Teenagers, like toddlers, can sometimes be hard to please, especially when it comes to travel. The good news is, however, that London with teens is brilliant, with something for whatever they’re into.
I have two teens (and a tween) and between them they like everything from the theatre and great food to sports, daredevil adventures and shopping. They’re not keen on every museum in London but will happily accompany me to some of the more unusual ones.
We moved back to London nine years ago, and we have spent weekends and school holidays exploring the city ever since. Along the way, we’ve found what works (and what doesn’t!), so everything here has been tried and tested by my teenagers.
Not sure where to start? Jump to my top 15 things to do in London with teens, sample itineraries, free things to do or rainy-day ideas. Or, keep scrolling for 100+ ideas, grouped by what your teens are into.
**Updated for 2027
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Our tried and tested top 15 things to do in London with teens
Table of Contents
If you’re wondering where to start, these are some of the activities that my teens enjoy best.
1. Climb the roof of The O2
A great one for families, you can combine a walk over the top of the O2 arena with seeing a concert afterwards. Best for ages 8 and up.
Price: from £37 · Time: Tours take around 90 minutes · Nearest tube: North Greenwich
2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter
Worth the trip out of central London, especially for teens who grew up on the books and films. Book well ahead, because slots sell out.
Price: from £58.50 · Time: Plan to spend at least 4 hours here · Getting there: Train to Watford Junction followed by shuttle bus
3. The London Dungeon
Gory history with actors and rides. It’s a big hit with teens who like a jump scare or two and a great option in bad weather.
Price: from £27 if booked online · Time: around 90 minutes · Nearest tube: Waterloo
4. Tower of London
Crown Jewels, ravens and Beefeaters, plus almost 1,000 years of history! Arrive early to avoid queues.
Price: from £37 / 18.50 adult / child · Time: 3 hours · Nearest tube: Tower Hill
5. A Tally Ho cycle tour
Flat caps, cool bikes and hip guides make these bike tours a good way to see a lot of London. My teen loved the Landmarks & Gems tour.
Price: £52 per person · Time: around 3.5 hours · Meeting point: near Waterloo
6. Camden Market
Street food, vintage clothes and alternative shops – it’s easy to spend an afternoon here.
Price: Free entry · Time: It’s open 10am – 7pm daily · Nearest tube: Camden Town
7. Sky Garden
London’s highest public garden and free viewpoint over the city. It’s a good alternative to paying for the London Eye. You need to book a free slot in advance.
Price: Free (booking required) · Time: You need 1.5 – 2 hours here · Nearest tube: Monument
8. Prince Charles Cinema
An independent cinema in Leicester Square showing sing-along and classic film nights at low prices. It suits film-loving teens.
Price: from £11.50 · Nearest tube: Leicester Square
9. A street art tour in Shoreditch
A great way to explore one of London’s most colourful neighbourhoods – perfect for teens who like art but are less keen on museums. Price: £ depends on the tour · Nearest station: depends on the tour
10. A West End show
A must do when in London, whether you pick a play or a musical. Long-running favourites such as Matilda or Les Miserables are always a hit or try your luck with lottery tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Our guide to cheap theatre tickets in London has the ways to get them.
Price: varies by show · Time: varies by show · Nearest tube: depends on the theatre
11. Mamma Mia! The Party
A fun-filled immersive dinner-and-show experience built around ABBA hits, with a live band, dancing and a Greek-style meal included. It was the highlight of the year for my ABBA-loving teen!
Price: from £99 · Time: around 4 hrs · Location: The O2, North Greenwich
12. Borough Market
One of the best food markets in London where teens can choose from a huge range of food. Expect crowds, especially on weekends.
Price: Free entry, food extra · Time: closed Mondays · Nearest tube · London Bridge
13. The British Museum
Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures are just some of the highlights in this enormous museum, the first national public museum of the world. It’s also a good way to introduce teens to some genuinely interesting debate, since several of its most famous pieces are at the centre of ongoing disputes over whether they should be returned to their countries of origin.
Price: Free (special exhibitions ticketed) · Time: 2 – 3+ hours · Nearest tube: Tottenham Court Road or Russell Square
14. The Old Operating Theatre
Europe’s oldest surviving operating theatre is also one of the city’s best museums and a great one for teens who like a touch of macabre. Tucked in the garret of a former hospital church, there are surgical instruments and traditional medicines on display alongside the operating theatre itself.
Price: Adult / student / U16s £10 / £8 / £6.50 · Time: 1.5 – 2 hrs · Nearest station: London Bridge
15. Thames Rockets
This high-speed boat ride down the Thames will thrill teens, in particular the part where the captain lets rip and the music gets going. It’s a novel way to enjoy some sightseeing.
Price: From adult / child £59.95 / 49.95 · Time: 1hr · Departs from: The London Eye Pier
A map for exploring London with teens
Map key
- Purple: Museums
- Yellow: Royal London
- Orange: Thrill-seeking
- Green: Workshops and classes
- Blue: Spooky London
- Maroon: Sports
- Brown: Unusual London
- Pea Green: Shopping
- Light Orange: Where to eat
- Grey: Escape rooms
- Khaki Green: Theatre and shows
- Black: Other things to do
Sample itineraries for exploring London with teens
One day in London with teens
Morning: Hit the Tower of London as soon it opens and be first in line to see the Crown Jewels.
Lunch: Walk over Tower Bridge and along the river to Borough Market.
Afternoon: See the city from the Sky Garden (book a slot in advance), or walk along the South Bank to the Tate Modern.
Evening: See a West End show.
Two days in London with teens
Day 2 Morning: Explore the British Museum, pick three or four galleries rather than trying to see it all.
Day 2 Afternoon: Head to Camden market for lunch at one of the street food stalls and then wander around the market and shops.
Day 2 Evening: Watch a movie at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square.
Three days in London with teens
Harry Potter fans should dedicated today to the Warner Bros Studio Tour. If wizarding is not your thing, then here are some other ideas.
Day 3 Morning: Take a Tally Ho cycle tour of London.
Day 3 Lunch: Head to Covent Garden for lunch, some shopping and to see the street performers.
Day 3 Afternoon / Evening: Book an afternoon climb slot and head onto the roof of The O2, followed by Mamma Mia! The Party.
A rainy day in London with teens
Rainy day morning: Head to the Natural History Museum or see what’s on at the V&A Museum.
Rainy day lunch: Take your pick from one of the many streets food stalls in Borough Market, most of which is under cover. Or take a look at my other recommendations here.
Rainy day afternoon: Get spooked at the London Dungeon or work as a team and try and get out of an escape room.
Rainy day evening: See a show, dance away at ABBA Voyage or catch a movie instead.
London with teens on a budget
London can get expensive fast, especially with a group, but you can do it well without spending a fortune. Here’s how we keep costs down without our teens feeling short-changed.
Free things to do with teens in London
There are lots of free things to do in London if you know where to look.
- Museums and galleries: The British Museum and Tate Modern are free to enter (special exhibitions cost extra). Other museums my teens love include the V&A and the Natural History Museum.
- Views: The Sky Garden is free, but you need to book a slot in advance. It’s a good alternative to paying for the London Eye.
- Markets: Camden Market and Borough Market are free to wander.
- Street art: You can see plenty of Shoreditch street art on a self-guided wander instead of paying for a tour. Head to Rivington Street to see a real life Banksy.
- Walks and parks: Strolling along the South Bank, especially during summer or Christmas, is a lot of fun. We’re also big fans of Hampstead Heath for a long walk.
Save on transport
Transport is the cost that surprises most families. Buy a Visitor Oyster card before you go and get the Young Visitor discount added for under-16s, as covered in getting around London with teens. Older teens aged 16 and 17 pay half the adult rate for pay-as-you-go with a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard. Avoid travelling during peak hours, which is more expensive.
Cheaper tickets and discounts
- Ask about under-18 rates: Some attractions offer free or reduced entry for under-18s and students, sometimes with ID. For example, the Cartoon Museum is free for under-18s.
- Book online: Many attractions, including Madame Tussauds and the London Eye, offer a discount for booking online in advance. Check for current offers before you go.
- Theatre: You don’t have to pay full price for a West End show. Our guide to cheap theatre tickets in London covers lotteries, day seats and last-minute deals.
- Cinema: Prince Charles Cinema can be a low-cost way to spend an evening out – become a member and you can get £1 tickets for special cult screenings.
Eat well for less
Food can eat into a budget quickly with hungry teens.
- Lunch deals: Supermarket meal deals or lunch specials are a cheap way to fuel a day. Save the sit-down meal for the evening.
- Carry a refillable water bottle and a few snacks, which saves a surprising amount over a few days.
Getting around London: Tube & Bus tips
Travel costs depend on your teens’ ages, so it’s worth checking before you go.
Under 11s travel free on most public transport in London when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (or with a 5–10 Zip Oyster photocard).
Ages 11 to 15 can get free or discounted travel with a Zip Oyster photocard, or a Young Visitor discount if you’re visiting. Buy a Visitor Oyster card before you leave home, and when you arrive in London ask a member of staff at a tube station to add the Young Visitor discount. TfL says this can save you up to 50 per cent.
Ages 16 and 17 pay around half the adult rate on Tube, DLR and London Overground journeys with a 16+ Zip Oyster photocard. [Check the current rate and whether buses are included at tfl.gov.uk.]
Arriving by plane? Public transport from the major airports into London is excellent, but it’s still a pain to haul your bags on the tube after a long flight. Consider booking a car to meet you instead. SIXT is a great option for an airport transfer in London, as the company tracks your flight so the driver is waiting when you land.
Best museums in London with Teens
Cartoon Museum
I was surprised on our first visit to the Cartoon Museum in Fitzrovia to find that its focuses in far more on political cartoons and social commentary than comics for kids. That makes it a great pick for teens interested in current affairs, though less so for younger children. Highlights of the 6,000-plus original artworks include wartime cartoons, work by satirist Ralph Steadman and original Rupert Bear art from 1921, plus a library of 8,000-plus books and comics. Younger siblings might enjoy the regular school-holiday events and workshops.
Price: £12 per adult. Under-18s are free, but teens need proof-of-age ID · Time needed: 1 – 2 hours · Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Sir John Soane’s Museum
It took us a while to first visit Sir John Soane’s Museum but only because London has so many other museums competing for attention. Once we did, it quickly became one of our favourites. This was the home of architect Sir John Soane, who designed the Bank of England and Dulwich Picture Gallery, and it has been preserved as it was when he died in 1837. A keen collector, he filled it with antiques, furniture, sculptures and even a sarcophagus. It might sound dry, but it’s fascinating; my teenage son loved it. Don’t miss the innovative Picture Room.
Price: Free · Time needed: 1 – 2 hours · Nearest Tube: Holborn
HMS Belfast
Teens with an interest in history will love visiting the HMS Belfast. Explore all nine decks of the historic warship, which served in both the Korean War and World War II, and discover how life worked on board. Teens can peek inside the cramped sleeping quarters, the galley and the sickbay, and then head down into the boiler and engines rooms. There are regular activities held during school holidays.
Price: from Adult / U15s / Student with ID £26.80 / 13.40 / 24.10 · Time needed: 1 – 2 hours · Nearest Tube: London Bridge
RAF Museum
Another one for history hungry teens is the excellent Royal Air Force Museum in North London. We’ve spent many a Sunday exploring this enormous museum spread over a dozen or so hangers. There are 80 aircraft on display as well as a flight simulator, a multi-media account of the Battle of Britain and you can even sit in the cockpit of a Spitfire. The museum hosts regular events and workshops during the school holidays.
Price: from Adult / U15s / Student with ID £26.80 / 13.40 / 24.10 · Time needed: 1 – 2 hours · Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Churchill War Rooms
Another one of our favourite museums in London with teens are the former Cabinet War Rooms that once formed the nucleus of Winston Churchill’s wartime strategies during World War II. This is where Britain coordinated and organised its fight against Nazi Germany and is a fascinating insight into this turbulent period of history. The rooms have been preserved as they were in 1945.
Price: from Adult / U15s / Student with ID £34 / 17 / 30.60 · Time needed: 1 – 2 hours · Nearest Tube: Westminster
British Museum
The doors to the British Museum, the world’s oldest national public museum, first opened in 1759 – that’s 17 years before the American colonies declared their independence from British rule! It’s an extraordinary collection of artefacts around the world including the Rosetta Stone, a burial helmet from Sutton Hoo and an Easter Island statute. History-loving teens will love it – and will probably prompt a discussion on the ethics of ownership of world heritage artefacts. Don’t miss the sleepovers hosted at the museum.
Price: Free (temporary exhibitions are paid for) · Time needed: a lot! You can spend hours here or limit yourself to a handful of galleries. · Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Tate Modern
Got a budding artist on your hands? Then head to the Tate Modern. The permanent collection at his vast museum on the banks of the River Thames showcases over a hundred years of art from the birth of modernism in the early 1900s to works being created today. There are regular temporary exhibitions too; some of the most popular in recent years have included Tracey Emin and Frida Kahlo. Even if you don’t go and see any of the exhibitions however, it’s worth visiting to see whatever installation is currently in place in the vast Turbine Hall.
Price: Free (temporary exhibitions are paid for) · Time needed: 2+ hours. · Nearest Tube: Southwark
V&A
Sometimes overlooked by families in favour of its ‘family-friendly’ neighbours, the Science Museum and Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum is well worth a visit. Its permanent collection includes weird and wonderful pieces like Tipu’s Tiger, a barrel organ shaped like a European soldier being attacked by a tiger. The excellent temporary exhibitions are a great way to spend an afternoon with teens. Our favourites include Frida Kahlo (2018), Alice in Wonderland (2021) Marie Antoinette Style (2025) and Schiaparelli (2026).
Price: Free (temporary exhibitions are paid for) · Time needed: 2+ hours. · Nearest Tube: South Kensington
Madame Tussauds London
Unbelievably Madame Tussauds first opened in 1835 and the museum has been leaving visitors star struck ever since. Hundreds of lifelike models from the worlds of music, fashion, politics, history, movies, sports, royalty and fiction now fill the museum’s halls including personalities such as Harry Styles, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Madonna and her Royal Majesty The Queen. This is one of the most popular attractions in London so be prepared to queue. And remember to book online and save up to 10% off your tickets.
Price: Adult (aged 16+) from £29, U15s from £21 · Time needed: 2 hours. · Nearest Tube: Baker Street
Science Museum
The Science Museum is easily one of London’s best museums. Located next door to the Natural History Museum, it’s seven floors of out-of-this-world displays and interactive exhibits. It’s home to the oldest display of clocks and watches in the world; the Apollo 10 command module and flight simulator live here; and there’s an IMAX cinema showing scientific films in 3D.
Price: Free · Time needed: 2+ hours. · Nearest Tube: South Kensington
Old Operating Theatre
This is one of our favourite, and most unusual, museums in London. Housed in Britain’s oldest surviving purpose-built operating theatre, it’s a wonderfully kooky place to visit with teens. Tucked into the attic of the early eighteenth-century church of the old St Thomas’ Hospital, the Old Operating Theatre has been restored with original furniture and equipment. Learn about the surgical procedures performed here almost 200 years ago, all without anaesthesia!
Price: From £10, students £8 · Time needed: 2+ hours. · Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Fashion and Textile Museum
Fashion forward teens will enjoy the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey. Founded by colourful fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, this pink and orange museum is the only museum in the UK dedicated to showcasing contemporary fashion and textile design. As well as the exhibitions, the museum holds talks, workshops and short courses.
Price: From £11.50 · Time needed: 1-2 hours. · Nearest Tube: London Bridge
Design Museum
Want confirmation that your teens think you’re really old?! Head to the Design Museum where the permanent exhibition examines the development of modern design and includes plenty of products from your youth such as a SONY Walkman and a VCR. They also do some excellent temporary exhibitions, including a fantastic Wes Anderson retrospective, a Barbie exhibition and a show dedicated to the world of Tim Burton.
Price: Free for permanent collection, temporary exhibitions are paid for · Time needed: 1-2 hours. · Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington
Sherlock Holmes Museum
Located on Baker Street, one of the most famous streets in London, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is housed in the home of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes (author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle made this address the detective’s residence from 1881 to 1904). Today you can wander around the rooms, which are filled with authentic Victorian furniture and knick knacks belonging to the iconic detective and his adversaries.
Price: Adults / concessions / U16s £19 / 17 / 14 · Time needed: 1 hours. · Nearest Tube: Baker Street
Royal London with teens
Buckingham Palace Tour
Ever wanted to peek inside where royalty once lived? Take a self-guided audio tour of Buckingham Palace, the official administrative and ceremonial headquarters of the British monarchy. The regal State Rooms, including the Throne Room, Ballroom, White Drawing Room and Music Room, are open for just 10 weeks each summer. Dates for 2027 have yet to be announced by they typically run from early July until late September. For an extra dose of royalty, take a day trip to Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the venue for Harry and Meghan’s wedding.
Price: Adult / 18-24 year olds / U17s from £33 / 21.50 / 16.50 · Time needed: 2-3 hours · Nearest Tube: Station James’s Park & Green Park
Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the city’s most famous sights and something that even the most culture-wary of teens should see during their time in London. Its history is filled with stories of torture, treason, executions, and, of course, the Crown Jewels. The free Yeoman Warders Tours are a great way to explore the Tower or you can book a private tour. My teens loved this private tour with Blue Badge Guide Harry who kept them spellbound with tales of polar bears swimming in the Thames and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of two young princes.
Price: Adult / U17s from £37 / 18.50 · Time needed: 3+ hours · Nearest Tube: Tower Hill
Hampton Court Palace
Henry VIII’s former summer residence in Richmond upon Thames, Hampton Court Palace is a grand Tudor palace of painted red brick and dozens of ornate chimneys. Inside, you’ll find the largest surviving 16th-century kitchens in the world, once used to feed Henry’s entourage of 800 daily, the tapestry-lined Great Hall, and the infamous Haunted Gallery. You could spend days exploring, but allow time for the gardens and the maze, the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze, which has been confusing visitors, us included, for centuries.
Price: Adult / U17s from £29 / 14.50 · Time needed: 3+ hours · Nearest Tube: Wimbledon and Richmond
Westminster Abbey
See where William and Kate said ‘I do’ with a visit to Westminster Abbey, the magnificent coronation church that sits in the heart of central London. Originally founded in 960AD, the building that stands today dates from the reign of Henry III in the 13th century. As well as being the location for famous royal weddings, Westminster Abbey is the resting place for an estimated 18 English, Scottish and British monarchs including Edward the Confessor and George II.
Price: Adult / U17s from £31 / 14 · Time needed: 1-2 hours · Nearest Tube: Westminster
Royal-Tea
There are lots of places where you can enjoy afternoon tea in London but for a royally good time, book a spot at The Milestone Hotel and enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones and delicious cakes overlooking Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens.
Price: from £85 per person · Time needed: 1-2 hours · Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington.
Best for thrill-seeking teens in London
Climb the O2 Arena, Greenwich
The O2 Arena in London’s Greenwich Pensinula in southeast London is a multi-purpose arena where concerts, sporting events and theatre is held. For something a little different, however, you can take a walk with your teen across the roof of the arena. Various walks are offered including a daytime climb, a sunset climb or a twilight climb, and every one allows visitors to walk across the dome and see some of the best views of London while you do it. You need to be 8 or older to take part.
Price: from £37 · Time needed: 1.5 hours · Nearest Tube: North Greenwich
Zip World London at ArcelorMittal Orbit
London might not be home to any theme parks but it does have the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide. Located in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Park in east London, this epic slide is made up of 12 twists and turns including the ‘bettfeder’, a tight corkscrew that translates as the ‘bedspring’. There is a 1.3m minimum height requirement to ride the slide.
Price: from £19 · Time needed: 45 minutes · Nearest Tube: Stratford
The Dare Skywalk, Tottenham
Another great place in for adrenaline junkies is the Dare Skywalk along the roof of Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium. The 90-minute Dare Skywalk takes visitors to the top of the largest club stadium in London. The highlight is the glass walkway positioned 46.8 metres above the pitch, just above the penalty spot. If you’re feeling really daring, add on The Edge experience, a 42m abseil down.
Price: from £37 · Time needed: 90 minutes · Nearest Tube: White Hart Lane
Thames Rockets
My teens loved their day out with Thames Rockets, nifty RIB speedboats that zip along the Thames River successfully combining sightseeing with thrill seeking. We recommend a ride on Rocket Rebel, a high-speed powerboat that takes in sights from Big Ben to Tower Bridge. Another option is the 80-minute Thames Barrier Explorers Voyage that runs from the London Eye to the Thames Barrier.
Price: Adult / child from £59.95 / £49.95 · Time needed: 50 minutes · Nearest Tube: Westminster and Waterloo
Rock climbing at the Castle
Located in North London is The Castle, the UK’s largest climbing centre. Housed within a Victorian former pumping station – that really does look like a castle – the centre has 450 routes and 90 roped lines. They also offer bouldering options, which my teen daughter loves. The Castle runs regular weekend and school holidays taster days and multi-activity day camps suitable for novice climbers.
Price: Adult / child from £18 / 12.50 · Time needed: sessions vary · Nearest Tube: Manor House
Go Ape
With three locations across London, Go Ape is a fun day out for active teens. The biggest of the three location is Alexandra Palace, which combines thrills and great views of London. Here you’ll find the Treetop Adventure, Treetop Adventure Plus and Treetop Challenge – the later includes the Plummet, a 12m free fall toward the forest floor. The other two locations are at Battersea Park and at Cockfosters.
Price: From £20.95 · Time needed: 1 – 3 hours · Nearest Tube: Wood Green
Go Karting
There are several go karting operators in London but the one that we’ve used and recommend is Team Sport. Team Sport have five indoor karting tracks in London including London Docklands, North London, West London, Mitcham, South London and Watford, where you can race against other competitors. Full briefings and equipment is provided – all you have to do is put the pedal down and go! The minimum age for an adult kart is 12 years old. Pre-booking is essential.
Price: From £30 · Time needed: 1.5 – 2 hours · Nearest Tube: North Greenwich
Best tours in London for Teens
Harry Potter Tour
Potterheads will quickly fall under the spell of this Harry Potter Walking tour of London. We joined this tour led by ToursByLocals, a company that connects visitors with experienced local guides, and quickly got our step counts up wandering around the many Harry Potter filming locations in London.
Price: Check regarding group prices · Time needed: 3 – 4 hours · Nearest Tube: Check re meeting location
James Bond Tour
James Bond fans will love this walking tour of London that takes in all the filming sites used for various 007 films in London, from Tomorrow Never Dies to Goldeneye. Also run by ToursByLocals, the tour includes Charing Cross Station, Horse Guards Parade and the oldest restaurant in London. One of our favourite stops was Rules, the oldest restaurant in London.
Price: Check regarding group prices · Time needed: 3 – 4 hours · Nearest Tube: Check re meeting location
Behind the Scenes Theatre Tours
For teens with an interest in theatre there are a number of excellent backstage theatre tours. One of the most exciting is a behind the scenes tour of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the oldest theatre in the West End. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the theatre has survived bankruptcy, fire, and even murder. There are 20 spaces available per tour and each tour lasts approximately 1 hour.
Price: £22.50 · Time needed: 1.25 hours · Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
Mudlarking tour of the Thames
Twice a day the tidal waters in the River Thames rise and fall bringing with them centuries of treasure, little pieces of history in the shape of fragments of roof tiles, bits of clay pipes and remnants of Delftware crockery. Mudlarking, the art of scavenging through river mud for lost items of historical significance or value, has become increasingly popular along the banks of the Thames. The only way to take part is with a guide, not least because the regularly changing tidal waters. A guide will also help identify what you and your teen find.
Price: £30 · Time needed: 2 hours · Nearest Tube: Check with tour organiser
Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Harry Potter-loving teens should wizard themselves to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour to experience the Making of Harry Potter. Step onto iconic sets such as the Great Hall, see props from the films, take a close-up look at costumes and discover how the special and visual effects teams made Harry and his wizarding pals fly. The Water Bros. Studio Tour is located 20 miles north-west of London. There is a shuttle bus from Watford Junction (there are direct trains from London Euston to Watford Junction that takes 20 minutes). Make sure to book well in advance, tickets do sell out.
Price: for 2027 tickets from £61 · Time needed: 3+ hours · Nearest Train: Watford Junction
A London Street Art Tour
London is home to some fantastic street art, and one of the best way to see it is on a Street Art Tour. Set in the vibrant East End, the tour showcases the city’s colourful street art scene, from local talents to international names. Teens will love spotting hidden details on the walls of Shoreditch and Brick Lane, and hearing the stories behind the murals. Highlights include a couple of original works by Banksy, including the famous piece on Rivington Street.
Price: from £15 · Time needed: 2 – 3 hours · Nearest Train: Old Street or Shoreditch
Tally Ho! Bike Tour
There are plenty of tour groups cycling around the British capital but there are none quite like Tally Ho Cycle Tours. Forget reams of boring dates or endless stories of ancient Kings and Queens, this London bicycle tour company puts an emphasis on fun, entertaining and informative commentary all delivered with aplomb by its team of “hipster historians”. Led by qualified a knowledgeable guides dressed in waistcoats and flat caps, these tours take place on British-made vintage Pashley bicycles, and are a great way to explore the city. My 13-year-old daughter loved it!
Price: from £52 (private family tours also available)· Time needed: 2 – 3 hours · Nearest Train: Waterloo
Silent Disco Walking Tours
First, a warning, these Silent Disco Waking Tours may divide families. Parent might love it, teens might be mortally embarrassed! However, if you have a teen who loves musicals and isn’t afraid to show it then book a ticket for these tours with a difference. Silent Disco Walking Tours run a handful of themed walking tours across London including the West End Musical Tour and the Drag Queen Disco Diva tour.
Price: Adult / U17s from £30 / 23 · Time needed: 1.5 – 2 hours · Nearest Train: Central London
Courses, classes and workshops for teens in London
Graffiti Workshops at Leake Street Arches
Unleash your inner Banksy during an artist-led workshop in London’s legendary Leake Street. These colourful classes will teach you everything you need to know about creating your very own piece of street art – protective gear (masks, overalls and gloves) are provided as are spray cans. You’ll also be taught how to create a Graffiti Galaxy painting that you can take home. Spaces are limited to 15 on each workshop and must be booked in advance.
Price: From £50 · Time needed: 1 – 1.5 hours · Nearest Train: Waterloo
Sushi-making class
Learn to make maki rolls with a sushi master at Inamo in Covent Garden. The hour-long class is very hands-on and kids and teens (up to the age of 16) will come away with 10 pieces of freshly rolled sushi ready to eat. Classes are held at family-friendly restaurant, Inamo. The classes are for kids aged 7 to 16 (my daughter was 13 when she did it) so one for younger teens.
Price: From £25 · Time needed: 2 hours · Nearest Train: Covent Garden
Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School
Swing through the air with the greatest of ease after a lesson at Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School in either Regent’s Park or Kensington Gardens. The two-hour classes take place during the summer months and start with a warm up before moving on to practice a simple trick on the low bar. By the end of the class you’ll be attempting the trick on the Flying Trapeze and finally getting caught by an instructor on a separate swinging bar.
Price: From £36 · Time needed: 2 hours · Nearest Train: St John’s Wood or High Street Kensington
The Big London Bake
Fans of the Great British Bake Off will love taking part in the Big London Bake. Each bake off includes ingredients, a top baker to give advice, a theme and one winner! You have 90 minutes to whisk, roll and bake your way to glory. Locations and dates change so do check the website but the baking competition remains the same. Anyone under the age of 18 must bake alongside a responsible adult. There are two locations, one of Haggerston, East London, and a second venue in Tooting.
Price: From £45 · Time needed: 1.5 hours · Nearest Train: Haggerston or Tooting Broadway
Best spooky things to do in London for teens
London Dungeon
If you like your sights spooky then the London Dungeon is a good option. This walk-through experience recreates scenes from some London’s scary and sinister history. Learn about the Great Fire of London, discover Henry VIII’s victims as you ride through Traitors’ Gate and the see (and smell!) what it was like to live in London during the plague. The minimum age recommended for The London Dungeon is 12 years and older but be aware that the dungeon is very dark and can be spooky with live actors lurking around corners! Pre-booking is essential.
Price: From adult / child £27 / 22 · Time needed: 1.5 hours · Nearest Train: Waterloo
Jack the Ripper Tour
For those who like their tours super spooky book a place on the Jack the Ripper Tour that explores the mean streets of the Victorian East End and London’s most notorious murderer. Not for the faint of heart! The tour is not recommended for children under the age of 14 as the tour contains a lot of adult content. The tour takes two hours and involves a lot of walking. Do book as far in advance as possible as the tour is very popular and often sells out.
Price: From £15 · Time needed: 2 hours · Nearest Train: Aldgate East
Ghost Bus Tour
For a spooktacular tour with a hint of comedy take a look at the Ghost Bus Tours. The tour takes place on board a 1960s Routemaster bus and takes in all the top attractions of London including London. Bridge, Downing Street, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London learning about London’s haunted history along the way. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Price: From £17 · Time needed: 75 minutes · Nearest Train: Embankment and Charing Cross
Clink Prison Museum
The Clink Prison was one of the most notorious medieval prisons in London. Located on the south bank of the Thames, it operated from the 12th century up until 1780, making it the longest operational prison in history. It was a place of extreme punishments where prisoners were placed in fetters and irons, or forced to stand in water until their feet were rotten. Today the Clink Prison Museum explores the burial past of the prison through audio stories, themed rooms and replica artefacts including torture tools. The museum also runs guided tours.
Price: From adult / child £10 / 8 · Time needed: 1 hour · Nearest Train: London Bridge
Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in London, popular with both the dead and the living. During Victorian times people would pack a picnic and spend the day among the tombstones.
The cemetery is the final resting place for over 170,000 people and many of them are famous names including Karl Marx and even Jeremy Beadle! Rumour has it that the sound of galloping hooves can be heard along the street outside the cemetery at night.
Price: From adult / child £10 / 5 · Time needed: 1-2 hour · Nearest Train: Highgate
The best activities for sports-mad teens in London
Skating and bowling at QUEENS London
You can easily spend a whole day at QUEENS in Bayswater. This ice rink and bowling alley is located on Queensway in the heart of London. There are 12 bowling lanes as well as 5 VIP bowling lanes. The ice rink is open year-round and lessons are available – you must pre-looking your skating session and each session lasts 1 hour. Food and drink are available. Be aware that after 7pm QUEENS is an over 18s zone.
Price: From £8 · Time needed: As much as you like · Nearest Train: Queensway
London’s Best Trampoline Parks
There are a number of trampoline parks in London perfect for energetic teens. Oxygen has trampoline parks in Acton, at the O2 in Greenwich and in Croydon. They offer giant airbags, foam pits, dodgeball courts, slam-dunk basketball, performance trampolines and more. Flip Out has locations in Brent Cross (North London), Croydon (South London), Wandsworth and in East London (E6).
Check websites for prices and locations
Puttshack
For a round of nine hole mini golf with a difference head to Puttshack. There are two locations in London in Bank and White City where you can play tech-infused mini golf across themed courses. Each game lasts approximately 30 minutes. Be ware that after 7pm Puttshack is an over 18s venue.
Price: From adult / child £12.50 / 9.50 · Time needed: 30 minutes per game · Nearest Train: Bank and White City
Go Ice Skating
Christmas in London is a great time to hit the ice rinks but you can get your skates on throughout the year at a number of different venues. In North London you’ll find the Alexandra Palace Ice Rink where the indoor skating arena is open year-round. In Queensway there’s QUEENS, home to an ice rink and bowling lanes. The Olympic-sized ice rink in Streatham is part of the Better leisure centre group so you’ll need to download their app and pre-book a skate session.
Check the websites for prices and locations
Gravity Active Entertainment
For lots of different activities under one roof head to Gravity. With two locations, one in Wandsworth and a second in Stratford, these spaces offer eight different immersive experiences including GT E-Karting (all-electric go karts), a 14 lane augmented reality bowling alley, 10-hole urban street golf, AR digital darts, immersive Electric Gamebox (a 60-minute hyper-immersive digital adventure), an E-sports Gaming Area and a Unbox arcade.
Price: Vary according to activity · Time needed: Varies according to activity · Nearest Train: Wandsworth Town and Stratford
TOCA Social at the 02
Football keen teens will enjoy time at TOCA Social, an interactive football experience. Book a private box for 60 or 90 minutes, choose a the level that works for you (beginner, intermediate or advanced) and get ready to play. Each box accommodates 12 players. TOCA Social is open to under 18s up until 16:00 every day, after that it is a strictly 18+ venue
Price: From £10 · Time needed: 45 – 90 minutes · Nearest Train: North Greenwich Tube
Tour Lord’s Cricket Ground
Cricketing fans should head to Lord’s Cricket Ground for a tour of the Grade II* listed Victorian Pavilion. Known as the Home of Cricket, Lord’s has a fascinating history dating back to 1814 and an unrivalled collection of cricket-related art and memorabilia. Highlights include the Long Room, where players walk through on their way to the pitch, the players’ dressing rooms, and the honours boards. You’ll also see the tiny Ashes urn, the trophy at the heart of the England v Australia rivalry, in the MCC Museum.
Price: Adult / student / Child Adult £32.95 / £26.95 / £22.95 · Time needed: 2 hours · Nearest Train: St. John’s Wood
Indoor Cricket at Sixes
Sixes is a UV indoor immersive cricket experience that allows wannabe Sachin Tendulkar’s the chance to enter the batting cage and swing for six. The specially designed nets sit under UV lights and include state of the art technology. Batting nets are hired by the hour and are suitable for all abilities. After 8pm, Sixes is an over 18 venue.
Price: From £10 · Time needed: 30 minutes – 1.5 hours · Nearest Train: Depends on location
Lee Valley Velo Park
For fun on two wheels head to the Lee Valley VeloPark where teens can tackle the track in the iconic velodrome, race on the road circuit, attempt the mountain bike trails or jump and bump on the BMX track. Coaching sessions are available and equipment is available to hire. Check the website for details.
Price: From £7.60 · Time needed: 1 – 2 hours · Nearest Train: Stratford
Sports Stadium Tours
There are some fantastic sports stadium tours in London. In East London, you can take the London Stadium tour and learn about the Olympic experience. In south London, you can go behind the scenes of the UK’s most famous tennis competition – and venue – with a trip to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. Rugby fans should make a beeline for Twickenham where stadium tour gives you access to places including the Rugby Player’s tunnel and the England changing room.
Check websites for times and prices
Football Stadium Tours
For football fans there are a number of stadium tour options. Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium offers tours seven days a week. There are a range of tours to choose from at the Arsenal Emirates Stadium, including some that allow you to meet one of Arsenal’s former players. Chelsea FC fans can head to the Chelsea grounds for an award-winning tour of the grounds led by knowledgeable and passionate guides. Fulham FC also offers tours of its stadium. If you want to go big then head to Wembley Stadium the UK’s largest sports and music venue, for the 90-minute Wembley Stadium tour.
Check websites for times and prices
Unusual London attractions for teens
Prince Charles Cinema
My teens love the Prince Charles Cinema. Located between Chinatown and Leicester Square, this independent cinema shows sing-along movie screenings (anything from Disney classics to the Rocky Horror Picture Show), cult horror movies, mystery movies and other fun events such as silent films with live scores.
Price: From £11.50 · Nearest Train: Leicester Square
GoBoat London
Enjoy a self-drive boating experience in London in an electric boat. GoBoat have three different locations around town and you can hire a boat for 1, 2 or 3 hours. The best way to enjoy it is with a picnic. The boats fit up to 8 people including children (dogs are also welcome). No boating experience is necessary, as you’ll be taught everything you need to know. Route maps are provided too. Book online for the best rates.
Price: From £10 per person · Time needed: 1 – 3 hours · Nearest Train: Depends on location
God’s Own Junkyard
We love visiting God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow, a neon warehouse wonderland packed to the rafters with fluorescent lights and vintage signs. The original owner used to create props for film directors including Stanley Kubrick and Christopher Nolan. Today God’s Own Junkyard is open to visitors who simply want to look around and maybe buy a piece to take home. The warehouse sometimes closes for private events so check the website before visiting. There is a cafe on site called the Rolling Scones Cafe.
Price: Free entry · Time needed: as long as you like · Nearest Train: Walthamstow Central
Electric Game Box
This immersive gaming space is a lot of fun and ideal for teens who like digital adventures. Participants at Electric Game Box can choose from five games, which are then played in private interactive digital rooms with projecting mapping, touch screens, motion tracking and surround sound. Rooms can hold between 2 – 6 people. There are various locations around London including Southbank and Shoreditch. There must be at least one participating adult (18+) per Gamebox with children under 12.
Price: Depends on the game · Time needed: 1 hour · Nearest Train: Check location
Crystal Maze Live
Although your teen might not have any idea what the Crystal Maze is, they’re guaranteed to enjoy this challenge. Based on the TV game show from the 90s, this LIVE experience is an immersive attraction that follows the same premise of the popular show.
There dozens of game rooms in four different age-themed zones and physical, mental, skill and mystery challenges that must be completed in order to win a crystal. And don’t forget, you are racing against the clock!
Price: From £47 · Time needed: 1.5 – 2 hours · Nearest Train: Piccadilly
Best shopping in London for teens
Oxford Street
Running from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch via Oxford Circus is Oxford Street, one of London’s most famous streets and the city’s most famous shopping street. Oxford Street is home to high-end brands as well as some of the UK’s most iconic department stores including Selfridges and John Lewis.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus
Camden Market
The lively neighbourhood of Camden in north London is fun to discover with teens. The highlight is Camden Market, located next to Regent’s Canal. Home to over 1,000 places to shop, eat and drink you’ll find everything from vintage clothing and jewellery to vinyl records and photography. The food options are fantastic too with street eats from around the world. The market is open daily from 10am.
Nearest Tube: Camden Town
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is not only one of London’s most famous streets but also one of its most iconic. The birthplace of Swinging London in the 1960s, today Carnaby Street is home to shops including We Built This City (fun for London souvenirs), Superga and Skinny Dip, there is lots for teens to love here. Don’t miss Kingly Court while you’re here, a three-story alfresco food destination with 25 restaurants to choose from.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus
House of MinaLima
My teens are not massive Harry Potter fans but if yours are then don’t miss MinaLima in London’s Soho. Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima are two artists who met on the set of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and together created the print studio MinaLima. Their store is filled with graphic art of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films as well as limited edition art prints designed by MinaLima. You’ll also see props from the films on display.
Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is always lively and a really fun place for teens to discover. An official market was established here in 1670 and a fresh fruit and vegetable market stood here until the 1960s. Today the original marketing building is filled with cafes, pubs, shops and a crafts market. Some of the best shops for teens to explore include Urban Outfitters and the Dr. Marten’s store. Street performers perform daily.
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
Forbidden Planet
One of my teens is a massive Japanese anime fan and will happily spend hours in Forbidden Planet, a ‘cult entertainment megastore’. This two-storey store stocks a huge range of books covering science fiction, animation, graphic design, superheroes, computer games and much more. You’ll also find lots of DVDs, collectible figures, clothing and posters.
Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Foyles Bookstores
There are lots of brilliant bookstores in London for kids and lots that are great for teens too. One of the best is Foyles Bookstore, which enjoys 37,000 square feet of floorspace and eight levels packed full of books. You’ll find everything here from LGBT & Gender Studies to Medical & Veterinary as well as plenty of YA fiction.
Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Fopp
Not far from Forbidden Planet is Fopp, one of the city’s best stores for buying vinyl as well as CDs, films and books. Teens who love music will enjoy flicking through the collection of records and the range of CDs and DVDs.
Nearest Tube: Tottenham Court Road
Harrods
London’s most famous department store is wildly over-the-top and for that reason alone, Harrods is worth a visit. The beautiful and elegantly tiled food halls on the ground floor are a highlight but it’s worth taking time to explore the rest of the store too. There’s an art gallery, an enormous shoe department and a floor dedicated to young designer fashion labels.
Nearest Tube: High Street Kensington
Portobello Road Market
The pretty coloured houses of Portobello Road in Notting Hill have been seen on many an Instagram photo (not to mention many a movie filmed in London). But this is an area with a long and colourful history and a neighbourhood that is wonderfully diverse. The market is one of the most famous streets markets in the world (some families have been selling on Portobello Road for generations), filled with antique, bric-a-brac and vintage clothes. It’s a really fun place to wander, browse and buy.
Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate and Ladbroke Grove
Brick Lane Market
Teens who love vintage clothes should make a beeline for Brick Lane. As well as the market, where you can find stalls selling vintage ware, there are some fantastic vintage shops in the neighbourhood. Shops to add to your list include House of Vintage, Levisons, Atika London and Vintage Basement.
Nearest Tube: Aldgate East
Liberty
You have to visit Liberty when you’re in London simply because it’s such a beautiful store. The first Liberty store opened in 1875 and was constructed using timber from two ancient battle ships. Today it is Grade II listed building. The shop was designed to feel like a home, which explains why you’ll come across the odd fireplace or window seat as you wander around. You can pick up all manner of souvenirs including wash bags and notebooks, all with the signature Liberty print.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus
Box Park Shoreditch
In 2011 BOXPARK Shoreditch opened as the world’s first pop-up mall created from shipping containers. The concept was so successful the there are now a further two BOXPARKS in Wembley and Croydon. The philosophy here is Eat. Drink. Shop. Play and there are lots of independent and small designers, selling everything from homewares and gifts to Japanese inspired stationery. After 8pm anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 25. You will require physical photo I.D to enter BOXPARK.
Nearest Tube: Old Street
Best places to eat in London with teenagers
Bubblewrap in Covent Garden
Inspired by a traditional Hong Kong street snack of egg waffles from the 1950s, these Bubblewrap waffles not only look good but they taste good too. Each wrap consists of a layer of bubble waffle, filled with ice cream, biscuits, fruit and hot toppings. They are hugely decadent and absolutely delicious. You’ll find Bubblewrap London in Chinatown.
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square
EL&N
EL&N claim to be the “most instagrammable cafe in the world” and once you’ve stepped foot inside their neon pink cafes, it’s hard to disagree. There are a number EL&N locations around London (EL&N stands for ‘Eat, Live & Nourish’) all equally pink, covered with neon signs. Even the menu is social media-friendly with a list of “Instagrammable Drinks”.
Nearest Tube: Various, depending on location
Peggy Porschen
The pretty-in-pink Peggy Porschen cafe is owned by cake designer Peggy Porschen who has been creating cakes that wow since 2003. Today her cafe in Belgravia is the place to come for stunning sweet treats guaranteed to please teens. After all, Vanity Fair dubbed her cupcakes “the best in the world”.
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square and Victoria
B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
For a fun sightseeing tour of London with your teen jump on board one of B Bakery’s original double-decker Routemaster buses. These iconic cherry red buses have been renovated to create a unique dining space perfect for afternoon tea. My teen daughter and I enjoyed a Christmas lights tour and we both loved it. Book the classic afternoon tea tour and enjoy finger sandwiches, sweet treats and scones as you tour London’s most famous sights.
Price: Adult / child from £45 / 37 · Time needed: 1.5 hours · Nearest Tube: Depends on which tour you do
Sketch
There are lots of places in London that serve fantastic themed afternoon teas for kids but for something a little more grown-up head to Sketch London. There, afternoon tea is served in the pretty-in-pink Gallery and comes with an assortment of sandwiches, a delicious range of cakes, followed by scones served with cream and jam.
Nearest Tube: Oxford Circus and Piccadilly
Borough Market
Located in Southwark, near London Bridge, Borough Market is the oldest food market in the capital with a history dating back some 1,000 years. Today the market is filled with fantastic street food vendors along with a handful of restaurants as well if you want a sit down meal. We love Khanom Krok for its authentic Thai street food and Portena, for its amazing Argentinian empanadas.
Nearest Tube: London Bridge
The best escape games in London for teens
Prison Island London
If your teens enjoy escape rooms then they will love Prison Island London. My teens really enjoyed this interactive challenge which is similar to a traditional escape room but with a twist.
Over the course of 60 minutes you have to try and solve as many puzzles as possible with one puzzle housed in each of the 31 different cell blocks. Some are more of a physical challenge and others require strategic thinking, all of them require teamwork!
Price: Adult / student from £27.90 / 24.90 · Time needed: 1.5 hrs · Nearest Train: Holloway Road
Sherlock: The Game is Now
Fans of the twists and turns of the TV show Sherlock will love this escape room. ‘Sherlock” The Game is Now’ is an immersive experience that will see you travel through the iconic sets from the show as you try to solve puzzles and crack clues.
Price: From £35 · Time needed: 1.5 – 2 hrs · Nearest Train: Shepherd’s Bush
Enigma Quests
Escape games at Enigma Quests include a Harry Potter-inspired room where players have to prove that they are a true witch or wizard, a million pound heist and a submarine quest where players have to diffuse a bomb located at the bottom of the ocean in order to save the world.
Price: From £25 · Time needed: 1.5 hrs · Nearest Train: Chancery Lane
Breakin’ Escape Rooms
Tech-savvy teens will enjoy the six different rooms at Breakin’ Escape Rooms. The different themed rooms – scenarios include a wizarding quest to find a precious artefact that has been lost for decades and escaping a pirate ship overrun with ghosts – come with lots of fun gadgetry such as puzzles on gigantic touch screens or laser-mounted weapons.
Price: From £29 · Time needed: 1.5 hrs · Nearest Train: Highbury & Islington
Shows & Plays in London with teens
The Globe Theatre
Mention Shakespeare to almost any teen and you’ll likely be met with eye rolls and sighs, thanks to years of compulsory school texts. Yet a visit to the Globe Theatre can reignite their interest (I promise!), and it’s one of our favourite stops for London with teens. The original 1599 Globe burned down in 1613, and its 1614 replacement closed in 1642; today’s version, a faithful 360-degree replica with no roof over the courtyard, opened in 1997. It now stages Shakespeare for modern audiences, family-friendly plays, new writing, concerts and film screenings, plus guided tours running Thursday to Sunday.
Price: Tickets from £5 · Time needed: 2.5 – 3 hrs · Nearest Train: Blackfriars, Mansion House & Southwark
ABBA Voyage
ABBA Voyage is one of London’s most talked-about nights out, and teens who enjoy Mamma Mia the movie will love it. Digital “ABBAtars” of the band perform a full concert alongside a live ten-piece band, in a purpose-built arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It’s extraordinarily clever and it really feels like you are watching Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid perform live. Don’t forget to dress up!
Price: Tickets from adult / student £57 / 35 · Time needed: 1.5 – 2 hrs · Nearest Train: Pudding Mill Lane DLR
West End Theatre
We love going to the theatre and while it’s not a cheap pastime, there are ways to find discounted tickets that make it a more affordable family outing. London is home to some incredible theatre (it boasts more theatres than any other city in the world) and you can catch a show almost any day of the week. Some of the most popular shows in the West End include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the Lion King, Wicked and Hamilton.
Price: varies
Mamma Mia! The Party
My ABBA-loving teen declared our night at Mamma Mia! The Party the highlight of her year. Even if you don’t know all the words to Voulez-Vous, however, it’s hard not to love this immersive theatre and dining experience. Located in the O2, in a replica Greek taverna, the four-hour experience features, dinner, dancing, drama and countless ABBA hits. It’s suitable for ages 5 and up so you can take the whole family.
Price: From £99 · Time needed: 4+ hrs · Nearest Train: North Greenwich
Other things to do in London with teens
Sky Garden
The Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden with terraces filled with Mediterranean and South African plants and is the perfect place to snap a selfie. The garden also offers 360-degree views over the city skyline from the viewing platform. Even better, it’s completely free. You just need to book tickets in advance.
Price: Free · Time needed: 1 hrs · Nearest Train: Monument
British Library
My eldest teen spent much of his Year 11 summer term using the British Library as a base to study for his GCSEs but even if you don’t have exams looming, the UK’s national library is worth a visit. Founded in 1753, the library is home to the King’s Library where some of the world’s most important and rare texts are stored, including a copy of the Magna Carta. The regular temporary exhibitions are also very good, covering everything from the history of Black British Music to the cultural impact of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
Price: Free (paid for exhibitions) · Time needed: 1+hrs · Nearest Train: Kings Cross
Greenwich
Hop on an Uber Boat by Thames Clipper and sail down the Thames to Greenwich for the day. Despite being so close to the city centre, this leafy neighbourhood feels a world away. Home to the Cutty Sark (once the fastest tea clipper in the world), the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College, there’s lots to do. Make sure to take a snap when standing on either side of the Meridian Line!
Price: Uber boat from £6.20 · Time needed: a good day trip · Departure Point: Westminster Pier
Abbey Road
Take a trip to Abbey Road, one of the most famous streets in London, and recreate the iconic album cover from The Beatles. The crossing is actually located at the southernmost point of Abbey Road, at the junction with Grove End Road in St. John’s Wood. The postcode for the Abbey Road recording studios is NW8 9AY but if you’re having trouble finding the road, just look for the crowds of people.
The London Eye
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the banks of the River Thames and the largest cantilevered observation wheel in Europe. It’s a hugely popular attraction and a spin in one of the 32 pods that amble gently around is a great way to see the London skyline.
It’s fairly expensive, particularly when there are so many other places you can catch a free view of London, but it’s a unique experience and something the whole family can enjoy. Plus, if you pre-book online and save up to 20%
FAQs: London with teens
Is London safe for teens?
London is generally safe for teens to explore. As with anywhere, keep an eye on busy areas, agree a meeting point and time, and make sure they have a phone, an Oyster card and the address of where you are staying. Make sure your teen puts their phone away when they are not using it.
Can teens travel around London on their own?
Yes. The Tube, buses and Overground are straightforward to navigate, especially with a map app like Citymapper. Younger teens (11–15) can use a Zip Oyster card with a Young Visitor discount, and 16–17 year-olds get half the adult rate with a 16+ Zip Oyster card. See our guide to getting around London with teens for the details.
How many days do you need in London with teens?
Three days is enough to cover the highlights without rushing, though you could easily fill a week. See our sample itineraries for one, two and three-day plans.
What’s free to do in London with teens?
More than you’d think. Most of the big museums including the British Museum and Tate Modern are free to enter, as is the Sky Garden (with a booked slot), and wandering Camden Market or Borough Market costs nothing. See our full list of free things to do in London for more.
Where to stay in London with teens?
There are lots of great places to stay in London with teens. One of our favourites is St Ermin’s, a luxury hotel with a fantastic history (the bar was once a popular meeting spot for spies). It’s also well-placed, close to Hyde Park and some of London’s best museums including the Natural History Museum and the V&A.
We’re also big fans of Bankside Hotel, a modern hotel set one road back from the Thames. With large (and inter-connecting) rooms, an excellent restaurant and ‘wine hour’ for parents, it’s a good choice if you want to be near the South Bank.
In East London, the Courthouse Hotel is a very good choice. Housed in the former Old Street Magistrates Court and police station, there’s lots of history here plus fun modern touches such as the bowling alley in the basement.
