Jolly old England once conjured up images of stuffy old men smoking pipes in their armchairs, in a dingy pub rife with dank air and lousy food. Well, rest assured that jolly new England is a family-friendly mecca with ancient cities that seamlessly offer up the best of old and new, fields and farms to roam and discover, castles to conquer, excellent gastropub cuisine, museums to treasure and, yes, lots of Harry Potter sites for your favorite Muggles to enjoy.
The 11th-century Alnwick Castle in Northumberland was used for the exterior shots of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Photo by Visit Britain
What makes England such a wonderful international destination with kids? The language is familiar, the public transportation is very well organized, it’s family-friendly and it is a manageable size. You’ll be spoiled for choice as you design your own holiday here — your biggest challenge may be narrowing down all the excellent possibilities on offer.
We’ve been helping families craft unique and personal itineraries throughout the UK for nearly 15 years. Here are the top 52 tips for visiting England we’ve gathered along the way:
A pretty thatched cottage in the Cotswolds market town of Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire. Photo by Visit Britain/James Kerr
Top Things to Know Before Visiting England with Kids
Where to Go
> If you are staying in England for just a week, limit your itinerary to London, perhaps with a day trip to an easily reachable area like Oxford, Bath or Brighton. For longer stays, you have time to explore farther afield and spend a couple of days in York, the Cotswolds, the Lakes District or Devon, all favorites for families.
> With 10 days, you can easily take a 1-hour flight from London to Edinburgh and experience the eclectic beauty of the ancient city and surrounding countryside. (To see much more of Scotland you’ll need at least an extra week. The same goes for Wales.)
Need help planning a family vacation to England?
Our CB! Family Vacation Advisors can book vetted accommodations, arrange private tours and guides, recommend the best kid-friendly activities and more. Click to send us a request! >
> Little history buffs will love York, which has seen its fair share of momentous events. From the Vikings and medieval shopping streets to Gothic cathedrals and the remnants of William the Conqueror’s castle, York’s story covers thousands of years. To ensure your family sees all that the city has to offer, we recommend the York Pass.
> The Cotswolds region is known for its picturesque homes and lovely landscape, which is why it has been protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This is where you’ll find those iconic views of the British countryside, like a painting come to life. Here is our insider guide for making the most of the area with kids.
> In Bath, the family-friendly Roman Baths feature costumed characters who roam the site most days from 10a to 5p. Kids’ narrated audioguides are included free with admission.
> No trip to England is complete without visiting at least one of its legendary castles, though some are better than others when it comes to holding kids’ interest. Our top picks offer plenty to keep the younger set engaged.
Kids will be intrigued by the Roman Baths for which the town of Bath is named. Photo by Visit Britain/Bath & North East Somerset Council
Exploring London
> London is awash in wonderful museums, but not all are geared toward families. Get our shortlist of the best kid-friendly museums as you plan your time.
> Buckingham Palace is only open to the public a few short weeks of the year. Read our tips and tricks for visiting so that your little prince or princess won’t be disappointed.
> Kensington Palace currently plays host to two real live princes and their families. Its scale and location in Kensington Park make it an ideal stop. Enjoy the palace, have a spot of tea in the café or the Orangery, and then let the kids romp around the park. You can even rent bikes.
> Consider purchasing a membership to the Historic Royal Palaces. This not only covers Kensington Palace, but it also includes that perennial favorite, the Tower of London. You’ll save your family a lot of money and help to preserve England’s history.
Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in London’s Kensington Gardens — and home to Princes William and Harry and their families. Photo by Visit Britain/Historic Royal Palaces
> The Shoreditch area of London is a great place to explore with teens. It’s home to an incredible array of some of the world’s best street art, created by artists from around the globe. Teens also love Camden Town, which has a lot of cool shops and covered markets. The food courts offer freshly prepared, cheap and cheerful fare from all over the world.
> Take smaller kids to check out the pelicans at St. James’ Park. Tucked just behind Buckingham Palace, this park has hosted the birds for more than 400 years.
> For kids 10 and up, the Churchill War Rooms at London’s Imperial War Museum offer the opportunity to see firsthand where Churchill and his cabinet worked and lived during World War II (and what they did to win).
> The city’s plentiful parks are perfect for kids to burn off energy. We love Richmond Park — more than 500 years old, it’s home to many ancient trees and stocked with both red and fallow deer. It offers room to roam and sweeping views of London and the Surrey countryside. There is also a lodge with a café.
> London is well positioned for any number of wonderful day trips. Here’s where to go if you want to get out of the city.
The neighborhood of Greenwich (including Greenwich Park) is one of our favorite areas outside Central London for families to stay. Photo by Visit Greenwich
Accommodations
> London is inarguably one of the most expensive cities in the world. As a traveler, one of the places that you will most feel this is when it comes time to pay your friendly innkeeper. Book accommodations as early as possible for the best deals, and consider a rental apartment instead of a traditional hotel, which has the twin benefits of affordability and more space to spread out. Our CB! Family Vacation Advisors maintain a list of vetted rental agencies specializing in apartments suited to kids.
> Many of London’s outlying neighborhoods have charm and history to spare and are an easy Tube ride from the major sights. You can save money and enjoy a more local experience by basing in an area such as Hampstead or Greenwich instead of the city’s core.
> London is quite spread out, so there’s no “best” area to stay. Just aim for a property that’s reasonably convenient to the things you want to see and do and meets your pricing and space requirements.
> Do you have one or more family members who are just potty for Harry Potter? The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel will fulfill Harry-lovers’ dreams while offering all the amenities and comforts you need. Then hit the road and take your fans to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour — The Making of Harry Potter.
> Many countryside accommodations are wonderful because of their individuality. But that one-off, quirky former estate may be far from public transportation and not child-safe or family-friendly. That’s where CB! shines — we offer our clients unique, tried-and-true options that exude character yet welcome parents and kids.
> In the past, accommodations in England were not known for their kids’ clubs. Luckily, that has all changed, and there are now some great choices.
The Tube makes getting around London and its outskirts a snap. Photo by Visit Britain/Kiyoshi Sakasai
Getting Around
> The British rail system consists of several privately owned companies. The lines crisscross the country, and they are a great way to explore. Buy your train tickets in advance, especially during peak times; research and plot ahead via the National Rail site.
> The London public transport system, managed by Transport for London, is the best and most convenient way to get around the city.
> Buy an Oyster Card (TFL’s official way to pay) at any Tube station or place that sells cards, and top it up with at least £10. The card is good for the Tube, buses and some boats.
> Stand on the right on all escalators going into and out of Tube stations — trust us!
> There are so many airports in England, especially in the London area, that England makes a great jumping-off point for exploring other European countries.
> When you take a cab, it’s customary to tip about 10 percent on your fare or round up to the next pound.
Black cabs are an expensive but iconic way to get around London. Photo by Visit Britain/Kiyoshi Sakasai
> Driving on the other side of the road does take a bit of getting used to, but it’s not as bad as people think. As the driver, you always want to be on the side of the car closest to the middle of the road (i.e., always have your right shoulder at the yellow line going down the street).
> Keep repeating this mantra to yourself: “Stay left.” You might even enlist your kids’ help — before you come to a junction or a roundabout, make a game out of having them shout the phrase out.
> When renting (hiring) a car in England, be sure to ask for an automatic transmission; standard transmissions are very common in the UK. The gearbox and pedals are on the opposite side of what you might be used to, and it really does take time to get the hang of it — not recommended when you are trying to enjoy your holiday with family.
> Gas is called petrol and it is sold by the liter, which is much less than a gallon. Petrol is more expensive in the UK than in the US.
> Some cars run on diesel; be very vigilant that you are fueling up with the correct petrol at the pumps. The stations attached to supermarket chains tend to have the best prices. Gas costs less in the country than in the cities.
Fish and chips — the quintessential English combo. Photo by Visit Britain
Food & Drink
> Gone are the days when England was known for its lackluster fare. The country has undergone a culinary revolution of sorts and many chefs, farmers and dairy and animal farms are working together to bring diners the “Best of Britain.” This commitment to quality stretches from the hallowed halls of London’s grand hotels to the excellent pubs dotted around the country.
> French fries are called chips; potato chips are crisps. Cookies are biscuits and pudding is the general term for dessert.
> The Brits put butter instead of mayo on most sandwiches (yes, really).
> While British restaurants selling food must provide you with water, they can and sometimes do charge you for the glass.
> In smaller restaurants, there is a carryout price and a higher stay-in price.
> Pubs are as much a symbol of England as red double-decker buses and the Union Jack. In most pubs, you order your food and drink at the bar; don’t be surprised if no one comes by your table to take your order. When you do go to the bar be sure to queue in the line.
> Many London pubs are now gastropubs, and things have changed since the days when the pub was good for a pint but a letdown for food. Now you are likely to find great local craft beers to go along with your farm-to-table handcrafted meal.
> Brits love their fish and chips. You’ll find shops lovingly known as “chippies” specializing in the fare on lots of streets and many villages around the country — they offer up a fun and fast meal.
London’s Borough Market is a renowned spot for fresh produce, breads, cheeses, seafood and more. Photo by Visit Britain/Craig Easton
> Nando’s is a cultural phenomenon throughout Britain. This Portuguese-meets-South African restaurant chain makes a delicious peri-peri chicken, and they have great chips. Everyone from Dukes to the down-and-out loves a Cheeky Nando’s, which refers both to the spiciness of the optional sauces and the festive feeling elicited by a visit to Nando’s with one’s mates.
> London food markets make for a fantastic family outing. Depending on the day, head to Camden, Brick Lane, Spitalfields and Borough Market. The choices and freshness are amazing.
> Few things are more quintessentially British than tea time. Fortum and Mason is one of our top picks; tea times are wonderful and they are adept at hosting every age group. Pinkies up!
> The top four supermarkets, from low to high in pricing, are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer and Waitrose. Most locations offer great sandwiches to go.
Be prepared for England’s famous rainy weather, but with luck you’ll enjoy some sunny days like this one in Port Isaac, Cornwall. Photo by Adam Gibbard/Visit Cornwall
Miscellaneous Tips
> Diapers are called nappies in England; strollers are pushchairs. A crib is called a cot.
> If you need a pharmacy, it’s called a chemist. The ER is called the A&E and the standard of care is excellent.
> Except for a razor plug, there are no electric outlets in British bathrooms. It’s the law.
> Brits take queuing in line very seriously — break this rule at your own risk.
> England gets crowded in the summer. You’ll need to book accommodations and tickets early or prepare to be disappointed.
> Expect three seasons of weather in a single day. Wear layers.
> In many places, there is still one tap for hot water and one tap for cold water (you have been warned).
> Use your manners. Not only would your mom be proud, but it’s how things are done here. Please, say please and thank you!
Relevant Links:
Browse all family-friendly destinations and activities in England on Ciao Bambino
The best castles in England to visit with kids
The best hotel kids’ clubs and activities in the UK
10 inviting UK winter getaways with kids
10 insider things to do in London with kids
5 fantastic neighborhoods for a family vacation in London
Discover the New Forest in southern England
Holidays with kids in the Cotswolds
Travel back in time in historic York, England with kids
The original content (article & images) is owned by Jen Donati. Visit the site here for other interesting stories.
Love to see more amazing travel stories like this one.
ReplyDeletecompare airport parking