9 Best Historical Tours in London for Families in 2024

Looking for the best family-friendly historical tours of London?

London is a city steeped in fascinating history. From royal palaces to World War II sites, there is so much for families to explore.

Taking a guided tour can help bring London’s history to life for kids and allow them to better understand and connect with the city’s past, as well as provide them with a wealth of valuable knowledge.

But with so many different, historic tours across the city, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to book, which are worth it, and which are a waste of time, especially when keeping your kids’ interests in mind.

That’s why I curated this guide of the 9 best, tried and tested historical tours based on my own personal experience, having once lived in London and visited the capital countless times, plus being a father means all of my trips and tours are tailored around my kid’s needs first!

Best Kid-Friendly Private London Tours

A private tour with a knowledgeable guide is a great way for families to see the top sights in London. Kids can ask questions and the guide can tailor the experience specifically for children’s interests. Here are some of the best kid-friendly private tour options:

1. Kid-Friendly Tower of London Private Guided Tour

The Tower of London is one of the most iconic historical sites in London. You can book entry tickets here, though a private tour is highly recommended because the Yeoman Warders who act as guides are highly knowledgeable and can provide kid-friendly stories and explanations.

During the tour, children will see the armour and weapons that were used, hear tales of the famous prisoners held in the tower, and learn about the Crown Jewels.

Location: Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB
Opening Times: Tues-Sat 9am-4:30pm, Sun-Mon 10am-4:30pm
How To Get There: Take the tube to Tower Hill station or buses #15, #42, #78 to Tower of London stop.

👉 Insider Tip: Use the Tube for long distances and buses to hop between nearby stops – it’s cheaper than cabs.

2. Kid-Friendly Natural History Museum Private Tour

The Natural History Museum has an amazing collection of over 80 million specimens, from towering dinosaur skeletons to rare wildlife.

A private guide will take you to see the highlights through a child’s lens, focusing on the interactive and playful exhibits. Kids can get hands-on with fossils at the Dino Directory, see volcanic eruptions in Earth Galleries, and more.

Location: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD
Opening Times: Daily 10am-5:50pm
How To Get There: South Kensington tube station, buses #9, #10, #14, #49

👉 Word of advice: Stand on the right side of escalators – standing on the left is a major faux pas!

3. Harry Potter Film Location Walking Tour

The Harry Potter walking tour visits the real London locations used in the iconic films. Kids can channel their inner wizard as they see Diagon Alley, Leadenhall Market aka The Leaky Cauldron, the Ministry of Magic entrance, and other magical spots.

Families will also learn behind-the-scenes facts about the movie productions.

Meeting Point: Outside Westminster tube station
Tour Time: 2 hours
How To Get There:Take the Jubilee, District or Circle Lines to Westminster station

4. London Postal Museum and Underground Rail Ride

The London Postal Museum offers a family-friendly experience that combines postal history with an exciting underground rail ride.

Kids can climb aboard miniature mail train cars and zip through tunnels once used by real mail trains. The museum also has interactive exhibits explaining the postal service’s history in Britain, ideal for curious young minds.

Location: 15-20 Phoenix Pl, London WC1X 0DA
Opening Times: Daily 10am-5pm
How To Get There:Farringdon or Chancery Lane tube stations

👉 Top Tip: Many museums are free, but avoid the long lines by booking timed entry tickets in advance online.

5. Family-Friendly National Gallery Tour

London’s National Gallery is home to over 2,300 masterpiece paintings. A family tour provides games and guides tailored to children to turn an art museum visit into an engaging adventure.

Kids will discover exciting stories behind paintings like Sunflowers by Van Gogh as they tour the galleries. Private and group tours available.

Location: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Opening Times: Daily 10am-6pm, Fridays until 9pm
How To Get There: Charing Cross or Leicester Square tube stations

6. Vintage Bike Tour of the Top London Landmarks

Peddling around London on a vintage-style bicycle is a fun way for families to explore the city.

This guided bike tour takes riders past major landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and more. Bikes have large baskets to hold little ones if need be. A memorable active tour option.

Meeting Point: Gabriel’s Wharf, 56 Upper Ground, South Bank
Tour Time: 3 hours
How To Get There: Tube to Waterloo, Southwark, or Westminster stations

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to look up! Some of London’s most amazing architecture is on the upper floors and rooftops.

7. London Children’s Bus Tour with Commentary

This tour uses a double decker bus made just for kids! Families will ride atop the open-top bus as it stops at famous landmarks across London.

Entertaining child-oriented commentary plays over speakers pointing out sights and making jokes for young audiences. Kids will love seeing sights like Tower Bridge and Piccadilly Circus from the cool bus.

Boarding Point: Green Park Station
Tour Time: 1.5 hours
How To Get There: Green Park tube station

8. Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

This walking tour follows the footsteps of Jack the Ripper through east London. An expert guide recounts the murders committed by the infamous serial killer in the 1800s and visits the actual crime sites.

While morbid, older kids and teens will enjoy the creepy but historically-fascinating experience.

Meeting Point: Tower Hill Station
Tour Time: 2 hours
How To Get There: District, Circle lines to Tower Hill station

👉 Pro Tip: Buy an Oyster Card to save money on public transport fares versus paper tickets.

9. Chartwell House Tour

Chartwell House was Winston Churchill’s country retreat, offering insight into his personal life. Families can tour Churchill’s studio, gardens, and rooms full of his paintings and belongings.

The home’s cozy rooms combined with Churchill’s storied legacy make for an engaging historical tour.

Location: Mapleton Rd, Westerham TN16 1PS
Opening Times: Daily 11am-5pm
How To Get There: National Rail to Edenbridge town station

👉 Insider Tip: Avoid restaurants right in the main tourist areas. Walk a few blocks away to find better food at lower prices.

London Travel Tips

☑️ Research the tube system ahead of time. It can be confusing for first-timers. Download city maps on your phone.

☑️ Purchase sightseeing passes like The London Pass to save money on top attractions. Just be sure to use them enough to get your money’s worth.

☑️ London is very walkable, so bring comfortable shoes. Opt for walking over expensive taxis when you can.

☑️ Don’t forget your umbrella! London weather is notoriously rainy and unpredictable year-round.

☑️ Consider staying in a centrally located neighbourhood like Bloomsbury or Marylebone to minimise time spent travelling around the city.

👉 Read more: The Most Iconic Quotes about England

Final Thoughts: Best Historical Tours in London for Families

With so many great options, be sure to balance scheduled tours with plenty of downtime. Leave room to wander through iconic spots like Trafalgar Square or pop into that hidden garden you stumble across.

Slow down and experience London as a family—those moments may end up being the fondest memories.