English language holiday for families in London, England

Impressions of London, England

London, that global metropolis, warmly welcomes you whatever the season. Despite the city’s size, you’ll always find opportunities to strike up friendly, casual conversations and get to know a side of London beyond the tourist trail.

London is, in the best sense of the word, a bottomless pit. It boasts dazzling, ‘bussy’, elegant and tranquil corners. They all have their own charm and one thing in common: they are ‘very British’. 
You can explore London, for example, from an architectural perspective and, of course, through its history; as you do so, you’ll likely come across well-known and famous names at every turn – on streets, Underground stations, buildings and institutions from every era. Above all, however, you’ll have a great time here and find something to suit everyone in your family, whatever the weather or your mood. 
Children are very welcome in London. 
Many venues (museums – some even offering fantastic workshops – and public transport) offer children substantial discounts and, in some cases, even free entry. For safety’s sake, older children should carry photo ID with them; this may save you from having to get into arguments. Some restaurants also offer a free lunch for children if they are accompanied by an adult who is dining. Brilliant, isn’t it?! Several restaurant chains are also committed to being child-friendly. These include, for example, My Old Dutch – with branches in Kensington, amongst other places, serving delicious pancakes – Café Rouge with its French flair, Ed’s Easy Diners with its American vibe, and the Indian chain Masala Zone, specifically the branch in Covent Garden. 
Also in Covent Garden is Belgo Centraal with its Belgian cuisine – a very tasty change of pace. A tip for really good British cuisine is the Canteen at Spitalfields Market.

If you already know in advance that you want to visit one of the major, popular attractions, do yourself and your loved ones a favour by booking in advance – for example, for the London Eye, Madame Tussauds, etc. You’ll be able to stroll past the queues – which are usually hundreds of metres long – in complete comfort!

London is one of the world’s leading musical theatre capitals. It’s home to the hottest and biggest productions. Tickets are often cheaper than in Germany, especially if you manage to snap up one of the bargain last-minute tickets. So it’s well worth organising a spontaneous trip to the theatre with the whole family. If you’d like to see a specific show that’s still very new and therefore in high demand, you should book well in advance. Otherwise, you can always make a last-minute decision whilst strolling through the theatre district. The only official outlet for last-minute tickets is TKTS in Leicester Square. Here, tickets are often sold at half price at short notice.

Of course, we mustn’t forget the Queen when in London! The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is, of course, a real highlight. Yes, it can be a bit of a nuisance as everyone wants to see it, but it’s simply part and parcel of a visit to London. The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, probably London’s most famous attraction. The ceremony is staged with great pomp and marching music – your children will be fascinated, especially by the horsemen and, of course, the famous uniforms. The only – but important – tip: you should arrive early to secure a good spot. The Princess Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens also has a royal touch, at least in name. At this fabulous playground, your children are sure to get plenty of exercise.