Spring is a lovely time to explore London. As the days get longer and the parks begin to fill with colour, the capital offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, discover somewhere new and enjoy a weekend together as a family.
Whether you’re planning a day trip to London or making a weekend of it, there’s so much to see and do without necessarily spending a fortune. From beautiful green spaces and fascinating museums to bustling markets, family-friendly attractions and West End shows, you can easily fill a couple of days with memorable experiences.
One of the things I love about London is the variety. You can spend the morning exploring a peaceful park, enjoy lunch somewhere completely different and finish the afternoon discovering a museum or watching street performers. There’s always something new to experience, even if you’ve visited before.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your next family adventure, here are some of the best things to do in London in spring, including affordable activities and ideas for making the most of your weekend.
Explore London’s Museums and Galleries
London is home to some of the world’s most fascinating museums and art galleries, and many of them offer free entry to their permanent collections. They’re a brilliant option for families, particularly when the unpredictable British spring weather means you need somewhere to escape a sudden shower.
The Natural History Museum in South Kensington is always a popular choice, especially for children who love dinosaurs, animals and discovering how the world works. With its impressive architecture, dinosaur exhibits and fascinating displays about the natural world, there’s plenty to keep visitors of different ages interested.
Nearby, the Science Museum is another fantastic place to spend a few hours. Its interactive exhibits and displays explore everything from space travel to medical discoveries, making it a great choice for curious minds.
If your family enjoys art, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square is well worth visiting. It’s home to an extraordinary collection of paintings, and you don’t need to be an art expert to appreciate them. You might even enjoy challenging the children to find their favourite painting or spot particular details in the artwork.
For something a little different, Tate Modern offers contemporary art in a striking former power station beside the River Thames. The permanent collection is free to explore, although some special exhibitions require paid tickets.
Money-saving tip: Many of London’s major museums offer free general admission, but special exhibitions and certain activities may cost extra. Check the museum’s website before travelling, particularly if you’re visiting during the Easter school holidays.
Discover Wembley Park
Wembley Park might be best known as the home of England’s national football stadium, but there’s much more to this part of London than football matches and concerts. With shopping, restaurants, public art and entertainment venues, it’s an interesting place to explore during a family weekend in the capital.
Even if you’re not attending an event, Wembley Stadium is an impressive sight. Football fans might enjoy booking a stadium tour, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the country’s most famous sporting venues. Tours are ticketed and availability varies, so it’s worth checking ahead.
Just a short walk from the stadium, London Designer Outlet offers a mixture of shops, restaurants and a cinema. It’s a convenient place to stop for lunch or spend a little time browsing, particularly if the spring weather takes a turn for the worse.
Wembley Park also has colourful public artworks and pedestrian-friendly spaces to explore. If you’re visiting with children, looking out for the different installations can add a little fun to your walk around the area.
Getting there is straightforward, with Wembley Park Underground station served by the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines. Wembley Stadium station also offers rail connections, making the area accessible from other parts of London.
Family travel tip: Wembley can become extremely busy on match days and when major concerts are taking place. If you’re planning a relaxed family visit rather than attending an event, check the stadium’s schedule before travelling.
Explore Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of my favourite areas of London to recommend for a weekend visit. With its historic market buildings, independent shops, street performers and lively atmosphere, there’s always something happening, and simply wandering around is an experience in itself.
The famous Covent Garden Piazza is a great place to start. You can browse the stalls at Apple Market, watch talented street entertainers and admire the beautiful architecture. It’s particularly enjoyable on a bright spring afternoon when you can take your time exploring the surrounding streets.
For something a little different, head towards Neal’s Yard, a colourful courtyard tucked away from the busier shopping streets. With its brightly painted buildings, cafés and independent businesses, it’s a lovely spot to discover while exploring the Seven Dials area.
Covent Garden is also at the heart of London’s theatre district, making it an ideal place to spend an afternoon before catching a West End show.
Where to Eat Near Covent Garden on a Budget
Eating out in central London can quickly become expensive, particularly when you’re visiting as a family. Fortunately, there are affordable options if you’re happy to venture a little beyond the busiest tourist streets.
If you’re looking for cheap eats Covent Garden, Pizza Union in nearby Holborn is worth considering. Located on New Oxford Street, it serves thin, Roman-style pizzas at budget-friendly prices. You order at the counter, and pizzas are typically ready within a few minutes, making it a convenient option when you’re trying to fit a meal around sightseeing or a theatre performance.
With pizzas starting at just £3.95 and opening hours extending into the evening, it could be a useful option for families wanting to keep food costs down while exploring London.
Family travel tip: Covent Garden can get particularly busy at weekends and during school holidays. If you’re visiting with younger children, arriving earlier in the day can make it easier to explore the market and surrounding streets before the biggest crowds arrive.
Catch a West End Show
A trip to London’s West End is a wonderful way to round off a day of sightseeing. There’s something special about stepping into a theatre, settling into your seat and watching a story come to life on stage.
From spectacular musicals to comedies, plays and family-friendly productions, London’s theatre scene offers something for almost every age and interest. Whether you’re introducing the children to their first musical or planning an evening out with teenagers, a theatre visit can become one of the highlights of your weekend.
The West End is particularly convenient if you’re already exploring Covent Garden, Leicester Square or Soho, with many theatres within walking distance of popular attractions and restaurants.
How to Save Money on West End Theatre Tickets
Theatre tickets can be expensive, especially when buying for the whole family, but there are ways to make a visit more affordable.
Booking ahead can help you compare performances and seating options, while being flexible about which show you see may open up more affordable choices. Midweek performances and matinees are also worth considering, although prices vary depending on the production and demand.
It’s worth checking TodayTix for ticket offers, rush tickets and lotteries for selected productions. Availability varies, but you may find opportunities to enjoy a West End performance without paying full price.
If you’re taking children, remember to check the production’s age guidance and running time before booking. Some shows contain themes or special effects that may not suit younger audiences, while others have minimum age restrictions.
Family travel tip: If you’re visiting London for the weekend, an afternoon matinee can be a particularly good option. It allows you to enjoy a show and still have time for dinner or sightseeing afterwards, without worrying about a late journey home.
Enjoy London’s Parks and Spring Blossom
One of the best things about visiting London in spring is seeing the city’s parks and gardens come back to life. As the weather begins to warm up, colourful flower beds, blossoming trees and longer daylight hours make exploring outdoors particularly enjoyable.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a picnic, let the children burn off some energy or simply escape the busy streets for a while, London has plenty of beautiful green spaces to discover.
St James’s Park
Situated close to Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park is a lovely place for a spring walk. Its lake, colourful flower beds and views towards some of London’s most famous landmarks make it a popular choice for visitors.
Children may enjoy spotting the park’s resident pelicans and watching the ducks and other waterbirds around the lake. It’s also conveniently located for combining a peaceful stroll with sightseeing around Westminster.
Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is another fantastic choice for families, with wide open spaces, beautiful gardens and plenty of room to explore.
The park is particularly attractive in spring as flowers begin to bloom, although the famous Queen Mary’s Gardens are best known for their roses later in the year.
If you’re visiting with younger children, there are playgrounds to discover, while older children might enjoy a longer walk through the park.
Greenwich Park
For beautiful views across London, Greenwich Park is well worth adding to your itinerary.
This historic Royal Park offers sweeping views towards the River Thames, Canary Wharf and the city skyline. During spring, parts of the park become particularly attractive as the trees begin to blossom.
You can also combine your visit with a walk through Greenwich, exploring the historic town centre, market and riverside.
Money-saving tip: London’s Royal Parks are free to enter, making them ideal for families wanting to balance paid attractions with more affordable activities. Pack some snacks or a picnic and enjoy a few hours outdoors without adding much to your sightseeing budget.
Take a Spring Walk Along the River Thames
You don’t have to spend money on expensive attractions to enjoy some of London’s most famous sights. One of my favourite ways to explore a city is on foot, and a walk along the River Thames is a wonderful way to experience London at your own pace.
The South Bank is particularly enjoyable on a bright spring day, with its lively atmosphere, riverside cafés, street performers and views of some of the capital’s best-known landmarks.
Walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge
For a memorable sightseeing walk, start near Westminster Bridge, where you can admire the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben before crossing towards the London Eye.
From here, follow the riverside path along the South Bank, passing cultural landmarks such as the National Theatre and Tate Modern. You’ll also find plenty of places to stop for refreshments or simply sit and watch the boats travelling along the Thames.
Continue towards Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market before making your way towards Tower Bridge.
It’s a fairly long walk, particularly with younger children, so there’s no need to complete the entire route. You can easily choose a shorter section depending on how much time you have and what your family enjoys.
Discover Borough Market
If you’re feeling hungry along the way, Borough Market is a fantastic place to explore.
Located near London Bridge, this historic food market is packed with stalls selling everything from freshly baked bread and pastries to international street food.
Browsing the market is free, although it’s worth setting a budget before arriving because the tempting food options can quickly add up!
Borough Market can become very busy, especially at weekends, so visiting earlier in the day may make the experience more enjoyable.
See London from the Water
If you’d prefer to give your feet a rest, travelling along the Thames by boat offers a completely different perspective of the city.
Thames Clippers river buses operate services between various London piers, allowing you to enjoy views of landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament from the water.
Unlike a dedicated sightseeing cruise, a river bus can also be a practical way to travel between attractions. Fares vary depending on your journey and ticket type, so check the latest prices before travelling.
Family travel tip: Spring weather in London can change quickly, particularly beside the river where it often feels breezier. Bring an extra layer and comfortable walking shoes, even if the forecast looks promising.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea on the River Thames
If you’re looking for something a little more special during your weekend in London, why not combine sightseeing with afternoon tea on the Thames?
We experienced the City Cruises Afternoon Tea Cruise as a family in August 2026, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our day. Sailing beneath Tower Bridge while enjoying sandwiches, scones and delicious little cakes was a wonderful way to see London from a completely different perspective.
What made it particularly memorable was how much all three of our children enjoyed it. Finding activities that appeal to teenagers as well as adults isn’t always easy, but this was something we genuinely loved doing together.
The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes and offers views of some of London’s most famous landmarks. It’s certainly more of a special-occasion treat than a budget activity, but if you’re celebrating a birthday or simply want to make your weekend extra memorable, it’s worth considering.
You can read our full City Cruises Afternoon Tea review to discover what we thought of the food, the experience and whether it’s worth the money for families.