What to do with kids in London: Marylebone
Do you only know Marylebone as one of the four train stations on the classic London version of Monopoly? Well, there’s much more to it than! If you are wondering what to do with kids in Marylebone, read on.
About the area
Located in the heart of central London, Marylebone (pronounced by most as Marleybone or Marry-leh-bone, never like the name Mary) is a historic and affluent neighborhood bordered by prestigious areas such as Mayfair, Fitzrovia, and Regent’s Park. Famous for its literary connections, Marylebone has long been associated with iconic figures such as Sherlock Holmes, whose fictional residence at 221B Baker Street has become a popular tourist attraction.
Marylebone’s central location, elegant streetscapes, and cultural significance make it a sought-after destination for visitors seeking to experience the best of London’s heritage and contemporary charm. But what is there to do with children in Marylebone? Our suggestions are below.
If you are looking for places to eat in Marylebone with children, make sure you read our separate post.
What to do in Marylebone with children?
Visiting Marylebone as a family offers the perfect blend of historic charm, cultural attractions, and green spaces in central London.
Check out the waxworks at Madame Tussaud’s
Probably the biggest tourist attraction in Marylebone, Madame Tussaud’s is an iconic attraction. Situated in the heart of the bustling West End, this world famous wax museum showcases lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and cultural icons from around the world. Madame Tussaud’s boasts an extensive collection of meticulously crafted wax figures.
Children can pose for photos with their favorite stars and immerse themselves in interactive exhibits. With its blend of entertainment, history, and celebrity culture, Madame Tussaud’s offers an experience for visitors of all ages.
Explore Regent’s Park
Marylebone borders on Regent’s Park, which is filled with opportunities for outdoor exploration and family-friendly fun. The expansive greenery and scenic pathways provide the perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls, picnics, and wildlife spotting (not only can you spot squirrels, London Zoo is located in the park and from certain places within Regent’s Park you might be able to spot some more exotic animals in the zoo).
For active youngsters, the park offers playgrounds, sports facilities, and open spaces for running and playing games. One highlight for families with children under 12 will be the Marylebone Green playground, nestled within the park’s lush surroundings. This charming play area features climbing frames, swings, and slides. Alternatively, try the Gloucester Gate playground which has a wheelchair-accessible roundabout and raised tables for water and sand play so everyone can join in.
In summer, consider hiring a boat or pedalo on the lake or booking tickets for a show at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Look at famous paintings
The Wallace Collection in Marylebone offers a captivating experience for families seeking to explore art and history in the heart of London. Housed within an elegant townhouse, this renowned museum showcases an impressive array of fine and decorative arts.
From exquisite paintings and sculptures to sumptuous furnishings and armor, the collection spans centuries and continents, providing a rich tapestry of cultural heritage to discover.
Families can embark on a journey through the museum’s opulent galleries, marveling at masterpieces by renowned artists such as Fragonard, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Velázquez.
The museum also offers engaging family-friendly events and downloadable activity sheets with question prompts for children.
Although perhaps not the most obvious choice in London for children, this would certainly pass some time and might well suit a spare half hour or a bit of time on a rainy day (without the queues of the big galleries).
Immerse yourself in paintings
If you’d rather immerse yourself in a painting, rather than stand in front of one, the Frameless Immersive Art Experience in London might be the right choice for you.
Step inside paintings in this innovative exhibition which features a collection of interactive installations and multimedia artworks that engage the senses and spark creativity. With its blend of art, technology, and play, the Frameless Interactive Art Experience provides an enriching and entertaining outing for families.
Investigate Sherlock Holmes
Marylebone boasts a rich connection to the legendary fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Visitors to this historic London neighborhood can immerse themselves in the world of Sherlock Holmes, beginning at Baker Street tube station, outside which is a statue of Sherlock Holmes.
From there, you could choose to visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street, where you can explore a faithful recreation of Holmes’ fictional home at 221B Baker Street, complete with Victorian-era furnishings and memorabilia. It’s only a small museum so will be of interest to Sherlock fans but not overwhelming for those who are less familiar with the adventures of Holmes and Watson. Elementary!
Book shopping at Daunt
If you have a young bookworm, consider popping in to the Marylebone branch of Daunt Books. It’s a beautiful bookshop in a gorgeous Edwardian building with oak galleries and natural light.
Specialising in travel literature, but with a good selection of fiction, Daunt might be the ideal place to pick up a book set in London as a reminder of your trip.
Go shopping on Oxford Street
Running right along the southern border of Marylebone is the famous shopping destination of Oxford Street. Shopping on Oxford Street with older children and teenagers caters to a wide range of interests and preferences.
Tweens and teens can indulge their fashion cravings at popular retailers such as H&M and Primark, where they’ll find trendy clothing and accessories at affordable prices.
High-end department store Selfridges provides a luxurious shopping experience for families seeking designer brands (or just a little window shopping), while sports enthusiasts can visit Nike Town for the latest athletic apparel and footwear.
Create illusions at Twist Museum
Located just off Oxford Street, Twist Museum invites visitors of all ages to explore the art of optical illusions. This interactive museum features a collection of exhibits that challenge perception. Children will delight in navigating through mind-bending rooms, where floors tilt, walls bend, and mirrors create endless reflections. Twist Museum encourages curiosity and creativity as families marvel at illusion together.
How do I find all of these places?
Want easy access on the go to all of these ideas? We’ve created a Google Map with everything marked for you:
[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/embed?mid=1uTCFHRkb0dCUph9U7hwTMVi_QcPa_8U&ehbc=2E312F&w=640&h=480]Have you discovered somewhere in Marylebone that other readers should know about? Let us know in the comments!