Summer In London Activities!

Lots to do in London this season: Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, begins the parade of activities this weekend. A Diamond Jubilee has only ever been celebrated in the UK once before – Queen Victoria, who reigned for more than 60 years, celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

I was in London last week and the city is looking forward to welcoming the world for this celebration and the upcoming Olympics. It’s not too late for Olympic tickets, there are a few hotels with room and tickets can be achieved. Do use public transportation, as London traffic on a normal day can be challenging.

We have countless private and exclusive options for visitors, among them a few suggestions for families with children. Cheers!


Traveling with children to London can be a marvelous experience. With my very kid friendly guides, everyone can enjoy the experience. Museums, famous buildings, culture, history and fascinating customs. Walks by the Thames with a guide explaining historical facts, cruises on the river, see the old London and the ultra-new side of the city. A ride in an open top bus provides perspective on each interesting neighborhood location. A typical few days with children is outlined below. Hotels can be selected by location or personal preference. I work with many hotels who pamper my clients. I also partner with an exclusive firm which offers amazing, private behind-the-scenes tours.

A TYPICAL ARRIVAL TO LONDON:

• Family to be met at planeside, VIP through customs, luggage will then be carried straight to your waiting transport.

Evening Dinner at The Wolseley, followed by performance of theatre. London is home to numerous first run theatre productions; many are quite suitable for children. “Billy Eliot”, “Mary Poppins”, “Grease”, and “We Will Rock You” are just a few.

Morning Guide to meet family at hotel and begin day of sightseeing. Here are some– but not all– of the possibilities for private tours:

• Open top bus tour, Westminster Abbey.

• Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace, private viewing behind the crowded gates, enjoy behind the scenes tour and avoid the crowds; speak to the guards about their duties, pet their horses if you are inclined!

Boat to Greenwich tour options: Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, Docklands Museum, National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory or London Aquarium, Museums, London Dungeon, Victoria and Albert Museum, Madame Tussad’s Wax Museum.

Afternoon/Evening Options

• Driver at hotel, transport to London Eye Private Pod, where you will enjoy drinks & nibbles served on board in your private pod, see and photograph the amazing views of the city from the Pod. Walk to dinner afterwards.

• Private boxes at theatre can be arranged, it is also possible to met with cast members.

• Jewel House-Private Tour Family will be greeted by a Beefeater. You will hear tales of Henry VIII and how and where he dealt with his unwanted wives and see the infamous Traitor’s Gate. Your Beefeater will then host you with champagne and canapés while you enjoy a private viewing of the Crown Jewels. After a quick dinner locally, you will return to the Tower to watch the Ceremony of the Keys. This ceremony is the traditional locking up of the Tower of London and has taken place on each and every night, without fail, for at least 700 years. The importance of securing this fortress for the night is still very relevant because although the Monarch no longer resides at this Royal Palace, the Crown Jewels and many other valuables still do.

More Sightseeing In and Around London. Anything not covered on previous days:

• Hampton Court • Museums / Art Galleries • Shopping at Harrods / Selfridges / Hamleys

• London Dungeons • London Aquarium • Rock Circus

• V.I.P. Day at ZSL London Zoo Select up to four animals and spend time feeding them in their enclosure with a zoo specialist.

• War Museum

• Brass Rubbing Center St. Martin in the Fields is one of London’s most charismatic churches. Trafalgar Square borders the church. Down in the crypt is the Brass Rubbing Center, where you can rub a replica brass to create a color picture of a knight in armor, a gracious Queen, a mythological beast or intricate Celtic patterns.