Best Areas To Stay In London For Families Visiting for the First Time

Finding the best areas to stay in London can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit or you’re travelling with kids. London is a huge city, and choosing the right neighbourhood can make a big difference to how easy, enjoyable, and stress-free your trip feels.

As a London mum (who loves to be a tourist in my own city), I know that not all areas are equal when it comes to travelling as a family or visiting for the first time. Some neighbourhoods are perfect for sightseeing, with iconic landmarks just a short walk away, while others are quieter, greener, and better suited to little ones who need space to run around.

In this guide, I’ll break down where to stay in London for families visiting for the first time, including the pros and cons of each, what makes them unique, and who they’re best suited for. Whether you’re looking for a central location close to the main attractions or a more relaxed base with great transport links, this guide will help you choose the perfect area for your trip.

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How to Choose the Best Area to Stay in London

Choosing where to stay in London can make a big difference to your trip, especially if you’re visiting with kids or it’s your first time.

While budget is always a factor, I always recommend staying in Central London, rather than paying less for a hotel further out and spending extra time and money commuting in each day, especially if you’re visiting London with young children. Avoiding any extra travel time is a win!

London is a big city, and transport can be busy, so being close to the attractions you want to visit usually makes for a much smoother experience.

When deciding on the best area to stay in London, think about what your family will enjoy most. I will go into more detail on this in my recommendation below, but some examples include:

• Sightseeing first-timers will love being close to iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and The Tower of London, making the Westminster or London Bridge areas a perfect fit.
• Museum fans might prefer areas like Kensington or South Kensington, where the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A are all within walking distance.
• Families with younger kids might value nearby parks and quieter streets, like in areas such as Greenwich, so little ones have space to run and play.

Other Practical Tips when Deciding The Best Area to Stay in London

A few more factors that will help determine where to stay in London include:

• Which airport do you fly in to: London has multiple airports, each will take a different route into the centre of London. You can read more information on that in my full guide to your first time in London with kids. However, in short, Gatwick trains run to London Bridge, London Victoria or King’s Cross St Pancras. From Heathrow, direct trains run to Paddington or Victoria. Or direct trains from Stanstead Airport arrive to Liverpool Street (in the City of London). It might be worth choosing a hotel near your arrival station to avoid additional travel time. Check train times and find the best prices here.
• Transport links: staying near a tube station or Uber Boat stop makes getting around easier. (I will list more detailed information for each area below!) If visiting London with a baby or toddler and a pushchair (stroller), it’s also worth checking if nearby stations are accessible. Accessible means that they have lifts (elevators) and are marked with a round blue wheelchair symbol on the London tube map.
• What’s your neighbourhood vibe: some areas are bustling and touristy, while others are calmer and more residential. Again, I will share more details on this below.
• Balance convenience with comfort: a slightly pricier central stay can save stress and travel time, which is priceless when travelling with children. I will share both luxury and budget-friendly hotel recommendations below.

Ultimately, the best area is the one that suits your family’s interests, pace, and travel style. Use the neighbourhood breakdown above as a guide, then pick the one that feels right for your trip.

Best Area To Stay In London For Families & First-Time Visitors

Below, I will share the best areas to stay in London for families visiting London for the first time, and a bit about each place. I’ll also share some family hotel recommendations.

Westminster/ Buckingham Palace Area

Westminster is possibly London’s most iconic borough and home to many of the major Landmarks and top attractions, making it one of the best areas to stay in London for tourists. The central Westminster area (around Buckingham Palace) is a perfect base for first-time visitors who want to be close to these attractions.

Families will appreciate its central location, which keeps sightseeing simple and reduces travel time. While it can be busy and more expensive, staying here puts you right in the centre of this amazing city.

What makes Westminster one of the Best Areas to stay in London

• Home to iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey (be sure to book these in advance as they do sell out).
• Central location, close to London Victoria train Station and excellent tube connections.
• Easy walking distance to Southbank and some of London’s other major attractions.

Cons of Staying in Westminster

• It is a touristy area and can get very busy.
• Accommodation tends to be more expensive.
• It’s a large neighbourhood, not all parts are as convenient, which is why I indicated the Buckingham Palace area. Look for accommodation around the point where it says “Westminster” on Google Maps.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of our favourite areas of London. It is lively and vibrant, with street performers, shops, and family-friendly restaurants just steps away. Its central location makes it easy to explore the West End and nearby theatres, perfect for a mix of sightseeing and entertainment.

Families visiting with kids will enjoy the buzz and the convenient transport links.

What makes Covent Garden one of the Best Areas of London to stay in

• Lively atmosphere with street performers, plus plenty of shops and restaurant options.
• Central location near theatres and the West End, ideal for families with older children.
• Excellent transport links and lots of attractions are within walking distance.

Cons of Staying in Covent Garden

• Can be crowded, especially in peak seasons.
• Limited green space makes it less desirable for toddlers or small children.

London Bridge / Tower Bridge Area

The area around London Bridge and Tower Bridge offers scenic riverside views and easy access to iconic attractions such as Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and Borough Market.

It offers a mix of historic and modern vibes, making it great for families who enjoy sightseeing and exploring on foot. While some streets can be busy, it’s still a convenient base for first-time visitors.

What makes London Bridge / Tower Bridge one of the Best Areas of London to stay in

• Scenic riverside views and walks along the River Thames.
• Close to top attractions such as Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The Sky Garden and Borough Market.
• Great transport links to other areas, including Uber Boat access.

Cons of the London Bridge / Tower Bridge Area

• Some parts can feel commercial or busy; it’s close to the city, which has some great attractions but it is also a business area.
• Fewer quiet residential streets for families wanting calm.
• Limited green space and playgrounds make it less desirable for toddlers or small children.

South Bank

South Bank is one of the best areas to stay in London for families and first-time visitors, thanks to its riverside location and easy access to some of the city’s most popular attractions. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and Southbank Centre, as well as plenty of restaurants and family-friendly activities along the Thames.

The area is central but still feels spacious thanks to the wide pedestrian paths, making it ideal for exploring with kids.

What makes South Bank one of the Best Areas of London to stay in

• Central Riverside Location, with wide paths perfect for family walks.
• Close to some of London’s top attractions for families, including the London Eye, Sea Life, and the Paddington Bear Experience and easy access to theatres.

Cons of South Bank

• Expensive hotels, due to the central location.
• Gets crowded with tourists and locals, especially in peak season.

Kensington / South Kensington

Kensington is perfect for families who value quiet, safe streets and easy access to London’s top museums, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A.

The area is upscale but offers excellent transport links to central London. Families will love the calm vibe, nearby parks, and family-friendly cafés, making it a slightly more relaxed base.

What makes Kensington / South Kensington one of the best areas to stay in London

• It’s a picturesque and affluent area, filled with quiet streets ideal for families.
• Close to top museums: including the Museum of Natural History, the Science Museum and V&A. Plus the National Army museum, which is a hidden gem. These are all free to visit!
• Family-friendly restaurants, cafes and parks nearby.
• Good transport links to central London and more touristy areas.

Cons of the Kensington / South Kensington Area

• Accommodation can be expensive.
• Slightly further away from some tourist landmarks compared to Westminster/Covent Garden.
• Accessible transport links are limited for families with babies or toddlers.

Notting Hill

Notting Hill is charming and picturesque, with pretty pastel coloured houses, the famous Portobello Market, and family-friendly parks.

While not ideal as a base for sightseeing, it’s perfect for a scenic day out with kids or a relaxed stroll through a quintessentially London neighbourhood. Visitors will enjoy the café culture and colourful streets that make it Instagram-worthy.

What makes Notting Hill one of the Best Areas to Stay in London

• Beautiful streets, pastel coloured houses and Portobello Market.
• Great parks for kids and a quiet neighbourhood feel.
• Charming cafés and restaurants.

Cons of Staying in Notting Hill

• Not ideal as a base for sightseeing as it’s further from major attractions.
• Accommodation can be expensive.
• Accessible transport links are limited for families with babies or toddlers.

Greenwich

While Greenwich isn’t as central, it offers a quieter, scenic alternative area of London to stay with families. It has beautiful parks, riverside paths, and family-friendly museums. Its village-like atmosphere is ideal for families who prefer quiet streets and plenty of outdoor space for kids.

While slightly further from central London, the commute is straightforward by train or Uber Boat, giving a peaceful yet accessible base.

What makes Greenwich one of the Best areas to Stay in London

• Plenty of things to do, including Greenwich Park, The Cutty Sark, The Royal Observatory and The National Maritime Museum.
• Village-like feel with less tourist congestion, especially during the week.
• Greenwich Market is a real hidden gem for food and souvenirs.
• More budget-friendly than other areas I’ve mentioned.

Cons of Staying in Greenwich

• Further from central London attractions, but easily accessible by public transport.

FAQ’s About Where to Stay in London with Kids

Final Thoughts on the Best Area of London to Stay in For Families

In this post, I have discussed in detail 8 areas of London that would all make great areas to stay in London for families.

Overall, the Victoria Train Station/Buckingham Palace area of Westminster or the London Bridge/ Tower Bridge areas are close to some of the main tourist attractions with easy, accessible transport links to other top attractions.

Kensington is a beautiful area, ideal for families with older children, as there aren’t as many transport links for families with babies and toddlers who require a pushchair (stroller).

If you’re hoping to visit London and avoid some of the most crowded areas, Greenwich is a lot less busy, especially during the week and has plenty of things to do for families.

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Thank you so much for reading our guide on the best areas of London to stay with kids. I hope we’ve helped you plan your trip and you have an amazing stay in London!

Happy Exploring,