Hi there, I'm Jenya, the proud owner of Travelova, your go-to travel agency right here in Arlington, MA. If you're dreaming of a family vacation filled with wonder and adventure, allow me to transport you to the vibrant city of London for an unforgettable week. London is one of the most popular destinations for my clients in the Boston area---and there is a great list of reasons why!
Why London is a Popular Choice For My Family Vacation Clients
Easiest destination in Europe to reach from Boston. London's allure is just a direct flight away from Boston, with an array of nonstop options including JetBlue, Delta, American, British, Virgin, and Norse. Simply no other European destination has so many flight options for all different kinds of budgets. What's more, the usual flight time is just above 5 hours so you can be in London faster than you would fly to LA
Less Jet Lag Means Easier Travel. Just a 5 hour time difference separates London from Boston. Jet lag can be a problem for anyone, but if you are travelling with kids like me then being able to travel nonstop with less jet lag is nothing to sneeze at.
Incredible Culture and Sites For Everyone. Castles? Check. Museums? Check. World famous musicals and plays? Check. I can go on but few cities in the world can rival London's cultural scene. From experiences tailored for every age group and interest, you are sure to find something of interest in London.
A Truly Walkable City. Often times when we think about huge cities we think cars, traffic, pollution etc. Getting around London is different. You can stroll along the Thames and see many of the key historic landmarks or you can find an underground station on what seems like every corner. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city you can opt to explore the great green spaces like Hyde Park.
Something for Everyone. My kids absolutely love London particularly watching the changing of the guard, experiencing tea time, and exploring the crown jewels. London has something for every age group which is why I work with my clients to create an itinerary that makes sense for them.
Where to Stay in London
There is no single answer that works for every traveler which is why it's best to work with a professional travel agent who knows the city and understands your interests and budget. However lets go through some of the top picks my clients in the Boston area choose for their stays:
Kensington
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Safe streets and a welcoming community ideal for families.
Cultural Treasures: Home to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum.
Green Spaces: Proximity to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, offering ample space for children to play.
Elegant Dining and Shopping: High-end restaurants and boutiques line the charming streets.
Mayfair
Exclusive Locale: Known for its luxury, sophistication, and high-end real estate.
Art and Culture: Houses renowned galleries and close to the Royal Academy of Arts.
Fine Dining: Hosts some of London's most famous restaurants and historic pubs.
Shopping Haven: Offers bespoke tailoring and flagship designer stores, especially in Savile Row and Bond Street.
Notting Hill
Bohemian and Vibrant: Famous for its eclectic market at Portobello Road and colorful townhouses.
Cultural Mix: Offers a diverse selection of restaurants, art galleries, and unique shops.
Festival Fun: Hosts the annual Notting Hill Carnival, celebrating London's multicultural past and present.
Film Fame: Known worldwide from the film "Notting Hill," appealing to movie buffs and romantics.
Covent Garden
Entertainment Central: Bustling with street performers, theaters, and live entertainment.
Shopping and Cuisine: Offers a range of boutique shops, markets, and a wide variety of restaurants and pubs.
Historical Charm: Known for its beautiful Piazza and historic market buildings.
Accessibility: Centrally located and well-connected, making it a convenient base for exploring London.
Select Activities and Sites For Your Stay in London:
One of the things I really recommend to my clients is to go on walking tours of select neighborhoods in London. You get an intimate first person perspective with great guides. Some tours take you through to most popular sites and attractions, but I have had the most amazing experiences using the walking tours as a way to explore more off the beaten path locations or learn more about London's rich history beyond a guide book. With that said here is a collection of sites and activities that are client favorites during their stay in London:
Tower of London. Dive into history at the Tower of London. Marvel at the Crown Jewels and share whispers about the tower’s famous Beefeaters.
London Eye, offering panoramic views of the city's iconic skyline. My personal preference is to do this activity in the evening to see the lights below.
St. James's Park, a perfect spot for views of Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guard. The ceremony starts at 11 AM and you can find the official schedule here along with information about which regiment will be performing on a given day. My advice would be to watch from the Birdcage Walk area and then move towards Buckingham Palace as the procession continues.
British Museum, is one of the most spectacular collections in the world of global antiquities, including Egyptian mummies and ancient Greek sculptures. The museum itself is absolutely massive so I would recommend thinking in advance which exhibits are of most interest to you and your family.
West End Theaters. The West End can be considered the British version of Broadway in New York. In this neighborhood you will find everything from musicals to dramatic plays performed by world renowned actors. When I am in London with my kids, we always go to a show. Last minute/same day tickets can often be significantly cheaper and you can see what's playing here. However keep in mind that much like in New York if the show is popular then you should book ahead of time.
Royal Parks and Shopping. Start your day in the lush landscapes of Hyde Park. Rent a pedal boat, visit the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, and let the kids run free. In the afternoon, treat yourself to some shopping at Harrods or explore the boutiques of Covent Garden
Cruise the Thames. There are many cruise operators that will take you on a leisurely excursion day or night to see the main sites. One thing I personally do is actually use it as a hop on hop off way to get around town. London has what's called an Uber Boat that features 24 different stops along the Thames. Think of it as the best "bus" you will ever take as you will see all the famous landmarks along the Thames and be able to hop on and off at any of the stops along the way. You can get a family day pass (ride all you want) for around $50 for the entire family.
Harry Potter Experience. Many of my clients in Boston just had to give this a try with their kids. With my daughter obsessed with Harry Potter, this one is definitely on my list for our next trip! Embark on a magical journey at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. Walk through iconic sets, see the costumes, and even sip on a Butterbeer. It's a spellbinding experience that fans of the series won't want to miss
I know there is a lot more to add. From world class museums like the Tate to Kensington Palace. I can go on for hours about activities in London but my goal was to give you a taste of the most popular attractions of my clients.
But wait---what about day trips from London?
Day Trip Ideas Outside London
Sometimes we need to escape the city and see what is around and about. Luckily its quite easy to get to some key attractions from London with fast regular train service or organized tours. Here are some to consider:
Windsor: Just a short train ride away, visit the majestic Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Approximately 1 hour by train from London
Stonehenge: Dive into the mystery of this ancient wonder. Stonehenge is a must-see and offers an insightful, interactive visitor center. For this trip I would recommend taking a tour from London but it too can be done by train.
Oxford or Cambridge: Wander through these iconic university towns, with their breathtaking architecture and rich history. My advice would be to choose one of these with my personal preference being Oxford (1h30min by train)
Brighton: If the seaside calls your name, Brighton's pebbled beaches and quirky lanes are less than an hour away by train.
Summary
London is a world renowned destination that is sure to thrill everyone from Shakespeare enthusiasts to Harry Potter fans. Being just a short 5-6 hour flight from Boston, you can be enjoying this magical city with your loved ones. As always if you decide to go or are not sure if this destination is right for you, get in contact with me and I will work with you individually to make sure we plan the vacation you want at the budget that's right for you!
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