Top 5 Best London Tours for Families (2026)
Five family-tested tours and attractions that children of all ages will love, from the magic of Harry Potter to panoramic city views.
Our Top 5 Family Tours
London is one of the most family-friendly cities in the world, but choosing the right tours and attractions makes a huge difference when travelling with children. These five experiences have been picked for their ability to genuinely engage kids while keeping parents entertained too.
1. Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour
1. Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour
The number one family attraction near London, and it lives up to the hype. Children walk through the Great Hall, push a trolley at Platform 9 3/4, try Butterbeer, and see the actual sets, costumes, and props from the films. The studio is entirely self-guided, so families can move at their own pace. There are interactive elements throughout, from flying broomstick green screens to digital wand battles. Return coach transfer from central London is included, taking all the transport stress out of the day.
Duration: 7 hours | Best for: Ages 5+ | From: ~£98 per person
2. London Eye
2. London Eye
Children love the London Eye. The slow, gentle rotation means there are no scary moments, and the enclosed glass capsules feel safe even for very young ones. Kids press their noses against the glass spotting landmarks, and the 30-minute ride is the perfect length for short attention spans. On a clear day, you can see for 40 kilometres. The interactive guides in each capsule help identify what you are looking at. Book fast track tickets to skip the queue, which can be 45 minutes or more during school holidays.
Duration: 30 minutes | Best for: All ages | From: ~£29 per person
3. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
3. Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
The open-top double-decker bus is a London experience in itself, and for families it solves the biggest challenge: tired legs. Children sit on the upper deck with the wind in their hair, spotting landmarks and taking photos. When little legs (or patience) runs out, you can hop off at any stop and take a break before catching the next bus. The audio commentary keeps everyone informed, and the route passes every major attraction. A 24-hour ticket means you can use it as transport all day.
Duration: Flexible (24-hour ticket) | Best for: All ages | From: ~£34 per person
4. SEA LIFE London Aquarium
4. SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Located right next to the London Eye on the South Bank, SEA LIFE London is perfectly positioned for a family day out. Children are mesmerised by the sharks swimming overhead in the glass tunnel, the interactive rock pools where they can touch starfish and crabs, and the penguin enclosure. The aquarium takes about 1.5-2 hours to explore and is entirely indoors, making it a perfect rainy day option. Combine it with the London Eye for a full South Bank family morning.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours | Best for: Ages 3-12 | From: ~£27 per person
5. London Zoo
5. London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo in Regent's Park is the world's oldest scientific zoo and home to over 750 species. Children love the Gorilla Kingdom, the Tiger Territory with its panoramic glass viewing, and the Land of the Lions where Asiatic lions roam through a recreation of an Indian town. The Butterfly Paradise walk-through enclosure is magical for younger children. The zoo also features the Reptile House, famous as a Harry Potter filming location. Allow a full morning or afternoon.
Duration: 3-4 hours | Best for: Ages 2-14 | From: ~£27 per person
Tips for Families in London
Book timed tickets in advance to skip queues, which make a huge difference with restless children. Children under 11 travel free on the Tube, buses, and DLR when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. Pack snacks, as attraction cafe prices are steep. Many of London's best museums are completely free, including the Natural History Museum (dinosaurs), Science Museum (interactive galleries), and V&A Museum of Childhood.
For more family ideas, read our complete families guide or see our family tours page.
Recommended Tours
Harry Potter Studio Tour
Go behind the scenes of Harry Potter with return coach transfer from central London.
London Eye
See London from 135m up with 360-degree panoramic views from the iconic observation wheel.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Explore London's top sights from an open-top bus, hopping on and off at your own pace.
SEA LIFE London
See sharks, penguins, and 600+ species at this popular South Bank aquarium.