April 6, 2026
London is one of the best cities in the world for family holidays, with its many attractions and historical landmarks to explore. The West End, in particular, is a big draw for tourists and locals alike. Think theatreland. Think epic history. Not enough? Well, visitors of all ages are guaranteed to be swept up by the high-energy street performers and unique shops too.
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Things to do in London’s West End
The pandemic is what it is but London is finally coming back to life. It’s a new London. A quieter London. The lack of crowds and queues only makes it an even more fabulous place to explore.
It’s an anxious time travelling with children at the moment. We, however, felt safe travelling on the less busy tubes. Sanitising and social distancing measures are also in place on the streets and at attractions, with plenty of clear signs to remind people of the new normal. Many of the streets in Covent Garden and Soho have been pedestrianised, so it’s actually easy to maintain distance. We noticed some positive effects wandering around some areas – the distinctly European vibe. More outdoor seating for restaurants and cafes is a definite plus.
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So, don’t miss out on visiting the West End during this period. For your next trip, here are our best family-friendly places to visit & a ton of things to do in London’s West End.
The Royal Mews
Everyone visits Buckingham Palace, but have you heard of The Royal Mews? Part of the Palace is a living part of British heritage. Built-in 1760 by George III, The Royal Mews is one of the finest working stables in the world and home to the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages. To this day, the stables are still responsible for all road travel arrangements for Her Majesty The Queen and other members of the Royal Family.
Discover its history as you listen to your personal audio guide and marvel at the famous State Coaches. From the elegant Glass Coach used for royal weddings to the magnificent Gold State Coach which is so heavy, it has to be drawn by eight horses.
Read More: 7 Reasons to Visit the Royal Mews in London
The tour lasts around 45 minutes. To ensure the safety of visitors and staff, Royal Mews is currently operating on a pre-booked, timed ticketing basis.
Royal Mews | Buckingham Palace Rd | Westminster | SW1W 0QH
Book tickets for the Royal Mews
St James’s Park
In the heart of London St James’s Park is one of the oldest Royal Parks near Buckingham Palace. Covering over 23 hectares, many also believe it to be one of the most romantic urban landscapes in Europe.
Charles II redesigned the park with the help of the famous French landscaper Andre Mollet in the 17th century to resemble the gardens of Versailles in France. The winding avenues lead to spectacular views of iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Westminster, St James’s Palace, Carlton House Terrace, and Horse Guards Parade. It’s also home to the Mall which many will recognise from ceremonial parades and events of national celebration.
Don’t miss feeding time for the famous pelicans (originally given as a gift to Charles II in 1664 from a Russian Ambassador). They’re fed fresh fish between 2.30 pm and 3 pm near Duck Island cottage. Children will enjoy the playground, with a climbing frame and a huge sandpit.
Read More: Best Parks and Green Spaces in London
St James’s Park | London | SW1A 2BJ
Churchill War Rooms
Hidden beneath the streets of Westminster lies what was once one of the most secret places in London. The Churchill War Rooms are a network of underground rooms, perfectly preserved as they were in 1945. Now part of the Imperial War Museum, visitors can step back in time and discover how Britain’s World War II fight against the Nazis was coordinated.
Wander the narrow, dimly lit corridors exactly like the dark days of the Blitz to Churchill’s bunker, the Map Room, the Transatlantic Telephone room, and the Cabinet War Rooms. There are lots to see along with the Churchill Museum, allow an hour and a half for your visit. If you’ve worked up an appetite at the fascinating wartime museum fuel up at the cafe. Treat yourself to British classics, from pies and stews to sandwiches and cakes.
Currently, Churchill War Rooms is operating on a pre-booked and timed admission basis.
Book tickets for Churchill War Rooms
Churchill War Rooms | Clive Steps | King Charles Street | SW1A 2AQ
Somerset House
Once a former London riverside palace, Somerset House sits on the banks of the Thames. Bordering Covent Garden the spectacular 18th-century neoclassical building has been transformed into one of the city’s coolest cultural hubs. From an eclectic range of contemporary art exhibitions to music gigs and outdoor film screenings to winter ice skating, there is always something new to explore.
Hop onto a number of free tours run by Somerset House to take visitors deep into its colourful history. Tickets are available from 10.30 am on the day. They’re popular so be sure to pick one up as early as possible. In the summer months, the kids will love the fountains in the courtyard to cool off and splash around.
And let’s not forget the food, Somerset House has five restaurants for every kind of hunger pang. Indulge in modern British classics at Bry Williams, try seasonal dishes at Skye Gyngell’s Spring, and enjoy Pennethorne’s all-day cafe and bar or light bites, cakes and coffee at Hej Coffee and the Watch House.
Somerset House | Strand | WC2R 1LA
Hamley’s Toy Store
Make your kids’ dreams come true and head to seven floors of pure toy heaven, otherwise known as Hamleys. Britain’s most famous toy store is located on Regent Street. With more than 50,000 toys on sale, it’s bursting with every type of Lego, Barbie, Star Wars, and Harry Potter paraphernalia, the latest gadgets, and the old classics to spark nostalgia.
To make the experience even more special the store offers a Hamleys VIP tour, which is an hour-long personal tour of the shop and a gift bag for each child.
Hamleys | 188-196 Regent St | W1B 5BT
LEICESTER Square
Probably London’s most famous square, it attracts thousands of visitors each year. Most of them are visiting Theatreland for a live performance or perhaps even a movie premiere.
The Swiss Glockenspiel is hard to miss by sight or sound as it stands on one of the entrances to the square. Ten metres tall, it features no less than 27 bells, two clocks, and 11 moving figures and chimes on the hour every hour. A gift from Switzerland and Liechtenstein it continues to keep visitors on time and entertained.
Don’t miss the flagship Lego store, it’s the biggest in the world and spans two floors. Plus if it’s raining outside you can give the kids an indoor sightseeing tour of London. The store is full of lovely London icons like the six-metre-high Big Ben (OK, Elizabeth Tower) and a Lego tube carriage.
Lego Store | 3 Swiss Court| W1D 6AP
Bubblewrap Waffle
The insta-worthy wraps originally from Hong Kong can be found in Chinatown. A big hit with Londoners, Bubblewrap Waffle serve up warm homemade egg waffles moulded into a cone, filled with delicious ice creams, whipped cream, and all kinds of yummy toppings. Some of the mouthwatering flavours include Oreo crunch, caramel and banana, and a berry variation.
The handy cardboard cone means they can be easily eaten on the go! Perfect fuel for sightseeing.
Bubblewrap Waffle | 24 Wardour St | W1D 6QJ
There is no better time than to visit even just one of the many attractions & things to do in London’s West End. Take advantage of this quiet period with no queues & enjoy all it has to offer. Support the businesses in the West End, which have helped bring so much joy over the years.
For more information and inspiration on things to do in the West End, head to Westminster City Council’s website.
Which places would you add as must-see thing’s to do in London’s West End? Let me know in the comments box below.
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Scarlett Roitman says:
Your girls always look like they’re having so much fun. So much to see and do in London – I just wish people would come back! And it’s such a perfect time to roam around the museums when they are quasi-empty.
Sima Sthanakiya says:
You’re so right. It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand lovely to see sights without crowds, but sad to see so many businesses suffering.