London Travel Tips

These London travel tips are for those who have made the exciting decision to take the kids to London but who are looking for a bit of extra information.

If you have any other useful London travel tips please share them here!

Getting Around

1. Tube

Very few of the London Underground Tube stops have lifts. - there are mostly long escalators. If possible, avoid taking buggies on the underground. Papooses can be handy.

2. Buses

London Bus Drivers are notoriously unhelpful and sometimes they will not allow buggies on crowded buses and they have been known to drive off without waiting for you to fold it!

3. Taxis

For Safety reasons it is always advisable to take a Black Cab because they are licensed. Most mini-cab companies, although cheaper, are unlicensed. One exception is Addison Lee which is very reputable but busy, so book in advance.

4. Foot

London is a large city but it is a great place to walk around. It is very flat and there are fairly wide pavements everywhere. If you do choose to walk, you might be surprised how close some of the better known places are eg Covent Garden, Leicester Square (pronounced Lester Square), and Trafalgar Square.

Safety

1. Appearance

Try your best not to look like a tourist. Backpacks, shorts, trainers with white socks and large cameras are a dead giveaway.

2. Plan Your Route in Advance

If possible, avoid opening a map on a street corner and staring at it for ages. You will be better off planning your journey and asking if you get lost. If you do

3. Stay Close

London is an extremely busy city and it is easy for children to become lost. Keep your eye on excitable young children and stick together as a family.

4. Pick Pockets

Most of the major tourist attractions, such as Harrods, will be hunting grounds for pick pockets. The best way to avoid losing your wallet is to have a shoulder bag with a zip. Carry it trapped under your arm as much as possible. If you do stop in a restaurant, put your foot through the handles so no one can take it without you noticing.

Supplies

1. Nappies/Diapers, medicines etc

The largest chain of chemists is called Boots. Wherever you are staying you will find one near you. They will have everything you need from Calpol (liquid paracetemol for kids) to Baby Wipes.

2. Food

It can be costly buying sandwiches and drinks at cafes so you might choose to buy your food in advance. The largest supermarkets are Sainsburys and Tescos. The larger superstores are based slightly outside the centre and have car parking. However, if you do not have a car you will find mini supermarkets like Tesco Express on Oxford Street and the like.

London Culture

Generally you will find that people do not speak to each other on public transport and avoid eye contact. If Londoners are travelling together they talk quietly and frown on anyone who does otherwise.

2. Quick Walking

Everyone walks extremely quickly and they are usually in a rush to get wherever they are going, so people might seem aggressive.

3. Willing to Help

Whilst people may not seem very friendly, if you need any help you will usually find people are more than willing to point you in the right direction.

Hopefully these London travel tips will help you to feel more confident whilst travelling around the city with kids.

Enjoy your trip!

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