Travelling in London with kids: Fares, Tickets and Advice

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Best Alternatives to the London Tourist Passes

If you like the idea of having all your attractions in one place, the Keetoo app is the perfect place to manage your trip to London.

Unlike the London Tourist Pass, your money goes further and you can take things at your own pace, whilst managing how much you want to add to your account. The flexibility of being able to cancel attractions within 24 hours gives you much more flexibility. No one wants to ride the Hop-on Hop-off in the rain, do they?

You are also not confined to a time limit, so you don’t have to rush around trying to squeeze in as many attractions as possible into your day, or hurry back to the city within 30 days to use them up. Once you’ve topped up your Keetoo Wallet, it’s there to stay until you want it.

For every £40, you add to your Keetoo wallet, you’ll get £10 in Kredits for FREE to use on 100’s of attractions. You’ll also get £10 per adult and £6 per child in Kredits for FREE just by signing up.

Once you’re set up you can manage all your London attractions from one app. Discover the best attractions along with their opening times, prices and directions.

The Keetoo app is cashless, you can simply book, show your code at the entrance and you’re in.

Discover more about Keetoo and take London at your pace today.

Are London Tourist Passes Worth it?

Whilst London is full of free things to do, like museums, galleries and iconic sights, some attractions can get a little pricey – especially if you want to pack a lot into your days. This is why London Tourist Passes make sense for a lot of visitors. But are London Tourist Passes worth it for everyone? In this post, we break down the costs and explain who the pass works best for and how to make the most out of yours.

First, what is a London Tourist Pass?
There are two types of passes available, The London Pass and the London Pass with Oyster Card.

The London Pass gives you access to a full list of attractions across London. The prices are as follows (child is aged 5-15):

• 1 day (£75 adult/ £55 child)
• 2 days (£99 adult/ £75 child)
• 3 days (£125 adult/ £89 child)
• 6 days (£169 adult/ £125 child)
• 10 days (£199 adult/ £149 child)

The London Pass with Oyster Card gives you access to these attractions as well as unlimited travel on all London underground, trams, buses, light-rail, Docklands and trains zones 1-6.

• 1 day (£90 adult/ £64.30 child)
• 2 days (£119 adult/ £93.60 child)
• 3 days (£155 adult/ £116.90 child)
• 6 days (£224 adult/ £157 child)
• 10 days (£254 adult/ £204 child)

How to get the most out of your pass
If you’ve decided to go ahead and get the London Tourist Pass, here is what you’ll need to do to make the most out of it:

Start early
Get up and raring to go at the crack of dawn, ok maybe not that early, but 9 am is the optimum time to start your London adventures with the Tourist Pass.

Plan out your day
London is a big city, so don’t fall into the trap of planning your day one attraction at a time as you go. Make an itinerary to stick to and work out your journey before you set off.

Visit the most expensive attractions
To make the most of your pass, you’ll need to factor in the biggest attractions. The attractions that will add the most value to your pass include the View from the Shard, The Tower of London, Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey and one of the football stadium tours.

The London Tourist Pass cons:

You want to see the less popular attractions
If the big attractions like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and London Bridge Experience are not on your itinerary, the pass is not likely to save you money. Whilst you will find smaller and more unique attractions on the list, it’s these big experiences that give you value for money.

You want to explore at a leisurely pace
To make the most out of your pass, you need to visit at least three attractions. So if you’re someone who likes to take their time and sit back and relax, this isn’t the right pass for you.

You want to live like a London local
If big attractions and ‘touristy’ sights are not your thing, and you prefer to wander off the beaten track and live like a local, this pass is not the one for you.

In summary

• Not all attractions are included – so you may end up spending more
• Some attractions are not centrally located so you’ll struggle to fit more in if you visit them
• Not ideal for those who prefer non-popular attractions
• If you’re staying for over a week and only plan on visiting one attraction per day

If this is the case, the Keetoo app is the ideal money and time-saving solution on your trip to London.

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The Best Combination Tickets for London Attractions

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London in Three Days

But when planning a trip to London, you really want to make the most of everything that this amazing and diverse city has to offer. We have designed a free itinerary for you to follow which includes London’s top attractions like Big Ben, The London Eye, Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London and St Paul’s cathedral.
There is so much to see in London that our first advice when spending three days in London is to make sure that you have chosen a fairly central hotel, preferably in zones 1 or 2 if possible. This means you will then spend less time and money on public transport. We would also recommend that you plan and know what routes or itineraries you are going to follow so that you don’t have to think about where to go on the day. It’s also best if you get up early, so save the lie-ins for when you get home!
If it’s your first time in London and you want to see as much as possible, you need to think about going on a hop-on hop-off bus tour; it’s an easy way to see a lot in a city as big as London and it really helps you to figure out where things are if you use it on your first day. You will also get a free river cruise which is brilliant and something that we would very highly recommend.

London in three days: Day 1 in London

• Changing of the Guard
• Westminster Abbey
• Big Ben and London Eye
• Regent Street and Carnaby Street
• Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus
• Leicester Square and Covent Garden

Big Ben and the London Eye our must-sees for your first day in London if you’re are planning on visiting London in three days, so we have designed a walking route that starts at Buckingham Palace to see the famous ceremony of the Changing of the Guard, and then we will go on to explore some of the city´s most important landmarks, such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus…

This walking route is approximately 4.5 miles long, and we would allow at least 4 – 6 hours, although it could easily take you all day, especially if you go on the London Eye or visit Westminster Abbey.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Our walking route starts at Green Park Tube Station. From here, you’ll walk across Green Park to get to Buckingham Palace, where you will get a chance to watch the famous Ceremony of the Changing of the Guard. This ceremony takes place at 11 am, but we recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes in advance as it does get quite crowded. Check confirmed dates here: Changing of the Guard in London. After watching the changing of the guard ceremony, we will then walk through the small but wonderful St James’s Park.

Westminster Abbey

We will then walk along Whitehall, passing 10 Downing Street, and make our way towards Westminster Abbey. It really is a shame to visit London and not visit Westminster Abbey so it’s something that we would recommend. If you buy your tickets in advance you’ll skip the queues and it will be cheaper than buying the entry ticket at the door. It will take you around 2 hours to visit Westminster Abbey.

Big Ben and London Eye

From here you can walk past the Houses of Parliament where you can admire the magnificent Big Ben, obviously one of London’s most famous landmarks. You will cross Westminster Bridge and get the perfect photo of Big Ben as well as the London Eye.
Once you cross Westminster Bridge, you can go towards the London Eye and continue walking along the Southbank until you get to Royal Festival Hall. This is the perfect place to stop for a coffee or a bite if you’re feeling a bit hungry as there are plenty of restaurants and cafes. Just behind the Royal Festival Hall there is also a food market during the weekends, so that’s worth a visit if you fancy a bit of street food.

Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus

You will then cross the Thames along the Golden Jubilee Bridge and head towards Trafalgar Square, the famous piazza with the four lions. This is where you will find one of London’s most famous galleries, The National Gallery, which is free to enter. From here it’s only a short walk to another one of London’s famous landmarks, Piccadilly Circus.

Regent Street and Carnaby Street

From here, we would recommend that you walk along Regent Street, spotting Hamleys on your right; London’s largest and best toy store. You will then go past Liberty, one of London’s most famous stores, discover Carnaby Street and London’s famous Soho. You will end your route through Soho exploring the infamous Chinatown of London.

Leicester Square and Covent Garden

You will next discover Leicester Square where you will come across another two famous shops – M&M’s and LEGO Stores! Leicester Square is where London’s film premieres take place so you might bump into a famous actor if you are lucky (we once saw Will Smith!). From Leicester Square it’s only a short walk to Covent Garden, one of the most beautiful places in London and the perfect way to end your very first busy day exploring London. You will find lots of restaurants in this area so it is the perfect place to have something to eat or drink before heading back to your hotel.

This is also where you will find most theatres in London. If you can, we recommend watching one of the most famous musicals in London.

Day 2 in London

You will start your second day in London by walking along what is possibly London’s busiest and most popular street: Oxford Street. From there you can discover the many secrets that Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens have to offer before heading to explore at least one of London’s most famous museums. At the end of our route, you will definitely want to go to Harrods, London’s most famous department store.

• Oxford Street and Marble Arch
• Hyde Park
• Kensington

Oxford Street and Marble Arch

Our starting point for your second day in London is Oxford Street Tube Station. From here you’ll head west, discovering all the high street shops that Oxford Street has to offer. You will walk past John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Selfridges; one of the oldest department stores in London. As you walk along Oxford Street, keep an eye out for a little sign that indicates St Christopher’s Place, a little piazza with several restaurants and cafes that is hidden away and that definitely deserves a pit stop for a quick rest. Once you get to the end of Oxford Street you’ll find Marble Arch.

Hyde Park

As soon as you enter Hyde Park you’ll arrive at Speaker’s Corner. From here we have designed a route through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for you to discover the most important sights of these two beautiful parks. This includes Peter Pan’s statue, the Italian Water Gardens, Kensington Palace and the Albert Memorial. If you are visiting London with kids don’t forget to take them to the Diana Princess of Wales’ Memorial Playground.

Kensington

As you exit Hyde Park, you’ll find yourselves in front of the amazing Royal Albert Hall. The Royal Albert Hall offers tours to those who would like to explore one of the world’s most famous concert halls. You will then walk towards South Kensington, where you will find some of London’s most famous museums such as the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. It can take you a few hours to visit each of these museums but they offer free entry so it is worth visiting at least one if you have time.

Our route takes you along Kensington High Street and Brompton Road until you get to Harrods but, before you head this way, you can always stop for a coffee or something to eat around South Kensington Tube Station as there are several cafes and restaurants in the area.

Day 3 in London

If you are visiting London in three days, then we would recommend that you spend some time visiting the famous Tower of London and walking along the Southbank, as well as admiring St Paul’s Cathedral.

• Monument and North Bank of the river
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge
• Southbank

Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Walking along the North Bank of Thames you will reach a point where you can no longer continue along the Bank of the river and you just need to follow the road until you see one of London’s most important landmarks: The Tower of London. We highly recommend that you visit the Tower of London as no one should visit London and miss the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels.
It will take you around 2 hours to visit the Tower of London and it is much easier and more convenient if you use your Keetoo App to do this. Inside the Tower of London there is a wonderful cafe / restaurant where we would recommend you try an authentic British Pie and Mash or stop for some much needed tea and cake.

Our next stop will be Tower Bridge. Not only do you get to see this magnificent landmark, but you will cross Tower Bridge on foot. Before you go up the steps to get to Tower Bridge though, we would recommend that you have a wander around St Katharine’s Dock as it is one of London’s best kept secrets. There are numerous restaurants in this area, so it’s the ideal place if you are looking to have lunch somewhere. In St Katharine’s Dock is where you can find The Dickens Inn, a unique pub housed in a beautiful 18th century warehouse, serving pub food as well as fine grill and pizzeria.

You will then continue to walk across Tower Bridge, admiring its beauty. The Tower Bridge Exhibition is also open to the public and has an astonishing viewing platform from where the views are amazing. Another great spot for a picture!

South Bank

Once you cross Tower Bridge, you will be able to walk along the South Bank of the river Thames, a very enjoyable walk that will allow you to get a proper feeling of what it means to visit London. You will first walk past London’s City Hall (Greater London Authority’s headquarters) and the HMS Belfast; Europe’s only surviving second world war cruiser, a historic warship and a museum where you will get the opportunity to explore what life was like at war at sea.
As you continue walking along the South Bank, you will come to Hay’s Galleria, one of our favourite places in London. Here you will find a selection of restaurants and cafes as well as a few shops and stalls. Our next stop will be Borough Market, one of the most spectacular markets in London. Make sure to visit during market opening days (Wednesday – Sunday) as this area is not the same if the market is closed.
Continue walking along the South Bank, passing Shakespeare’s Globe and Butler’s Wharf until you reach the Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge. Here there’s a perfect view of St Paul’s Cathedral on the other side of the river. You can then cross the Millennium Bridge to go and see St Paul’s Cathedral or continue walking along the South Bank, as you can walk all the way to the London Eye.

More suggestions to spend three days in London

London Markets: We highly recommend a visit to Camden Market or Portobello Road in Notting Hill. You could always go to one of these markets first thing in the morning and then head to the Tower of London and start walking along the South Bank, as we mentioned above. It will be an exceptionally long day, but you can always stop and go to your hotel when you have had enough!
London Museums: Notably the Natural History Museum, Science Museum or the Victoria & Albert Museum. You could spend a whole day in some of these museums if you are not careful so it really depends on how much you want to see. You could always combine a market and a museum, or a museum and the South Bank walk mentioned above.

Best Travel Options when visiting London in three days

If you are visiting London in three days, we think that the best way to get around the city is by using an oyster card or a visitor oyster card. You can also use a contactless debit or credit card on London’s public transport system but check bank commission charges if it’s a non-UK card. This is the cheapest way to get around London in three days, and you can use any of those cards to go on public buses, tube, dockland light rail trains or trains within London Travel Zones.

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How to plan a trip to London

If you are planning a trip to London,

you’ll probably find there’s so much to do and see in London, that planning the perfect trip seems impossible if you want to see a bit of everything.

For that reason, we’re going to easily explain how to plan the perfect trip to London, just by following a few easy steps to guarantee that you´ll make the most of your time in this beautiful city. It’s basically a cheat sheet to make sure that you leave with the feeling of having experienced London like a Londoner.
When planning a trip to London, we would suggest that you make sure each one of these things makes it to your list:

1. Itineraries to stroll through London’s most famous streets and squares

If you are planning your first trip to London, look at our London itineraries. London is a great city for walking and having a walking route already planned is the best way to see London´s iconic landmarks. Some of the key places in London that you shouldn’t miss when visiting for the first time are Oxford Street, Regent Street, Leicester Square or Carnaby Street for example. Make sure you also get slightly lost in London’s famous Soho and explore Chinatown.

Take your time to wander round Covent Garden, where you’ll also find many cafes and restaurants, so take a bite and relax watching the world go by in this beautiful part of London. From Covent Garden you can easily walk to Trafalgar Square and then it´s just a 10-minute stroll from here to the Thames, where you´ll get to see Big Ben and the London Eye.

A walk along South Bank is also a must. This is where you get to take in the beautiful views that London has to offer, and appreciate it’s wonderful skyline. Walking along the South Bank you can easily get to St Paul´s Cathedral, Borough Market, and the Tower of London.

2. Visit at least one of London’s wonderful parks

London’s green spaces are fantastic, and you should consider exploring at least Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens which are attached to one another and located in central London. We’d suggest that you’d need a good 2 or 3 hours to walk around there but it is totally worth it. Walk around Serpentine Lake and enjoy the views, look for Peter Pan’s Statue and visit the Diana Memorial Park if you’re travelling to London with kids.

St James’ Park is right next to Buckingham Palace, and we highly recommend walking through it if you have the chance. You might get a glimpse of the pelicans! It’s only small but incredibly beautiful. London has many other green spaces that we’d recommend visiting, such as Regent’s Park, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park or Hampstead Heath.

3. Visit one of London’s Street markets

Visiting one of London’s world-famous markets will probably be one of the highlights of your trip to London. London’s markets offer everything from street-food to flowers to antiques, but it’s not only the shopping opportunities that you will find, but the whole experience and feeling that you’ll get when walking round one. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is which one to go to. In our opinion, these are the top three unmissable markets in London: Portobello Road, Camden Market and Borough Market.

Portobello Road in Notting Hill is one of London’s most famous markets. Portobello Road market is open on Saturday mornings, so if you are planning a trip to London during a weekend, then this is a must. The earlier you get there, the less crowds of people there will be. Find out more: Notting Hill Guide.

Camden Market is open every day of the week, and you can expect to see the unexpected here. Camden Market is unique in every way, and literally has it all. There are large open spaces and tables to enjoy the best street food you can imagine, stalls and shops bursting with antiques, clothes, music, shoes…

Borough Market is located next to London Bridge, and there is a full market here from Monday to Sunday. We always recommend Borough Market to friends when they visit London and it never disappoints them. It truly is one of our favourite places in London.

Other markets in London worth a visit are Columbia Road Flower Market, Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market, Petticoat Lane Market, Maltby Street and Brixton Market..

4. Visit one of London’s most famous museums

Most of the museums in London are not only fascinating, but they’re also FREE!! You could easily spend days and days visiting all the different museums in London, so you will undoubtedly have to choose which ones you want to see.

If you like the idea of visiting a museum housed in one of the most beautiful buildings, and the idea of walking beside dinosaur skeletons doesn’t scare you, then the Natural History Museum is a must. If you’re planning a trip to London with kids, it’s also one of our first choices, as they can easily spend hours looking at the different exhibitions.

The Science Museum is located right next to the Natural History Museum, and it’s also one not to miss if you have kids. This museum is highly interactive with special effects that the kids will love, and the best thing is, that they will learn loads here as they discover how the world works.
Other options include delving into the hidden secrets of the British Museum, the National Gallery, or the Tate Modern, or travelling back in time visiting the London Transport Museum.

5. Decide which London Attractions you can’t miss…

and which ones you can live without seeing
This is probably one of the most difficult things to have to decide on. London’s long list of attractions will make this step difficult, but there are a few that are compulsory if you’re visiting London for the first time. The London Eye, visiting Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London and St Paul´s Cathedral are all a must!

6. Tuck into some Great British Food in one of London’s Historical Pubs

Try a traditional Sunday Roast or the famous British Fish and Chips in one of London’s best pubs. Another possibility that you may not want to miss is experiencing Afternoon Tea.

Option 4: 7 Day Child Travelcard

To buy a 7-day child travelcard in London there are 3 options: 1 – By adding a weekly travelcard into a Zip Oyster photocard. This is undoubtedly the most complicated option, as you need to request a Zip Card Oyster photocard first and then add the 7-day travelcard onto it. 2 – Buy a 7-day child travelcard online. This is probably the easiest way of getting one, as you do not need a Zip Oyster photocard and they will send it to your home address before you travel. 3 – Buy a 7-day child travelcard at a national railway ticket office (not an underground station).

People 16 to 18 years old

People aged 16 to 18 can also apply for a 16 – 18 Zip Oyster photocard, which will apply half adult rates on any form of public transport in London. Travelcards at a reduced price can also be added onto Zip Oyster photocards.
For more information about travelling in London with kids visit: Transport for London.

Travelling in London with kids: Travelling to Central London from the airport
Stansted, Luton and Gatwick airports are all located outside London’s Travel Zones, so fares when travelling with kids to and from these airports are different to fares when travelling in London with kids, so under 11-year old children will need a ticket.

An Oyster card is valid for travel into Central London from Gatwick Airport, but children under 11 will also need a train ticket to get to central London from Gatwick Airport, even if they are accompanied by an adult.

Heathrow and London City Airports are both inside London Travel Zones, so fares are as explained above. Children under 11 travel free and Children under 16 can travel with an Oyster card with young visitor discount.

Travelling in London with a buggy

If you are planning a trip with a baby or toddler, it may be that you wish to bring your buggy or stroller to London, especially if you’re planning on spending the whole day walking around London.

Travelling in London with a buggy can be quite easy if you know which route is best, or it can be a complete nightmare if you have to go up or down 300 steps when there are no lifts.

Don’t stress, we’re going to explain how to travel on London´s public transport with a buggy.

Travelling on London´s buses with a buggy

Public buses in London have a dedicated wheelchair and buggy space as well as easy street-level access. Travelling by bus with a buggy normally is the easiest option to get around London. You can enter the bus via the back door, which makes it a bit easier too. Up to two pushchairs are allowed in the dedicated buggy space on a bus but do bear in mind that during busy periods you may be asked to wait for the next bus or collapse your pushchair.

Travelling on the London Underground with a buggy

The trick to travelling in London with kids using a pushchair is to check London´s accessible underground map in advance and choose your route carefully. Being able to plan your route choosing accessible stations makes life much easier, and it may just mean that you need to get off at the next stop and walk 5 minutes, rather than having to take a buggy and a baby up 100 steps.

Unfortunately, not all underground stations in London are accessible. Most underground stations in London will have escalators, and many stations will also have some stairs at some point before reaching the platform. Many other stations have lifts to some of the platforms, and some stations are completely accessible, with lifts from the ticket office to the platform.

If you need help going up or down the stairs and you ask a member of staff for help, for health and safety reasons they will ask you to carry the baby and they will take the buggy for you.

London Underground Accessibility Maps

On the London Underground map, you will see that accessible underground stations are marked with the symbol of a wheelchair, in either a blue circle or a white circle.

• Blue circle: the underground station is fully accessible, which means that it is possible to go from street-level onto the underground carriage without any steps at all. In these cases, the platform will have an area that is slightly elevated to avoid any steps when getting onto the train.

• White circle: this means that there are no steps from street-level to platform, but there is some unevenness when getting onto the train. This is important for someone using a wheelchair, but it normally isn´t a problem when taking a buggy onto the train.

In addition to this map, there’s a Step Free Tube Map that is a lot more detailed and the one we’d recommend you check when travelling on the London Underground with a buggy. This map highlights the degree of accessibility at each station in detail and it also explains how accessible it is to change between underground lines at different stations.

7. Go on a river cruise and admire London’s skyline

If it’s your first trip to London and you are visiting with kids, we’d highly recommend going on a river cruise on the Thames.
There are sightseeing river cruises along the Thames, with live or recorded commentary.

8. Choose the right hotel in the right place

London is a big city and choosing a hotel can be a difficult task! First, we need to admit that hotels in London can be a bit expensive and sometimes people will choose a cheaper hotel far from central London if they find it to be cheaper, but the reality is that the money you will be saving on the hotel will most likely be spent on travel fares and journey time.

For this reason, it´s particularly important that you know exactly where your chosen hotel is and how long it will take you to get to central London. You may be able to walk to some of London´s attractions or you may need to get the tube or the bus…. but what you don´t want is to find out that you need to get on a train for an hour to reach central London and that each journey will cost you £10.

For this reason, there are a few things we think you would like to know:
London Travel Zones: Familiarise yourself with London’s Travel Zones and the Underground Map before you choose your hotel.

Recommended hotels: Have a look at different Hotel comparison sites as this will give you an idea of different locations and example hotels to consider.

9. Choosing transport tickets

Once you know what you’ve chosen and what travel zone it’s in, you will be able to choose a travel card suited to your needs. There are two transport cards and which one you need will depend on the number of days you’ll be in London, the travel zone in which your hotel is located, and the approximate number of times you think you will be using public transport.

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Visit the best London attractions during Christmas 2023

When it comes to London attractions at Christmas, you are spoilt for choice. The capital comes alive with festive cheer and the merriment can be felt across the city. Whilst London is brimming with attractions that you can experience year-round, there is something magical about the way they transform for the festive season. Christmas in London 2023, promises to be a joyful spectacle, with light shows, Christmas markets, festive Westend shows and places to eat and drink.

In this list, we are going to explore the best attractions during Christmas 2023. Whether that’s the mesmerising lights on Oxford Street or the infamous Winter Wonderland, that draws a huge crowd every year. There is something for everyone.

1. Ice skating

One of the most iconic things to do in the city is pop on your skates and take to the ice rink. Whether you’re a seasoned pro on the ice or you need a little help from a penguin glider, you can take your pick of ice rinks. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Somerset House ice rink

One of the best Christmas attractions in London is ice-skating at the stunning Somerset House. This iconic rink is available each year in the grand neoclassical courtyard. The massive rink is 900 square metres big. You can glide and twist or perhaps just hold onto the edge and scoot around the 40-foot Christmas tree in the centre.

Queen’s House ice-rink

Located on the grounds of the Royal Museums Greenwich which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can whizz around whilst taking in the sights of the architecture and the twinkling festive lights.

Canary Wharf ice-rink

The roof of this magical rink is scattered with over 1,000 sparkling fairy lights, so you can skate come rain or shine.

2. Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

Winter Wonderland is infamous for family fun. As one of the most exciting London attractions at Christmas, people flock to the city for this attraction alone. It is jam-packed with festive fun, from Christmas markets, live music, and entertainment to rollercoaster rides, an ice sculpture Magical Kingdom, fairgrounds and circus shows. With plenty of street food options and bars to explore, there’s so much fun for everyone.

3. Christmas at Kew Gardens

Walk under the stars and take in the magical lights at Kew Gardens this Christmas. Once the sun has disappeared, wrap up warm and make your way around the sparkling tunnels, the dancing lights that flicker in the lake reflections and the trees that are covered in multicolour. The highlight is the fire garden that provides a peaceful flickering of flames before you say hello to Father Christmas on the way.

4. Enjoy the Christmas Markets

Nothing is more charming than wandering around wooden huts looking for stocking fillers and trinkets. The smell of festive treats filling the air and the sounds of Christmas songs to make you feel warm and fuzzy. Here are some of the best Christmas markets to explore on your trip to London.

Christmas by the River

Grab a mulled wine to warm your hands as you pursue the stalls in one of London’s most iconic locations. Tuck into seasonal treats as you gaze over the London skyline and Tower Bridge.

Southbank Christmas Market

Stroll alongside the River Thames as you take in the twinkling lights that line the Southbank. From fondue in cosy igloos to Alpine chalets with arts and crafts.

Leicester Square Christmas Market

In the heart of the theatre district, this Christmas market is bursting with festive cheer. From the carol singers and performances to the stalls packed with treats, delicious bites and warming drinks.

5. Catch a festive show

Going to the theatre in London during Christmas is one of the most spectacular experiences. There are so many festive shows that will leave you feeling jubilant. Families will love Frozen or the more holiday-themed shows like ELF, The Musical and Stick Man. Those looking for a more traditional show can catch a viewing of the Nutcracker.

6. London light displays

London comes alive with lights during the holiday period, and people flock to some of the most famous streets in the city just to see them. Whilst Oxford Street is the most popular, especially if you want to get in some present shopping at the same time, there are many glittering streets to explore. For example, Carnaby Street and Regent Street are just as spectacular but less busy than Oxford Street. You can also head to the likes of Covent Garden and the Shard to see your favourite London spots illuminated with lights and displays.

7. Hogwarts in the Snow: Warner Bros. Studio Tour

The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour is an incredible experience for all muggles at any time of the year. However, at Christmas, it is simply magical. The Great Hall is dressed for the Yule Ball with shimmering silver decorations, snow that glitters and icicles throughout. For 2023, there will be a wintery orchestra arrangement which is new for this year. All the set favourites like the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley are all set for Christmas. But the most majestic set of all is the full-scale Hogwarts Castle covered in snow which will take your breath away.

8. Book a winter igloo

You’ll notice as soon as the temperature drops, your favourite London attractions start popping up cosy igloos to escape the cold. You can warm up with snug throws as you sit under a twinkling dome gazing out over the iconic London sights. The best pods in London are Coppa Club on the Southbank for fondue and views over the Thames and Tower Bridge. Aviary in Finsbury Square has rooftop igloos overlooking the city and The Secret Garden for a private dome in Kensington.

9. Go shopping in the iconic London store

The majority of the stores in London are dressed for Christmas, but some stores are iconic all year round. Head to the beautiful Liberty for the most spectacular tree and dedicated Christmas shop. Harrods is the most famous store in the city which shines even brighter during the festive season. Other stores that are worth the visit are Fortnum & Mason, John Lewis on Oxford Street and Selfridges.

10. Visit the most impressive Christmas trees

Christmas trees are big deal in London. With designers competing to get the opportunity to decorate them in the top spots. The best ones are in Covent Garden, Coal Drops yard at Kings Cross, St Pancras Station, Trafalgar Square and Leaden Market.

11. Enjoy a festive film

Nothing gets you in the holiday mood like a nostalgic film. But what about your favourite holiday classics in an explosion of festive decorations and fun? Backyard Cinema shows feel-good favourites as part of an immersive experience. Or head to a sing-along or quote a-long at the Prince Charles Cinema.

12. Eat, drink and be merry

Treat yourself to one of the most fantastic dining experiences in London, at one of these iconic restaurants that have had a full winter grotto makeover. The Sky Garden is treated to an Alpine overhaul, whilst Duck & Waffle receives a Polar Express theme. Famous The Ivy Chelsea always goes above and beyond with its themes, so it’s worth putting on the itinerary.

Christmas is one of the most magical times to visit London, and no matter what you choose to do, you’ll be swept away it. But make sure you use the Keetoo app to book your tickets for the perfect Christmas day out and manage them all in one place.

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10 of the best Christmas Markets in London 2023

London is one of the most beautiful city’s in the world,

but it really does become a magical wonderland during the Christmas months. One of the most spectacular things you can do is visit the Christmas markets in London 2023.å

You’ll find the perfect stocking fillers, unique Christmas decorations for your home and plenty of festive street food and mulled wine to warm your hands. The Christmas markets in London range from traditional boutique styles to big and bold with rides and ice rinks to amp up the Christmas fun.

So whether you’re visiting London with the kids, as a romantic trip for two or doing some solo shopping, make sure you visit one of the Christmas staples of London, the festive markets.

Read on to discover the best Christmas markets in London 2023 dates.

1. Winter Wonderland Christmas Market

One of the most popular and exciting Christmas markets in London is at Winter Wonderland. People flock to the capital year after year for the rides, the food and entertainment at the Hyde Park favourite.

These traditional Christmas markets are some of the largest in the city with quaint chalets that are brimming with festive treats. With a medley of unique arts, crafts, jewellery and decorations to buy.

When you’re done browsing the markets, you can take the little ones to the traditional fairground for carousel rides, go ice-skating, meet Santa at the grotto or even catch a show like Zippos Christmas Circus.

Then head to the restaurants, bars and food stalls to get you all feeling cheery.

Dates: 18 November 2022 – 02 January 2023

2. Southbank Centre Winter Market

Located alongside the iconic River Thames, you can stroll along the Southbank where twinkling lights and decorations fill the street. The traditional alpine-style chalets, the smell of delicious street food filling the air and the sound of Christmas music and cheer all around, are sure to warm your heart as you explore the festive stalls.

Find unique gifts before tucking into treats like fondue, bratwurst and churros all washed down with a mulled wine, hot toddies or hot chocolate.

One of the most popular things to do is hire one of the Jimmy Lodge snow globes where you and your group can warm up in your igloo overlooking the Thames whilst tucking into traditional alpine treats.

Dates: TBC

3. Covent Garden Christmas Village

Covent Garden is a magical dreamland to explore during the Christmas period. One of the most exciting things is the Covent Garden Christmas Village. Lights, twinkle from every surface, as you make your way through the forest of Christmas trees and giant baubles that fill the hall.

The Christmas market has promised to be its most magical one yet, so you can be sure to expect a spectacle. A favourite experience is the daily shower of fake snow that gets you in the joyful spirit before exploring the trinkets and treasures of the stalls. When you’re done, make sure you explore the restaurants, bars and shopping that surround the hall.

This year, there will be exclusive pop-ups to ensure a boutique shopping experience like no other.

Dates: November 2022 – January 2023

4. Christmas by the River at London Bridge City

As you make your way through London Bridge City, alongside the river exploring the wooden cabins as you go, you’re treated to the most spectacular views. The most scenic Christmas market in the city offers stunning views of Tower Bridge, The Tower of London as well as the famous City skyline.

The theme for 2022 is woodland, so expect to see many magical decorations that surround the market. With over 60 stalls to explore you’ll find plenty of gifts and stocking fillers as well as plenty of food options.

As well as the classic bratwursts and churros, expect to see foods from all over the world. So make sure you visit with an empty belly.

Dates: 17th November 2022 – 2nd January 2023

5. Selfridges Christmas Market on the Mews

Located in Edward Mews, the Selfridges Christmas Market is one of the newest markets in the city. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food, with vendors selling everything from mince pies, panettone and stollen to pizza arepas. Sip on hot cocoa or mulled wine as you explore the stalls selling gifts and decorations. One of the most sought-after stalls is the London Florist for dried seasonal flowers and fresh wreaths.

Dates: TBC

6. Christmas Canopy Market at King’s Cross

The Christmas Canopy Market at Kings Cross is the perfect place to pick up some festive produce and delights. They exclusively pick indie designers and makers to showcase, so you show your support to local businesses. There are a host of events throughout December to help you feel merry and bright during the countdown to the big day. These range from wine tastings and pairings to crafting classes so you can make your own gift for a loved one this year.

Dates: 26th November 2022 – 24th December 2022

8. Greenwich Christmas Market

If you want to escape the hubbub of central London, the Greenwich Christmas Market is a more low-key and quieter spot. Of course, the Greenwich Market is available all year round, but during the ‘most wonderful time of the year’, it gets a lot more magical. You’ll be able to get into the holiday spirit without too much of a crowd and support local creators.

The location itself is beautiful, in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Which is given a complete makeover with giant snowmen, wreaths, Christmas trees, ribbons and lights. You’ll find everything from art and candles to sweet treats and eggnog.

Dates: TBC

9. Borough Market at Christmas

Borough Market should be on everyone’s London itinerary, but this is especially true during November and December. All year round you’ll find drinks, street food and produce, but during winter, everything will have a festive twist. From buttery mince pies, cured meats, luxury cheeses and fresh oysters it has it all. As you wander around with your scarves wrapped tight, clutching your warm mulled wine, buskers and choirs will sing to fill your hearts with glee. There are many events in the lead-up to Christmas too, such as cooking classes and cheese board evenings.

Dates: 2nd December 2022 – 23rd December 2022

10. Kingston Christmas Market

Located in the quieter Kingston-upon-Thames, this traditional market has over 40 Bavarian-style cabins to explore. You can find everything from woollen clothes, unique jewellery pieces and artisan cheeses to candied nuts and smoky bratwursts.

Take in the glittering lights and colourful decorations before heading to The Alpine Village. Here there is a traditional carousel which little ones can enjoy whilst you sit back at the bar or around a firepit and watch live comedians, choirs and artists.

Dates: 10th November 2022 – 2nd January 2023

However you decide to spend your Christmas in London 2022, make sure you spend some time exploring the incredible markets. And with so many festive events happening across the city, keep up to date with the Keetoo app. Download the FREE Keetoo app today and start planning your magical Christmas in London.

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The Best Christmas Day Out in London

With so much to do in London over the festive period, it can be difficult to narrow down what to do in a day.

So in this article, we explore the best itineraries for the best Christmas days out in London. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, solo or with a group of friends, there is so much to do to get you in that holly, jolly spirit. With Christmas markets, festive west end shows, giant Christmas trees and magical twinkling lights all over the city, you’ll love spending the most wonderful time of the year, in the most wonderful city.

The best Christmas day out for families

Looking for the best London Christmas experiences for families? You’ve come to the right place. Travelling with little ones means you have to be a bit more organised, which is why we’ve put together a couple of options to make your family day out in London as stress-free as possible. Christmas is a magical time of year in the city, from the explosion of lights to the festive theme parks. Here are two options to make you and your family feel the festive cheer this year.

Option 1:

Morning: Walk along the Southbank
Get to London early and make your way to Southbank for a leisurely stroll along the River Thames. The area is dressed for Christmas with decorations and festive cheer. You’ll also be able to take in the sights of Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye. The Southbank Christmas market opens at 11 am, where the smell of festive treats fills the air, and stalls open to buy stocking fillers fill the air. For lunch treat yourselves to a hot chocolate and a sizzling bratwurst.

Afternoon: Catch a matinee show
Escape the winter cold and take the family to see a matinee show. This year there is an adaptation of the popular Christmas movie in ELF The Musical. However, if you are visiting with really little ones you may want to take them to see Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever at Theatre Royal Haymarket.

And it doesn’t have to be a Christmas exclusive, classic shows like Lion King, Matilda and Frozen the Musical will still be on throughout December too.

Evening: Explore the magical Christmas lights
As the sun goes down, London becomes a vibrant land of lights and impressive displays. Go to Regents Street and walk towards Oxford Street before making your way to Carnaby Street. This route allows you to take in beautiful shop displays and famous street lights.

Option 2:

Morning: Explore Winter Wonderland
With so much to do at Winter Wonderland, families can easily spend a whole day there. Easily one of the best Christmas days out in London, there are roller coaster rides, fun houses, an ice rink, ice sculpture the Magical Kingdom and plenty of markets to explore. The best food is in the Barvarian Village where you can enjoy cosy chalets and a medley of bars, restaurants and cafes.

Afternoon: See a show at Winter Wonderland
Zippos Christmas Circus will have the whole family cheering as acrobats and a giant polar bear entertain the crowd.

Evening: Take in the botanical lights at Kew Gardens
End the day by walking through Christmas at Kew Gardens. The magical winter trail is bursting with lights and colour. Meet Father Christmas and enjoy sweet treats and hot drinks from vendors as you explore the spectacle of lights.

The best Christmas day out for couples

The best Christmas days out in London for couples are those that are packed full of romance and festive cheer. From holding hands as you explore the Christmas markets and glittering decorations to taking in a show on the Westend. Couples will fall in love with the magic of London during the Christmas period.

Option 1:

Morning: Go to Christmas by the River
There is nothing more romantic than walking hand-in-hand as you walk along London Bridge City. You can spend the morning exploring Borough Market and sampling cheeses and meat, before walking along towards the market Christmas by the River. As you discover unique trinkets and decorations you can take in the iconic London skyline and Tower Bridge.

For lunch head to the Southbank where you can book an igloo experience with Jimmy’s Lodge. Here you can cosy up together and enjoy a fondue for two with a glass of bubbly.

Afternoon: go ice skating at Somerset House
Hold your love’s hand as you glide around a massive Christmas tree. You can enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Moet & Chandon Skate lounge before taking to the ice. It’s the most romantic backdrop for a London Christmas date.

Evening: Go for dinner at the Sky Garden
Tuck into a festive menu of roast turkey, pumpkin and pavlova with some of the most stunning views of the city at night, whilst surrounded by the most beautiful plants and flowers.

Option 2:

Morning: go shopping in the iconic stores
Get in the festive mood by taking your partner to one of the most iconic stores in London. Harrods, Liberty and Selfridges are famous for their Christmas displays and are the perfect place to get some unique gifts.

Afternoon: Go to Covent Garden Christmas Village market
Carol singers fill the air with festive cheer as you explore the stalls selling jewellery, gifts, clothes and decorations. Grab a mulled wine, and enjoy the fake snow shower that fills the air as you shop.

Evening: Dinner and a show
Book a dinner and show combo to make the most of your London experience. You can book a swanky meal with the likes of Back to the Future The Musical, Dirty Dancing, Moulin Rouge, Pretty Woman or the more festive ELF, The Musical.

The best Christmas day out for solo visitors

You don’t need anyone to come with you to enjoy London at Christmas. There is so much for solo explorers to enjoy. Whether you want to grab a mince pie and a mulled wine and explore the Christmas markets or pick up some last-minute shopping gifts at one of the iconic department stores, you’ll love your solo adventure.

Option 1:

Morning: Borough market and Christmas tree at Leadenhall
One of the best Christmas days out in London is visiting Borough Market. It’s one of the ultimate things to do as a solo explorer. Sample the festive produce as you sip hot chocolate and take in the stunning festive decorations.

Afternoon: Shopping on Oxford Street
Pick up some Christmas bargains as you explore the famous Oxford Street shops. From Primark to John Lewis, you’re sure to find the perfect gifs. The shop window displays will have you feeling festive in no time.

Evening: Catch a show
The best thing about watching a solo show is you can usually bag a bargain seat. Take yourself on a date to see a top show like Hamilton, Book of Mormon, Wicked or Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol.

Option 2:

Morning: Christmas Canopy Market at Kings Cross
Spend the morning at Coals Drop Yard where you can get breakfast and a coffee whilst viewing the Christmas tree. Then head to Christmas Canopy Market at Kings Cross, for sweet treats, and crafts. You could even join an event to make your own bespoke gift.

Afternoon: Warner Bros. Studio Tour
If you’re a big Harry Potter fan. The Warner bros. Studio Tour, Hogwarts in the Snow is a fantastic solo experience. Make your way to Euston to get the train to Watford Junction, where you can hop on the Harry Potter bus to the studios. The sets are all dressed for the festive period but the highlight is the Hogwarts Castle model that is covered in snow.

Evening: Christmas at Kew Gardens
Let the magic continue into the evening at Kew Gardens. Make your way around the botanical gardens that are bursting with colour and lights. You’ll love taking some time for yourself at the fire garden where flickering flames create a peaceful ambience.

The best Christmas day out for friends

Whether it’s a best friend duo or a big group of you, there is so much fun to be had in the capital during the festive season. From drinks and fondue in a rented igloo to nostalgic festive films to sing-along to. You’re certain to get in the cheery spirit.

Option 1:

Morning: Explore the Greenwich market
Greenwich is a great place to visit with friends. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes to explore whilst you catch up. The Christmas market is more low-key than some of the others in central London, so you’ll be able to get into the festive mood without the busy crowds.

Afternoon: Igloo dining and ice skating at Queens House
Grab your pals and hit the ice at Queen’s House in Greenwich. Located in a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can enjoy the most Insta-worthy views as you glide… or wobble around the rink. Book dinner and drinks in one of the cosy dining domes.

Evening: Go to the O2
Dance the night away at the O2 with acts like Blue, Bryan Adams and Westlife performing in December. Indigo at the O2 is great for partying pals with events like Soul Town Festival and One Night at the Disco.

Option 2:

Morning: Shopping in Soho
Meet up in Soho and marvel at the displays of Carnaby Street whilst stopping for coffee and shopping as you wander the streets.

Afternoon: Winter Wonderland
Then head to Hyde Park for an afternoon of fun and frolics. There is so much to do in Winter Wonderland. From ice-skating, drinks in a tipi with a firepit, Christmas markets and so much more. Make sure you sample some street food and the impressive Carousel Bar.

Evening: Sing along at Backyard Cinema
Go on an arctic voyage through constellations and Northern lights at Backyard Cinema. You can enjoy your festive favourites amongst snow-topped trees and decorations as you sink into your giant beanbag. If you want to get rowdy, sing-alongs like Greatest Showman and Frozen are the ones for you.

You’ve just got the one day in London to get as festive as possible, so don’t waste a second of it, and pack in as many seasonal treats as possible. Make sure to download the Keetoo app to keep all your plans in one place.

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Should I Book Tickets for London Attractions in Advance?

Estimates show that the UK will welcome over 26 million visitors in 2022.

That means millions of other travellers will be visiting London throughout the year and they’ll all be vying for the same tickets as you when you’re booking visits to London attractions.

Does this mean that you should book tickets for London attractions in advance? If you can, yes! However, not all attractions require a booking ahead of time. While it’s recommended if you want to snag the best prices and avoid queues, it’s not always necessary.

Here’s what to know about how to book tickets to London attractions ahead of time so you can enjoy the best trip to London.

Reasons to Book Tickets for London Attractions in Advance

As mentioned above, it’s a good idea to book tickets for London attractions in advance if you can. There are many benefits of doing so, including the fact that you can avoid the queues at the ticket office and also (often) be able to get a discount on the price of your ticket.

And if you’re looking to visit multiple attractions, then booking via the Keetoo Days Out app can help you earn free money to spend during your London vacation. This is especially helpful if you’re travelling with children or a large group of friends or family.

The more Keetoo Kredits you purchase, the more free Kredits we add to your wallet. You can use these free Keetoo Kredits to book more experiences and tickets at over 1,000 locations all around the UK.

However, before we get into the real benefits of booking ahead via the Keetoo Days Out app, let’s explore some of the main attractions in London that are necessary to book in advance.

Attractions to Book in Advance When You Visit London

Some museums in London are free and other attractions are open to the public. However, there are certain attractions that, when vacation planning, you’ll want to ensure you book ahead. Why?

Aside from earning more Keetoo Kredits as mentioned above, tickets for these attractions tend to sell out quickly. If you’re travelling with children and want to ensure you can not only purchase a ticket but purchase one at a specific time during the day then you’ll need to book ahead.

Buckingham Palace State Rooms

The Buckingham Palace State Rooms are a must-see for any visitor to London. Home to some of the most important events in British history, a tour of 19 State Rooms is a fascinating glimpse into the past.

From the opulent throne room to the intimate royal bed chambers, the Buckingham Palace State Rooms offer a rare insight into the lives of Britain’s royal family. And with a range of audio guides and tours available, there is something to suit everyone.

Note that this tour is only open from July to October. Tickets tend to go on sale beginning in March and because they only allow visits for a couple of months of each year, they tend to sell out quickly.

Note that to witness the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace you don’t need to purchase a ticket. The experience is free! However, you will need to check out their schedule to ensure you’re outside at the correct time to witness the changing of the guards.

Pro Tip: We suggest booking tickets in advance to visit Kensington Palace as well!

Westminster Abbey

Visit Westminster Abbey to see the beautiful architecture and art, learn about British history, and visit the final resting place of many famous people.

The abbey was founded in the year 960 (yes, you read that right, 960!), and since then it has been expanded and renovated many times. It is one of the most important Gothic buildings in England, and it has been designated as a World Heritage Site.

The abbey is also home to many valuable works of art, including paintings by John Constable and Henry Purcell’s organ. In addition, Westminster Abbey is the final resting place of many British monarchs and other notable figures, such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin.

Should you book ahead for this London attraction? It’s not necessary, no. You typically don’t run the risk of not being able to purchase a ticket for your desired date. However, if you book your ticket ahead for Westminster Abbey you can enjoy a £2 discount per ticket.

Pro Tip: If you’re interested in Abbey Road (which is just three miles away from Westminster Abbey) because you’re a fan of The Beatles then be sure to book a ticket for The Beatles Story if you make it to Liverpool.

Harry Potter Studio Tour

You’ll want to book at least two months in advance if you plan to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. It’s a must for any Harry Potter fan.

The Studio Tour is located in Leavesden, just outside of London. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, the Gryffindor common room, and Dumbledore’s office, among other sets and locations from the Harry Potter films.

The tour also includes a chance to see some of the Harry Potter props and costumes up close, as well as learn about how the special effects were created. Best of all, the Studio Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Harry Potter movies.

Why should you book in advance? The tour is incredibly popular as you can imagine.

Pro Tip: Because you’ll want to spend your time enjoying this tour (which can last up to four hours or more), you don’t want to be rushed. If you can, ensure you get a ticket for the morning. However, note that morning tickets tend to sell out faster.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It was founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror and served as a royal residence, a prison, and a place of execution for over 600 years.

The tower is now managed by Historic Royal Palaces and is open to the public as a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the tower’s many chambers and learn about its fascinating history. They can also visit the crown jewels, which are on display in the Jewel House.

The Tower of London is an iconic part of London’s skyline and a must-see for any visitor to the city. However, it’s another attraction that isn’t necessary to book ahead unless you want to snag discounts.

In some cases, you can get discounts for purchasing online. Via the Keeoo Days Out app, you can purchase a ticket for just 30 Kredits per adult or 15 Kredits per child to save even more.

Pro Tip: Combine your visit to the Tower of London with a visit to the Tower Bridge!

London Eye

The London Eye is a visit you won’t want to miss when trip planning your vacation. It is a large Ferris wheel that allows you to see all of London from above.

Once at the top, you will have stunning views of some of London’s most famous landmarks, such as Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. All in all, the London Eye is a great activity for families or couples looking to get a unique perspective on the city.

Should you book tickets ahead for the London Eye? It can be difficult to book too far in advance because the weather in London is somewhat difficult to predict. However, we recommend booking a day or two in advance if you can.

Pro Tip: You can purchase tickets for a specific time slot so that you can avoid long lines. This is the best way to visit the London Eye and avoid wasting time that you can spend exploring other areas of London.

West End Shows

West End in London is an area that is rich in culture and history. West End in London is known for its many theatres, which attract tourists from all over the world. West End in London is also home to numerous museums and galleries, as well as several famous landmarks.

However, if you’re planning on catching a West End show then we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. This is to ensure that you can purchase a ticket for the show you’re hoping to see but also so that you can get snag the seat you’re interested in.

Pro Tip: If you’re not interested in theatre but want to enjoy a show while you’re visiting London then head to the cinema for a fun, entertaining evening out.

Purchase Tickets for Your London Vacation

Regardless of whether you’re planning a visit to one of the attractions above or any of the numerous other fun things to do in London, we definitely suggest that you ​​book tickets for London attractions in advance.

With the Keetoo Days Out app, that’s easier than ever. Download the app to discover the best days out and things to do in London. Then, book your tickets ahead of time and enjoy earning Keetoo Kredits as you do so!

Click here to download the app today.

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Affordable UK days out ideas on a budget

Let’s face it,

every penny counts at the moment, and with the cost of living crisis only just beginning, a trip out might be the last thing on your mind. But a day out doesn’t have to cost the earth. Here are our tips on how to have fun this summer on a budget.

Head to the Beach

We might not all live by a beach, but with over 1500 to choose from you’re bound to find one that you can get to for a bit of summer sun (or rain!).

The UK boasts some stunning coastline from Cornwall to Norfolk, Devon to Northumberland and the best thing about the beach is that building a sandcastle, going for a swim or sunbathing won’t cost you a thing.

We can’t promise you the best of weather but a day trip to a beach is an affordable alternative to an expensive package holiday abroad.

Costs:
Travel by National Express from London to Bournemouth (one day return): £20.50

Explore a Museum for free

There are plenty of free museums to visit up and down the UK. Incorporating a museum stop into your holiday itinerary can really help in making your trip out more affordable, especially if you take a packed lunch with you to have afterward.

There are too many free museums to mention here but if you haven’t already been we would really recommend The Natural History Museum (London), the National Museum of Scotland (Edinburgh), the V&A Museum of Childhood (London) and The World Museum (Liverpool) to get you started.

Costs:
Free

Book a Cinema trip

There’s nothing like the cinema, and even I have to admit that watching something from home just isn’t the same as on the big screen.

This summer why not enjoy the latest blockbusters with surround sound, a bucket of popcorn, and some much-needed time away from your phone.

Cinema trips can seem like a lot of money, but not if you know where to look for the best prices. www.keetoo.com have tickets available for as little as six pounds, and if you share your popcorn with someone else you can be looking at an afternoon or evening out for just over a tenner.

Costs:
Vue cinema tickets (£6 London £8) when you first top up your account with Keetoo.

P.S Every time you top up with Keetoo you get free Kredits so if an adult tops up £40 you get extra Kredits, for free, which you can use to book another trip.

Enjoy a Picnic

The best thing about a picnic outside is that it can be anything you want it to be. Scones, cream and strawberries with some fizz? Yep, Homemade sandwiches and tea? Check! A packet of crisps and a can of pop? Of course!

With funds as tight as they are for many at the moment, you might start to get cabin fever if you feel like every time you go out you can’t spend any money. But a picnic outdoors might be the exact thing you need to get away from the stresses and pressures of our world at the moment.

Costs:
Cafe Nero iced coffee 4 Kredits with Keetoo

Take a Bike ride

And if you don’t have a bike? Take a scooter, and if you don’t have a scooter? Go for a walk! When it comes to making the most of summer every second outside counts.

Dusting off your old bike and heading out for an afternoon of sun, nature and exercise is a fun and free way to spend your time.

Costs:
Free

Walk the London Southbank

If you’re someone who loves to stroll then a walk down the Southbank in London is a great (and cheap!) way to while away a summer afternoon.

It’s amazing to think that just one strip of London can offer so much to see. From views of Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast to The Globe Theatre and The London Eye, plus the Tate Modern Gallery which is free to explore.

There’s even a beach for those who fancy a rest along the way, although we wouldn’t recommend going for a swim in the Thames!

Costs:
Free

Van Gogh Immersive

In recent years immersive experiences have really taken off, growing in popularity they offer the chance to not only watch an event but LIVE it too.

From films to board games and books there’s now an immersive experience to suit everyone’s taste, but they can be a bit on the pricey side.

The Van Gogh Immersive Experience takes you on a deep dive into the world of one of the greatest painters ever to exist. Meditative and colourful, this experience combines 3D and 4D art installations, history, and is excellent for both young and older art enthusiasts.

Costs:
From £13 (From 13 Kredits with Keetoo)

Enter into a Vitality Park Run

It’s harder than ever to get motivated to keep fit. With longer days working and demands on our time growing, you may wonder where you’ll find the time to get some exercise.

Vitality Parkrun is a weekly event across the country encouraging people to get fit by taking part in running activities in local parks and community spaces.

Since its creation, there have been over 200,000 Parkruns with 5k events being held on Saturday mornings and 2k events for children up to the age of 14 on Sundays. And the best thing about it? It’s free to enter and always will be!

Costs:
Free

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