Last summer I took my three boys to London for the very first time. Ages 5, 9, and 10 — wild, sports-loving, and excited to see London. I’ve been to London many times over the years and have taken my girls multiple times, so I had a pretty good sense of what I wanted to show them and what would actually land. I’m excited to finally share my London with boys itinerary.
This itinerary works for any family, but it was designed specifically with active, sports-loving boys in mind. My oldest also loves history — when it’s cool and engaging — so that was a goal too: get all three of them genuinely excited about London and its story.
One important note: we were there in August and had perfect weather. Some of what we did — the Uber Boats especially, and a lot of time outdoors — might look different in colder months. Plan accordingly.
Where We Stayed: Four Seasons London at Tower Bridge
Location was everything for this trip. I wanted to be near Tower Bridge, and the Four Seasons there delivered in every way. What sealed it for me? A huge park right out front — perfect for running around and kicking a soccer ball, plus a pool. Those are both a must for my boys in a city hotel.
The hotel was exceptional. The food and kids’ meals were exactly what my crew wanted — I knew they weren’t going to be London foodies on this trip, and the breakfast and dinner options at the Four Seasons were perfect every single time. The concierge team was incredibly helpful and, crucially, it was they who told me all about the Uber Boats. I’ve recommended them to every family traveling to London ever since.
The pool has specific kids’ hours, so we planned our days around including swim time — which the boys looked forward to every single afternoon. From the Four Seasons we did everything in this itinerary on foot, by Uber Boat, and occasionally by taxi. It couldn’t have been more perfectly located.
Day 1: Arrival & Settling In
We arrived via the Eurostar from Brussels (already an adventure in itself!) and checked into the hotel. After a swim at the pool to shake off any travel fatigue, we walked across Tower Bridge (a moment that genuinely stops you in your tracks no matter how many times you’ve seen it) and spent time in Potters Field Park, which was the perfect spot for the boys to run free with views of the Thames.
Dinner that evening was at The Ivy Tower Bridge — a beautiful spot that felt special without being stressful with kids.
Day 2: The Chelsea Day (Our Favorite)
This was the day I planned around my boys specifically, and it delivered beyond anything I expected.
After breakfast we took the Uber Boat from Tower Pier to Battersea. This alone is worth the trip — taking a boat down the Thames with views of Big Ben and the London skyline. The boys were obsessed from the moment we stepped on board. I cannot recommend the Uber Boats enough; book them for every possible journey.
We got off at Battersea, stopped at an ice cream truck (yes, before 10am — we regret nothing), and walked over Chelsea Bridge into one of London’s most beautiful neighborhoods.
First stop: The National Army Museum. Did you know this is completely FREE? I didn’t fully know what to expect, but it ended up being probably their favorite museum they have ever visited. It is incredibly interactive — trying on uniforms, marching lessons, drums, hands-on everything. My boys were completely absorbed. Don’t skip this.
Lunch: The Butcher’s Hook. Right across from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea FC’s iconic stadium. The food was excellent and the history of the place adds something extra when you’re sitting there looking out at the ground.
Chelsea Stadium Tour. This was my personal favorite part of the trip. We walked across the street from lunch and did the full stadium tour, and the guide was one of the best I’ve encountered anywhere — engaging, funny, and brilliant with the kids. We went right down to the pitch. Standing on the Chelsea FC field in the heart of one of London’s greatest neighborhoods, boys losing their minds beside me… I felt like I was living my own Ted Lasso episode. I booked the basic tour, here.
We headed back to the hotel for High Tea (a surprisingly big hit), a swim, and dinner. A perfect day.
Day 3: History, Icons & Hidden Gems
After breakfast we spent the morning at the Tower of London — and I’d strongly recommend reading Where is the Tower of London? with your kids before the trip. My boys had, and it made a huge difference in how engaged they were from the moment we arrived. They obviously wanted to find the ghost!
We got the basic tickets and easily spent hours there. The Crown Jewels, the historical reenactments, hunting for the famous black ravens — there is so much to see. We climbed the White Tower, which I highly recommend: room after room of armor, interactive displays, and the kind of history that actually grabs kids and doesn’t let go.
After the Tower we headed into the city center. Trafalgar Square with its four enormous bronze lions was a hit — climbing optional, apparently mandatory. We walked around Nelson’s Column, saw the outside of the National Gallery before lunch at Prezzo, which was an easy, relaxed, genuinely fun spot for kids. The boys loved it.
After lunch: the LEGO Store in Leicester Square (non-negotiable if you have boys this age), then Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament.
In the evening we walked to St. Katharine Docks for dinner — a quiet, beautiful, tucked-away spot right on the water that I honestly hadn’t discovered before this trip. Boats bobbing, fairy lights, far from the tourist crowds. A perfect way to end our last evening.
Why This Trip Worked
This was the perfect amount of London for boys this age. There is so much we didn’t see — and that’s completely intentional. We’ll see the rest on future visits. For their ages and their interests, we hit every highlight that mattered and left them wanting more, which is exactly how a first trip to any city should end.
London is endlessly adaptable. This trip looked nothing like when I brought my Harry Potter-obsessed girls, or when I took my daughter for her 13th birthday. That’s the magic of it — you can tailor every single day to exactly who you’re traveling with.
Quick Tips for London with Boys
- Book the Uber Boat — for every possible journey. Views, adventure, no traffic.
- The National Army Museum is free — and one of the best kids’ museums in London
- Chelsea Stadium Tour — book in advance, especially in summer
- Read Where is the Tower of London? before you go
- Four Seasons Tower Bridge — the park and pool make it ideal for active kids
- St. Katharine Docks — a hidden gem for a quieter evening away from the crowds
- August weather was perfect — plan outdoor activities accordingly if traveling other times of year
Planning a London trip with your kids? I’d love to help you build the perfect itinerary for your family. Email me or find me on Instagram @travelwewill — London is one of my favorite cities to plan and every family does it differently.
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