Budget Family Weekend in London This Fall: Things To Do

Guest post by Julia Evans

London is an incredible place to visit and there’s never a shortage of things to do, no matter the season. If you didn’t manage to get away anywhere during half-term, a weekend away in the capital could be just what you and your kids need to recharge.

However, it’s no secret that London is expensive, which might be off-putting for families on a strict budget. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of activities you and the kids can enjoy without spending a small fortune.

Here are some top activities that allow you to make the most of London when you don’t have too much money to spare:

Classic sights

If you’ve never been to London before or don’t get the chance to visit very often, you might want to treat your kids to all the traditional sights. These might include Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral. The only downside is that entry into these places can be expensive. The best way to experience London’s classic sights is by looking for deals on tickets online and booking in advance. Not only will you be able to skip the queue, but you might knock a considerable amount off your total costs. Check out hellotickets.co.uk to see what’s available this fall for you and the kids.

Museums

Unlike many of London’s other touristic sites, museums are usually free to enter, so you can really cut down your spending by letting the kids loose in some of the amazing exhibits in the Natural History Museum. Also think about stopping by the Science Museum and the British Museum, which all have displays that might hold your little ones’ interests. But if you’re looking for a museum that’s specifically catered to your children’s interests, you can’t miss the V&A Museum of Childhood that’s packed full of old toys, dolls and games that your children can marvel at.

Tate Modern Family Activities

If you know your children don’t have the attention span to wander around a museum, find something a little more hands-on for them to do. The Tate Modern often has family activities on offer that are completely free to attend. This might include doing things like sketching famous paintings, dabbling in clay or screen-printing, or even playing games. It’s a great way to not only keep your kids engaged but to introduce them to the world of art from a young age as well.

Kew Gardens

Take a tube out of the city centre and visit Kew Gardens. While you will have to pay an admission fee, this is greatly reduced for children and you can stay as long as you like. In the fall, you’ll be able to enjoy all the beautiful autumn colours, which is just magical. And, if it starts to rain, you can duck into the on-site café or into one of the many greenhouses filled with exotic plants. If the weather is fair and the sky is blue, take a packed lunch and enjoy some sandwiches out on the grass.

Parks

If you’d rather avoid paying for the entry fee to Kew Gardens, there are plenty of other parks you can visit that are completely free of charge. Whether you decide to explore the children’s farm and get lost in a maze at Crystal Palace Park or spot the pelicans at St James’s Park, your children are sure to have the time of their lives, especially if you pick a sunny weekend. However, if the weather does take a turn for the worst, make sure you have wellies, waterproofs, and a sturdy umbrella to allow your family to make the most of the day anyway.

Cable Car

The London Eye offers incredible views of the city, but it can be out of many people’s price range. Luckily, there’s still a way to soar above the Thames without breaking the bank. London’s cable car only costs £2.50-£3.00 for a one-way trip for a child, making it a bargain for families with quite a few kids. Seeing London from so high up will be an unforgettable experience and will make for some brilliant family photos too. It also takes much less time than the London eye, which is great for little ones who get bored quickly or can’t go too long without a snack.

Whenever you decide to go to London, just know that there are always ways to have a good time without spending a lot of money. It might take some planning and research, but you and your family will have a great experience as a result of your efforts. Make sure you have a list of different activities that you can swap between depending on the weather conditions and how your children are feeling.