Family vacation on a budget in London

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How to have a great time in London with your family and keep costs down

A budget-friendly family vacation in London

I’ll show you how to enjoy a family vacation in London on a budget. London is one of the biggest cities in the world, and there’s no limit to how much you can spend. But you can spend less money to have a great time. And that’s precisely what you and your family will have: a wonderful time in the capital. London is a fantastic city, and there are plenty of free attractions and things to do for free.

Finding a place to stay

This can be tricky, often leading the self-planner to choose elsewhere. Especially if the exchange rate isn’t in your favor either. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. I know the most fantastic city in the world, and I know that lodging doesn’t have to cost a lot to be good. Stylish low-budget chains like Premier Inn, Hub, Ibis Styles, or Travelodge offer great deals in excellent locations.

Moreover, apart hotels and serviced apartments are a realistic alternative to the classic hotel stay. After all, who doesn’t like being pampered in a beautiful hotel? Many of these hotels offer family rooms, excellent food, and the highest standards of hygiene available. And they don’t have to cost a fortune. Especially these days, there are plenty of bargains to be had!

Take a look at Zone 2 + 3

With an excellent tube network, traveling around the city is easy, fast, and straightforward. You don’t have to live near Piccadilly Circus to enjoy London fully. Take Stratford*, for example. Located right next to the Olympic Stadium to the east, it’s an up-and-coming neighborhood less than 10 minutes from central London by Tube. Hotels cost a fraction of what they do in central London.

Or you can stay in beautiful Islington*, a vibrant neighborhood near King’s Cross where real Londoners love to live and go out. The transport links are excellent too, and you’ll get a real feel for living in London these days if you’re not a billionaire. International chains like Hilton* and Crowne Plaza* offer fantastic deals here, especially on weekends. And it’s also a great area to take the kids out to eat. The restaurants offer great value for money and delicious products.

But other areas are great for staying on a budget, like Shoreditch*. Your teens will love the trendy East End. Or you can stay on the outskirts of Kensington*. Super central and a bit quieter, but still very close to all the major attractions with lots of restaurants (not cheap!) and stores. 

In the context of the Covid 19 crisis and its hygiene regulations, and since Airbnb is not regulated, I recommend you don’t rent your accommodation through Airbnb. Instead, book a family room in a friendly and clean hotel.

Make your way to the suburbs.

Take Croydon*, a sprawling town in Greater London. Direct trains are every 5-10 minutes to London Victoria, London Bridge, King’s Cross, and London Blackfriars. It only takes about 20 minutes to get to the city center. The hotel landscape is dominated by many international chains, which offer their rooms mainly to business customers during the week and tourists – at meager prices – on weekends. Prices start as low as £59 per person per night. There is also a lot to do and see in Croydon. Street art, a perfect restaurant scene, a great shopping street, a boulder climbing center, a skate park, and the largest trampoline center in the UK. Jump for joy; it’s a great place!

Travel in low season

Avoid traveling in May and June when the city is usually very crowded. Instead, travel outside of the high season and watch the prices drop. April and September are great months to visit. And December in London is magical when the whole center is lit with thousands of bright neon lights!

Things to do and see

Now that accommodation is settled, it’s time to start thinking about things to do and see. But, unfortunately, these often hidden costs can turn a cheap family trip to London into a financial nightmare when the credit card bill arrives two weeks later.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With some planning and expert advice, you can avoid skipping Christmas this year. Most importantly, enjoy your family trip to London on a budget.

Museums and galleries

Admission to almost all museums is free. So visiting one of London’s best museums isn’t just a great thing to do on a rainy day.

British Museum: You can easily spend three whole days wandering through the long corridors and different levels of the British Museum. It features thousands of artifacts from ancient Egypt and imperial Britain.

Natural History Museum: Meet T Rex and his pals at this spectacular museum that displays many pieces from all eras of natural history.

Tate Modern: It’s all about modern art at this former power station in Bankside. The gallery is an architectural showpiece and also offers one of the best viewpoints of the Thames.

National Gallery: Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery houses thousands of magnificent old masterpieces by the most famous artists. Picasso, Van Gogh, Turner, you name it!

Wallace Collection: This lesser-known, grand gallery in the West End houses the collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, arms, and armor of the Seymour family who used to live here.

Imperial War Museum: Near Waterloo Station, this museum tells of Britain’s wartime past. It’s very educational, but always exciting and suitable for all ages.

And you want to visit a paid attraction. In that case, one of the best ways to enjoy it on a family trip to London on a budget is to book tickets in advance and outside of peak hours. The earlier you book, the cheaper the tickets.

Hidden Gems

Explore Highgate Cemetery. The cemetery is located in an old wooded area in north London. Many famous people are buried here. The west side has overgrown graves and small paths, creating a unique atmosphere.

Changing of the Guards* is one of the most popular events, but you can also check out Changing of the Keys at the Tower of London* for free. It’s a little-known but great experience.

Enjoy breathtaking views from the London Sky Garden or nearby Garden 120 for free, with some of the city’s tallest skyscrapers offering stunning 360-degree views of London. Be quick, though; tickets for the Sky Garden always sell out quickly online.

Attend a church service at Westminster Abbey. This way, you’ll visit the abbey for free. Check out the services’ times and ensure you get there early.

And, of course, don’t miss out on Harry Potter fans. Check out Platform 9 3/4, Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, and many more famous locations from the fantastic novels. For more on Harry Potter, click here.

Park Life

There are many great green spaces and parks in London. You can go for a walk or a picnic in London’s Hyde Park or Regent’s Park. The sheer size amazes every visitor. But also the less central parks like the beautiful Primrose Hill, the cool London Fields, the great Hampstead Heath, or the Olympic Park in Stratford are worth a visit. And for one of the most beautiful views of London, you should visit Greenwich Park. Your sore feet will love you for a well-deserved break.

Theaters and plays

London is the number one theater country* in the world. Ok, there’s also Broadway in New York, but still. Plenty of musicals plays, and shows guarantee top-notch entertainment. And that usually has its price. But many theaters offer matinees of their shows* in the afternoon, where tickets cost about 50% less! So it’s always worth checking the theater’s website to see when these shows are on. Many musicals* also offer a lottery where you can get cheap tickets at short notice. The same goes for the Official London Theatre* Ticket Booth in Leicester Square.

Beautiful walks

As the saying goes, “These boots are made for walking.” London is all about walking. It’s the best way to see and feel the city. Here are some of our favorite walks in the capital.

London’s Southbank is a hub for street performers and buskers, especially on weekends. So stroll along the river for some great performances – it’s free.

Walk the Regent’s Canal from Camden to Little Venice. It’s a beautiful walk past houseboats, the London Zoo, and the gardens of some impressive London stately homes.

Explore the East. Take a stroll through Olympic Park in Stratford. Head to the creative artists’ district of Hackney Wick, with its many galleries, small cafes, and restaurants. An accurate insider tip is the Crate Brewery, which has the second-best pizza in London! Where you get the best pizza is no secret, this one is at Franco Manca…

Street Art Shoreditch. Do a little research and keep your eyes peeled on a self-guided street art tour of Shoreditch. Top international artists and local newcomers adorn walls and homes throughout Shoreditch with their unique artwork. Also, visit the fantastic graffiti* Leake Street Tunnel near Waterloo—an easy way to enjoy London with the whole family on an inexpensive trip.

London Markets

Compared to Paris or Berlin, London is no longer a place for flea market lovers. But there are still some great markets you can visit. They are suitable for all ages and are a lot of fun.

Portobello Market: – A classic. The best day to visit is Saturday when the various markets are in full swing. You can find everything from antiques to crafts to food and vegetables at Portobello. A vibrant atmosphere in iconic Notting Hill.

Brick Lane: One of London’s most iconic streets is a vibrant mix of curry houses, vintage stores, food stores, and trendy bars. A must-see and on your way to your next free attraction.

Columbia Road Flower Market: In London’s hip Shoreditch neighborhood, it’s all about flowers every Sunday. This small, cobbled Victorian street is packed with vendors and visitors. Watch this spectacle from the comfort of one of the many small cafes.

Camden Market: Unique and quirky, with great food that best describes it. Around the lock and in the converted stables, Camden Market is one of the most famous markets in the world. It is great fun for all ages and opens every day.

Travel like a Londoner

The Tube is a great way to get around a little further. With the Oyster Card, you can ride the Tube, buses, and streetcars relatively cheaply. There’s a child discount for kids between 11 and 15, and kids under 11 ride for free. Be sure to check out a card before you head out, though. Central London is very walkable; you can easily walk from one attraction to another. Sometimes it’s even faster to walk from point A to point B. It’s more fun anyway, and you get to see the city. And who wants to be crammed into a crowded subway car!!!

Take a river cruise*, but swap the tourist steamers for the Thames* Clipper. Be clear of the fact that Uber is their newest sponsor. They are part of the official network and are a great and inexpensive alternative.

With cabs, you should always compare or even talk to the cab drivers beforehand. One of the best ways to enjoy a family trip to London on a budget is not to get ripped off by a shady cab driver. A minicab is just the ticket if you want to travel further or need an airport transfer. But also the ride with an Uber is recommendable. Here it always depends on the price. Sometimes the Black Cabs or Minicabs are even cheaper than Uber. So if you ask your hotel reception, they will surely book you a minicab. Especially with Uber & Minicab, you get a fixed price for the ride. Please note that they must be booked as they cannot pick up passengers from the street.

Eating out on a budget

Another budget buster for many is eating out. If you want to avoid subsisting solely on sandwiches and takeaways during your stay, check out London’s many street markets. The food quality is excellent; you can try local specialties and international cuisine. This is one of the best ways to enjoy a family trip to London on a budget. However, most of these markets are only open until 4 pm/5 pm, so unfortunately, they are not an option for dinner.

Street Food Markets

Prices are usually around £8-£12 per dish. This is good value for money, and they are spread all over the city. We can recommend these markets:

Lower Marsh Market (Mon – Fri), near Waterloo Station and the London Eye.

Brick Lane Food Market (Sun), between Liverpool Street Station and Shoreditch High Street

Maltby Street Market (Sat-Sun), near London Bridge Station

Berwick Street Market (Mon-Sat), in the heart of Soho

Boxpark Shoreditch (Mon-Sat), next to Shoreditch High Street Station

Camden Market (Mon-Sat), inside the Stable Market in Camden Town.

But keep your eyes peeled. There are always plenty of pop-up markets all over London.

I intentionally left out the famous Borough Market* near London Bridge. It’s impressive but also a bit more expensive here and there.

Restaurants

Regarding restaurants in the evening, it’s hard to find cheap places to eat in central London. There is hardly any way around it. Pubs are a good alternative, but many have a strict children’s policy. Even if an adult is present, your kids may not be allowed in at night. It’s best to check with the hotel front desk to find where to eat near your accommodations. If they don’t know, I do. And if with these tips you already.