Top 10 Places Kids Really Want to Visit in London

Egmont and A Visit to London for Thomas the Tank Engine asked 1000 kids aged between 6 and 10 where they would most like to go in London. Research proves the kids are pretty spot on with where they want to go as 8/10 of the places listed have a K-Rating of at least 8.

1. Science Museum – 37%

Tom, 8, gives the Science museum 9 and 3/4

With hands-on exhibitions, interactive galleries and even an IMAX cinema, it’s not hard to see why the Science Museum topped the list.

You can see the very first Apple computer model, fly the skies on a flight simulator, and discover Launchpad – the hands-on science playground for kids. What’s not to love?

If your kids have questions about the world, or even just about themselves, the Science Museum not only has the answer but the way to find it will keep the kids engaged for hours.

K-Rating: 9.4

2. London Eye – 37%

Amelia and Esme give the London Eye a K-Rating of 10

Since it was opened in 2000, the London Eye has dominated the London Skyline. The giant Ferris wheel allows you to see and learn about the incredible views of London.

Also, each capsule is equipped with interactive guides, so you can learn about London’s top landmarks during your ride.

The fun starts even before you get into your capsule. Be sure to see the London Eye 4D Experience at the Ticket Office before you begin. It’s a wonderful 4-minute show, which uses multi-sensory special effects to bring the history of London to life. The London Eye 4D Experience is included with every ticket, so no reason to miss out!

To save some time, book in advance as queues are rubbish when you’ve got kids.

K-Rating: 8.9

3. Buckingham Palace – 32%

Thumbs up for the Queen’s pad at Buckingham Palace

In the year of the Queen’s 90th birthday, it’s no surprise that kids want to see where she actually lives.  Even if one in ten kids thought she lived elsewhere including Canada, the sea side and even in a story book.

Peer through the gates and make sure you pose for a picture on the iconic Victoria Memorial Statue. And if you time it right, you’ll be able to watch the famous changing of the guards! – will you be the first to make one of them laugh?

K-Rating: 9

4. Big Ben – 31%

Harry at Big Ben

Big Ben, (proper name: The Elizabeth Tower) might not be the biggest clock in London, but it is the most famous and impressive.

Love trivia? Sharing fun facts about Big Ben will be the perfect entertainment on your family day out. Did you know that 2 giant bells cracked irreparably before the builders found the perfect design and composition for the current one? Or that the Elizabeth Tower is over 96m tall, with 334 steps to climb up to the belfry?

There’s a guided tour of Elizabeth Tower for your kids to learn these facts and more. However, you’ll need to wait till 2021 as these are currently unavailable, due to renovation works. Right now, it’s up to you to read up on history and tell the kids all about it on your trip!

5. Natural History Museum – 30%

Elliot give the Natural History Museum 10/10

Dinosaurs and blue whales housed in one of the most impressive building in London, inside and out, the Natural History Museum does not disappoint.

There’s an abundance of things to do whilst you’re here. You can gaze up at the moon, stomp like a dinosaur, get hands-on in ‘Investigate’ and join a Nature Live talk. You can also take a photo with Andy’s clock and say hi to a Stegosaurus.

In the Human Biology gallery, you can test your memory with interactive games. The brave can enter the Red Zone to be shaken up by the magnitude earthquake machine. Wildlife lovers can enter the Orange Zone, which encompasses the Darwin Zone and even has it’s very own Wildlife Garden open April to November. During the winter, the National Geographic Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is an alternative must-see.

K-Rating: 9.2

6. SEALIFE London Aquarium – 21%

Lily, 7, gives the Aquarium a K-Rating of 10

There’s always something exciting going on at the SEALIFE London Aquarium. Here kids can get up close to loads of amazing sea creatures, including sharks…

In the Ocean tunnel, you’ll see giant green sea turtles swimming above you, and the world’s smallest hammerhead shark. On dry land, there’s a colony of Gentoo penguins and you can meet an augmented reality Polar Bear in Frozen Planet.

K-Rating: 9.4

7. Tower of London – 24%

Oscars gives the Tower of London a K-Rating of 10

A 1000-year-old castle in the middle of London – what’s not to like about the Tower of London?

You can visit the Royal Beasts exhibit where you’ll learn all about the exotic animals which were held captive in the Tower for more than 600 years.

Be dazzled by the 23,578 gems that make up the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House. Just don’t try and pinch any or you might find yourself up on the executioner’s block!

K-Rating: 8.2

8. Tower Bridge – 17%

Tower Bridge’s epic Glass Walkway get a 10 from Issy

Not to be confused with the fairly boring London Bridge, Tower Bridge is not just nice to look at, you can go inside, stand on the glass walkway and then check out the engine rooms which are used to open the bridge when big boats go by.

Tower Bridge will transport you to Victorian London, telling the story of the city’s defining landmark from the very beginning. Immerse yourself in the architecture and engineering, and watch city life unfold in the panorama from its high-level Walkways and Glass Floors.

Time your visit just right, and you’ll even get to experience the magic of a Bridge Lift beneath your feet. 40,000 people cross Tower Bridge each day and now you can see inside it. Don’t forget to visit the engine room as well!

K-Rating: 9.2

9. River Thames – 16%

Elliot K-Rates London RIB Voyages

There are so many things you can do on the River Thames so we won’t get into it here. We’ve created a whole itinerary all about it just to make things easier for you. Enjoy!

10. Houses of Parliament – 12%

Commons Chamber – Courtesy of Houses of Parliament

Where all the big decisions get made. Follow the audio guide tour to learn all about what happens inside.

The Houses of Parliament have created an audio tour especially for families with children! The commentary is delivered in the style of a ‘live’ news broadcast and time travelling reporters are called upon throughout the tour to report from the scene on many of the stories associated with this historic building.

The standard audio tours and guided tours include the route taken by the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament; from the Queen’s Robing Room, through the Royal Gallery and Prince’s Chamber, into the majestic Lords’ Chamber. Tours then move on through Central Lobby, Member’s Lobby and one of the voting lobbies before entering the Commons Chamber, scene of many lively debates.

K-Rating: 8.8

A Visit to London For Thomas the Tank Engine is out now.