Melissa's Family Guide to London: Shopping, Afternoon Tea & Magical Experiences with Kids
Whether you are visiting London with your whole family or indulging in a chic mummy and daughter getaway, this guide invites you into a world of timeless charm, elegance, and playful discovery. Curated through the eyes and words of Melissa, a highly fashionable and incredibly kind American mum living abroad, it blends iconic destinations with heartfelt, lived-in recommendations. Magical toy shops meet refined afternoon teas, and cultural outings feel just as enchanting for children as they do for adults.
Just like Paris, London has a way of captivating in every season. Even beneath its signature grey skies, the city hums with life, history, and quiet magic. And when the sun peeks through, its parks, streets, and storefronts become nothing short of extraordinary. The city offers moments that feel both grand and intimately special for all to enjoy.
Without further ado, let Melissa guide you!
London's Best Shopping Locations
What princess & prince does not love to go shopping for new toys & treats! For my top pick I would say to look no further than Liberty London. No matter the time of year it is a magical department store which has everything you could ever need. Jellycat stuffed animals? Check! Astier de Villate ceramics? Check! Perusing around this Tudor revival timber-framed masterpiece could make even the most retail recluse swipe an Amex.
Other Shopping Destinations :
Harrods - of course! Try to go on a weekday to avoid crowds and don’t forget the Shoe Heaven & the Lower Ground floor’s delectable foods! The children’s floor here has everything you could need including Labubus and amazing toys and clothes.
Selfridges – A very nice, large department store in Mayfair; also has a movie theatre!
Elizabeth Street in Belgravia – My neighborhood! Pepa London, Me & Em, Papouelli (my favorite children’s shoe store), If Only If and Summerill & Bishop (my favorite home décor tablescaping Mecca).
For a perfect day, pair shopping with a great meal. Head to La Poule au Pot (superb intimate adorable French restaurant), The Orange, Prince Arthur or Thomas Cubitt for a lovely lunch or dinner!
Kings Road/Chelsea – Starting in Sloane Square and then walking up and down King’s Road bopping in and out of all the best shops! Colbert for lunch (lovely French restaurant), don’t forget to order the souflé suisse!
Marylebone (High Street) – So many great shops there in particular the famous Daunt Books, a beautiful bookstore with a great kids section.
Notting Hill – Westbourne Grove for Loveshack Fancy and all the other cute little shops, then heading over to Portobello Road Market to shop for all the best vintage items.
London's Best Tea Time
If your little princess (or prince) is anything like mine, they must certainly love a tea party. London tea parties are nothing short of spectacular!
Favorite Destinations for tea :
Sketch – A dreamlike world where art, design, and gastronomy intertwine. Truly lovely with beautiful musical accompaniment. Very girly atmosphere, such a fun place to go! Don’t miss the bathrooms, you will feel like you’re in Spice World!
The Savoy – Lovely classic London vibes, the staff are so lovely
The Lanesborough – I took my whole family here at Christmas and it was magical, they have a Bridgerton themed tea which is still going on!
Claridge’s – Quintessential London perfection for the tea connoisseur
The Ritz – Perfect for old school glitz
Fortnum & Mason – Classic and can’t be missed, especially the shopping throughout each exciting floor!
London's Best Museums, Gardens & Parks
The museum we frequent most often would have to be the Victoria and Albert Museum. There is such an unparalleled (except perhaps the Louvre ) collection of fashion, textiles, jewelry and sculptures. In the past, the Marie Antoinette exhibit was incredible, my 7 year old daughter was obsessed. The Schiaparelli exhibit was remarkable! I was able to see it on the opening preview night and was blown away!
Other favorite kid friendly London museums :
Natural History Museum – for the Dino loving tots
Science Museum – for the budding astronauts & engineers in your life
London Transport Museum – for those who love a classic London bus & the tube
The National Gallery – for the art lovers
The British Museum – for the aspiring Ancient Egyptologists. Also has a nice tea at the upper level restaurant!
The Wallace Collection & The Courtald Gallery – my two personal favorite art museums, smaller and more intimate. I have not taken the littles here but it is my absolute favorite for a solo day out.
Kew Gardens – when the weather is nice there is nothing better than a stroll throughout the massive botanical Gardens in Richmond. They also have a stunning playground and kid friendly restaurant within the gardens with water play that my children adore.
St. Luke’s Playground – This is one of our most frequented playgrounds in London, the kids love it and it is right by an iconic London bakery for croissants and coffee called Birley Bakery.
Hyde Park Playground – The Princess Diana Memorial playground which is beautiful is currently under renovation but set to reopen this summer 2026. In the meantime, there is a smaller playground with a little café attached on the southern end of Hyde Park just south of The Serpentine which is lovely to do with children followed by taking a big walk around the park.
London's Best Theatre & Shows
London is an endless bottomless pit (positive) for entertainment, theatre & shows. My daughter has loved seeing the most impeccable ballets and plays in the West End. Check what is currently playing here.
My personal (non kid friendly show) favorite play we saw in London so far – Inter Alia with Rosamund Pike, it truly blew me away.
Royal Albert Hall – always fantastic productions happening
Cadogan Hall – incredible orchestral productions & kid friendly events
Pursue the Adventure with a Day Trip to Paris
For those wishing to extend the enchantment, why not continue the journey across the Channel to Paris? The adventure does not end here : it simply evolves into a new chapter of elegance and discovery.
For a seamless continuation of your family travels between two of the world’s most beautiful cities here are my top 3 must visit in Paris.
Dress up, wander slowly, and embrace the magic, London (and Paris) are places where elegance meets imagination, and where every outing can feel like a special occasion. If traveling with your sweet princess make sure to dress her in the quintessential Charlotte sy Dimby London or Paris themed dress! Let me know what your favorite destinations are and follow me on Instagram @mellyinlondon ! Cheerio! xx
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