English pub where you can find everything from kid-friendly mac & cheese and burgers to classics like Fish & Chips or Sausage & Mash. Servings are generous and will keep you full longer or give you enough to take leftovers back to your London accommodation to enjoy later.
Giraffe
Mom and Dad can enjoy Brunch items like a Ham and Slow Cooked Pork Cuban Sandwich until 5pm or a dinner plate like Thai Duck Stir Fry for about £13-15. Kids 10 and under can choose a main menu item like battered fish, bangers, or meatballs and pasta, along with two vegetable sides for just £5!
Barbican Kitchen
Located on the ground floor of the Barbican, the Barbican Kitchen offers sandwiches, salads, and a rotating selection of hot food items. Kids under 10 can eat for free from the kid’s menu with every adult meal over £10 purchased!
Rocca du Papa
Boasting two London locations, at Kensington and Dulwich Village, Rocca offers delicious Italian fare at reasonable prices. Pizzas, breads, pastas, and sauces are all made fresh daily. Booking ahead is recommended, or you can even order through Uber Eats and have your meal delivered right to your London accommodation.
Spaghetti House
With multiple locations, you’re likely to encounter one while you make your way around London. You’ll find tried and true pastas like Spaghetti alla Bolognese and Spaghetti alla Carbonara as well as a good selection of pizzas and salads.
Ole & Steen
Who doesn’t love a good bakery? From pasties for breakfast to toasties on freshly baked bread, they’ve got you covered for any time of day. You can even stop in for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat!
Borough Market
If you find yourself at the Tower Bridge, you’re not far from the Borough Market. This is a great place to satisfy everyone’s cravings. The open air market has loads of restaurants, food stalls, and shops. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, you can even pick up all the fresh fruits, veggies, cheese, seafood, and meats to make your own fabulous meals. Don’t forget to grab a coffee or an ice cream while you’re there!
Tips for Keeping Food Costs Low in London
One of the sneaky ways that travel costs rise is dining expenses. With a little advanced planning, you can keep your crew well fed and take away some of the stress involved in planning meals. Even the place you choose to stay can make a difference in your food budget.
Choose a hotel with a microwave and mini fridge so you can take advantage of any leftovers. You can also visit the grocery store to purchase breakfast items like yogurt, granola, bread, and fresh fruit to keep on hand. You’ll start your day off on the right foot instead of waking up and having to face hangry kids.
Book a hotel that includes a complimentary breakfast. By filling everyone’s bellies with a hearty breakfast, you’ll be able to get your day started off on the right foot.
Book an Airbnb instead of a hotel. This way, you will have a full kitchen and be able to prepare most meals yourself. Now, you won’t feel guilty for splurging on a special meal or two.
Try limiting your meals to two per day and snacking on a protein bar or fruit to delay the next meal. A hearty breakfast that includes protein will get you moving and keep you going until dinner—preferably just before peak times.
Split meals. When you find yourselves at a restaurant that offers giant sized portions, order one meal to split between two people.
Stay hydrated! Sometimes, our stomachs begin growling when our bodies are just in need of hydration. Don’t skimp on water, especially when you’re out walking and exploring for hours at a time. Consider carrying a water bottle in your backpack while you explore the city.
Transportation Tips for Your London Family Vacation
Saving money in London is definitely a challenge, especially when traveling as a family. Here are some additional tips that can help.
Invest in the Visitor Oyster Card to save on transportation costs:
You can buy it before you even leave for your trip and have it delivered right to your home.
It can be used on the London Underground (Tube), DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services in London.
It can also be used on bus and tram services.
The Visitor Oyster Card offers daily capping, meaning you can travel as much as you like in a single day and your fees are capped.
You can also save money at restaurants, shops, galleries, and more by presenting your card.
The card itself can be purchased for £5 (plus postage) and you load as much as you want in £5 increments. You can always refill it and the amount on your card never expires.
Be aware that kids under 11 travel for FREE on buses, trams, the Tube, DLR, the London Overground, and Elizabeth line so NO need to purchase a discount card for your younger kids. Download this step-free Tube guide if you're traveling with kids in a stroller—it will help you find accessible stations.
Depending on your London accommodation choice, walking might be your best option for getting around town. Keep in mind that traffic can be SLOW! You’ll pass many of the tour buses and taxis by walking instead.
Try one of London's iconic black cabs! You've seen them in countless shows and movies, and you will definitely see them around the city. So, why not give it a try? While we don’t recommend this as your primary form of transportation—it can be pricey—it’s definitely worth doing once.
Take a ride on a double-decker bus. This is the scenic way to get around the city. They are also cheaper with a single fair of just £1.75—and kids under 11 are free! The Hopper fare allows for unlimited journeys within one hour of touching in for the same £1.75!
No matter your choice of transportation, try to avoid peak travel times between 6:30–9:30am and 4–7pm Mon–Fri.
Free Kid-Friendly Activity Book Download
Before you leave, don't forget to claim your 17-page FREE London Activity & Fact Book filled with coloring sheets, fun facts, journal prompts, and puzzles. Download and print it out before you leave for London, giving your kids the opportunity to learn and be entertained before, during, and after your London trip.
Can You Do London on a Budget?
Yes, you can! London is proof that world-class adventure doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. From free museums packed with history to iconic landmarks that wow at any age, your family can dive into the heart of this incredible city without draining your wallet.
Now, it’s your turn—London is waiting! Whether you’re witnessing the Changing of the Guard, exploring city farms, or picnicking in one of the Royal Parks, there’s an unforgettable (and affordable) memory just around the corner.
Have you tackled London on a budget with your kids? Share your favorite free (or affordable) finds in the comments below! And if this guide helped you, share it with another travel-loving family—because the best adventures are the ones we take together!
Family selfie in front of Kensington Palace
