London area with child
Jan 10th, 2008, 10:23 AM
#21
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You've gotten many good responses so far....
Since you are going in summertime, you'll find lots for a 5-year-old to love in London's parks. Certainly a visit to the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, but also consider Regent's Park which has many activities for kids (playgrounds, kiddie boat rides, concerts, etc.).
Nobody mentioned Hamley's...which is a toy department store that overwhelms most children. Bring your credit card!
If you take a daytrip, I'd recommend staying close to London. Hampton Court is a favorite; so is Windsor Castle. Queen Mary's doll house could be the highlight for a 5-year-old visiting Windsor; the gardens/maze and wildlife might be a hit at Hampton Court. Kew Botanic Gardens are also worth considering.
Last suggestion...and you've acknowledged the possibility...is not to over-plan. A young child can only last so long sightseeing and flexibility is key to an enjoyable trip.
Dave
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Since you are going in summertime, you'll find lots for a 5-year-old to love in London's parks. Certainly a visit to the Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens, but also consider Regent's Park which has many activities for kids (playgrounds, kiddie boat rides, concerts, etc.).
Nobody mentioned Hamley's...which is a toy department store that overwhelms most children. Bring your credit card!
If you take a daytrip, I'd recommend staying close to London. Hampton Court is a favorite; so is Windsor Castle. Queen Mary's doll house could be the highlight for a 5-year-old visiting Windsor; the gardens/maze and wildlife might be a hit at Hampton Court. Kew Botanic Gardens are also worth considering.
Last suggestion...and you've acknowledged the possibility...is not to over-plan. A young child can only last so long sightseeing and flexibility is key to an enjoyable trip.
Dave
[email protected]
Feb 13th, 2008, 07:49 PM
#22
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Greetings-- Me,again...I'm having a tough time choosing a hotel this summer. Would like to stay near a tube stop- thinking in Kensington? Budget not to exceed $400 a night (prefer not to go higher). We need about 4 nights total with air conditioning. There are so many choices, and I don't know the area that well. Would love to be near parks and playgrounds, we'll do the normal London sites...Tower of London, bus tour, London Eye, etc... I've done a lot of searching and one that seems to be pretty strong is Base2Stay near Earls Court. Any suggestions on others, or comments on that hotel? We're just sticking with London, no travel outside unless we do a day trip by train to Windsor or Hampton Court. Thanks so much!
Feb 22nd, 2008, 10:18 AM
#23
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Your daughter sounds sounds just like my grand daughter. I'm sure she would enjoy High Tea at the Ritz; just like her mother did when she was just a little older. Warwick is a great idea also.
Syd's Pop Pop
Syd's Pop Pop
Feb 22nd, 2008, 10:25 AM
#24
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I live in Surbiton, near Hampton Court, and feel with a 5 year old you would be better off sticking to London as a base and not heading to the Cotswolds - I'm from there originally. You can take trips to Windsor for the castle and Oxford from there, and I would suggest staying in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surbiton or Wimbledon which are not in the centre and more relaxed, expecially with a child. If you go to Thames Ditton village near Hampton Court you'll see what a typical English village is like, which would be interesting. Kingston is very popular with families and very child-friendly - and comes into its own in the summer.
