Amazing Things to do in West London with Kids

by LondonDucklings
Published: Last Updated on

West London is home to some of the greatest museums in the world, with a wealth of things to do for kids. This cluster of world-renowned museums includes the V&A, Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. And on a hot summer day, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are never far away to enjoy a picnic.

West London Activities for Kids

Things to do in West London with Kids

West London is home to some of the most renowned museums in the world. Not only are they free to enter, but they are also full of interactive galleries great for children. 

If you’re heading to West London’s museums such as Natural History Museum, remember to book tickets well in advance to avoid being disappointed.

Teenagers will enjoy checking out some of the poshest areas in London, such as Knightsbridge and Kensington & Chelsea with all its supercars and luxury shopping boutiques.

Diana Memorial Playgrounds is a popular spot for families visiting West London, and in Holland Park, you’ll find a well-designed adventure playground with play elements made of natural materials.

Latest Posts West London

Go West

West London was made for living. From Chiswick to Chelsea to Chepstow Road, towering stucco-fronted terraces, often interlaced by secluded communal gardens, testify to this being the land of the settled, the refined. There’s scarcely a warehouse conversion in sight; it’s the classic end of town.

The Holy Triangle on Exhibition Road

Three mighty museums have their homes on Exhibition Road: The V&A where kids can design their own clothes, the Natural History Museum where you can meet T-Rex in person and the wonderful Science Museum with all its interactive exhibitions. Their stately home cousins of Leighton House and Chiswick House are not far away either.

West London on a budget

If and when you get exhausted, Central London’s green belt is only a 10 minutes walk away to stretch out on the grass. There are not that many kid-friendly restaurants in the area so consider combining a trip to the museum with a picnic in Hyde Park or Kensington

Many of the main attractions in West London are completely free. Combine that with the fact that you can get almost anywhere in London with public transportation and have wonderful picnics with packed lunches in the park, you can easily plan some really affordable days out.

Playgrounds and Gardens

If you take the kids to the Diana Memorial Playground we can’t promise you it will be relaxing, but the kids will certainly burn energy by climbing the huge pirate ship inspired by the stories of Peter Pan.  St James Playground is a small but well-planned playground right next to Buckingham Palace, perfect for a break after watching Changing of the Guard. If you want to check out a very unique Garden, go to the Chelsea Physic Garden where you can learn how to make herbal remedies and botanical soap.

8 Family-Friendly Areas in West London

1. Notting Hill

Because it’s among the most famous west London areas, we’ll begin at Notting Hill. This region in the UK capital is known for its vibrant homes, Portobello Road Market, and outstanding eateries and shops.

There are plenty of exciting activities to be found within Notting Hill, from exploring the streets of the city to exploring the hidden mews and lanes. The Notting Hill Festival is Europe’s largest street festival every year.

2. Holland Park

Near Notting Hill, Holland Park is one of our favourite family-friendly West London areas. The park is home to everything from the gorgeous playground to the pastel homes and The Leighton House Museum.

It’s a great experience to go to Holland Park, take in the breathtaking Kyoto Garden, and greet the peacocks that live there as winter comes to an end.

Holland Park Mews is one of the most beautiful London mews outside the park. Streets surround it with beautiful houses. The main street is brimming with great Holland Park restaurants, cafes and shops.

3. Kensington

Near Holland Park, Kensington is one of our favourite west London areas. Kensington Church Street is packed with stunning antiques, tearooms, and shops. Kensington High Street has everything from Whole Foods to side streets with some of the finest dining establishments in London.

Springtime in Kensington showcases some of the finest Wisteria that can be found in London. In autumn, the leaves of Kynance Mews are breathtaking.

In terms of the natural beauty of the area, Kensington Gardens is one of the most beautiful green areas that can be found in London. The park is the home of Kensington Palace, one of the most famous palaces of royalty in London.

4. South Kensington

Nearby adjacent to Kensington, South Kensington is one of the most beautiful areas in west London. This region offers plenty, from prominent museums like the V&A to the cafés surrounding South Kensington station.

In addition, there are the South Kensington restaurants located on Old Brompton Road and the shops along Fulham Road, and the high streets are delightful.

Similar to the side streets. Cranley Mews is gorgeous, and The Boltons are full of stunning homes.

5. Earls Court

Just to the right of South Kensington, Earls Court is another of the best west London areas. It is often neglected compared to the surrounding area. However, this area is worth exploring on its own.

This is not the least due to the pastel homes that line the streets of Earls Court’s sides. The High Street has a lot of bars and restaurants, and The Troubadour located on Old Brompton Road is a tradition.

6. Chelsea

Nearby Earls Court, Chelsea is one of the most popular and famous West London areas. The twin flower spectacles from The Chelsea Flower Show and Chelsea in Bloom to Chelsea Physic Garden and Chelsea Embankment. The area is home to plenty of natural splendour.

7. Fulham

Beyond Chelsea, Fulham is another of the top areas in west London. Fulham has a wonderful local vibe, too.

From Parson’s Green, which houses Parson’s Green and the White Horse bar (Sloaney Pony if you’re Londoner) from Parson’s Green from Fulham Palace, this London area has a lot to offer.

There’s lots of shopping and entertainment along Fulham Road, and New King’s Road is brimming with cafés and restaurants. The Harwood Arms pub, which has won awards, is a must. Harwood Arms pub is an excellent spot to take a self-guided food tour of London.

There’s no doubt that the Hurlingham Club is also one of the top spots on the Thames in London. If you’re already a member (or know someone who is), this is a beautiful spot to relax outside, enjoy a meal from the grill, and enjoy the sun during a bright afternoon.

8. Chiswick

Additionally, adjacent to the Thames, Chiswick is another of my top west London regions. Like Fulham Chiswick, it’s an excellent area to live as an actual local (or reside) inside the urban.

With places such as Chiswick House (one of the top English Heritage sites in London) and the old Fuller’s Brewery, there’s plenty to explore here.

The main street in Chiswick is the home of great bars, restaurants and shops. the streets around it are filled with beautiful homes and historical structures.

The Thames Path from Hammersmith to Chiswick is an excellent way to walk in the water and look at some of the most gorgeous pubs and houses in west London.

Cool things to do in West London – a summary

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant and diverse part of town. Here are the highlights summarized:

  • Shopping: West London is home to some of the best shopping destinations in the world, from the luxury boutiques of Knightsbridge and Chelsea to the quirky markets of Portobello Road and Camden. You can find anything from designer clothes and antiques, to vintage records and street art. Don’t miss the iconic Harrods department store, where you can browse through seven floors of exquisite goods and services.
  • Culture: West London is also a cultural hub, with plenty of museums, galleries, theatres and cinemas to explore. You can learn about the history and science of the world at the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, all located in South Kensington. You can also enjoy some of the finest art collections at the Tate Britain, the Serpentine Gallery and the Saatchi Gallery. If you’re into live entertainment, you can catch a show at the Royal Albert Hall, the Apollo Theatre or the Lyric Theatre, among many others.
  • Nature: If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, West London has some beautiful green spaces to relax and unwind. You can stroll through Hyde Park, one of the largest and most famous parks in London, where you can see the Serpentine Lake, the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Speakers’ Corner. You can also visit Kensington Gardens, where you can admire the Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial and the Peter Pan statue. Other lovely parks include Holland Park, Regent’s Park and Richmond Park, where you can spot some deer.
  • Food: Last but not least, West London has some amazing food options to suit every taste and budget. You can sample some of the best cuisines from around the world, from Indian to Italian, from Chinese to Lebanese. You can also enjoy some traditional British dishes, such as fish and chips, roast beef and pies. Some of my favourite places to eat are Dishoom (Indian), The Ivy (British), Hakkasan (Chinese), Ottolenghi (Mediterranean) and Nando’s (Portuguese).

These are just some of the cool things about West London that I love. I hope you enjoyed reading this post and that it inspired you to visit or explore this wonderful area.

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