Where To Stay In London With Family 2025 - Most Convenient Areas
Wondering where to stay in London first time with family?
When looking for the best area to stay in London with kids, you’ll be faced with a few challenges.
Firstly, it’s well known that London is an expensive city, especially when it comes to accommodation, and family rooms can be some of the most expensive.
Secondly, London’s main attractions are spread out, so finding a place that ticks all the boxes can be tricky and require some compromises.
Lastly, as in many cities, hotel rooms tend to be on the small side.
Fortunately, there are several parks in the city centre, perfect for stretching your legs and enjoying a morning stroll, and you’re likely to explore much of the city on foot.
The tube system also allows you to stay in more spacious, family-friendly neighbourhoods just outside the city centre, thanks to its excellent connectivity.
London offers plenty of interesting attractions for all ages, including the free Natural History Museum and Science Museum.
All of these elements combine to create the perfect setting for an unforgettable family trip to London.
This article will guide you in choosing a comfortable and affordable hotel so you can enjoy every moment in this magical city.
Loking for the best areas to stay in London first time with family? Keep reading!
In short: The best areas to stay in London first time with family are South Kensington, Paddington, Waterloo, Marylebone, Bloomsbury, and Westminster.
South Kensington – offers direct access to Hyde Park, great connections to major attractions, and three different tube lines, plus easy access to the Natural History, Science, and Victoria & Albert museums
Paddington – a quieter area with affordable hotel options, proximity to Hyde Park and the Sherlock Holmes Museum, and great tube connectivity
Waterloo – less crowded in the evenings, close to major attractions, great access to Waterloo station, and close to several popular food markets including Borough Market.
Marylebone – offers access to two parks including the London Zoo, great connections to museums, and a lively nightlife scene, though hotel prices tend to be higher.
Bloomsbury – Home to top museums like the British Museum and the Charles Dickens Museum, with budget hotels and proximity to St. Pancras, though a bit further from some key attractions.
Westminster – Offers stunning river views and proximity to Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey, though hotels here are more expensive.
You can easily navigate to each area by clicking on the link or go directly to the overview of the best areas to stay in London first time with family.
The best areas to stay in London first time with family are:
1. South Kensington
South Kensington is arguably the best area to stay in London with kids, located just below Hyde Park.
Unlike the bustling Covent Garden, often considered the top tourist area due to its central location, South Kensington offers a more relaxed atmosphere while still remaining a popular destination.
The area offers direct access to Hyde Park for a morning stroll, as well as nearby attractions such as Kensington Palace, Wellington Arch, and the Royal Albert Hall.
South Kensington benefits from three tube lines, two of which take you directly to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, while the third offers easy access to Buckingham Palace.
From Big Ben, you can walk across the bridge to reach the London Eye.
You can also take a boat tour of the River Thames from this location.
One of the highlights of staying in South Kensington is its proximity to three renowned museums: the Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and the Science Museum, the latter being particularly interactive and a favourite with children.
With its combination of spacious hotel rooms and family-friendly attractions, South Kensington really stands out as the ideal area for a family stay in London.
2. Paddington
Paddington, located north of Hyde Park, offers a much quieter atmosphere compared to bustling South Kensington.
This area offers excellent access to several tube lines, allowing you to easily reach almost every corner of the city.
Families staying here will enjoy visiting the popular Sherlock Holmes Museum, which is located nearby, although you will have to travel a little further to explore London’s most impressive museum, the British Museum.
Although Paddington is further from some of the main attractions, the efficient tube system makes getting around the area a breeze.
In exchange for being a little further away, you’ll enjoy a quieter setting, more affordable hotel options, and direct access to Hyde Park, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll.
3. Waterloo
Waterloo, located opposite Big Ben and home to the London Eye, is an ideal area for families to stay.
Nearby, you’ll find other popular areas such as Southbank and London Bridge, all of which are great options for a quieter family stay.
Unlike the livelier neighbourhoods of Covent Garden and Soho, which aren’t ideal for families, Waterloo, Southbank and London Bridge offer a more relaxed atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
These areas are fantastically located, close to major attractions and with access to Waterloo Station, the largest train station in the UK.
For dining, don’t miss Borough Market, Blackfriars Road Food Market and Tabard Street Food Market, which are family favourites.
While this part of London doesn’t have any parks and isn’t the quietest, it does offer great access to attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.
4. Marylebone
Marylebone, located east of Paddington, offers a more central location while still maintaining access to two beautiful parks: Regent’s Park, home to London Zoo, and Hyde Park.
Staying in this area also means you’ll be close to unique museums such as the Sherlock Holmes Museum and the Grant Museum of Zoology, as well as the famous British Museum.
The images below give a good idea of what you can expect from these unique museums.
Like Paddington, Marylebone has excellent tube connectivity, allowing you to reach all parts of the city.
However, the key difference lies in its proximity to busier areas, including the vibrant nightlife of Soho and the upmarket district of Mayfair.
This means that Marylebone has its share of more expensive and upmarket hotels.
If your budget allows, it’s a fantastic place for families, especially if you’re visiting with older children and want easy access to nighttime attractions such as Piccadilly Circus or Chinatown, all within easy walking distance.
Plus, the iconic Harrods is just a short trip away.
5. Bloomsbury
Bloomsbury is a charming area known for its many museums, including the British Museum, the Charles Dickens Museum, the Museum of Archaeology, and the Grant Museum of Zoology.
It is well served by the Piccadilly Line, which provides easy access to attractions such as Piccadilly Circus and Buckingham Palace.
Bloomsbury is a relatively quiet area, although it lacks some of the major attractions found elsewhere in London, requiring a short tube ride to reach them.
On the plus side, Bloomsbury offers more affordable hotel options and is conveniently located near St Pancras International Train Station, making it a practical choice if you are arriving or departing by train.
Given the sheer size of London, staying near St Pancras can save you valuable travel time around the city.
6. Westminster
The last area we recommend for staying in London with the family is Westminster.
This location is incredibly convenient, putting you close to major attractions such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and 10 Downing Street.
You’ll also benefit from excellent access to public transport, with Victoria Station nearby as a major transport hub.
Plus, staying by the River Thames offers the chance to enjoy stunning river views with iconic landmarks in view.
However, keep in mind that staying in Westminster comes with a hefty price tag.
If your budget allows, it’s definitely one of the best areas to stay in London for families, thanks to its prime location and easy access to major landmarks.