London as an attraction for families looking for an exciting city break is unrivalled.  There are so many exciting things to do, visit and see for all the family, a few weeks is not enough.  The downside of having a break in this world-class city, it is that it can be horrendously expensive if you are not aware of money saving choices.   This article is my way to help you plan and prepares the perfect the family holiday to London.

Transport

Transport in London, thanks to our Mayor Ken Livingstone is now one of the most expensive in the world.  Travelling around either by driving your own car or by public transport is a costly affair, as you are either paying the congestion charge or a very expensive tube ticket.  As a family on holiday can appreciate, saving money wherever you can is very important so here are some ideas for a family top consider:

1. London Underground fares are exorbitant if you pay by cash, so buy an Oyster card.  This card allows you to pre-purchase tickets and fares are considerably cheaper.  For example, a one stop journey on the tube can cost £4 by cash, but the equivalent journey will cost £1.50!  Visit www.tfl.gov.uk for more details
2. Buy a family one day or weekly travel card which can be used on trains and buses.  This card will allow you to travel within a number of London zones, at a set price.  So you will not be hit with expensive surprise!  Visit www.tfl.gov.uk

Accommodation

Aside from expensive travel costs, accommodation for families is also hard to find.  Many hotels do not have a spacious, one room to fit a family of 2 adults and 2 children.  Even if they are offered a room with twin double beds, it can become slightly claustrophobic sleeping in the same room for a week!

Also in a hotel, there is basic tea and coffee making facilities within the room, so eating out daily is an expensive must.

Another accommodation option is to stay in a serviced apartment instead of a hotel room.  Serviced apartments are usually flats with separate bedroom, living room and a fully equipped kitchen with washer/dryer, cooker etc.  Depending on your budget, a family of four can either stay in a two bedroom apartment from £220 per night, or a one bedroom with one double bed and a double sofa bed in the living room form £160 per night.  Having a fully equipped kitchen will also save you money because you can cook and enjoy refreshments instead of dining at restaurants or using hotel room service.  Serviced apartments do share similar benefits to hotels, such as maid service high speed internet.

Tourist Attractions

There is not a doubt that London has some of the most fantastic attractions for families to explore and savour.  It can be also hard hitting on the budget when average price per adult is £10.  Here are some ideas to help:

1. Purchase a London Pass: this card will save you money on hundreds of tourist attractions, tour buses and restaurants.  The cost starts from £39 for an adult one day pass with travel, £22 for children one day pass.
2. If you are buying individual tickets to attraction try to research on the internet first, as sometimes there may be a special internet price to thank you for booking in advance.  Even if the price is the same, you can save yourself time from having to queue at the ticket office.
3. Check out Visit London tourist board regularly to find special deals.  www.visitlondon.co.uk

Book Early

Try to book as much as you can in advance, especially accommodation.  The peak time in London for tourists is from May to September, so hotel rates increases rapidly and apartments are fully booked.  Book at least 3 months ahead to guarantee your place in the rush, otherwise you can find yourself stuck in an overpriced and dingy room.

Book tourist attraction tickets early as well, because some of the most popular ones like the London Eye are always fully booked in advance.  For example, one family friend of mine wanted to enjoy a ride on the London Eye at 2:00pm, so they turned up at 1:00pm to buy tickets and was told (1 hour later) that the next available ride was at midnight!  You have been warned.

Free things to do!

Despite all the costs of London, there are fortunately many wonderful things to do for FREE.

1. Visit the famous Borough Market in Southwark (near London Bridge tube).  There are many stalls of cheeses, sausages and lovely food to behold.  It is a very popular spot for all Londoners, so try to get there early between 8:00-10:00am when it is not so crowded.
2. Museums and Art galleries: many museums and galleries are totally free to visitors.  The children will love exploring the British Museum, where they can view Egyptian mummies, or dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum.  The Tate Modern is fabulous and will inspire them!
3. Parks are free.  Choose from the expansive Hyde Park, elegant Regents' Park or the glorious St James' Park.  Lots of open space to let the children roam while you enjoy a picnic in peace.
4. Covent Garden.  One of the most vibrant markets in the Capital.  Enjoy free, live music daily ranging from funky guitars or a soaring soprano fresh from opera school.

Despite its downside, I love London because it is still a very thrilling place to visit.  There is just so much to do and new places to discover.  It was and still remains one of the favourite destinations for family holidays and vacation.

Binh Zientek

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