How to cut costs on a family trip in London

Although London can be very costly, a family holiday to London doesn’t have to be expensive: there are many ways to save money on a family trip to London.

To help you get the best out of your holiday, we have thought on how to cut costs during your trip.

• Using an Oyster card

If you stay for more than one week this card is what you are looking for. You can use it for all London’s public transport and it’s cheaper than buying every time a single ticket. 

For example, paying cash for a single Underground journey in the centre of London is more than double that paying with an Oyster Card.

Alternatively, if you are staying one week or less, you could still save money doing the Travelcard ticket for 1 day or for 7 days.

• London Pass

With the London Pass you can get free access to 55 major London attractions for as little as £15.83 per day (£11.33 for child) and also allows you to skip lines at some attractions.

• Free museum 

You and your family can enjoy and discover the beauty of some of the most attractive and interesting London’s museums for free. They also organise (often during weekend) free workshops and family activities designed exclusively by professionals and devoted people. 

• Stay with us 

Whether you are looking for a short term or extended family accommodation, Boutique London Lets have a lot to offer. Our accommodation prices are competitive. When you book one of our apartments you don’t have to pay per room like you would in a hotel and you will have all the confort like in your house. 

Kitchen essentials like milk, tea, coffee, sugar, oil, salt and pepper are also provided for free taking the hassle out of family meal times. 

All our apartments are located in central London, easily accesible with close proximity to transports, museums, and London's popular tourist attractions. 

Our apartments will make you feel at home and you get all of this at significantly cheaper prices than comparable hotel accommodation.

Check our blog post regarding ‘Apartments Vs Hotels: A Comparison’ to discover the undeniable advantages to stay in one of our accommodation.

by Sara Laccone

Five family adventures in London

A visit to London does not need to be restricted to just a day trip. Why not consider planning a fabulous weekend adventure in our capital city it’s easier than you think! Booking an apartment or house offers you many benefits including: freedom – cost effectiveness – flexible locations – ability to keep the all-important routine for younger children.

Sight Seeing

Tower Bridge

The tube experience is an interesting one and worth doing, if only to warm the children up on a cold day! For fun sightseeing take an open top bus ride touring the major sites and looking at the truly stunning architecture, old and new. My children always compete to spot the longest limo! On warmer days the river taxi is fun so many of London’s iconic landscapes like Tower Bridge are easy to spot and admire. You could end your journey at Canary Wharf and visit the O2.

The O2 

The O2

The British Music experience at the O2 is fabulous fun for all of the family with memorabilia spanning decades and interactive instruments such as Gibson guitars, pianos, drums and also a vocal booth to record yourself singing and release your inner pop star! With plenty of genres to enjoy this really is a fun family experience.

When you finally drag yourself away from all the musical fun and leave the O2 you could perhaps try a walk with a difference, walk across the roof of the white dome and take in the breath taking views.

If you really do have a head for heights…

The Shard

The Shard

You will find The Shard on the Southbank the tallest building in Western Europe at an impressive height of 310 metres. Travel up 68 floors in a Kaleidoscopic high speed lift the view will be exhilarating. Opening to the public on 1^st February and booking tickets is recommended. The Shard is the new ‘must do’!

Heading back towards the London Eye, as you stroll along the river be sure to have some spare change for the truly brilliant street acts that line the embankment. From incredible break-dancers to fire-eaters you will be wowed by the tricks and turns that make such a great show.

If it’s a live circus that takes your fancy… 

Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil

The amazing and intriguing Cirque du Soleil – at the Royal Albert Hall: one of London’s most iconic venues which opened in 1871 and was named after Queen Victoria’s late husband Prince Albert. This magnificent building hosts over 300 events a year from Classical concerts, Opera, Pop and Rock to charity events and now Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza. A story about “The Innocent” told using Acrobatic wonder and the art of clowning; taking you on a loners’ journey in search of his place in the world and told with humour and emotion. A visual treat for the senses so prepared to be wowed! Showing from 5^th January – 14^th February.

Sticking with the theatrical..

Matilda the musical

Matilda the musical is showing at the Cambridge theatre near to Covent Garden. Genuinely hilarious laugh out loud theatre (while I went with my son and his young friends I would happily go with adults this show is a must-see in my book!). I suggest a matinee showing and then look to head to Covent Garden to browse the market stalls and stop for an early supper. There are plenty of places to eat in Covent Garden or head to China Town for an oriental feast.

Museums for something educational and fun...

The Science Museum

Try one of the many museums that are spread around London. The Natural History  Museum  with its giant T Rex is always a firm favourite or next door The Science Museum with lots of interactive displays little fingers and minds will be kept busy and entertained. Both have free entry and with Kensington High Street and Knightsbridge nearby you could indulge in a spot of shopping after browsing the museums. Pop into Harrods the children will be in awe of the confectionary section, Willy Wonker eat your heart out! The café on the childrens clothing floor is great for kids my youngest son swears that the hotdogs are the biggest he has ever seen!

Planning a weekend in London really allows you to enjoy all that is on offer in this wonderful city.

This is a Guest post from Kirsti Banyard, a travel writer for Home Away. 

http://www.homeaway.co.uk/london/s/482/fa/find.squery