London is considered a multicultural cosmopolitan city with a wide range of culture, food, leisure and shopping. The capital of Great Britain is an experience at any time of the year. But especially in spring, when the trees bear the first blossoms and the days get longer again, there are countless ways to discover the city as a family. No matter whether you stroll along the sights with the tourists, track down magical places and film locations of Paddington and Harry Potter or let yourself drift on foot through individual districts. London has a surprise in store for all tastes and ages.

 

Cultural experiences

London's famous museum of modern and contemporary art, the Tate Modern, is located in a converted power station right on the River Thames. As one of the largest museums in the world, the impressive collection extends over several floors. At Tate Draw, children can create digital sketches and have their artwork projected onto the wall. Admission is free, only a ticket is required for special exhibitions.

Ferry Station: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, daily 10am-6pm.

 

One of London's most famous sights is Tower Bridge and offers unusual perspectives and views over the city when visiting. From a height of 42 meters, you can look down on the bustling hustle and bustle of the city through generous glass floors and see red buses, passers-by or even ships passing by on the Thames. Interactive displays tell the story of the bridge. It is best to book tickets online in advance. 

Tube station: Tower Hill, then 5 minutes walk. Daily 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., last admission 5.00 p.m.

 

Play and be outside

It can happen that on sunny days a queue forms in front of the Diana Memorial Playground . The heart of it is a large wooden pirate ship, surrounded by sand, teepees and playground equipment, surrounded by trees and plants. The playground oasis is located at the northwestern end of the 142-hectare Hyde Park. Kensington Palace can be reached in five minutes on foot.

Tube station: Queensway. Opening hours vary depending on the season. May to August: 10 a.m. to 7.45 p.m.

 

Especially in spring, when everything is in bloom, the Royal Botanic Gardens are  a treat. Kew Gardens is considered one of the most species-rich and largest gardens in the world and is located about an hour outside the center. Kids love the Children's Garden, where they learn what plants need to grow healthy with interactive games. Another highlight is the 18-metre-high Treetop Walkway.

Bus stop: Kew Green (Stop A), Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE, daily 10am-6pm, last admission 5pm.

 

Cinematic moments

The Peppa Pig Tour combines sightseeing, afternoon tea and a ride on the red double-decker bus – an experience that reflects London at its finest. While the bus travels along the main sights, a child-friendly afternoon tea à la Peppa Pig is served. If you can still look out of the window because of all the feasting, you will discover Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral and Piccadilly Circle, among others. The same offer is also available for Paddington fans. However, this tour starts at Trafalgar Square. 

Start: Somerset House. Daily, 12:15 and 14:45. Registration is required.

 

The Warner Bros Studios outside London are a must-see for Harry Potter fans young and old. It's worth setting aside a whole day to visit to get lost in the original settings of the Potter universe. Tickets should be reserved in advance. If you don't have enough time for a studio tour, you can get  the perfect souvenir photo at London's King's Cross station. There, in front of the Harry Potter Shop, is the fictitious platform 9 3⁄4, with a luggage cart disappearing into the wall. 

U-Bahn Station: King’s Cross St. Pancras.

 

Enjoyment and culinary delights  

In London, you can symbolically eat your way around the world and find something on every conceivable corner to quench hunger and thirst. A cool place that combines shopping, art, cafés and markets is the ten-hectare site of the former Truman Brewery in the Shoreditch district. Ideal for families: the Pizza and Drink Deal at Sleazy Pizza.

The Truman Brewery, Unit 3, Dray Walk, E1 6QL,Open daily from 12 noon.

 

Knoops is a chocolate lover's paradise. Even Mr. and Mrs. Swiss who have set their bar high in terms of chocolate will be amazed here. In the Knoops chocolate bar, you can choose between cocoa contents, milks, spices and toppings according to your mood. Your own hot chocolate is ready. Knoops are available at six locations in London.

 

The store and ice cream at Milk Train are so stylish that they're perfect for Instagram – over 108,000 people follow the @milktraincafe account. The trademark: a cloud of cotton candy that envelops the ice cream scoop. The ice cream assortment and toppings are adapted to the season. Milkshakes and soft ice cream are also on the menu.

12 Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7PH, closed Mon. Tue–Sat 1:00 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Shopping 

London is the shopping paradise par excellence. The big brands can be found on Oxford Street or in the Selfridges department store, as well as on Regent and Bond Streets. Especially on weekends it gets very crowded there and it can get a bit uncomfortable. In Covent Garden and Shoreditch , there is a greater chance of discovering new labels. There are also many colorful murals and graffiti to discover, which adorn the house walls and in front of which great souvenir photos are taken. 

Since 2006, the independent children's shop Luna & Curious has been run by three women who know exactly what styles today's cool mothers and children wear. The shop in the Shoreditch district offers a great mix of clothes, toys, accessories, homewares and jewellery for babies, children and their mothers. Here you will discover international, but also local brands and products. 

4-26 Calvert Avenue, E2 7JP, Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. 

 

Spend the night

The family-friendly Mama Shelter in the trendy district of Shoreditch combines stylish design with a relaxed atmosphere.  The Large Mama rooms can accommodate up to four people. A visit to Mama's Restaurant and the Garden Bar in the covered courtyard are also worthwhile. If you like to sing loudly, you can rent your own karaoke room. 

437 Hackney Road, E2 8PP.

 

Located  just 20 minutes from London City Airport, the Good Hotel offers a special experience: the hotel floats. The rooms are – like on a ship – quite small and look like bunks. But since you are in the city most of the time anyway, this accommodation offers everything you need for a city trip. Good breakfast and a roof over your head. And this at a reasonable price and with a certain something. 

Royal Victoria Dock, Western Gateway, London E16 1FA.

 

Good to know

To enter the UK, Swiss nationals need a valid passport and a visa. You can find more information here.

Journey

There are direct flights to London several times a day. However, the destination airports are different. It is worth booking the hotel first and then looking where the nearest airport is to save transfer costs and travel. The flight takes about one hour and 40 minutes.