Planning your London travel itinerary? Here’s our guide to the latest and greatest family-friendly things to do in London – from afternoon tea at The Shard to a Thames river cruise, Lift 109 experience and bus tour with all the trimmings. And, after a day of exploring, there’s no better place to unwind than at a stylish London hotel with a rooftop pool and never-before-seen views!
5 family-friendly activities for your London travel itinerary
#1 Classic Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Bus Tour by Brigit’s Bakery
After a busy morning ticking off attractions, hopping aboard a 1960s Routemaster bus for a spot of seated sightseeing sans crowds was just the ticket. Not only that, but we’d get to sip on Earl Grey and nibble on cucumber finger sandwiches while travelling past iconic landmarks such as Nelson’s Column, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
We took our seats for the 90-minute afternoon tea bus tour on the lower-level of the refitted double-decker. A gorgeous spread from French patisserie Brigit’s Bakery Covent Garden was laid out before us. Highlights included mini cakes and pastries to savoury muffins and quiche. The children tested their limits of bottomless hot chocolate, and a basket of freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream was added to our table as we wound our way past Hyde Park.
This is an incredibly fun and scenic ride for all ages. The conductors also provide interesting facts and stories about London’s famous landmarks. (A night in The Lanesborough’s Royal Suite costs how much!?)
#2 The Horrible Histories Terrible Thames Cruise in London
London has world-class museums. However, learning the murky facts about its famous river aboard a luxury sightseeing cruiser is a fabulous way to make history stick.
Our London Thames river cruise departed from Tower Bridge Quay. We sailed past some legendary locations, such as the Tower of London and Houses of Parliament. Along the way, energetic hosts brought the beloved Horrible Histories children’s history book series to life. We heard stories of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar and Jack the Ripper. All with the nasty bits left in for good measure!
The London Thames river cruise is a joint venture from award-winning theatre producers Birmingham Stage Company and Woods’ Silver Fleet, a family-run company of Thames Watermen since 1866, and the performance is suitably slick. We could almost feel the chill of the infamous Execution Dock from our seats!
#3 Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station
London’s restored Battersea Power Station is home to the city’s newest attraction – a circular glass elevator taking visitors 109 metres to the top of the Grade II-listed building.
From the 1930s to 1980s, the station was an important power source for the capital. It provided up to a fifth of London’s electricity. Decommissioned 40 years ago, it sat derelict for decades, but has now been transformed into a lifestyle hub. You’ll find well-heeled retail stores, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues.
The Lift 109 experience offers a glimpse into what the power station must have been like in its heyday. Starting in the Art Deco Turbine Hall A, with its magnificent architecture, we took our time mulling over the original records and multimedia displays. There’s no tedium for youngsters here, with history coming alive through touch screens, an immersive room and plenty of buttons to press.
We then boarded the lift as it ascended to the top of the northwest chimney. There, we were met with spectacular 360-degree views of the River Thames and London skyline. (We could even see the rooftop pool at Art’otel where we’d just been practicing our breaststroke.) Photo ops aplenty!
#4 The Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
“Would you like an adventure now, or would like to have your tea first?” Or so goes the famous Peter Pan quote. Thankfully, this magic afternoon tea on Level 31 of London’s iconic skyscraper means you don’t have to choose just one. The building itself is inspired by the masts of sailing ships, and so the Neverland theme, drawn from JM Barrie’s classic tale, unfolds.
The triple-height atrium, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the skyline, is an impressive setting for this quintessential British afternoon tea in London. We were shown to our table and promptly served pots of Darling Tea and a selection of finger sandwiches wrapped in paper listing the four “Lost Boy Rules”.
Next, a custom-made tea stand, designed to resemble Captain Hook’s pirate ship, was delivered. It billowed with clouds of dry ice from its hull. This ship was decked out with innovative treats – including Tinkerbell cookies sprinkled with gold fairy dust – and followed by warm scones hidden within a special treasure chest.
While the adventure is magical, the atmosphere at this afternoon tea in London is sophisticated. In all, it’s an enchanting day out for both children and grown-ups. A must for any London travel itinerary!
aquashard.co.uk/peter-pan-afternoon-tea
#5 Arcade Food Hall and Bar at Battersea Power Station
This trendy food hall and bar is tapping into the energy of this buzzing riverside neighbourhood. Set just beside Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar in Turbine Hall A, the drinking and dining destination works on a direct-to-table ordering system, so there’s no queueing. Great for weary legs!
Reclaimed details from the original power station, from the light fittings to the oak timber flooring, give the open-plan space warmth and character. There’s also seating for over 500 people! Perched on one of the communal tables, we eyed the menu on our phones while the children clubbed a few snooker balls.
We kicked off with fancy lemonades from the London Essence Co. for the youngsters, and Aperol spritzes for the bill-payers. We also added a serve of guacamole and chips to tide us over. Cult brand Manna’s US-style smash burgers were a big hit, and when the children disappeared to watch the chefs prepare meals in the open kitchens, we lingered over glasses of Malbec, sharing tacos from Mexa and momos from Nepali street food brand Tipan Tapan.
This is a place where everyone leaves feeling good. (And that’s not just because of the dark chocolate Italian gelato from Lecami…). The service is slick, the atmosphere relaxed and the variety of new and emerging brands meant we didn’t once have to say “you get what you get and you don’t get upset”!
We review a luxurious London hotel with pool
For years, I’d trundled past Battersea Power Station on the overland train for my daily commute. Originally built in the 1930s, it’s a striking building. But it wasn’t one of particular significance to a 20-something with a busy Blackberry calendar. Yet there I was, a few decades later, in this newly redeveloped enclave, unbundling my children from a taxi into the dreamlike lobby of Art’otel London Battersea Power Station.
The contemporary London hotel with a pool opened its doors in 2023. It’s the brand’s first foray into the UK’s hospitality scene. The art-focused hotels have a common strand, each being inspired by a signature artist. For London’s newest digs, this is Spanish artist-designer Jaime Hayon. Lauded as one of the world’s most creative icons by Time magazine, Jaime’s original artworks are dotted throughout the hotel.
Of course, you don’t need to know your surreal cubism from contemporary expressionism to appreciate this hotel – though, if you’d like to find out about the art and design, you can request a guided tour during your stay, or simply download the Art’otel Wonderpass to explore each piece of art.
Interior style
Jaime is also the hotel’s interior designer, and his use of bold and colourful touches are evident throughout – from timeless brass lifts to deep green corridors and bold pastels in the guest rooms. Ours, on Level 7, was a masterclass in playful luxury, with floor-to-ceiling windows, high-quality linen, a retro coffee machine and a Roberts radio for that touch of British nostalgia.
As is always the case, it’s the little things that matter, and the Kevin.Murphy amenities, Good & Proper tea, and the cheeky chocolate brownies delivered for afternoon tea didn’t go unnoticed.
Pool and views
We dropped our bags in our hotel room, changed into our swimsuits and made straight for the heated infinity pool and hot tub with jaw-dropping views of London and beyond. Located on the 16th floor, it’s the ultimate hang-out spot.
For brekkie we headed downstairs to signature Italian restaurant TOZI Grand Café. A mobile-like chandelier, custom-made tapestries suspended from the ceiling and a statement serving counter give it an eclectic feel. We tucked into various breakfast favourites, from boiled eggs and soldiers to woodland mushrooms on toast, washed down with flat whites and pressed juices.
In the neighbourhood
The Prospect Park playground across the road is great for families with young kids, and there’s a Tasha’s a stone’s throw beyond that for a quick coffee.
Our one-night stay didn’t allow us to try the spa or the rooftop restaurant JOIA by Michelin starred Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa – but that just means we have to add it to our next London travel itinerary!
Want to book a room at this London hotel with a pool? Rooms at Art’otel London Battersea Power Station start from £300 per night.
1 Electric Boulevard, London, SW11 8BJ
artotellondonbattersea.com
This article first appeared in the July 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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