A London Family Vacation Filled With
History, Theatre, and Heartfelt Moments
After falling in love with the castles and landscapes of Scotland, our UK journey continued south — and London welcomed us with its own kind of magic.
It felt like stepping into a story I’d known forever, yet still discovering new chapters with every corner we turned. This part of our London family vacation was full of royal history, theater nights, unexpected laughs, and little moments I know I’ll treasure for years.
🏙️ Discovering London’s Heart
Our first day brought us to the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, and honestly — I wasn’t prepared for how breathtaking it would be. The Painted Hall is one of those places that makes you stop in your tracks. The golden ceilings, the intricate details, the sense of stepping inside a living piece of history… it was unforgettable.
We wandered the grounds at our own pace — the beautiful chapel, the small museum, and even a hidden wooden bowling alley tucked beneath the buildings. It felt like we kept discovering little surprises around every corner.
💡 Advisor Tip:
The Old Royal Naval College is one of London’s best-kept secrets. If you want something incredible but less crowded, this spot is such a peaceful option. Arrive close to opening for the quietest experience. Read more about it here.
🎭 Shakespeare’s Globe —
Where Stories Come Alive
From there, we made our way to Shakespeare’s Globe, and this ended up being such a highlight — especially for Monica. We joined a guided tour and learned how the theatre was rebuilt to honor the original Elizabethan design. Listening to the stories of how actors perform rain or shine, or how the stagecraft is still rooted in tradition, made the whole place feel like it was buzzing with creativity.
And of course, we couldn’t leave without browsing the gift shop — it’s impossible not to get swept up in the charm of it all.
💡 Advisor Tip:
Even if you’re not a Shakespeare fan, the tour is wonderful. But if you can, come back for a show — the atmosphere is unlike anything else.
💎 The Tower of London — History with a Crowded Twist
No matter how many pictures you’ve seen, nothing compares to experiencing the Tower of London in person. The history there feels thick — like the walls could talk if you listened long enough. We explored the Bloody Tower, the Torture at the Tower exhibit, the ancient courtyards… and of course, the Crown Jewels.
The jewels were amazing to see, but the crowds made it hard to fully take them in. If I could redo one part of our London family vacation, it would be visiting the Tower first thing in the morning before the rush.
💡 Advisor Tip:
Go early — as in “right when the doors open.” And if you enjoy stories mixed with humor, join a Beefeater tour. They’re fantastic.
🎶 Theatre Night: Hadestown
during our London Family Vacation
Seeing Hadestown in London was one of those nights I know we’ll talk about forever. The music, the energy, the creativity — it was all beautifully done. Our seats weren’t ideal (last row in the balcony!), but even from there, the atmosphere was incredible. I stood after intermission and could finally take it all in, and it was absolutely worth it.
💡 Advisor Tip:
London’s theatre scene is magical — but book early for the best seats. Matinees are great for families and often more affordable.
⛪ Iconic London Moments during our London Family Vacation
Westminster Abbey was a dream for me. I’ve always been drawn to royal history, so walking the same floors where kings, queens, and historical icons stood was surreal. Seeing the resting places of Mary I and Elizabeth I felt incredibly moving — their stories have always fascinated me.
The London Eye gave us some of our favorite family photos from the whole trip. The views, the way the city seems to stretch endlessly beneath you — it’s such a fun experience.
We also made quick stops by Big Ben and Borough Market. The market was closed when we arrived, but the area still had a lively energy that made me want to return someday.
And then there was the surprise gem of the day — Southwark Cathedral. We didn’t get to go inside, but the gift shop won us over when we learned about their famous church cat… who has its own Instagram. Only in London. 😄
💡 Advisor Tip:
London is BIG. Group your sightseeing by area to avoid spending half your day on trains or buses.
👑 A Royal Girls’ Day at Windsor Castle
While the boys took a much-needed rest day, Monica and I set off for a girls’ trip to Windsor Castle — and it became one of my favorite memories from the entire UK adventure.
The train ride was peaceful, and when we arrived, the town felt like a little storybook village — charming streets, beautiful buildings, and a cheerful atmosphere right from the start.
Inside Windsor Castle, everything felt rich with history. My love for the royals made this feel extra special, and sharing it with Monica made it even sweeter.
The best part? The East Terrace Gardens were open — which doesn’t happen often. This is the area where the royal family spends private time together, and standing in that peaceful garden felt surreal. We could even see the windows of the rooms where they stay during visits.
💡 Advisor Tip:
Windsor Castle is an easy and wonderful day trip from London (under an hour from Paddington). Plan to spend several hours exploring both the castle and the town.
🚆 Northbound to Manchester & Liverpool
We spent two nights in Manchester and did a day trip to Liverpool. Manchester had a youthful, energetic vibe because we were near the university, but we didn’t explore much beyond a few meals.
Liverpool, though, completely surprised us.
We started with a ferry ride across the Mersey — cold, but beautiful. Then we hopped on a sightseeing bus tour that gave us a great overview of the city’s Beatles history, maritime past, and architecture.
The museum was fun (even though nothing compares to our incredible Children’s Museum back home!). And yes — Aaron was “attacked” by a dinosaur character there. We’re still laughing about it, even if he wasn’t at the time!
💡 Advisor Tip:
A ferry + bus combo ticket is perfect for a one-day Liverpool visit. Beatles fans will want extra time for the Cavern Quarter.
✈️ Lessons Learned: Stay Central
We stayed in East Ham during this part of our London family vacation, which meant a 15–20 minute walk to the train station and about 30 minutes to get into central London. The area was lively and culturally diverse, but the long commute each day made it harder to see everything we wanted. f you’re picking out where to stay, you might enjoy my guide to Trendy Neighborhoods in London to Explore — it’s a great place to start your research.
💡 Advisor Tip:
If you’re planning a London family vacation, stay central. You’ll save time, energy, and get so much more out of your days.
💛 A Journey I’ll Always Remember
As we traveled from London to Windsor to Liverpool, it struck me again and again how travel has a way of connecting us — to places, to history, and most of all, to each other. This London family vacation brought us so many moments of awe, laughter, and joy, and I’m grateful for every one of them.
If London is calling your name, you may also love reading my Top Must-Sees in London post or exploring the Beloved Bridgerton Filming Locations You Must See guide if you’re a fan of the series — both are wonderful places to dream and plan.
✨ Ready to plan your own London family vacation?
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Because every journey writes a story — and this one will stay with me for a long time. 🌿✨
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