Things To Do In London for Families

Things to do in London for families is so exciting!

As I have never actually been to London before, only thru London’s airports, I am beyond thrilled. While my husband, Joe and daughter Katie have been to London before, my son Brandon and I are newbies. Oh, and did I mention that we have multiple anaphylactic food allergies? But no fear, London with food allergies is amazing! 🙂

While London is a good starting point for a European trip, it is also the perfect last stop. Because London is so well served with 3 international airports, it is fantastic for getting great flights. And at a really good price too. As London is our final leg on our family’s vacation, we are all looking forward to exploring the amazing capital of the UK.

Arrival and Neighborhood Pubs

If you have been following our last posts, our vacation started in Rome. After 3 days in Rome, we went to the Italian island of Sardinia. Now, we arrive on the Easyjet flight from Sardinia into London, Gatwick. And details of our trip to London here.

Then the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station and the Tube to Kensington. Because we are famished, quickly drop our luggage at our Airbnb & sprint to the corner pub. As an American, I have never actually said “corner pub”. But I think I am in love. While always a bar girl, English pubs are especially lovely & characteristic!

We quickly grab a pint and order up Fish and Chips, Mushroom and Steak Pie and food allergy safe Root Vegetable Hot Pot. As our family has multiple anaphylactic food allergies (peanuts, shellfish, heavy soy, legumes, dairy & meat intolerant…) we have researched ahead of our trip, food allergy (for us) restaurants.

So, that brings us to the fantastic Elephant and Castle restaurant. Extremely helpful and accommodating for our food allergies, the Elephant and Castle quickly becomes our go-to allergy-friendly dinner spot!

After this meal, everything I have heard about British food is untrue – so delicious!

Another pint finished, we walk to the nearby Whole Foods. Now this is a grocery store. especially for those of us #travelingwithfoodallergies! 🙂 Although in England less than 5 hours, London has absolutely charmed me.

Have you taken a look at our London with Food Allergies reels on our Insta , here: Cindi — An Easy Journey (@aneasyjourney) • Instagram photos and videos

Also, come join our private Facebook group Food Allergy Travels & Life – where our travel agency answers every message!

Our most popular post? Click: Our Flying with Food Allergies Guide.

Our Food Allergy Travels And Life Private Facebook Group Is The Perfect Place To Connect/Chat With Others Who Are Travelling Or Cooking With Food Allergies. Come Say Hello, Click:  Food Allergy Travels & Life | Facebook

Things to Do in London for Families

Things to do in London, our Top 21, really:

1. Especially good for arrival day Hop On/Hop Off Bus. As a 24/48/72-hour options bus pass. This also includes #2 below & 4 Guided walking tours of London.
2. Boat ride on River Thames – relaxing & scenic! See Big Ben, London Bridge, Parliament.
3. Kids of all ages will be excited to ride on the 360-degree view London Eye!
4. Tower of London Family Tour – specifically geared towards families, the tour guides will enthrall kids with age-appropriate stories. Can add a Gunpowder Plot addition which “is a Tower of London immersive experience, where history comes alive all around you in the Tower Vaults. Authentic costumes, historically accurate sets and all the latest special effects place you at the heart of the plot in this completely realistic experience set in 1605 London.”
5. For younger kids and toddlers, the Princess Diana Memorial Playground is so much fun! Picnic tables are available outside park area.
6. London Bike Tour – great for pre-teens/teenagers/adults – my son’s favorite in London!
7. Churchill War Rooms – My daughter had been 2 years before & enjoyed seeing this true WW2 historic site, she wanted to see it again!
8. Have you heard of the famous London toy shop Hamleys?
9. Free! Garden at 120. View from this roof top garden is fantastic! And is equally as good imho as the Shard & less lines, no cost. We recommend often to our travel agency clients.
10. Beatles Magical Mystery Bus Tour – teens and adults really enjoy! Family pass for up to 4 people, saves you money.
11. Tea at a food allergy friendly restaurant – see our suggestions but you must always vet for your specific food allergies. See more below.
12. A trip outside London to see either Peppa Pig in Paulsons Amusement Park, or Legoland in Windsor or Highclere Castle – fans of Downtown Abby will recognize this real working castle!
13. Stop at London’s food allergy-friendly Whole Foods Market & Picnic in a London Park: Hyde Park, St. James Park, Kensington Palace grounds, so many to choose from!
14. Up at the O2 – must be 8 or older to climb atop the majestic skyline of London! This is a newer attraction & very Insta-worthy!
15. All those families with kids 9 & older, get ready to transport your family into the 1980″s tv show The Crystal Maze. Huge fun! Many Americans aren’t overly familiar with the show but once they see reruns, this consistently gets 5-star reviews. This is something our travel agency was trained on recently & a big hit!

Eating in London with Food Allergies

Eating out in London with Food Allergies: So YUMMY! Please remember that you must always vet for your specific food allergies as everyone has different dietary requirements. Also, things change at food establishments. As a best practice, we suggest emailing restaurants weeks before your planned visit. then, follow up when you arrive at the restaurant, with their printed response. Again, ask questions of manager or chef. If you don’t think this place can accommodate for your specific food allergies, politely say so and leave. Remember, only the Top14 food allergens must be labeled in the UK.

The United Kingdom has Natasha’s Law policies which you can read more about.

As mentioned earlier, you can see where we are able to eat in London with multiple anaphylactic food allergies on our post.

Things To Do In London for Families – Food Allergy Restaurants

A few more suggestions for you to vet:

• Duck & Waffle London – they have another location in Edinburgh, Scotland. This delightful restaurant is open 24/7 & their view is awesome! If this is an adult’s trip (18+ years old), their bar is spectacular.
• Looking for a restaurant where they also have food allergies? Michelin starred Locanda Locatelli is it! Reservations essential.
• A secret garden in the city of London? This super casual rooftop garden/bar/cafe the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden has real grass, herb garden & views! Although, note not a full-fledged restaurant. Our travel agency clients brought their young children and their food allergy safe snacks & sat on a blanket while the parents bought a cool cocktail from this SouthBank Arts Centre & they all relaxed!
• Byron Burgers – Fun in a Bun – their allergy menu is fantastic. Multiple locations in & around London.
• Granger & Co. has multiple locations, breakfast, lunch & dinner. They can accommodate for a range of dietary restrictions. Email them for your specifics.

There you have it: Things to do in London for families or individuals, especially with food allergies/dietary restrictions!

Do you have any recommendations? let us know!

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