A Perfect Saturday in London, Tot in Tow

- Fun Ideas for a Family Day in Central London

Note: As this is a family day out, we’re assuming you’ve got your bags packed and are armed with raisins (organic, naturally), snacks and possibly a packed lunch for the littl’un.

8:30 am Gone (long gone) are the days of a Saturday lie-in. Family life demands an early start, even on a Saturday. *Sigh* But make the most of quiet(er) London weekend mornings and start your day with some fresh air and a stroll through Regent’s Park where the little engine can let off some steam.

9:30 am or thereabouts (to ensure you avoid the ‘lovers who brunch’ crowd) End your walk at Le Pain Quotidienne, Marylebone High Street, for a delicious brunch. The baguette, with lashings of chocolate spread, is best accompanied by a large cup of hot chocolate – that’s for you, not the little muncher. Le Pain Q also have good (if a little unconventional) change facilities. See our review of good West End loos for emergency stops.

10:30 am After wrestling revved up Romeo back into his Bugaboo, meander through the West End (make sure to pick up the FT Weekend) and into Soho where you head straight for the London Transport Museum where the little engine driver can get some track practice. Indulge his desire for endless play in the play area while you indulge your own to read the weekend papers in peace.

12:30 pm Depending on your approach in these matters, and how fond you are of Sliding Doors, choose one of the following options:

Option 1Following on the transport theme, take a bus, tube or taxi back home for a bit of lunch and that all important family nap.

 

Option 2: If the little nipper is a napper (in said Bugaboo), you’ll have time to linger over lunch at Roka on Charlotte Street, take in the latest exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery or stay in Covent Garden for some retail therapy in those trendy boutiques.

3:00 pm As action-packed is what we’re aiming for, head to Camden Lock where you can continue chatting about transportation on the Barge, stepping off at the London Zoo for some animal watching. What better way to keep your little monkey occupied?

5:30 pm Depending on where you stand on the Gina Ford divide, either eat at home, dine al fresco or grab a supper at Pizza Express with its kids’ menu and activity pack is usually a winning combo for the bambino.

Or, for an even better ending: Once the babysitter arrives (of course, you leave without a peep from the pipsqueak), head out the door footloose and fancy-free … until the 6am wake-up the next morning. (If you’re so lucky, dine at The Providores for grown-up tastes and adult conversation.)

What Mini says:

Now that’s London the way I like it!

Add your suggestions for a great place or a perfect day in the Comment Section and you could win a set of Creative Animal Blocks by John Crane (worth £30).

See a Perfect Day in South London.

 

 

This ‘Perfect Saturday’ was inspired by Londonelicious, the American girl who likes food. And London. But not cooking.

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