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August 03, 2026
Discover the best family attractions in London this summer, from SEA LIFE and London Zoo to free museums, West End shows and hands-on adventures.
London is filled with attractions that captivate children and provide the whole family with unforgettable experiences. Summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to discover these attractions. London offers experiences for children of every age, from interactive museums to hands-on adventures, the city is the place to explore in the summer holidays.
1. Family-Friendly Attractions
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Home to over 500 species, SEA LIFE London Aquarium brings everyone face-to-face with marine life from all over the world. Children can watch sharks pass above their heads through the Ocean Tunnel, meet a colony of Gentoo Penguins, and get hands-on in the rockpool.
Located on the South Bank just beside the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium is just a 10-minute walk from Waterloo Station and only 20 minutes on the bus from The Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid Hospitality.
The London Eye
There aren’t many attractions in the city which introduce London quite like a trip up the London Eye. A gentle and relaxing 30-minute rotation reveals the panoramic views across the city, with iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace all visible from the pod.
For children, spotting famous landmarks from above becomes part of the experience while parents can relax and enjoy seeing London’s skyline from a new perspective. Morning or evening visits often provide a calmer environment and less busy queues to allow more time for sightseeing and activities.
Travelling by bus, the London Eye is only 20 minutes away from The Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid Hospitality.
London Zoo
Set within Regent’s Park, London Zoo allows families to discover over 8,000 animals from all over the globe. From tiny leafcutter ants and African bullfrogs to giant silverback gorillas and crocodiles, London Zoo has something to impress every child, as well as adult. Every visit introduces something new from fascinating reptiles to tropical habitats.
Children can learn about conservation through daily animal talks and feeding sessions, and large outdoor play area with a new immersive role-play experience, Zoo Town, allowing children to play and explore at their own pace.
London Zoo is approximately a 20-minute tube ride and 10-minute bus ride away from Tower Suites by Blue Orchid Hospitality, making it an easy addition to a family day out.
Hamleys
A trip to Hamleys is as much an attraction as it is a toy store. Spread out across seven floors on Regent Street, each floor holds interactive demonstrations, activities and games that capture children’s attention from the moment you step into the store.
From live toy demonstrations to hands-on experiences, this major attraction adds a memorable addition to a family day in London. By jumping on the Victoria line, The Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid Hospitality is just a short walk and a 5-minute tube ride to Hamleys making it convenient for a last stop on a busy day before heading to wind down at the hotel.
2. Theatre and Live Entertainment
An afternoon or evening in London’s West End offers families the chance to experience some of the world’s most loved theatre. With colourful sets and songs to get the whole family singing, seeing a West End production will be a highlight of any summer holiday.
Guests who book directly with Blue Orchid Hospitality can enjoy 10% off selected West End theatre tickets, making it even easier to include an unforgettable show as a part of a family day out. For those looking for the closet Blue Orchid Hospitality hotel to the West End, The Wellington Hotel can be reached in around 20 minutes by public transport, while Tower Suites can be reached directly on the district line.
Disney’s The Lion King continues to captivate audiences with its unforgettable setting and family-loved soundtrack, whilst Matilda the Musical, inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic novel, combines outstanding young performers and humor to create a night of entertainment for the whole family.
3. Explore London’s Free Museums
London is home to some of the most famous museums in the world, and many of them can be enjoyed free of charge.
The National History Museum remains a family favourite destination when visiting London. Children can stand below the ginormous blue whale skeleton, explore different species of dinosaurs and even learn about volcanoes and earthquakes.
Interactive displays are placed throughout the museum to encourage children’s curiosity, allowing them to learn hands on.
Just a 10-minute walk away (and only 20 minutes from The Wellington hotel) The Science Museum offers another engaging activity for families. With award-winning exhibitions and interactive galleries exploring everything from space to technology. Families looking for an even more immersive experience can also visit Wonderlab, where live science demonstrations and interactive experiments introduce scientific concepts through play.
4. Hands-On Activities
Babylon Park is London’s first ever underground theme park and indoor roller coaster. Families can enjoy activities such as bumper cards, roller coasters, VR experiences and arcade games. Located just a few minutes away from Camden Town station, Babylon Park allows for families to create memories and continue the exploration of the city, regardless of the weather. It is suitable for families with children for all ages, allowing the older children to go on the electrifying roller coaster, and younger children to enjoy the time in the soft play.
Babylon Park is approximately a 15-minute underground journey from Tower Residences by Blue Orchid Hospitality via the Northen line, making it an easy addition to a family day exploring central London.
Located close to the London Eye, Shrek’s Adventure! London is a go-to experience for kids who are fans of the Shrek films, as well as other DreamWorks movies. It combines live actors and shows, immersive storytelling and interactive sets. Families can meet iconic movie characters such as Shrek, Fiona and even characters from other films such as Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon.
Whether you choose to walk for 25 minutes or take a bus for 10 minutes, the Wellington Hotel by Blue Orchid Hospitality is right around the corner.
Enjoy a Family Stay with Blue Orchid
After a day spent exploring and discovering London’s best attractions for families, returning to a comfortable hotel provides the opportunity to relax before another day of adventures and prevents the late-night travel home. Blue Orchid Hospitality’s hotels offer central London locations with amazing transport connections, making it simple to explore attractions across the city with a comfortable base.
Whether visiting landmarks, interactive museums, or enjoying a show at the West End, a family stay at a Blue Orchid Hospitality hotel places memorable experiences within easy reach.
Book direct with Blue Orchid Hospitality for the best available rates.
FAQs
What are the best things to do in London with children during the summer holidays?
There is so much to do in London. Families can enjoy iconic attractions such as SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Zoo and the London Eye, alongside interactive experiences such as Babylon Park.
What indoor activities are there for children in London?
Families can enjoy museums such as the Science Museum or the National History Museum, SEA LIFE, Babylon Park, Hamleys and many more activities for children when the weather doesn’t go your way.
Where should families stay when visiting London in the summer holidays?
Choosing a centrally located hotel allows families to spend more time exploring London’s attractions and less time wasted travelling. Blue Orchid Hospitality hotels provide convenient access to multiple popular destinations across the city, making it the perfect base for a visit into the capital with the family.
Which Blue Orchid Hospitality hotel is closest to the London Eye and South Bank attractions?
The Wellington Hotel is the closest option, around 20 minutes by public transport from the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium and Shrek's Adventure! London.
Do Blue Orchid Hospitality hotels offer family rooms or extra space for larger groups?
Rooms accommodating up to four guests are available, ideal for families wanting extra space or a kitchen to prepare meals during their stay. Tower Suites and Tower Residences both offer this option. Cots and high chairs can be added to any room on request, and infants up to age three stay free in a cot.
Is breakfast included for families staying at Blue Orchid Hospitality hotels?
Breakfast is not included as standard but can be added by booking a room with breakfast included, or by choosing the family package. The family package includes: