Find out our top tips for getting around London and Britain as a family, activities and top attractions, and how to make the most of discounts, savings, and fast track tickets.
Getting around London
What are the different options for travelling around London as a family?By tube
London's metro system (the tube) is a great way to travel around the city, even with young children, as it's so fast. Most of the biggest attractions and most famous parts of London can be found in the centre of the city, in Zone 1 of the transport map. Tube journeys in Zone 1 are very quick, but are often quite crowded, and you may want to avoid the tube at busier times (in the evening and morning rush hour).
By bus
Taking the bus is a great way to see more of London "like a local." You can travel on a bus with a Visitor Oyster card or Travelcard, and every bus has space for at least one pushchair, and priority seating. There are also plenty of sightseeing bus tours, many of which include a helpful audio guide to help you get your bearings in the city.
On foot
As the Zone 1 area is actually not very big, it's surprisingly easy to walk between most of London's major attractions. Walking between certain parts of the city can even be quicker than taking the Tube. A street map of London is an essential to help you plan your way around.
Find out more about getting around London in our beginners' guide.
Do children need their own ticket on public transport in London?
- There are no ‘family tickets’ available on London’s tubes and buses – so every adult and child over 10 needs their own ticket
- Children aged 0-10 travel free as long as they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket (up to four children can travel free with each one adult)
- Children aged 11+ need their own ticket to travel. 11-15 year olds can get a Child Travelcard, which offers reduced prices on buses and tubes. Daily and weekly Child Travelcards are available
- Children aged 16+ pay adult rates on London’s public transport
- Public transport in London is busiest before 9.30am and between 5pm and 7pm. You may want to avoid it within these times and travel at another time instead – especially if you have pushchairs, or lots of bags
- Most tube stations have lifts or escalators, but some may not - step-free stations are marked by a wheelchair sign on the tube map. If you have a pushchair or stroller, are disabled or have very young children see our guide to accessibility for more information about getting around
- You can pick up a tube map for free at any tube station. If you have a pay-as-you-go Oyster card, you can also top up your card at any station using the simple screens
- See more about prices and types of London travel pass
Travel in the rest of Britain
By train- If you’re making multiple journeys by rail and travelling long-distance around Britain, a BritRail Pass can offer great value for money compared to normal ticket prices. BritRail Passes are exclusively available to overseas visitors and must be purchased in advance as they are not available once you’re in the UK
- BritRail Passes must be purchased for each family member over 5 years old - under 5s travel free. Child BritRail passes are around half the cost of adult passes and 'Youth' passes are also available for 16-25 year olds at a reduced price
- A BritRail Consecutive Pass is perfect if you’ve get set days you want to travel, while the BritRail Flexi Pass offers greater flexibility. Passes are available for the South West, the area around London, all of England, all of Scotland, and all of Britain
On-board facilities
Most trains in Britain provide free facilities such as baby changing, snack cars, and toilets in stations and on-board.
Family ideas
Britain is known for its beautiful train journeys and has many restored steam train routes which promise a magical family trip. Discover the real life 'bridge to Hogwarts', the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, or take a breathtaking trip through the moors on the North York Moors Railway.
Rent a car
Renting a car is a particularly convenient option for families, as it allows you the freedom to travel wherever you want in Britain, as well as the privacy and home comforts you need. You can easily find the best rates for hiring a car in London and the UK with our car rental price finder.
Source: visitbritainshop.com
Tags: Family-friendly holiday guide, visitbritain
