Teenagers, like toddlers, can sometimes be hard to please, especially when it comes to travel. The good news is, however, that London is a brilliant city for teens with so much to do, no matter what they are into.
I have two teens (and an almost-tween) and between them they like everything from the theatre, museums and eating lots of great food to sports, daredevil adventures and shopping.
And in London, you can find all of these things and more.
Ever since we moved back to London nearly nine years ago we have spent weekends and school holidays exploring everything that the city has to offer and, along the way, we’ve found what works (and what doesn’t!).
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We’ve ticked off most of London’s main sights, iconic landmarks and attractions during our time living in the capital – and discovered plenty of hidden gems too – and the following are the best experiences as rated by by teens.
The following is our list of some of the best things to do in London with teens, tried and tested!
The best of London with teens
Getting around London with teens
Children under 11 travel free on most public transport in London if they’re travelling with a fare-paying adult (or have a 5-10 Zip Oyster photo card). For teens, however, it’s not so straightforward.
Children aged 11 to 15 years old can get free or discounted travel with a Zip Oyster card, or a Young Visitor discount. Buy a Visitor Oyster card before leaving home and when you arrive in London, ask a member of staff at a tube station to add a Young Visitor discount to the card. This can save you up to 50 per cent.
Older teens aged 16 and 17 pay half the adult rate on Tube, DLR and London Overground journeys with a 16_ Zip Oyster card.
Best museums in London with Teens
London is home to nearly 200 museums but the following are the ones that teens will enjoy best.
Cartoon Museum
I was surprised when we visited the Cartoon Museum for the first time to discover that its focuses in far more on the history of political cartoons and social commentary than it is on comics for kids. While not brilliant for younger kids, it is a great option for teens with an interest in current affairs.
Located in Fitzrovia, the museum houses over 6,000 original cartoon and comic artwork and a library of over 8,000 books and comics. The permanent collection includes wartime cartoons, modern satirists including Ralph Steadman and original Rupert Bear artwork from 1921.
If you have younger children then it’s worth remember that the museum hosts regular events and workshops during the school holidays. Entry is £12 per adult. Under 18s are free but teens require proof of age ID.
Sir John Soane’s Museum
It took us a little time to visit Sir John Soane’s Museum, not because it didn’t sound interesting but because there are so many other museums to see in London. When we did finally visit, it quickly became one of our favourites in London.
The former home of one of England’s greatest architects (he designed buildings including the Bank of England and the Dulwich Picture Gallery) has been kept as it was at the time of his death in 1837 and is the most extraordinary place.
A keen collector, the home is chock-full of antiques, furniture, sculptures and even a sarcophagus. If it sounds a little dry, don’t be fooled, this is a fascinating museum that my teenage son loved. Don’t miss the innovative Picture Room.
HMS Belfast
Teens with an interest in history will love visiting the HMS Belfast. Explore all nine decks of the historic warship and learn all about the inner workings of the ship that was used during both the Korean War and World War II.
RAF Museum
Another one for history hungry teens is the excellent Royal Air Force Museum in North London. We’ve spent many a Sunday exploring this enormous museum spread over a dozen or so hangers.
There are 80 aircraft on display as well as a flight simulator, a multi-media account of the Battle of Britain and you can even sit in the cockpit of a Spitfire. The museum hosts regular events and workshops during the school holidays.
Churchill War Rooms
This is another one of our favourite museums in London for teens. Hidden beneath Westminster were the Cabinet War Rooms that formed the nucleus of Winston Churchill’s wartime strategies.
This is where Britain coordinated and organised its fight against Nazi Germany during World War Two and is a fascinating insight into this turbulent period of history. The rooms have been preserved as they were in 1945.
Afterwards, stop by nearby St Ermin’s Hotel, which became a central point for the British Intelligence Services during the Second World War. Today it’s a great spot for afternoon tea.
British Museum
The doors to the British Museum, the world’s oldest national public museum, first opened in 1759 – that’s 17 years before the American colonies declared their independence from British rule!
The museum is a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of artefacts from around the world and is a fascinating place to visit in London with teens. Among its treasures, you’ve got bits of the Greek Acropolis, the Rosetta Stone, a burial helmet from Sutton Hoo and an Easter Island statute.
In addition to the permanent exhibitions there are regular temporary exhibitions. Plus, they host sleepovers at the museum too.
Tate Modern
Got a budding artist on your hands? Then head to the Tate Modern.
The permanent collection at his vast museum on the banks of the River Thames showcases over a hundred years of art from the birth of modernism in the early 1900s to works being created today.
There are regular temporary exhibitions too; some of the most popular in recent years have included Andy Warhol and Olafur Eliasson. Even if you don’t go and see any of the exhibitions however, it’s worth visiting to see whatever installation is currently in place in the vast Turbine Hall.
V&A
Sometimes overlooked by families visiting London owing to its more traditionally ‘family-friendly’ neighbours the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum is well worth a visit. The museum is one of the world’s leading museums of art and design.
Some of the more weird and wonderful pieces in the permanent collection include ‘Tiptoe’s Tiger’, a barrel organ that is shaped in the form of a Western oppressor being attacked by an Eastern tiger. Consider that you’ll also see a 3D-printed gun from 2013 on display and you get an idea as to how varied the collection is.
The V&A also host excellent temporary exhibitions that are usually a great way to spend an afternoon in London with teens.
Some of our favourites have included the 2018 exhibition dedicated to Frida Kahlo and the 2021 exhibition that explore the historical and cultural impact of Lewis Carroll’s story, Alice in Wonderland. More recently, the museum had an exhibition exploring Marie Antoinette Style.
Madame Tussauds London
Unbelievably Madame Tussauds first opened in 1835 and the museum has been leaving visitors star struck ever since. Hundreds of lifelike models from the worlds of music, fashion, politics, history, movies, sports, royalty and fiction now fill the museum’s halls including personalities such as Harry Styles, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Madonna and her Royal Majesty The Queen.
This is one of the most popular attractions in London so be prepared to queue. And remember to book online and save up to 10% off your tickets.
Science Museum
The Science Museum is easily one of London’s best museums. Located next door to the Natural History Museum, it’s seven floors of out-of-this-world displays and interactive exhibits. It’s home to the oldest display of clocks and watches in the world; the Apollo 10 command module and flight simulator live here; and there’s an IMAX cinema showing scientific films in 3D.
Old Operating Theatre
This is one of our favourite – and most unusual – museums in London. Housed in Britain’s oldest surviving purpose-built operating theatre, this is a wonderfully kooky place to visit in London with teens.
Located in the attic of the early eighteenth-century church of the old St Thomas’ Hospital, the Old Operating Theatre has been restored and furnished with original furniture and equipment. Learn all about the types of surgical procedures that would have taken place in this operating theatre almost 200 years ago – without anaesthesia!
The Old Operating Theatre is located on St Thomas Street between Borough Market and the Shard.
Fashion and Textile Museum
Fashion forward teens will enjoy the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey. Founded by colourful fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, this pink and orange museum is the only museum in the UK dedicated to showcasing contemporary fashion and textile design. As well as the exhibitions, the museum holds talks, workshops and short courses.
Design Museum
Want confirmation that your teens think you’re really old?! Head to the Design Museum where the permanent exhibition examines the development of modern design and includes plenty of products from your youth such as a SONY Walkman and a VCR.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
Located on Baker Street, one of the most famous streets in London, the Sherlock Holmes Museum is housed in the home of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes (author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle made this address the detective’s residence from 1881 to 1904).
Today you can wander around the rooms, which are filled with authentic Victorian furniture and knick knacks belonging to the iconic detective and his adversaries.
Royal London with teens
Whether your teen loves Kate and Wills or is fascinated by Megan and Harry, it’s easy to plan a royal-themed day out for them in London.
Buckingham Palace Tour
Peek inside where His Majesty (sometimes) lives when you’re in town on a self guided audio tour of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the King and Queen. Although not all of the palace is open to visitors you can explore the regal State Rooms for 10 weeks each summer. Rooms open to the public during this time include the White Drawing Room, the Throne Room, the Ballroom and the Music Room.
This year, the palace is open to visitors from 9 July to 27 September, 2026. Pre-booking is essential.
For an extra dose of royalty, take a day trip to Windsor and visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and where Harry and Megan got married.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the city’s most famous sights and something that even the most culture-wary of teens should see during their time in London. Its history is filled with stories of torture, treason, executions, and, of course, the Crown Jewels.
The free Yeoman Warders Tours are a great way to explore the Tower or you can book a private tour. My teens loved this private tour with Blue Badge Guide Harry who kept them spellbound with tales of polar bears swimming in the Thames and the mystery surrounding the disappearance of two young princes.
Hampton Court Palace
The former summer residence of Henry VIII sits in Richmond upon Thames, a grand Tudor palace built using painted red brick, white mortar joints and dozens of highly decorated chimneys.
Today, Hampton Court Palace is home to the largest surviving 16th-century kitchens in the world, once used to feed Henry’s entourage of 800 on a daily basis; the Great Hall lined with intricate tapestries; and the infamous Haunted Gallery.
You can spend days exploring this opulent palace but make sure to allow time for the gardens and the maze, the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze that’s been confusing visitors – us included – for centuries.
Westminster Abbey
See where William and Kate said ‘I do’ with a visit to Westminster Abbey, the magnificent coronation church that sits in the heart of central London. Originally founded in 960AD, the building that stands today dates from the reign of Henry III in the 13th century.
As well as being the location for famous royal weddings, Westminster Abbey is the resting place for an estimated 18 English, Scottish and British monarchs including Edward the Confessor and George II.
Royal-Tea
There are lots of places where you can enjoy afternoon tea in London but for a royally good time, book a spot at The Milestone Hotel and enjoy finger sandwiches, warm scones and delicious cakes overlooking Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens.
Best for thrill-seeking teens in London
London delivers when it comes to daredevil activities – these are some of the hair-raising activities that my teens love best.
Climb the O2 Arena, Greenwich
The O2 Arena in London’s Greenwich Pensinula in southeast London is a multi-purpose arena where concerts, sporting events and theatre is held. For something a little different, however, you can take a walk with your teen across the roof of the arena.
Various walks are offered including a daytime climb, a sunset climb or a twilight climb, and every one allows visitors to walk across the dome and see some of the best views of London while you do it. You need to be 8 or older to take part.
ArcelorMittal Orbit
London might not be home to any theme parks but it does have the ArcelorMittal Orbit, the UK’s tallest sculpture (it’s 114.5-metres high) home to the world’s longest tunnel slide.
Located in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Park in east London, this epic slide is made up of 12 twists and turns including the ‘bettfeder’, a tight corkscrew that translates as the ‘bedspring’. There is a 1.3m minimum height requirement to ride the slide.
The Dare Skywalk, Tottenham
Another great place in for adrenaline junkies is the Dare Skywalk along the roof of Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium. The 90-minute Dare Skywalk takes visitors to the top of the largest club stadium in London. The highlight is the glass walkway positioned 46.8 metres above the pitch, just above the penalty spot.
Thames Rocket
My teens loved their day out with Thames Rockets, nifty RIB speedboats that zip along the Thames River successfully combining sightseeing with thrill seeking.
We recommend a ride on Rocket Rebel, a high-speed powerboat that takes in sights from Big Ben to Tower Bridge. Another option is the 80-minute Thames Barrier Explorers Voyage that runs from the London Eye to the Thames Barrier.
Rock climbing at the Castle
Located in North London is The Castle, the UK’s largest climbing centre. Housed within a Victorian former pumping station – that really does look like a castle – the centre has 450 routes and 90 roped lines. They also offer bouldering options, which my teen daughter loves.
The Castle runs regular weekend and school holidays taster days and multi-activity day camps suitable for novice climbers.
Go Ape
With three locations across London, Go Ape is a fun day out for active teens. The biggest of the three location is Alexandra Palace, which combines thrills and great views of London. Here you’ll find the Treetop Adventure, Treetop Adventure Plus and Treetop Challenge – the later includes the Plummet, a 12m free fall toward the forest floor.
The other two locations are at Battersea Park and at Cockfosters.
Go Karting
There are several go karting operators in London but the one that we’ve used and recommend is Team Sport. Team Sport have five indoor karting tracks in London including London Docklands, North London, West London, Mitcham, South London and Watford. All have fun tracks for you to zoom along as you race against other competitors. Full briefings and equipment is provided – all you have to do is put the pedal down and go!
The minimum age for an adult kart is 12 years old. Pre-booking is essential.
Best tours in London for Teens
There are some fantastic London tours that teens will love from Harry Potter and James Bond to a silent disco walking tour, a street art tour, or a bicycle tour around the city in flat caps. Tally ho!
Harry Potter Tour
Potterheads will quickly fall under the spell of this Harry Potter Walking tour of London. We joined this tour led by ToursByLocals, a company that connects visitors with experienced local guides, and quickly got our step counts up wandering around the many Harry Potter filming locations in London.
James Bond Tour
James Bond fans will love this walking tour of London that takes in all the filming sites used for various 007 films in London, from Tomorrow Never Dies to Goldeneye. Also run by ToursByLocals, the tour includes Charing Cross Station, Horse Guards Parade and the oldest restaurant in London.
Behind the Scenes Theatre Tours
For teens with an interest in theatre there are a number of excellent backstage theatre tours. One of the most exciting is a behind the scenes tour of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the oldest theatre in the West End. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the theatre has survived bankruptcy, fire, and even murder.
There are 20 spaces available per tour and each tour lasts approximately 1 hour.
Mudlarking tour of the Thames
Twice a day the tidal waters in the River Thames rise and fall bringing with them centuries of treasure, little bits of history in the shape of pieces of roof tiles, bits of clay pipes and remnants of Delftware crockery. If you’re really lucky, you might even find a Victorian table fork.
‘Mudlarking’ the art of scavenging through river mud for lost items of historical significance or value, has become increasingly popular along the banks of the Thames. The only way to take part is with a guide, not least because the regularly changing tidal waters. A guide will also help identify what you and your teen find.
Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Harry Potter-loving teens should wizard themselves to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour to experience the Making of Harry Potter. Step onto iconic sets such as the Great Hall, see props from the films, take a close-up look at costumes and discover how the special and visual effects teams made Harry and his wizarding pals fly.
The Water Bros. Studio Tour is located 20 miles north-west of London. There is a shuttle bus from Watford Junction (there are direct trains from London Euston to Watford Junction that takes 20 minutes). Make sure to book well in advance, tickets do sell out.
A London Street Art Tour
London is home to some great street art and one of the best way to see it is on a Street Art Tour. The tour takes place in the vibrant east end of London and showcases the city’s amazing street art scene including local and international artists, and even a couple of original works by Banksy.
Tally Ho! Bike Tour
There are plenty of tour groups cycling around the British capital but there are none quite like Tally Ho Cycle Tours. Forget reams of boring dates or endless stories of ancient Kings and Queens, this London bicycle tour company puts an emphasis on fun, entertaining and informative commentary all delivered with aplomb by its team of “hipster historians”.
Led by qualified an knowledgeable guides dressed in waistcoats and flat caps, these tours take place on British-made vintage Pashley bicycles, and are a great way to explore the city. My 13-year-old daughter loved it!
Families with teens can join one of the group tours or you can book a private tour.
Silent Disco Walking Tours
First, a warning, these Silent Disco Waking Tours may divide families. Parent might love it, teens might be mortally embarrassed! However, if you have a teen who loves musicals and isn’t afraid to show it then book a ticket for these tours with a difference.
Silent Disco Walking Tours run a handful of themed walking tours across London including the West End Musical Tour and the Drag Queen Disco Diva tour.
Courses, classes and workshops for teens in London
Learn to create the perfect Victoria Sponge, roll a restaurant-worthy sushi roll or fly through the air at Circus school, during one of these great-for-teens classes.
Graffiti Workshops at Leake Street Arches
Unleash your inner Banksy during an artist-led workshop in London’s legendary Leake Street. These colourful classes will teach you everything you need to know about creating your very own piece of street art – protective gear (masks, overalls and gloves) are provided as are spray cans.
You’ll also be taught how to create a Graffiti Galaxy painting that you can take home. Spaces are limited to 15 on each workshop and must be booked in advance.
Sushi-making class
Learn to make maki rolls with a sushi master at Inamo in Central London. The hour-long class is very hands-on and kids and teens (up to the age of 16) will come away with 10 pieces of freshly rolled sushi ready to eat. Classes are held at family-friendly restaurant, Inamo.
Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School
Swing through the air with the greatest of ease after a lesson at Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze School in Regent’s Park.
The two-hour classes take place during the summer months and start with a warm up before moving on to practice a simple trick on the low bar. By the end of the class you’ll be attempting the trick on the Flying Trapeze and finally getting caught by an instructor on a separate swinging bar.
The Big London Bake
Fans of the Great British Bake Off will love taking part in the Big London Bake. Each bake off includes ingredients, a top baker to give advice, a theme and one winner! You have 90 minutes to whisk, roll and bake your way to glory. Locations and dates change so do check the website but the baking competition remains the same.
Anyone under the age of 18 must bake alongside a responsible adult.
Best spooky things to do in London for teens
If your teen likes things that go bump in the night then London’s a great place to explore. There are lots of spooky sights and plenty of gruesome stories!
London Dungeon
If you like your sights spooky then the London Dungeon is a good option. This walk-through experience recreates scenes from some London’s scary and sinister history. Learn about the Great Fire of London, discover Henry VIII’s victims as you ride through Traitors’ Gate and the see (and smell!) what it was like to live in London during the plague.
The minimum age recommended for The London Dungeon is 12 years and older but be aware that the dungeon is very dark and can be spooky with live actors lurking around corners! Pre-booking is essential.
Jack the Ripper Tour
For those who like their tours super spooky book a place on the Jack the Ripper Tour that explores the mean streets of the Victorian East End and London’s most notorious murderer. Not for the faint of heart!
The tour is not recommended for children under the age of 14 as the tour contains a lot of adult content. The tour takes two hours and involves a lot of walking. Do book as far in advance as possible as the tour is very popular and often sells out.
Ghost Bus Tour
For a spooktacular tour with a hint of comedy take a look at the Ghost Bus Tours. The tour takes place on board a 1960s Routemaster bus and takes in all the top attractions of London including London. Bridge, Downing Street, St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London learning about London’s haunted history along the way.
This comedy-horror tour on wheels last 1 hour and 15 minutes. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Clink Prison Museum
The Clink Prison was one of the most notorious medieval prisons in London. Located in Southwark on the south bank of the Thames, it operated from the 12th century up until 1780. This makes it the longest operational prison in history. It was a place of extreme punishments where prisoners were placed in fetters and irons or forced to stand in water until their feet were rotten.
Today the Clink Prison Museum explores the burial past of the prison through audio stories, themed rooms and replica artefacts including torture tools. The museum also runs guided tours.
The London Bridge Experience
Travel back in time to London’s gruesome past when nefarious characters such as The Head Snatcher and Jack the Ripper roamed the city streets at the London Bridge Experience. Set within the historical vaults of London Bridge this immersive show explores 2000 years of London’s gruesome history.
You can combine your experience with a journey into the London Tombs, an award-winning immersive scare maze that’s home to characters including zombies, clowns and doctors who are hiding ready to make you scream and jump with fright.
There is no age restriction in the London Bridge Experience, however, children up to the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Highgate Cemetery
Highgate Cemetery is one of the most famous cemeteries in London, popular with both the dead and the living. During Victorian times people would pack a picnic and spend the day among the tombstones.
The cemetery is the final resting place for over 170,000 people and many of them are famous names including Karl Marx and even Jeremy Beadle! Rumour has it that the sound of galloping hooves can be heard along the street outside the cemetery at night.
The best activities for sports-mad teens in London
From watching an over to playing indoor cricket plus crazy golf, ice skating, skateboarding and more (including stadium tours for footie fans), here’s our pick of the best sporting activities for teens in London.
Skating and bowling at QUEENS London
You can easily spend a whole day at QUEENS in Bayswater. This ice rink and bowling alley is located on Queensway in the heart of London.
There are 12 bowling lanes as well as 5 VIP bowling lanes. The ice rink is open year-round and lessons are available – you must pre-looking your skating session and each session lasts 1 hour. Food and drink are available.
QUEENS is an over 18s zone after 7pm every evening.
London’s Best Trampoline Parks
There are a number of trampoline parks in London perfect for energetic teens. Jump London, in east London, offers 12 different Jump Zones in their 100,000 square foot activity centre. They also happens o have a go karting track, Capital Karts, on site too.
Oxygen has trampoline parks in Acton, at the O2 in Greenwich and in Croydon. They offer giant airbags, foam pits, dodgeball courts, slam-dunk basketball, performance trampolines and more.
Flip Out has locations in Brent Cross (North London), Croydon (South London), Wandsworth and in East London (E6).
Puttshack
For a round of nine hole mini golf with a difference head to Puttshack. There are two locations in London in Bank and White City where you can play tech-infused mini golf across themed courses. Each game lasts approximately 30 minutes.
After 7pm Puttshack is an over 18s venue only.
Go Ice Skating
Christmas in London is a great time to hit the ice rinks but you can get your skates on throughout the year at a number of different venues.
In North London you’ll find the Alexandra Palace Ice Rink where the indoor skating arena is open year-round. In Queensway there’s QUEENS, home to an ice rink and bowling lanes. The Olympic-sized ice rink in Streatham is part of the Better leisure centre group so you’ll need to download their app and pre-book a skate session.
Gravity Active Entertainment
For lots of different activities under one roof head to Gravity in Wandsworth, South London. This colossal space offers eight different immersive experiences to enjoy including GT E-Karting (all-electric go karts), a 14 lane augmented reality bowling alley, 10-hole urban street golf, AR digital darts, immersive Electric Gamebox (a 60-minute hyper-immersive digital adventure), an E-sports Gaming Area and a Unbox arcade.
Junkyard golf
Take part in a round of crazy mini-golf on one of four courses at Junkyard golf where the courses are created from, well, junk. Choose from Pablo, Bozo, Dirk or Gary (those are the names of the courses FYI) and get ready for some psychedelic golfing fun.
Under 18s are permitted on Sunday to Wednesday before 6pm and must have an over 18 with them.
TOCA Social at the 02
Football keen teens will enjoy time at TOCA Social, an interactive football experience. Book a private box for 60 or 90 minutes, choose to play on the level that works for you (beginner, intermediate or advanced) and get ready to play.
Each box accommodates 12 players. As well as the 17 immersive pitches, there are two selfie booths and a dessert room. There’s also lots of good food on offer.
TOCA Social is open to under 18s up until 16:00 every day, after that it is a strictly 18+ venue
Tour Lord’s Cricket Ground
Cricketing fans should head to Lord’s Cricket Ground for a tour of the Grade II* listed Victorian Pavilion. Lord’s is home to a fascinating history as well as an unrivalled collection of cricket-related art and memorabilia.
Indoor Cricket at Sixes
Sixes is a UV indoor immersive cricket experience that allows wannabe Sachin Tendulkar’s the chance to enter the batting cage and swing for six. The specially designed nets sit under UV lights and include state of the art technology. Batting nets are hired by the hour and are suitable for all abilities.
After 8pm, Sixes is an over 18 venue.
Lee Valley Velo Park
For fun on two wheels head to the Lee Valley VeloPark where teens can tackle the track in the iconic velodrome, race on the road circuit, attempt the mountain bike trails or jump and bump on the BMX track. Coaching sessions are available and equipment is available to hire. Check the website for details.
Laser Tag and Paintball at Bunker 51
If your teen is looking for something to do on a rainy day in London take a look at Bunker 51, a Cold War themed nuclear bunker where you can play airsoft, laser tag and paintball. Located in North Greenwich, Bunker 51 has two immersive indoor game zones and is the only indoor paintball centre in London.
Sports Stadium Tours
There are some fantastic sports stadium tours in London, perfect for sports-mad teens. In Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London you can take part in the London Stadium tour and learn about the Olympic experience as well as how the stadium has been transformed into a football stadium.
Go behind the scenes of the UK’s most famous tennis competition – and venue – with a trip to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum where you can enjoy a 90-minute tour of the grounds.
Rugby fans should make a beeline for Twickenham where stadium tour gives you access to places including the Rugby Player’s tunnel and the England changing room.
Football Stadium Tours
For football fans there are a number of stadium tour options. Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium offers tours seven days a week. There are a range of tours to choose from at the Arsenal Emirates Stadium, including some that allow you to meet one of Arsenal’s former players.
Chelsea FC fans can head to the Chelsea grounds for an award-winning tour of the grounds led by knowledgeable and passionate guides. Fulham FC also offers tours of its stadium. If you want to go big then head to Wembley Stadium the UK’s largest sports and music venue, for the 90-minute Wembley Stadium tour.
Unusual London attractions for teens
If you’re looking for something a little quirky to see and do in London then here’s our top pick from neon lights and a graffiti tunnel to a singalong cinema.
Prince Charles Cinema
My teens love the Prince Charles Cinema. Located between Chinatown and Leicester Square, this independent cinema shows sing-along movie screenings (anything from Disney classics to the Rocky Horror Picture Show), cult horror movies, mystery movies and other fun events such as silent films with live scores.
GoBoat London
Enjoy a self-drive boating experience in London in an electric boat. GoBoat have three different locations around town and you can hire a boat for 1, 2 or 3 hours. The best way to enjoy it is with a picnic.
The boats fit up to 8 people including children (dogs are also welcome). No boating experience is necessary, as you’ll be taught everything you need to know. Route maps are provided too. Book online for the best rates.
God’s Own Junkyard
We love visiting God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow, a neon warehouse wonderland is a packed to the rafters with neon lights and vintage signs. The original owner used to create props for film directors including Stanley Kubrick and Christopher Nolan. Today God’s Own Junkyard is open to visitors who simply want to look around and maybe buy one to take home.
The warehouse sometimes closes for private events so make sure to check the website for opening times before visiting. There is a cafe on site called the Rolling Scones Cafe.
DNA VR
London’s first virtual reality arcade, DNA VR, is an interactive game space where contestants put on high-tech headsets and explore the deepest oceans, become a powerful sorcerer or survive a Zombie Apocalypse.
There are single-player and multiplayer VR experiences for up to 10 players in the same Virtual World. There are three main types of experiences available at all three venues: VR Arcade, VR Escape room and Premium Free-Roaming experience.
There are three venues at Camden, Hammersmith and Battersea Power Station.
Electric Game Box
This immersive interactive gaming space is a lot of fun and ideal for teens who like digital adventures. Participants at Electric Game Box can choose from five games, which are then played in private interactive digital rooms with projecting mapping, touch screens, motion tracking and surround sound. Rooms can hold between 2 – 6 people.
There are London locations in Southbank and Wandsworth. There must be at least one participating adult (18+) per Gamebox with children under 12.
Crystal Maze Live
Although your teen might not have any idea what the Crystal Maze is, they’re guaranteed to enjoy this challenge. Based on the TV game show from the 90s, this LIVE experience is an immersive attraction that follows the same premise of the popular show.
There dozens of game rooms in four different age-themed zones and physical, mental, skill and mystery challenges that must be completed in order to win a crystal. And don’t forget, you are racing against the clock!
Best shopping in London for teens
Whether you like high street shopping or prefer rummaging for vintage bargains, teens and tweens will love shopping in London.
Oxford Street
Running from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch via Oxford Circus is Oxford Street, one of London’s most famous streets and the city’s most famous shopping street. Oxford Street is home to high-end brands as well as some of the UK’s most iconic department stores including Selfridges and John Lewis.
Camden Market
The lively neighbourhood of Camden in north London is fun to discover with teens. The highlight is Camden Market, located next to Regent’s Canal. Home to over 1,000 places to shop, eat and drink you’ll find everything from vintage clothing and jewellery to vinyl records and photography. The food options are fantastic too with street eats from around the world.
The market is open daily from 10am.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is not only one of London’s most famous streets but also one of its most iconic. Carnaby was the birthplace of Swinging London in the 1960s – famous faces like Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Brigitte Bardot would visit regularly. Today Carnaby Street is home to shops including We Built This City (fun for London souvenirs), Superega and Skinny Dip, there is lots for teens to love here.
Don’t miss Kingly Court while you’re here, a three-story alfresco food destination with 25 restaurants to choose from.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is always lively and a really fun place for teens to discover. An official market was established here in 1670 and a fresh fruit and vegetable market stood here until the 1960s. Today the original marketing building is filled with cafes, pubs, shops and a crafts market. Some of the best shops for teens to explore include jewellery brand Tatty Devine, Urban Outfitters and the Dr. Marten’s store. Street performers perform daily.
Forbidden Planet
One of my teens is a massive Japanese anime fan and will happily spend hours in Forbidden Planet, a ‘cult entertainment megastore’. This two-storey store stocks a huge range of books covering science fiction, animation, graphic design, superheroes, computer games and much more. You’ll also find lots of DVDs, collectible figures, clothing and posters.
Foyles Bookstores
There are lots of brilliant bookstores in London for kids and lots that are great for teens too. One of the best is Foyles Bookstore, which enjoys 37,000 square feet of floorspace and eight levels packed full of books. You’ll find everything here from LGBT & Gender Studies to Medical & Veterinary as well as plenty of YA fiction.
Fopp
Not far from Forbidden Planet is Fopp, one of the city’s best stores for buying vinyl as well as CDs, films and books.
Harrods
London’s most famous department store is wildly over-the-top and for that reason alone, Harrods is worth a visit. The beautiful and elegantly tiled food halls on the ground floor are a highlight but it’s worth taking time to explore the rest of the store too. There’s an art gallery, an enormous shoe department and a floor dedicated to young designer fashion labels.
House of MinaLima
My teens are not massive Harry Potter fans but if yours are then don’t miss MinaLima in London’s Soho. Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima are two artists who met on the set of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and together created the print studio MinaLima.
Their store – draped in red velvet – is filled with graphic art of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films as well as limited edition art prints designed by MinaLima. You’ll also see props from the films on display.
Portobello Road Market
The pretty coloured houses of Portobello Road in Notting Hill have been seen on many an Instagram photo (not to mention many a movie filmed in London). But this is an area with a long and colourful history and a neighbourhood that is wonderfully diverse.
The market is one of the most famous streets markets in the world (some families have been selling on Portobello Road for generations), filled with antique, bric-a-brac and vintage clothes. It’s a really fun place to wander, browse and buy.
Brick Lane Vintage Stores
Teens who love vintage clothes should make a beeline for Brick Lane. As well as the market, where you can find stalls selling vintage ware, there are some fantastic vintage shops in the neighbourhood. Shops to add to your list include House of Vintage, Levisons, Search and Destroy, Atika London and Vintage Basement.
Liberty
You have to visit Liberty when you’re in London simply because it’s such a beautiful store. The first Liberty store opened in 1875, started by Arthur Liberty who had plans for a London store packed full of “luxuries and fabrics from distant lands”.
He opened the Great Marlborough Street shop in 1924 and today the building, which was constructed using timber from two ancient battle ships, is a Grade II listed building. It was designed to feel like a home, which explains why you’ll come across the odd fireplace or window seat as you wander around. You can pick up all manner of souvenirs including wash bags and notebooks, all with the signature Liberty print.
Box Park Shoreditch
In 2011 BOXPARK Shoreditch opened as the world’s first pop-up mall created from shipping containers. The concept was so successful the there are now a further two BOXPARKS in Wembley and Croydon.
The philosophy here is Eat. Drink. Shop. Play and there are plenty of options to do all four. Come here for independent and small designers, selling everything from homewares and gifts to electric skateboards and Japanese inspired stationery.
After 8pm anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 25. You will require physical photo I.D to enter BOXPARK.
Best places to eat in London with teenagers
There are loads of great places to eat in London and dozens of family-friendly restaurants. For teens looking for something a little bit more teen-friendly, these are the places to go.
Bubblewrap in Covent Garden
Inspired by a traditional Hong Kong street snack of egg waffles from the 1950s, these Bubblewrap waffles not only look good but they taste good too. Each wrap consists of a layer of bubble waffle, filled with ice cream, biscuits, fruit and hot toppings. They are hugely decadent and absolutely delicious.
You’ll find Bubblewrap London in Chinatown.
EL&N
EL&N claim to be the “most instagrammable cafe in the world” and once you’ve stepped foot inside their neon pink cafes, it’s hard to disagree. There are a number EL&N locations around London (EL&N stands for ‘Eat, Live & Nourish’) all equally pink, covered with neon signs. Even the menu is social media-friendly with a list of “Instagrammable Drinks”.
Peggy Porschen
The pretty-in-pink Peggy Porschen cafes are owned by cake designer Peggy Porschen who has been creating cakes that “wow” since 2003. Today her two cafes – one in Chelsea and the other in Belgravia – are the place to come for stunning sweet treats (Vanity Fair dubbed her cupcakes “the best in the world”).
B Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tour
For a fun sightseeing tour of London with your teen jump on board one of B Bakery’s original double-decker Routemaster buses. These iconic cherry red buses have been renovated to create a unique dining space perfect for afternoon tea. My teen daughter and I enjoyed a Christmas lights tour and we both loved it.
Book the classic afternoon tea tour and enjoy finger sandwiches, sweet treats and scones as you tour London’s most famous sights.
Sketch
There are lots of places in London that serve fantastic themed afternoon teas for kids but for something a little more grown-up head to Sketch London.
Although the much loved and TikTok-friendly pink tea room is no more the afternoon tea is still very good. Plus, we’re big fans of the new solar yellow colour scheme, designed by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE and project architect India Mahdavi.
Served in the Gallery, afternoon tea comes with an assortment of sandwiches, a delicious range of cakes, followed by scones served with cream and jam.
Borough Market
Located in Southwark, near London Bridge, Borough Market is the oldest food market in the capital with a history dating back some 1,000 years. Today the market is filled with fantastic street food vendors and it’s a great place to wander around and try different foods (there are a handful of restaurants as well if you want a sit down meal). We love Khanom Krok for its authentic Thai street food and Portena, for its amazing Argentinian empanadas.
Ice cream stores
Some of our favourite ice cream shops include Chin Chin labs where quick freezing liquid is used to create gourmet ice cream, the Milk Train for its candy floss ice cream cones and Hans & Gretel, which is possibly the kitschiest ice cream shop in town.
The best escape games in London for teens
If your teen likes solving puzzles and is good at deciphering clues then try one of these London escape rooms for teens.
Prison Island London
If your teens enjoy escape rooms then they will love Prison Island London. My teens really enjoyed this interactive challenge which is similar to a traditional escape room but with a twist.
Over the course of 60 minutes you have to try and solve as many puzzles as possible with one puzzle housed in each of the 31 different cell blocks. Some are more of a physical challenge and others require strategic thinking, all of them require teamwork!
Sherlock: The Game is Now
Fans of the twists and turns of the TV show Sherlock will love this escape room. ‘Sherlock” The Game is Now’ is an immersive experience that will see you travel through the iconic sets from the show as you try to solve puzzles and crack clues.
Enigma Quests
Escape games at Enigma Quests include a Harry Potter-inspired room where players have to prove that they are a true witch or wizard, a million pound heist and a submarine quest where players have to diffuse a bomb located at the bottom of the ocean in order to save the world.
Breakin’ Escape Rooms
Tech-savvy teens will enjoy the six different rooms at Breakin’ Escape Rooms. The different themed rooms – scenarios include a wizarding quest to find a precious artefact that has been lost for decades and escaping a pirate ship overrun with ghosts – come with lots of fun gadgetry such as puzzles on gigantic touch screens or laser-mounted weapons.
Other things to do in London with teens
Still looking for something to do? Try one of the following…
The Globe Theatre
Mention Shakespeare to almost any teen and you’ll no doubt be rewarded with eye rolls and big sighs. The compulsory studying of endless Shakespeare texts in secondary school often means that teens have little – if any – interest in studying the Bard any further.
And yet, if you can persuade them to visit the Globe Theatre then you might just reignite their interest.
The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by Shakespeare’s playing company but was destroyed by a fire in 1613. A second Globe Theatre was constructed in 1614 but was closed in 1642. Today’s Globe Theatre opened in 1997 and is a replica of the historic playhouse; a 360 degree auditorium with no roof over the central courtyard.
Today the Globe Theatre stages works by Shakespeare that appeal to a modern audience as well as plays created especially for families. They also stage new writing, music concerts, film screenings, and workshops (although these are often aimed at younger age groups). Don’t miss the guided theatre tours that take place every week from Thursday – Sunday.
British Library
My eldest teen spent much of his Year 11 summer term using the British Library as a base to study for his GCSEs but even if you don’t have exams looming, the UK’s national library is worth a visit. Founded in 1753, the library is home to the King’s Library where some of the world’s most important and rare texts are stored, including a copy of the Magna Carta.
Of more interest, possibly, are the regular exhibitions held here that cover everything from the history of Black British Music to the cultural impact of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.
Sky Garden
The Sky Garden is London’s highest public garden with terraces filled with Mediterranean and South African plants and is the perfect place to snap a selfie. The garden also offers 360-degree views over the city skyline from the viewing platform. Even better, it’s completely free. You just need to book tickets in advance.
Theatre
We love going to the theatre and while it’s not a cheap pastime, there are ways to find discounted tickets that make it a more affordable family outing. London is home to some incredible theatre (it boasts more theatres than any other city in the world) and you can catch a show almost any day of the week. Some of the most popular shows in the West End include Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the Lion King, Wicked and Hamilton.
Trafalgar Square
It’s almost inevitable that you will pass by Trafalgar Square at some point on your London adventure. Designed in 1830 to commemorate the British victory against Spanish and French fleets in the Battle of Trafalgar, today Trafalgar Square is one of London’s top attractions and a popular place for snapping photos.
As well as being home to the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, the square is often where rallies, demonstrations and sometimes concerts are held – it’s a hub for events such as Pride and is where the city’s Christmas tree, an annual gift from the Norwegians to say thank you for Britain’s support during WWII, stands during December.
Greenwich
We haven’t done this for a while but when we first moved back to London, we would often take a boat down the River Thames to Greenwich for the day. Despite being so close to the city centre, this leafy neighbourhood feels a world away.
Home to the Cutty Sark (once the fastest tea clipper in the world), the National Maritime Museum and the Old Royal Naval College, there’s lots to do. Make sure to take a snap when standing on either side of the Meridian Line!
Abbey Road
Take a trip to Abbey Road, one of the most famous streets in London, and recreate the iconic album cover from The Beatles. The crossing is actually located at the southernmost point of Abbey Road, at the junction with Grove End Road in St. John’s Wood.
The postcode for the Abbey Road recording studios is NW8 9AY but if you’re having trouble finding the road, just look for the crowds of people.
London Eye
The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel on the banks of the River Thames and the largest cantilevered observation wheel in Europe. It’s a hugely popular attraction and a spin in one of the 32 pods that amble gently around is a great way to see the London skyline.
It’s fairly expensive, particularly when there are so many other places you can catch a free view of London, but it’s a unique experience and something the whole family can enjoy. Plus, if you pre-book online and save up to 20%
