what to do in london?

[crisgal]

i have a few hours in london on tuesday afternoon, with my 10 year old daughter. I don't want to be wandering around deciding what to do on the day, as that will waste time.
Could anyone recommend something?
(we are already booked to go to Buckingham Palace the next day)

[MarkRae]

Take her to the zoo.

[Amber-Rose]

Madam Tausadds (excuse the spelling..) Hamleys toy shop

[crisgal]

is the zoo central or easy to get to? Would a few hours be enough?

[rickoshea]

How about the London Dungeon bit scary but kids love to be scared
The tower of course
A tour bus is always a good way to see more than you would on foot
But whatever you choose enjoy your day and hello to the old smoke from me Regards Rick

[MarkRae]

The zoo's at Regent's Park. A few hours would be fine...

[roslyn251254]

Science museum is great and free!

[Calibax]

Depends on her interests.
London Eye
Aquarium
Science Museum
Natural History Museum
Tower of London
Saint Pauls
National Gallery
Tate Britain
Tate Modern...

[Prudie]

So is the Natural History Musem. She might like the Aquarium which is very central (although it disappointed me last year).

[crisgal]

we went to the science museum a few years ago, although she doesn't remember much. Would we get a tube to the zoo or a bus? How do you know a sightseeing bus will be a good one?

[emmie]

is there anything she really likes, as she may not be into museums,
take a tour bus around, they go to all the major sites, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace etc, or you could go up in the London Eye, Southbank, and if you get a good, clear day some spectacular views. It might be a bit of a wait, as its always busy, but worth a go.

[MarkRae]

http://www.zsl.org/zs...o-find-us,125,AR.html

[crisgal]

she likes museums particularly anything historical and also loves animals and shopping! we are going to se billy elliot in the evening so nee to get back to the hotel and change. I don't want to venture too far!

[VHG]

Why not take her to some of the sights that are free but still interesting.

Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, Picadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Tower of London (grounds) etc.

Covent Garden is an amazing place as their always something going on (street entertainers), and all free.

Or the Monument where the Great fire on London started.

[Buenchico]

Sightseeing buses are boring for 10-year-olds. They're also expensive.

A short river trip might be a better (and far cheaper) idea. Don't use the expensive tour boats; just use the normal river bus service. (A crew member usually acts a free tour guide anyway although, of course, you'll be pressed for a tip at the end of the journey). Tower Pier to the London Eye Pier is only a quick trip but it takes in loads of sights:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/modalpages/15544.aspx

Most kids won't recognise many of the people portrayed in Madame Tussaud's. (It's also ridiculously expensive).

As has been said, the best museum for youngsters is undoubtedly the Science Museum but the Natural History Museum also has a great deal to offer (especially the roaring dinosaur!). If you're selective about what you choose to see, the V&A also has some exhibits which might be of interest (particularly in relation to the history of fashion).

Covent Garden will be packed with lots of free street entertainers. It's a very 'family friendly' area.

Chris

[boxtops]

She's 10 - won't she want to shop?!

[VHG]

A search in Google for "London with Children" or Kids London" gets quite a few sites.

http://www.timeout.com/london/kids/

http://golondon.about.../London_with_Kids.htm

If you only have a few hours no point in paying out loads of money for the zoo (or anything else) when there are so many free things.

If the weather is bad the British Museum may be interesting for her, or any of the museums in South Ken (already mentioned).

If she is in to Harry Potter take her to platform 9 and 3/4 at Kings Cross.

There are other "Potter" themed things to se in London as well (where some of the films were shot)

http://www.the-magician.co.uk/

[crisgal]

hi chris - I was hoping you were around!
Everyone's been so helpful, thank you.
i think it will probably be covent garden for lunch then the natural history musuem. Thanks again x
(love the zoo idea and the dungeon, but I think I'll take her next time, when her brother will be with us.)

[DTCwordfan]

Oxford St and if you want something a bit more upmarket for her, there is Monsoon's there and others.

Then you have Bond Street and S Moulton St (the latter being more nice smaller boutiques). All around Bond St tube and plenty of buses......

[emmie]

small word of warning, much of Leicester square is under reconstruction for want of a better word, to do with next years olympics, as noticed someone mentioned it. All the restaurants, cafe's are still open though, covent garden for open air entertainment, jugglers, singers, etc.
River trip if you have time, most definitely, goes from westminster pier, embankment, or waterloo, all run river craft. As been said the tourist ones can be quite expensive, so ordinary river bus would do.

[Buenchico]

Covent Garden for lunch? It's got to be Bistro 1 on Southampton Street! A two course lunch costs £6.90. Three courses cost £7.90. (OK, there's a 12½% service charge added on, but it's still great value!).

Menu here:
http://bistro1.co.uk/...t-bistro1-restaurant/
(The 'Chef's Specials' cost a pound or two extra)

Map here:
http://bistro1.co.uk/...urants/covent-garden/