What to do before going to London: a checklist

Before embarking on your trip to London, it is essential for foreign tourists to check visa and other entry requirements well in advance. Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter the UK. Visit the official UK government website to find the most up-to-date information on visa requirements, including any necessary documents, application processes, and associated fees. Additionally, ensure your passport meets validity requirements, and check if there are any specific health requirements. Some travellers might also need to provide proof of accommodation, return travel tickets, or sufficient funds for their stay. By thoroughly understanding and preparing for these entry requirements ahead of time, you can avoid any last-minute issues and ensure a smooth entry into the UK, allowing you to focus on enjoying your London adventure.

Doing some initial research is a vital first step in planning your London trip, as it will help you to decide how many days you need in London and will shape your itinerary, budget, and overall experience. Start by identifying key attractions and activities that appeal to your family, such as visiting the Tower of London, exploring the British Museum, or taking a ride on the London Eye. Investigate various neighbourhoods (our guides on what to do with kids in different areas of London are a great starting point) to determine where you might want to stay, considering factors like proximity to attractions, public transport access, and family-friendly amenities. This research will help you when considering your budget (see below for more detail).

Setting a budget is a crucial first step in planning your trip to London. Begin by estimating the costs of major expenses such as travel, accommodations, meals, and entrance fees to attractions. Don’t forget to include a contingency fund for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or last-minute changes to your itinerary. Additionally, consider the inevitable impact of ‘pester power’ – those extra treats and souvenirs that children often beg for. Allocate a specific portion of your budget for these smaller, spontaneous purchases to avoid any financial surprises.

When booking accommodation for your London trip, there are specific considerations to keep in mind when traveling with children. Look for family-friendly hotels or rental apartments that offer essential amenities such as extra beds, cribs, high chairs, and kitchen facilities for preparing meals. Proximity to major attractions and public transportation can make your daily outings more convenient and less exhausting for the little ones. Additionally, check if the accommodation provides entertainment options like children’s TV channels, play areas, or swimming pools to keep your kids occupied during downtime. Reading reviews from other families (for example on Tripadvisor) can also give you valuable insights into the suitability of the accommodation for your needs.

When booking travel to and from London, especially for families within the UK, it’s important to consider convenience and comfort for your children. Whether you choose to travel by train, car, or coach, prioritise options that minimise travel time and stress.

Trains are often the fastest and most convenient, with family-friendly facilities such as spacious seating, changing tables, and dining options. If driving, plan for regular breaks at service stations with play areas and dining facilities. For coach travel, select operators that provide entertainment options and comfortable seating. Additionally, look for discounts or family travel passes to save on costs.

Purchasing travel insurance is a crucial step in preparing for your trip to London, providing peace of mind and financial protection for your family. Travel insurance can cover a range of unexpected events, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and travel delays. With children in tow, the chances of facing unforeseen circumstances can be higher, making insurance even more essential. It can help cover expenses if you need to cancel or alter your plans.

When planning your trip to London, researching child-friendly attractions is essential for creating an engaging and enjoyable experience for your family. London offers a wealth of activities and sites specifically tailored to young visitors, both indoors and outdoors – don’t forget to check the availability of special events, workshops, or seasonal activities that might align with your visit.

Once you have identified the attractions you want to visit in London, the next step is to group them geographically. This strategy allows you to maximise your time and minimise unnecessary travel across the city. Begin by mapping out the locations of your chosen attractions and look for clusters of sites that are close to each other. By organising your itinerary this way, you not only save time but also reduce the likelihood of exhausting your children with long commutes.

Finding the right places to eat is an important part of planning your family trip to London. Researching child-friendly restaurants ensures that mealtimes are enjoyable for everyone. Look for eateries that offer children’s menus, high chairs, and welcoming atmospheres. Many London restaurants are accommodating to families, with some even providing play areas or activity packs to keep kids entertained while waiting for food.

Deciding whether to make restaurant reservations in London depends on various factors, including the popularity of the restaurant, the size of your group, and the time of day you plan to dine. For well-known or highly-rated family-friendly restaurants, especially those in tourist-heavy areas, making reservations is advisable to avoid long waits and ensure you get a table. Larger groups, particularly families with children, can benefit from booking in advance to guarantee seating together and to ensure the restaurant can accommodate any special needs, such as high chairs or space for strollers.

Maintaining some flexibility in your dining plans is also beneficial. Exploring London’s diverse food scene, from casual eateries and food markets to charming cafes, allows you to be spontaneous and adapt to your schedule and location on the go.

It’s crucial to understand the various transport options available within the city. London boasts an extensive public transport network, including the iconic Tube, buses, boats trams, and trains, all interconnected to provide comprehensive coverage across the city. Some means of transport, like the buses, boats and DLR, may also offer ways of seeing the city that means they are attractions in and of themselves.

Familiarise yourself with the routes, schedules, and ticketing systems, such as Oyster cards or contactless payments, to navigate with ease. Additionally, consider alternative transportation options like taxis and ride-sharing services, which can be convenient for specific journeys or when traveling with young children and luggage. Your first interaction with the London transport network may be getting from your arrival point to your accommodation, so it’s essential to plan this journey meticulously to ensure a smooth transition into the city.

When planning your itinerary for a trip to London, it’s important to consider the effects of jet lag, especially if you’re travelling from a different time zone. Jet lag can cause fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating, which might affect your ability to enjoy your initial days in the city. To mitigate these effects, plan a gentle start to your itinerary with light activities and ample rest. Avoid booking major attractions or tours on the first day. Instead, consider a leisurely walk through a nearby park or a visit to a local café. Gradually adjust to the new time zone by aligning your sleep and meal times to local time as soon as possible. Staying hydrated, getting plenty of sunlight, and taking short naps can also help your body adjust.

Once you’ve thoroughly researched attractions, restaurants, and transport connections, the next step is to craft a well-rounded itinerary that seamlessly combines these elements. Start by mapping out your must-see attractions and identifying nearby dining options to plan your meals accordingly. Then, consider the most efficient transport connections between these locations, whether it’s by Tube, bus, or on foot. Grouping attractions geographically can help minimise travel time and maximise your sightseeing opportunities. By organising your itinerary this way, you not only save time but also reduce the likelihood of exhausting your children with long commutes.

Be sure to factor in travel time between each stop and allow for flexibility in case plans need to adjust. By carefully piecing together your itinerary to include a balance of sightseeing, dining, and travel, you can make the most of your time in London.

Booking key travel connections or private transfers, such as transport to and from major transport termini, is essential for a seamless travel experience in London. Whether arriving by plane, train, or coach, having transportation arranged in advance can save time and minimise stress upon arrival. For instance, booking a private transfer from the airport to your accommodation ensures a comfortable and hassle-free journey, especially if you’re traveling with small children and/or heavy luggage.

Once you’ve finalised your itinerary, it’s advisable to book tickets and reservations in advance, especially for popular attractions and restaurants. This not only guarantees entry and seating but also helps you avoid long queues and disappointment, particularly during peak tourist seasons. Many attractions offer timed entry slots or skip-the-line tickets, allowing you to maximise your time and avoid unnecessary waiting. For dining, making reservations ahead of time ensures you have a table waiting for you, especially at sought-after restaurants.

Some attractions only open their booking windows at certain times. Diarising to make bookings when booking windows open is a smart strategy to ensure you secure your desired tickets or reservations as soon as they become available. Many popular attractions in London have limited availability, and booking slots can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. By marking the opening date of the booking window in your calendar or setting a reminder, you can be among the first to make your reservations, increasing your chances of getting preferred dates and times.

Movies like Paddington and Paddington 2 offer a charming introduction to London’s landmarks and culture through the adventures of a lovable bear. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone features iconic locations like King’s Cross Station and the Millennium Bridge. For younger children, Peter Pan and Mary Poppins provide a magical glimpse into the city’s historic and whimsical sides. These films not only entertain but also help familiarise your children with the sights they will see, making the experience more relatable and exciting.

Another wonderful way to get your children excited about your trip to London is by reading books set in the city. Classic tales like Paddington Bear (affiliate link) introduce young readers to London through the eyes of a curious bear from Peru, exploring places like Paddington Station and the busy streets of the city. Picture books like Katie in London (affiliate link) offer engaging and beautifully illustrated tours of the city’s iconic sites.

Prepare for your trip to London by downloading apps that can make your stay more convenient and enjoyable, including navigation apps, transportation apps and weather apps. Check out our recommendations of the best apps to download before travelling to London. By equipping your phone with these essential apps, you can streamline your travel experience, making it easier to explore and enjoy everything London has to offer.

Ensuring you have easy access to all your tickets and booking confirmations is a crucial part of preparing for your trip to London. Download digital copies of your tickets, passes, accommodation confirmations, and attraction bookings to your phone. It’s wise to have hard copies of these important documents as a backup in case of technical issues or battery drain. Having both digital and physical copies ensures that you can always prove your bookings and navigate your trip smoothly, minimising stress and allowing you to focus on enjoying your time in London with your family.

Setting up mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Wallet before your trip to London is recommended if you plan to use public transportation and don’t want to use tickets, contactless cards or Oyster cards. London’s extensive public transport system, including the Tube, buses, and trams, accepts contactless payments, making it a convenient and efficient way to pay for travel without the need for physical tickets, Oyster cards or multiple contactless cards.

Before heading to London, ensure that NFC (Near Field Communication) is enabled on your phone for seamless contactless payments. This feature allows you to use mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Wallet.

See Also

How far in advance can you book tickets for London attractions?

While planning your trip to London, it’s useful to know that WiFi is available at many London tube stations provided by UK mobile networks, helping you stay connected while navigating the city. Before travelling, check with your mobile provider to understand how to access this service, they may require prior registration or activation.

Before embarking on your trip to London, it’s essential to save key contact numbers to ensure you’re prepared for any situation. Start with the local emergency services number, 999, which you can call for police, fire, or medical emergencies. Additionally, save the NHS 111 number for non-emergency medical advice and assistance. It’s also wise to have the contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate in London, which can provide assistance in case of lost passports or other critical issues. Don’t forget to store the contact details of your accommodation, including the address and phone number, so you can easily reach them if needed.

Packing weather-appropriate clothing is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable visit to London, a city known for its variable weather. Regardless of the season, it’s wise to be prepared for sudden changes. During the warmer months, pack light layers, such as t-shirts and cardigans, along with a light waterproof jacket or umbrella to handle occasional rain showers. In colder months, bring warm layers like sweaters, a coat, gloves, and a hat to stay cozy during chilly days. Comfortable walking shoes are a must year-round, given London’s extensive attractions and pedestrian-friendly areas. Additionally, consider bringing an extra layer or two, as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day. By packing thoughtfully and preparing for a range of weather conditions, you can ensure a pleasant and hassle-free experience exploring London.

When travelling to London with children, packing the right essentials can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. Pack a small backpack for each child with their favourite snacks, a water bottle, and activities to keep them entertained during travel and downtime, such as colouring books, small toys, or tablets with pre-downloaded games and movies. It’s also wise to pack a few comfort items, like a favourite blanket or stuffed animal, to help them feel secure in unfamiliar settings.

When travelling to London with children, it’s crucial to pack any necessary medications and a basic first-aid kit tailored to their needs. While most medications and first aid essentials can be easily found in high street stores such as Boots or Superdrug, having them on hand can save you the stress of searching for them in an emergency. Include any prescription medications your children require, ensuring you have enough for the entire trip plus a few extra days in case of delays. It’s also wise to bring a copy of the prescriptions. Pack over-the-counter remedies for common ailments, such as fever, allergies, and motion sickness. If you are travelling from abroad, keep in mind that allergy seasons in the UK may be different to your own country’s.

A basic first-aid kit should include adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers suitable for children, a digital thermometer, and any specific items your kids might need, such as eczema cream. By preparing these essentials in advance, you can ensure prompt care for minor health issues, allowing your family to enjoy your London adventure with peace of mind.

Ensure you bring all necessary chargers for your devices, including smartphones, tablets, and cameras. A portable power bank, such as this one (affiliate link), is invaluable for keeping your devices charged on the go, especially during long days of sightseeing.

If coming from abroad, don’t forget to pack the appropriate plug adapters for UK outlets (which are different to those in the rest of Europe). For ease, try a worldwide adaptor (affiliate link) that also offers USB ports.

Ensuring the safety of your children is paramount when visiting London. Before embarking on your trip, prepare precautionary measures to keep your little ones safe in unfamiliar surroundings. For younger children, consider buying identification wristbands with your contact information and your child’s name in case they wander off – try these (affiliate link), which come in a range of fun designs. For older children, ensure that they know your phone number and details of where you will be staying.

Before traveling to London, it’s crucial to try and familiarise yourself with local etiquette and cultural norms, such as queuing etiquette, tipping practices and how to behave on public transport (see our post for top tips on travelling with kids on the underground).

Adjusting your children’s sleep schedules in advance of travelling can help mitigate the effects of jet lag, particularly when there are significant time zone differences. Start by gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up times a few days before your trip, aligning them with the local time of your destination. By slightly adjusting to the new time zone, you can ease the transition and arrive in London feeling more refreshed and ready to enjoy your adventure with your family.