A trip to London that didn’t break the bank – enjoying all the FREE attractions that are perfect for kids including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Lego Store on Leicester Square. Dianne Bourne and son George stayed at The Pelham Hotel in South Kensington for review. (Image: MEN)
Many would assume that a city break to London would cost an arm and a leg, what with the infamous “London pricing” that deters many families from visiting the capital.
Yet, I found myself enjoying a London getaway that turned out to be surprisingly affordable for myself and my nine year old son. Our action-packed two days were filled with unending excitement.
Best of all, most of the attractions we visited didn’t cost us a penny they were absolutely FREE.
Granted, our accommodation was situated in South Kensington, one of the swankiest districts of London, which is hardly synonymous with budget travel.
We chose The Pelham, a luxurious five-star boutique hotel perfectly located right across from the South Kensington tube station, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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The hotel was in one of the poshest parts of London (Image: MEN)
This prime location proved ideal for my son and me since it provided easy access after our train journey from Crewe to London Euston (for which advanced online bookings can get you tickets from just £50), with a swift and simple tube ride straight to South Kensington following suit.
To add to our savings, children under 11 ride the tube for free, and my son was thrilled to experience the underground for his first time.
Upon arrival at the hotel, we were greeted with a slice of opulence, and for those journeying with little ones, there’s brilliant news: children under six can stay without charge, and those under 16 can also stay free when accompanied by an adult. My son and I, travelling as a duo, luxuriated in a grand king-sized bed within our sumptuous, bright red room that boasted stunning views of the South Kensington skyline.
The Pelham is a gem in the Star Hotels Collezione crown, renowned for its warm reception of young guests, even bestowing upon them the title of “Very Important Kids”, or VIKs. The excitement was palpable when my lad discovered his welcome pack complete with a colouring book and an adorable “Star Hotels VIK” cap waiting on the bed.
Such thoughtful gestures truly make families feel cherished here, rather than the inconvenience you might sense at more upscale establishments.
Strategically located, the hotel serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring London’s treasures it’s merely a stone’s throw from the National History Museum, Science and Industry Museum, and VandA Museum.
And here’s the cherry on top: entry to these cultural havens is absolutely FREE.
Museum entry in London is often free (Image: MEN)
Visitors have the option to queue up on the day or, for a more seamless experience, pre-book a time slot online, ensuring swift and hassle-free access, which is exactly what we opted for.
I’m immensely relieved we did, as the school holidays had drawn in hordes of people queuing in the non-reservation lines.
Our first stop was the Natural History Museum, a colossal space where one could easily while away an entire day and still not cover all its corners. The museum is truly iconic, especially the central Hintze Hall, which houses the awe-inspiring blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.
My nine year old was thrilled to explore the mammal exhibits and the renowned dinosaur rooms, complete with a moving T-rex model.
After spending the morning at the Natural History Museum and grabbing a quick bite, we ventured further down the road to the Science Museum. The sheer magnitude of this place is simply staggering.
Children will be fascinated by the vehicle exhibitions, featuring massive old steam engines, towering stacks of cars, and aeroplanes hanging from the ceiling.
We ran out of time to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, and I was slightly concerned about the crowds during our stay, given the concurrent Taylor Swift exhibition and concert in London.
Instead, we opted to soak up more of the local atmosphere, revelling in the vibrant pulse of London life. However, I do regret stopping at an ice cream van outside the museums – it was certainly not worth the £9 price tag for a single scoop cone!
For our evening repast, we retreated to our hotel’s Italian eatery, La Trattoria, which left me astounded with its wallet-friendly prices, a rarity within a five-star establishment nestled in the heart of London.
The mastermind behind this rustic dining spot is none other than the Michelin-starred Alfredo Russo, offering an approachable twist on fine dining. Their signature “Pasta Shakerata” starts at a mere £9 for a main pasta dish and £6 for an authentic Romana pizza an absolute steal in the capital!
Youngsters are set to be enchanted by the Shakearta experience: pick your pasta, select a delectable sauce, add a cheese of your choice, and voila!
The chef theatrically shakes up the ingredients at your table before serving up the playful masterpiece. My lad opted for the pomodoro variety and was thoroughly impressed.
Enjoying all the FREE attractions (Image: MEN)
On the server’s advice, I indulged in the Guancia Brasata succulent slow-braised beef accompanied by creamy mash, perfectly roasted veggies and a sumptuous red wine reduction, a splurge at £22 but utterly justified.
Following a splendid slumber at the hotel, we awoke energised for another day of urban exploration. Hopping on and off the Underground, we discovered yet another gem, a haven for the young and the young at heart The LEGO shop at Leicester Square.
This colossal emporium of interlocking bricks beckons with queues out the door, a testament to its allure for any LEGO enthusiast.
The store is not just a retail outlet; it’s a treasure trove of colossal Lego displays that children will be thrilled to observe and pose for pictures with. During our visit, we encountered a life-sized James Bond Aston Martin, which visitors could sit in for a photo opportunity.
Other attractions included a massive model of Big Ben displayed in the window, Harry Potter exhibits, and additional activities on the upper floor. Upon arrival, children were gifted a free LEGO passport, which could be filled with three stamps collected within the London store.
Inside the Natural History Museum (Image: MEN)
Our city break was fantastic, and while we did indulge a bit with our hotel accommodation, where rooms start from £300, I was pleasantly surprised that almost all other activities we engaged in over the two days were free and accessible to all visitors.
Travel factfile
Dianne stayed as a guest at The Pelham at 15 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, where rooms are available from £300. The hotel is conveniently located directly opposite the South Kensington tube station, which serves the Circle and District and Piccadilly lines.
Children aged 0-6 stay free, including breakfast. For children aged 6 -15, an extra bed costs an additional £45 per night, but this includes breakfast.
Reservations can be made through the hotel’s website here or by calling 020 7589 8288.
