The ultimate guide to fun things to do in London for teenagers. From essential landmarks to best London views, cultural hits, adrenaline rushes, sports venues and shopping expeditions. There’s something here to keep everyone happy. This is a London local’s guide, updated for 2024.
This post contains affiliate links, this means that I may receive a commission at no cost to you if you click a link and make a purchase. As always all opinions are my own.
London with Teenagers: a local’s guide
I’ve lived in London all my adult life and my sons grew up here. They’re both 20-somethings now and they work in central London. So this is our personal bucket list of all the best places to go, sights to see and fun things to do in London with teenagers. It’s a loooong post! So check the menu to jump to the sections that appeal to you best.
Top Tours for Teens in London
If you’re looking for a tour to book fast, these top-rated attractions are very popular with teens:
Speedboat Tour Through Heart of the City
A gentle cruise on the Thames transforms into a Bond-style blast! Combine a fun guided sightseeing cruise through the heart of London with a thrilling high speed dash out to Greenwich and the O2 Arena and back. This tour, with stand-out reviews, equips you with waterproof jackets and suspension seats for an exhilarating ride.
Cross the glass-floored walkway on Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge Entry Ticket Walk across the glass floor on the high walkway of Tower Bridge for great views and selfies. Time it for a Bridge Lift to see the bridge open and ships sail beneath you on the river Thames. Learn about the history of Tower Bridge and visit the engine rooms. Check availability and book.
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Top Instagrammable Spots in London for Teens
If you’re first time visitors to London you’ll need a checklist of famous landmarks. These central London sights are relatively close together in two separate locations. Teens should enjoy a quick trip around them, phones in hand.
Free sights around Westminster
Many London landmarks charge for entry. But you don’t need to go inside to enjoy their splendour and take photos.
- Buckingham Palace The London home of HM the King. Watch Changing the Guard and have an ice cream in St James’ Park. Walk down The Mall to……
- Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square. The diminutive admiral and war hero lost his life in a sea battle but was immortalised here by a grateful nation. Walk down Whitehall to…..
- Houses of Parliament and Big Ben The world famous clock face in the Elizabeth Tower is a huge attraction. Bonus marks if you can fit it into a shot with one of the red phone boxes on Parliament Square.
- Piccadilly Circus Often likened to NYC’s Times Square because of the neon billboards, but really – it isn’t. Piccadilly Circus is still a hub for visitors but doesn’t need to be a high priority.
Free sights around the City of London
These three key London landmarks are all worth a closer look on a visit to London with teens interested in history – or bird’s eye views:
- St Paul’s Cathedral A feature of the London landscape since 1675. There are lovely views from the Dome if you’re up for tackling all the stairs, whilst the Whispering Gallery (see below) has a fun acoustic trick.
- Tower of London First built in 1078 the Tower looks tiny compared to neighbouring skyscrapers. But up close it retains some of its former menace. It’s one of the most interesting historic places in London for teens.
- Tower Bridge This is the most famous bridge in London. And it’s right alongside the Tower of London. The high level walkways have a portion of glass floor for memorable photos.
Find the red phone boxes
Once teens have stopped laughing at the primitive way in which their parents used to communicate they may want to take a photo. You’ll find traditional red phone boxes in Parliament Square, Covent Garden and opposite the V & A in Kensington, amongst other places.
Catch some day to day pageantry
Soldiers on horseback in scarlet tunics are one of the quintessential images of London life. The protectors of Buckingham and St James’ Palaces are all active infantry soldiers.
Changing the Guard and Changing the Life Guard are regular ceremonies which you can watch for free at Buckingham Palace or Horse Guards Parade. There’s also a ceremony at Windsor Castle on certain days of the week.
London with Teenagers: Film and TV locations
Colourful. characterful and hugely photogenic, it’s no surprise that London has starred in plenty of movies and TV dramas. Following in the footsteps of favourite characters is a great way to see the city. Here’s a round up of sights, shops and locations linked to film and TV greats.
Best Harry Potter places in London
London’s biggest Harry Potter attraction, the Warner Bros studio tour, is 20 miles outside the centre so best to allow a whole day to visit it. It’s still a top thing to do in London with teens.
But Harry Potter fans can also visit key sites in central London. Leadenhall Market near the Tower of London was used as a location for Diagon Alley in the filming of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Although architecture apart it’s 100% Muggle in real life.
In the concourse at Kings Cross station is a Platform 9 ¾ wall with a luggage trolley embedded in it. There’s a Harry Potter merchandise shop is next door.
The House of MinaLima in Wardour Street, Soho showcases the graphic style of the Harry Potter films. See exhibits from the Marauders Map to the packaging for Chocolate Frogs and shop their gorgeous themed gifts.
Click here to book the Magical London Harry Potter guided walking tour
Manga, Marvel and Doctor Who in London
Forbidden Planet megastore, Covent Garden Sci-fi and fantasy lovers will want to browse in here. It’s the world’s biggest retailer in the niche and has a huge range of merchandise, comics and graphic novels from Manga to Marvel, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, WC2.
TARDIS-style Police box at Earl’s Court tube station. Diehard Dr Who fans will appreciate a trip to Earl’s Court Road where a TARDIS lookalike is ready for your photo call. Although based on the original 1929 design this is a modern Police box, installed in 1996. And Dr Who fans will love a Dr Who London walking tour
Sherlock Holmes Locations in London
221b Baker Street The world famous address of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional sleuth, Sherlock Holmes, is, for complex reasons, actually attached to 237 to 241 Baker Street. A blue plaque on the wall helps to dispel confusion as this is the present day home of the Sherlock Holmes museum and shop.
Sherlock filming location BBC’s Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, was actually filmed about a mile away in North Gower Street. Stop for a snack at the neighbouring Speedy’s cafe, which appears in the television series.
Sherlock Holmes pub This Victorian-style pub contains a replica Sherlock Holmes apartment that was first displayed at the Festival of Britain in 1951. 10 Northumberland St in St James’s.
Madame Tussauds It’s not for every teen, but it’s close to Baker Street and does provide 250 life size celebrity wax figures past and present. Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch features too.
The Game is Now The official Sherlock Immersive Experiences in London. These escape rooms, devised by show creators, include sets and original content from the stars of the TV series. You can book a session at Sherlock the Official Live Game here, it gets great reviews.
Notting Hill film locations
London is the star in Richard Curtis’ timeless rom coms Notting Hill and Love Actually. The films helped to put Notting Hill on the visitor map. And you can’t go far wrong by following in William Thacker’s footsteps through Portobello Road market.
A visit to Notting Hill is a great thing to do with teenagers in London. They’ll enjoy the thrifting opportunities at Portobello market, as well as spotting familiar sights from the rom coms and the Paddington movie. Explore the area and its film star credentials on a Notting Hill walking tour.
More for film-loving teens in London
The British Film Institute’s IMAX by Waterloo station is the UK’s biggest cinema screen. Book ahead for current blockbusters as well as old favourites here.
Prince Charles Cinema The last independent cinema in the West End. Check its listings for classics, anime and Sing-a-Longs as well as new releases.
The MI6 Building There’s no secret about the UK’s foreign intelligence service hangout since it has featured in several recent James Bond movies. The striking postmodern building overlooks the Thames on Albert Embankment at Vauxhall.
Fun Things to do in London Young Adults
There’s a huge choice of activity bars and immersive experiences that’ll appeal to teens and young adults in London. Check individual venues for opening times for under 18s.
F1 Arcade has full motion F1 racing simulators, with 5 skill levels from absolute beginners to pros. Under 18s are welcome until 6pm.
Bounce branches combine ping pong and pizza. It also welcomes under 18s, accompanied by an adult over 21, until 6pm or all day Sunday.
Swingers West End Crazy golf and street food, the perfect combination for a fun afternoon or evening. From May 12th, under 18s accompanied by an adult are welcome on Sundays until 6pm.
Flight Club the venue for social darts, for players over 18.
TOCA social Fun interactive football (soccer) experience at the O2. There’s a choice of games and ability levels, plus an Americana-style food menu. Under 18s welcome in daytime, check venue for details.
Cultural Fun for Teens in London
These are London’s living museums where teens can get a real sense of history come to life.
Tower of London
A castle, palace and prison, the Tower is rich with history, pageantry and fascinating stories. Meet the famous Beefeater guards, see the Crown Jewels and the legendary guardian ravens.
Hampton Court Palace
The one-time home of King Henry VIII allows visitors a glimpse into the regal world of the Tudor, Stuarts and Georgians. Visit Henry’s industrial size kitchens, get lost in the outdoor maze and seek the re-enactors who portray courtly life. 30 mins by train from central London.
Cutty Sark
This thoroughbred Victorian tea clipper was the fastest ship of its time. Thrill-seeking teens will love to climb the rigging. Check schedules here for how to book. You can reach the Cutty Sark at Greenwich by rail, tube or – best of all – the Thames Clipper river boat service. It’s also close to the Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time.
HMS Belfast
What was life like on a WW2 warship from the Royal Navy? The nine-decked HMS Belfast is moored near Tower Bridge. Visitors scramble up and down metal ladders, hear real stories and experience a battle simulation.
Golden Hinde
Swashbuckling Sir Francis Drake sailed the Golden Hinde to South America and back on command of Queen Elizabeth I. And this life-sized replica has travelled even further afield. Visitors can still imagine Drake’s life of adventure – and piracy – on the high seas. St Mary Overie Dock, Southwark
Is the London Pass worth it?
The London Pass offers free entry to more than 80 London attractions. You buy passes for 1 to 10 days for adults, whilst children aged 5 to 15 years qualify for child passes. So calculate with your teens how many attractions you can fit into a day without causing major family fallout. Then you can work out whether the London Pass is worth it for you.
A one day London Pass costs £104 for an adult. But a two day is £144, a 3 day is £164 and 5 days is, by comparison, £199. So you can see that if you keep up the pace the savings increase.
Click here to find out more and book the London Pass
Where to go Shopping in London with Teenagers
Most teens will want to shop, whether that’s market stalls, vintage, high street or designer label. And in London you’ve come to the right place.
Oxford Street and Carnaby Street
London’s famous shopping street mixes high street names with major department stores. Nike Town, on a prime site at Oxford Circus, is the UK flagship store. Or snap up bargain buys at H&M and the huge Primark.
Escape the Oxford Street bustle to Selfridges department store, with its upscale fashion and an enormous beauty hall. Whilst nearby Regent Street has an arguably better selection of shops than Oxford Street these days.
Famous for trend setting in the 60s, the area around Carnaby Street, off Regent Street, is once again home to iconic brands and independent shops. It has lots of places to eat too and fab decorations at Christmas.
Covent Garden
Once a fruit and veg wholesalers, this grand market building and piazza is now part of a glamorous zone of desirable shops. And it’s all mixed in with market stalls, street performers and plenty of places to eat. It’s a great place to browse and check out the cafes and coffee shops.
Destination shopping at Harrods and Westfield
Harrods speaks for itself, it’s one of the most famous department stores in the world and a Knightsbridge landmark.
Westfield London is the biggest shopping mall in Europe. The Shepherd’s Bush location has over 300 shops and 40 luxury brands. There’s a second location too: Westfield Stratford City in east London.
Thrift shopping and markets for teens in London
Teens will enjoy the hunt around London’s vintage fashion stores. You’ll find branches of Rokit in Camden, Covent Garden and Brick Lane, or Beyond Retro in Dalston, Oxford Street, Westfield White City and Coal Drops Yard. There are more vintage outlets in markets around London plus enticing charity shops on every high street.
Try these markets in London with teens
Camden Market Gritty and glorious, Camden market is a magnet for London’s teens with its open air and indoor stalls, shops and street food, all clustered around Regent’s canal. It’s more affordable and eclectic than Oxford Street and has an edgy history of mods and punks.
Borough Market One for food lovers, Borough market, south of London Bridge, isn’t the cheapest of lunch options or the most central, but it has plenty to attract all the family. From delis and doughnuts to goat kebabs, the range of snacks and street food will please everyone.
Portobello Road Portobello is in the heart of Notting Hill (see above). Saturday is the best time to visit with all stalls open for business, including vintage fashion and bric a brac.
Brick Lane and Spitalfields Markets Old Spitalfields market opposite Liverpool St Station is open 7 days a week with vintage and contemporary stalls. Nearby Brick Lane is at its best on Sundays with every kind of stall from vintage and retro to secondhand. Lots of great street food too.
London Christmas markets From mid-November to New Year’s Eve, London’s winter markets twinkle into life. For the best combination of stalls, food and views go to the London Bridge winter market. Or try the Southbank Christmas market near the London Eye.
Souvenir shopping in London with teens
Whether you’re looking for London gifts for family or souvenirs to take home, the capital has a dazzling selection. Harry Potter merchandise is easy to source, whilst sports stores sell football scarves for London’s local teams.
For longer-lasting souvenirs check out museum and attraction shops for games, posters, craft kits and jewellery. The Buckingham Palace Shops have a wide range of Royal-themed gifts too.
British snacks make great souvenirs for overseas visitors. Stock up on Cadbury’s chocolate bars, or bags of sweets like Jelly Babies and Liquorice Allsorts at any good supermarket.
Best theatre in London with teens
Central London’s theatres are the best in the world. Many of London’s theatres are steeped in history, gilt and velvet and the atmosphere is buzzing at a big ticket show. It’s quite something to be part of the ovation at the end of a stand-out performance.
Top-rated London shows that’ll appeal to teens
Musicals: Six The Musical, Wicked, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, The Book of Mormon (one for older teens!).
Plays: Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution in the London County Hall courtroom; The Mousetrap record-breaking traditional who-done-it, also by Agatha Christie; The Play that Goes Wrong long-running British comedy farce.
The open air Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, is a reconstruction of the 1599 original. See a play or take a tour. Standing tickets are £5 but you need to book in advance!
Local’s tips: book ahead – sometimes months in advance if you want decent seats for a popular show. I use Theatre Monkey to check the position of seats before I buy, paying special attention to legroom for tall teens. Queue for last minute tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.
Watch a TV show recording
Essential to plan ahead for this one but we’ve enjoyed free seats in the audience for various TV panel shows including QI and Mock the Week. Register with Applause Store for more info.
Take a behind-the-scenes theatre tour
Stagestruck teens in London will love a backstage view at one of the great theatres.
Hear about Shakespeare’s original Globe of 1599 in this Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre experience and guided tour. Take a behind the scenes tour at the Royal Opera House. And learn what goes into show preparation at the National Theatre
Street art in London for teens
Street art is ephemeral and there’s an ever-changing landscape on the streets of Shoreditch and Camden. But a street art tour will guide you to the latest sights.
Discover the Street Art of the East End and learn some skills
East End Street Art tour and Spray Painting session This East End walking tour reveals some of London’s best street art and tells you the stories behind the works. Then take a workshop to learn how to create a piece to take home with you. Check availability and book.
Chewing gum art
On a minuscule scale look out for the tiny patches of decorated chewing gum on the Millennium Bridge. Ben Wilson has been painting mini masterpieces here for years.
Best free museums in London
Many of the great London museums are free to enter. This comes as a very pleasant surprise indeed to a lot of visitors. And it’s perfect on a trip to London with teenagers because you can pop in for half an hour or so with no need to stay on to justify the cost.
These museums all have cafes and many have indoor or outdoor picnic space for you to bring your own lunch. Check in advance for exhibitions, workshops and activities at the time of your visit.
Our top museum picks for teens in London
- The British Museum London school trips visit to see the mummies in the Egyptian rooms. Other don’t-misses include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures (aka the Elgin Marbles), an Easter Island statue and the Anglo Saxon helmets and swords from Sutton Hoo.
- The Science Museum All things science, tech and engineering with great play, experiment and learn facilities for all ages. There’s an entry fee to the wondrous Wonderlab – best for younger teens – and Power Up where teens can get hands-on amidst five decades of gaming.
- The Natural History Museum The history of life on earth and evolution, from animatronic dinosaurs (quite scary actually for very young children), to an earthquake simulation.
- The Victoria and Albert Museum The V&A focuses on art and design. For teens who are interested in fashion the costume galleries are definitely worth a look.
- Museum of London Docklands A history of London’s port through the ages. Including the Great Fire and London’s rise as a global city of fashion.
- Imperial War Museum War through the eyes of the people who were there, from WW1 to present day conflicts.
Free Art Galleries in London
- National Gallery One of the world’s greatest collections of paintings with works from Botticelli and Michelangelo to Monet and van Gogh.
- National Portrait Gallery Portraits of every kind from the Tudors to present day celebs. Plan ahead to take part in the art workshops for young people.
- Tate Modern Like it says on the tin, this is the modern art Tate, the one with the huge Turbine Hall. Head to the Viewing Level of the Blavatnik building for a 360° panorama including St Pauls.
- Saatchi Gallery Contemporary art on the King’s Road that’s easy to combine with a shopping trip for teens.
Unusual museums in London
These small museums look at different aspects of London life in the past and will appeal to teens who love history.
Churchill War Rooms Visit the warren of underground rooms in Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s wartime bunker beneath the streets of Westminster. It seems shockingly low tech to our modern day eyes, yet it was key to Britain’s fight for victory in WW2.
The Ragged School Museum Enrol for a lesson in a Victorian school classroom in the East End. On the first Sunday of every month visitors of all ages can join an 1870s-style class complete with easel, slates and a dunce’s cap! Check out The Ragged School Museum for more info.
The Old Operating Theatre An original 1822 operating theatre – with viewing gallery – from St Thomas’ Hospital that was discovered in the attic of a Southwark church. Be prepared for a spiral staircase and gory details!
Fun Activities to do in London with teenagers
From stadium climbs to zip wires there are a wide range of London attractions for teens to let off steam in the city.
Adrenaline rushes
Sometimes on a city break you just need to let off steam. Or do something completely out of the ordinary. Here are some of the best things to do in London for teenagers who are thrill-seekers.
Take a speedboat ride down the Thames
Go the full James Bond along the Thames as you combine sightseeing: London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, HMS Belfast et al, with an adrenaline rush RIB ride! London Speedboat Tour – check availability and book.
Sky high walks
Climb the Roof of the O2 Arena You can actually walk over the top of the O2 arena in Greenwich. Choose between daytime, sunset or twilight trips, don a climb suit, clip on your harness and you’re off. This guided expedition takes 90 minutes.
Or take the Dare Sky Walk at the Tottenham Hotspur football stadium. Those with nerves of steel can also step off The Edge, for a 42 metre controlled descent. A quite hair-raising thing for teens to do in London!
ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide
The UK’s tallest sculpture in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is also home to the world’s longest tunnel slide. Take the lift up to the viewing platform then choose your means of descent! Book a slide here.
High ropes and zipwires
You can Go Ape beside the Thames in the treetops of Battersea Park. Just across the river from Chelsea, it’s easily accessible for 2 or 3 hours of high octane canopy thrills. Go Ape Battersea
Immersive Experiences
These are great fun things to do in London with teens if it rains!
Crystal Maze Experience The 1990s TV game show is re-born and it’s a winner with both parents and teens. Test your physical and mental skills in a series of fun games.
Monopoly LifeSized a physical version of the much-loved board game for all the family.
Frameless Immersive Art Experience Digital interpretations of world famous works of art projected onto walls and ceiling of the galleries.
Outernet Free art projections on wraparound screens on Tottenham Court Road.
Sports Activities for teens in London
Lee Valley velo park
Cycle enthusiasts will love a trip out east to the VeloPark, custom built for the 2012 Olympics. Book ahead for taster or coaching sessions and your teen could experience track riding in the Olympic velodrome, learn skills on the road circuit, or try out the BMX track or mountain bike trails. The VeloPark website has all the details.
Or hire a bike
I don’t fancy cycling in London traffic but a cycle path is another matter and London has a growing network of them. For short hops you can hire a TfL Santander bike from any docking station.
Try them out for a quick trip through Hyde Park or Regent’s Park – don’t forget to bring helmets! The TfL site is here. Or take an organised bike tour like this one.
Outdoor swimming in London
The Serpentine in Hyde Park The Lido is an open water swimming area, 100m x 30m in the Serpentine Lake, Hyde Park. It’s open daily from June to September.
Hampstead Ponds No photos allowed, so I can’t show you the lovely duck pond vibe, including ducks, of Hampstead Ponds. Friends of ours have swum here for years. Hampstead Heath has three bathing ponds: Men’s, Ladies’ and Mixed plus an unheated outdoor pool at Parliament Hill Lido.
Swim in an Olympic pool
The London Aquatics Centre at Stratford is also a part of the Olympic legacy. Book in advance for family swimming or try out the Ultimate Aqua Splash assault course. Here for details.
Horse riding in Hyde Park
Rotten Row, a broad sandy track on the south side of Hyde Park, features in many a historic novel. It was the place to see and be seen on horseback in bygone days. Take a turn on Rotten Row with the Ross Nye Stables who offer lessons and hacks in the park, Ross Nye Stables.
Sports to watch in London with teens
One of the great sporting capitals of the world, London hosts major sporting events year round. Football (soccer) is the most popular game in the UK and is played in a league system.
Football in London
Match tickets for London Premier League football (soccer) clubs like Chelsea or Arsenal are highly sought after and difficult to buy unless you’re a member. Check the individual club websites for authorised ticket resellers and hospitality packages. Be careful not to buy from ticket touts as the ticket may be fake.
Football loving teens will appreciate tickets for stadium tours eg:
Wembley stadium The UK’s biggest sport and music venue and home to the England football team. London: Wembley Stadium Guided Tour
Chelsea Football Club Stamford Bridge is the home of the Blues in Fulham, west London. Hear anecdotes and step behind the scenes at this iconic club on the Chelsea Football Club stadium and museum tour.
Fulham FC Historic Craven Cottage beside the Thames is the oldest stadium in London, dating from 1896 with a listed facade and original turnstiles. You stand a sporting chance of getting tickets for a Fulham game too! Craven Cottage guided tour at Fulham Football Club.
Cricket at Lord’s and The Oval
Cricket is the UK’s national sport and Lord’s is the actual Home of Cricket, dating from 1787. Tickets for international cricket matches here are allocated by ballot, and they aren’t cheap. But you can get seats for county matches or evening Twenty 20 tournaments at a more attractive price.
In south London, the Kia Oval international cricket ground offers a fun package of a behind-the-scenes tour, tickets to watch a Club match plus afternoon tea. Match Tickets, Tour & Afternoon Tea At Oval Cricket
Tennis at Wimbledon
The most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledon‘s Grand Slam championships take place in July each year. Unless you’re lucky enough to be invited to a corporate event, in the UK precious tickets for Wimbledon are mainly available by ballot or the Queue, which older teens might really enjoy!
Rugby at Twickenham
The home of England Rugby and the World Rugby Museum, Twickenham stadium is a destination for fans from far and wide. Matches are family friendly (the same can’t always be said for Premiership football) and tickets are relatively affordable.
Best Views in London with teens
- The Shard One of the more expensive ways to view London from on high, the platform is 243m above ground.
- Horizon 22 At 254 metres up it trumps the Shard to become Europe’s highest free viewing platform. Fabulous views but gets booked up.
- Lift 109 The newest view in London at Battersea Power Station. An express glass elevator whisks you to the 109 m platform.
- The Monument First used as a viewing platform in the 1670s. It has lovely City and river views although at 61 metres high it’s not a skyscraper. Excellent value if you don’t mind the 311 winding steps to the top.
- London Eye The observation wheel that’s one of the most popular attractions in London. It’s not cheap but after all the ride’s the thing.
- Sky Garden A free view! To be sure of entry you should book at least a week ahead. Bonus points for having cafe, bar and brasserie options so there’s more than just the view on offer.
Quirky London sights
Some of London’s more unusual sights that might just appeal to teens.
Visit Jeremy Bentham The philosopher who died in 1832, insisted that his body be mummified and occasionally attend gatherings with friends. You can visit him at University College London’s student centre.
The Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s Cathedral A handy place to catch your breath on the way up to the views from the Dome. It also plays an acoustic trick: whisper a message to the sloping wall on one side of the gallery and your friend on the other side will hear you!
The singing lift Check out the singing elevator in the Royal Festival Hall. Go at a quiet time of day for an uninterrupted journey up to the 6th floor and down again, then stay for a cafe break with a view of the river.
Not 10 Downing Street (10 Adam Street) Traffic barriers and guards obscure the view of the Prime Minister’s residence at No 10. But No. 10 Adam Street, close by, looks very similar…..
What to read next
Plan a day out from London to a lively city by the sea. Here’s everything you need to know about Things to do in Brighton with Teenagers
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Check out the weather, what to pack and things to do in London:
Fun things to do in London in Winter
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Please note that all visitor information here is for guidance only. Please check the relevant websites for the most up to date information eg. accommodation details, tickets, entrance requirements, opening times etc.
About the author Nancy Roberts is a former women’s magazine editor and writer. She lives in London and is mum to two 20-something boys. In Map&Family she shares info and inspiration for curious travellers: singles and couples as well as families travelling with teens and young adults.
All photos are all rights reserved. Please do not reproduce these photos without prior written permission
Trish @ Mum's Gone To says
Wow this is a mammoth list. I think your suggestions are great, something for all teens and all budgets. I need to pin it for our own adult trips too. #culturedkids.
Map & Family says
Thanks very much Trish, yes definitely good stuff for adults here too, I’ve really enjoyed re-visiting some of them!
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays says
Now that is what I call a comprehensive list …. so many good things to see and do in London. #CulturedKids
Map & Family says
It’s a wonderful city you could find something new every weekend!
Scarlett Roitman says
What an absolutely brilliant list, and not just for the teens! I think the thrift shopping is a particularly useful activity for teens – gets them in the right state of mind for moving into the university years! #CULTUREDKIDS
Map & Family says
Lots of thanks Scarlett and completely agree re the shopping, the boys have quite a few thrifted treasures!
scots2travel says
This is so cool and so thorough. Our kids are aged 5 & 3 but there’s loads on this list they can do, and we visit London usually once a year. St Paul’s would work for them, my eldest would be fascinated by the Foundling Hospital, and any of the military museums would capture their imaginations.
So much to see and do.
#culturedkids
Map & Family says
How about Tower Bridge too? Not as many steps as St Pauls and great views from the walkway including the glass panels in the floor that you can walk on. It’s fun to watch the bridge open as well. You’ve got lots of lovely family trips ahead of you!
FRANCESCA says
What a huge and complete and brilliant list of things to do!! We miss many of this list as my monkeys are still small, but definitely I want to save it and check for my upcoming weekends 🙂
Map & Family says
Thank you Francesca! You’ve got lots of exploring ahead with the monkeys! London is great for every age – we especially liked Kensington Gardens and the basement play and learn area in the Science museum when the boys were little.
Emma Raphael says
What an amazing list!! You have made me want to book a weekend in London with my teens as soon as possible. Whilst I worked in the city for a long time, and know it well, there are so many things I need to see that I haven’t heard of before! 😀 #CulturedKids
Map & Family says
Oh thank you! It’s been really fun to write and I’m so glad you’ve found it interesting. It’s a great city💂♀️
Birgit Ahrens says
What a lovely list! Thank you so much for all of these suggestions. We are London fans from Germany and try to visit one of our favourite cities once a year – so new advice is always welcome,
Map & Family says
That’s great to hear Birgit, thanks for your comment! Do let us know what you like best on your next visit.
Vyki from Museum Mum says
A really thorough list that I’ll definitely be sharing with my future houseswappers. London is great for teenagers, mine loves Camden Market, God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow, and anywhere that does freakshakes! The Museum lates are good for teens too as they usually have lots of fun activities and a hip crowd #CulturedKids
Map & Family says
Thanks Vyki, I’m glad it’s useful. God’s Own Junkyard and Museum Lates are great suggestions – I’ll include them when I update. I’m putting together a follow up on eating in London soon – freakshakes will be featuring! 😂
Lucy says
Lovely article, thanks! It would be marvellous to be able to travel again. Maybe soon!!
I wanna add a little suggestion which may interest someone reading this post.
In COVID times, we can explore the backstage life of the National Theatre online. If not, the website is promoting online shows for free (most of them).