London is a great gateway to Europe, but it's also a fantastic holiday destination in its own right. Why not take the whole family to this bustling city and discover just what makes it one of the world's best-loved cities.
Here's how you can enjoy a wonderful family holiday in London, with something to entertain all ages.
Visit the London Dungeon
The London Dungeon is one of the city's premiere attractions. It's great for entertaining young and old, however there is a minimum age restriction of eight years due to its spooky nature.
So, what does the London Dungeon offer? It allows you to delve into the darker side of London's past, with theatrical shows, special effects, sets and rides that illuminate part of the city's history. You'll get a 90 minute tour featuring a number of different shows with themes ranging from Henry VIII's boat ride, Sweeney Todd the Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Jack the Ripper. Discover around 1,000 years of the city's history as you wander about giggling, screaming and holding each other's hands as talented actors bring the past to life.
The Drop Dead: Drop Ride to Doom ride at the end of the tour is a highlight, finishing off the thrilling experience with an adrenalin-pumping vertical drop.
You can find this attraction between other highlights of the city such as Big Ben and the London Eye, next to the London SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Take a ride on the London Eye
Everybody can appreciate the stunning views provided by the London Eye. The soaring Ferris wheel-style structure is located on the South Bank of the River Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament attraction.
General tickets include a trip up in the London Eye, as well as access to spectacular 3D aerial cinematic footage of London. You and the family can also play with interactive touch screens that provide information about the attractions you can see as you check out the panoramic views of the city.
There is also the option to purchase special tickets that include a trip up in the London Eye as well as luxurious additions, such as champagne and hot chocolate tastings, an experience in a private capsule or an added river cruise.
The London Eye is open every day except Christmas and between January 6 and 17, from 9.30 a.m. until late evening, depending on the time of year.
Explore Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a stunning inner-city park that offers up endless entertainment for families. It's open from 5 a.m. until midnight year round and is easily accessible by public transport. Just hop off at one of the park's tube stations, such as Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge.
Before you make your trip, look at a map of the park to decide where you'll explore. After all, the park spans 350 acres in total, with a few notable landmarks including the Serpentine Lake, Speakers' Corner and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
The park is also great for making your own entertainment, with picnicking and playing sports a great option. If the weather's fine you can also swim or take a boat ride in the lake with row and pedal boats available for hire, or even take a horse riding trek or lesson. Why not hire a bike and cycle the pathways, or head to the public tennis courts for a game?
Kids will love the Hyde Park Playground, which you'll find at the southern boundary, along South Carriage Drive. It features children's favourites such as swings and climbing ropes, as well as great views of lush green surroundings.
The park also hosts regular events, from public speaking at Speakers' Corner to concerts and shows. During Christmastime, you can visit the gorgeous Winter Wonderland Christmas markets, which sell delicious food such as hot nuts and mulled wine, as well as beautiful festive trinkets and decorations.
Take a trip across the Thames to Greenwich
Greenwich is a World Heritage-listed, picturesque, historic part of London where you can enjoy lovely views and learn about history and science. The village is globally recognised as the home of our current system of time and navigation, with the Greenwich Meridian Line of Longitude 0 the 'centre of world time'.
All it takes is a quick tube ride, or a leisurely boat ride across the Thames River to the Greenwich Pier to wander its pristinely manicured streets and attractions. There's the elegant National Maritime Museum, the Old Royal Navy College, the Greenwich Market and the Royal Observatory.
Stroll through the beautiful Greenwich Park, verdant green in the summer and covered in a crisp blanket of snow in the winter, and take the path up the hill to the Royal Observatory. Here, you and the family can check out old navigational equipment, clocks, seafaring tools, telescopes and other original artefacts. The onsite Peter Harrison Planetarium features a stunning show that delves into the mysteries of time, space and the universe, hosted by Royal Observatory astronomers.
Furthermore, the views from the Royal Observatory over the Thames River and cityscape are utterly stunning.
With so much to do and see in London, where will you and the family head first?
