A First Timer's Guide to Multi-Generational Travel in London

Below are some of the highlights we opted for on our first trip to London. All were wonderful experiences for our group, ranging in age from 16 to 80. One thing that helped our multigenerational trip go smoothly was making sure everyone had input before we traveled. While planning, I created a simple spreadsheet with activity ideas, restaurants, and neighborhoods, and each person checked off what interested them most. That made it easy to identify which activities we wanted to do together as a full group and where it made more sense to split up for a few hours based on interests or energy levels. It helped everyone feel included and avoided the pressure of trying to make every activity perfect for every person.

• Hop on/hop off tour: For first-time visitors, especially multigenerational groups, this is one of the easiest ways to get oriented to London. Yes, it feels touristy, but it helps everyone understand the layout of the city while learning about the history, architecture, and landmarks without exhausting yourselves on day one.

• Tower of London: Do not miss the Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour! It’s included with admission and combines history, storytelling, and humor in a way that keeps both adults and teenagers engaged. As a Tudor history enthusiast, walking into the chapel and realizing Anne Boleyn (Henry VIII’s second wife) is buried beneath your feet and you can stand over her tombstone was a bit surreal. If you have the stomach for it, view the torture chamber, but the stories and implements may leave you with imaginings you may rather not have! The Tower is one of those places where long-ago history feels very real. Tip: If you want to see the crown jewels, get an early entry time and do that first thing, before coming back to see the rest of the grounds.

• Victoria and Albert Museum: The V&A ended up being one of our favorite museums in London because there truly is something for everyone: fashion, architecture, jewelry, sculpture, textiles, ironwork, and decorative arts from around the world. It feels approachable and visually engaging, making it great for mixed ages and interests. Get there early as the queue can be long.

• British Museum: The British Museum is overwhelming in the best possible way. We could have spent days there, but even a half-day visit gives you an incredible overview of human history and culture. The Egyptian galleries and sarcophagi were especially memorable for our family.

• Wandering London: One of the best parts of London is simply wandering. Some of our favorite moments came from walking through hidden alleys, browsing shops, ducking into pubs, and stumbling across tiny historic streets, gardens, and memorials. London somehow feels both grand and cozy at the same time.

• Notting Hill: We stayed in the heart of Notting Hill, which is beautiful—especially around Portobello Road and the colorful side streets filled with pink, blue, yellow, and mint-green homes. It’s incredibly photogenic, but it also simply feels joyful to explore on foot.

• Churchill War Rooms: The Churchill War Rooms were unexpectedly fascinating for every generation in our group. Beyond the preserved underground WWII command center, the museum does an incredible job exploring Churchill as a complicated and deeply human figure, including from his early military career and escape from captivity to his love of painting and difficult childhood. It also gives you a profound appreciation for the resilience of Londoners during the Blitz.

• See a West End Show: Seeing a show in London’s West End became one of the highlights of our trip. We saw Six (which was mandatory for this Tudor-history-loving traveler) and Les Misérables. London theatre is accessible, with ticket prices being lower than a typical Broadway show, a number of theatres and options, and relative availability of tickets. It’s an easy afternoon or evening activity that works beautifully for multigenerational groups.

• Brompton Cemetery: London’s historic cemeteries are peaceful, fascinating, and surprisingly beautiful. Brompton Cemetery felt like a park filled with Victorian history, architecture, and stories. We learned about the Victorian idea of “dying a good death,” meaning peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones—though some gravestones reveal much more dramatic endings.

• Westminster Abbey Service: Attending Sunday service at Westminster Abbey was one of the most moving experiences of our trip. The Gothic architecture alone is breathtaking, and participating in a centuries-old tradition inside such a historic space felt incredibly special. From my musician husband: “The a cappella moments were stunning. The harmonies rang throughout the Abbey, and the conductor’s gestures were the gentlest and most precise I’ve ever seen.”

• Richmond and Ted Lasso Pilgrimage: Richmond was absolutely worth the 45-minute journey outside central London, especially for Ted Lasso fans. The neighborhood itself is charming, walkable, and relaxing after the intensity of central London. Our guide joked that many locals had never even watched Ted Lasso and were very confused why so many Americans suddenly started visiting Richmond.

We found that you really can’t go wrong with grabbing a bite in London. There are multiple, ethnically diverse options every which way you turn. One surprise though was that many places closed the kitchen early, so if you want a full dinner, try to sit down by about 6 p.m. as 7:30 or 8:00 was too late for many of the places we tried. Here are our recommendations:

• Royal Albert Hall: Afternoon tea felt like an essential London experience, and this was an especially memorable setting. The food was excellent, the room was beautiful, staff was inviting and attentive, and we loved getting to explore part of the iconic Royal Albert Hall.

• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub: This historic pub became one of our favorite stops in London. Rebuilt after the Great Fire of London and famously associated with Charles Dickens, it feels like stepping back in time with its dark wood interiors, winding staircases, and cozy corners.

• Fortnum & Mason: Even if you’re not eating or buying, Fortnum & Mason is worth visiting for the experience alone. The beautifully curated food halls, tea selections, and elegant displays are quintessentially London. It’s an excellent stop for gifts, or simply wandering through one of London’s most iconic department stores. Book a table for afternoon tea early here as it is a popular spot that fills up quickly.

• Old Queen Street Cafe: We loved this spot for a relaxing brunch near Westminster. It felt calm and tucked away from the heavier tourist crowds while still being incredibly convenient before an afternoon in the West End.

• The Prince’s Head, Richmond: Stopping at the pub featured in Ted Lasso was undeniably touristy—and completely worth it! Richmond itself ended up being one of the most relaxing and charming parts of our trip, and grabbing a meal and drink there gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy.

• We also enjoyed fish and chips at several London pubs—part of the fun of international travel is leaning into the ‘when in Rome’ mindset and trying things you might not normally do or eat on the regular at home. For my kids, this was fried fish, but they all enjoyed it!