By Jayne Sarhangian
Living in London, I would love to share tips with families who intend to visit to help their trips go smoothly.
Where to Stay
The Haymarket Hotel in London is our favorite family-friendly choice for accommodations. The pool is brilliant! You really can’t go wrong with any of the locations from the Firmdale Hotels group.
Tips & Advice
Apps and Websites: Download these apps before you leave for your trip! Citymapper helps with getting around the city using public transportation. Use the Bubble App to find a sitter. You can read through bios and pick a pediatric nurse or health professional to ease any worries. Black cab apps like Gett and FREE NOW give you Uber-like quick and easy service (i.e. no cash needed) along with the knowledge of black cab drivers.
Getting Around with Strollers: No need to fold down your stroller in black cabs. It’s legal to just park it in there with the baby still in. However, only two strollers can be on a bus at one time (more if they are folded down but it’s really up to the driver). If a wheelchair user needs to get on, the strollers have to get off (or be folded down). The tube can be tricky with a stroller, but manageable with two adults. The tube app lets you know which stations have step free access, which is surprisingly limited.
Favorite Activities
I love taking the kids to Highbury Fields playground, especially in the summer. Miss Tina, the ice cream lady, has been parked right outside the entrance near Calabria Road for 22 years. On a rare hot day, the splash pad in the playground and an ice cream from Miss Tina cannot be beat! We love the Harry Potter studio tour and also the “Muggle tour” that meets at Borough Market.
Favorite Photographer
If you plan on taking family pictures while in London, Lindsay Silsby of Pied Piper Photography is brilliant!
Favorite Restaurants
For coffee and quick pastries, I recommend Maison d’être (£). For family-friendly options, try Radici (£) and Burger & Lobster (££). My favorite date night options are Dinner by Heston (£££), Westerns Laundry (££), Black Axe Mangal (££), Dinings on Harcourt Street (£££), and Core by Clare Smyth (£££).