London is one of the most iconic cities in the world, but what if your trip doesn’t include an extended stay there? Good news! You can explore London in just one day—even with kids!

If you’re visiting the UK and staying in cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, or any other place within a two-hour train ride, a one-day trip to London is totally doable and absolutely worth it. We recently did it and managed to see some of the city’s most famous landmarks, all while keeping it budget-friendly and fun for the whole family.

Getting to London – Train Tips & Budget Hacks 🚆

Many visitors don’t realize how easy it is to reach London from other UK cities by train. However, train tickets can be very expensive, especially if booked last-minute.

💡 Money-saving tip: We opted for the Family & Friends Railcard, which gave us great discounts on train fares. You can find these deals on The Trainline website, so always check in advance to save money!

We arrived at Euston Station and used the Tube (London Underground) for all our transportation. Kids under 11 travel free, making it the best option for families.

How to See London in One Day – Our Family-Friendly Itinerary

1. Sky Garden – A Must-See (But Book in Advance!) 🌿🌇

Our first stop was Sky Garden, located on the 35th floor of the Walkie Talkie building. It’s a completely free public space with indoor gardens, a café, a bar, and breathtaking views of London’s skyline.

From up there, we saw The Shard, Tower Bridge, the Thames, the London Eye, the Gherkin, and Canary Wharf! It’s a perfect way to start a day in London.

📌 How to Get In:

• Free tickets: You can book an entry ticket up to 3 weeks in advance online. They are free, but they disappear quickly.
• Our experience: Since we didn’t book in time, we got access by booking a meal at one of the restaurants opposite the building. However, this became very pricey—the actual cost ended up being much higher than what we originally expected. The views were totally worth it, but next time, we’ll know better and book a free ticket in advance!

⏰ Best time to visit? Sunset! The view is magical. But keep in mind, no children are allowed after 6 PM.

📌 Bonus: Sky Garden is within walking distance from Tower Bridge, making it an easy first stop.

 

2. Tower of London & Tower Bridge – The Best Photo Spot in London!

A quick walk took us to the Tower of London, where the kids loved imagining kings, queens, and knights. Right next to it is Tower Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in the world.

📌 Photo Tip: Tower Bridge is the most iconic photo spot in London! Whether you’re standing on the bridge itself, capturing it from the riverside, or walking across it, you’ll get incredible pictures of this historic landmark. It’s the ultimate postcard-perfect London view!

📌 Quick Visit Tip: If you’re short on time, just walking across Tower Bridge is enough to experience its beauty!

3. Natural History Museum – A Family Favorite 🐳

A must-visit for families! This museum is not just fun but also completely free!

✅ The Blue Whale Skeleton – The first thing we saw was the giant blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling in Hintze Hall. It was absolutely breathtaking.

✅ The Dinosaur Gallery – One of the kids’ favorite sections! They were amazed by the life-size T. rex and Triceratops skeletons, and the animated model of a moving T. rex felt so real!
✅ The Mammal Section – We explored this section, which had lifelike models of elephants, giraffes, and even a giant polar bear. The variety of animal species on display was incredible.
✅ The Darwin Wing – A fascinating section focused on evolution and Charles Darwin’s discoveries. It had interactive exhibits, fossils, and some rare specimens that helped explain how life has evolved over millions of years.

📌 Tip: Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially on weekends!

4. Trafalgar Square – Best at Night!

We made a stop at Trafalgar Square, where the kids climbed the famous lion statues and watched street performances.

📌 Night-time Tip: Trafalgar Square is even better at night when the fountain lights are more intense. It was a must for us because we had previously visited the actual battle site in Spain!

5. A Stroll Along the River Thames

Before heading back, we walked along the Thames, admiring the London Eye, Big Ben, and Westminster. Even without going inside, just seeing these landmarks was amazing!

Would We Do It Again? Absolutely! ❤️

Even with just 8 hours in London, we managed to see so much and create unforgettable memories. If you’re visiting the UK and staying in Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, or any other nearby city, a one-day London adventure is 100% worth it!

Final Budget Tips:

✅ Book train tickets early & check The Trainline for discounts 🎟️
✅ Use the Family & Friends Railcard for extra savings 💰
✅ Take the Tube—kids travel free! 🚇
✅ Visit free attractions like museums & Sky Garden 🏛️ (but book in advance!)
✅ Pack snacks & water to save money 🍎💧

📌 Have you ever done a quick city trip? Share your favorite one-day travel adventures in the comments!

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