Do try to go to at least one play in London. There are so many options, and it's a wonderful experience for the whole family. Playgoing in the evening leaves the day for sightseeing. And the Tube is safe at night.

I can't help you with a choice of show, but, maybe closer to the date, others can suggest possibilities.

LMGSONIC: But you were traveling w/ a 6 yo. Huge (massive) difference between that and the OP's teen/tween children.

There is just so much fun stuff to do in the evenings in London. Sure, the family will likely want to be in and relaxing early a night or two. Heavy duty sightseeing can be exhausting. But w/ daylight until nearly 11PM and all of London on their doorstep you can be they will be out and about at least some evenings. Even if it is just to go to the theatre.

>> . . . you can be they will be out and about . . . <<

Should say >> . . . you can be<B>t</B> they will be out and about . . . <<

I will definitely look at some theater as the date gets closer. Otherwise, my kids need sleep--lots of sleep. So do I. But DH is a night person so we will see.

Hi StantonHyde, as it seems that this forum is going to close and move somewhere else, I though I'd give you some tips on the Notting Hill neigborhood now that I can still find this post.

There are so many great places to buy food, if you want to eat in.
There's a (almost) daily food market on Portobello Road - near the Electric Cinema
Food stores on Westbourne Grove; Daylesford Organic (pricey but nice), Carluccio do take-away food. Tavola is an Italian deli towards Chepstow Place.
There's a farmers market on Saturdays just off Notting Hill Gate - behind the Waterstones store.
There's a fantastic butcher on Kensington Park Road (sausages); Provenance. Near there are some excellent Italian restaurants.
Ottolenghi on Ledbury Road.
La Cave a Fromage on Portobello Road for cheese.
Best breakfast at Bill Granger and 202 Westbourne Grove.
Or have breakfast at Gail's on Portobello Road; go early on a Saturday and watch the stalls being set up.
The Electric on Portobello Road for a casual meal.
The Electric Cinema is wonderful; go to the early movie with the kids, get a nice glass of wine and some food and put your feet up.
There are a few small supermarkets on Notting Hill Gate, Planet Organic on Westbourne Grove and a larger Waitrose a bit further along, just past Queensway.

Hope you have a great time!

>>Hi StantonHyde, as it seems that this forum is going to close and move somewhere else, I though I'd give you some tips on the Notting Hill neigborhood now that I can still find this post.<<

All of the old/existing content will still be available -- and the exact layout hasn't even been determined yet AFAIK. The format change won't happen for weeks -- maybe months.

Precisely - your kids are 12 and 14 - not little kids that have to go to be early - who goes to bed at 10 pm anyway - at home or on vacation. Our usual is about midnight for a 7 am wake up.

Tulips--thanks so much for this valuable info!!