Half-term activities in London

Are you on the lookout for exciting half-term activities in London to keep your children entertained during the school breaks? From fun afternoon teas to thrilling sightseeing adventures, London offers plenty of friendly attractions perfect for families. Whether you’re after unique events, engaging activities for children, or fun family days out, there’s something for everyone.

So, let's have a look at some of the wonderful options available for the various half terms across the year.

Where to go in London at half term?

Depending on the season and the weather, London is full of attractions to explore during the half-term breaks - indoors and outdoors, free... you name it! Here are some of our top picks for family-friendly experiences.

Half-term activities in London - Classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Afternoon Tea Sightseeing Bus Tour

For a truly unique experience, we highly recommend our Classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Available all year round, this London sightseeing tour allows you to savour our fantastic afternoon tea (choose between Traditional, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, and Gluten-free) while exploring iconic London landmarks aboard our vintage Routemaster bus.

Imagine sipping your tea and enjoying delicious finger sandwiches and scones as you pass famous sites like the London Eye, Hyde Park, and Big Ben! It's a great blend of sightseeing and indulgence.

Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Are your children Peppa Pig fans? Then you can't miss the Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Collaboratively created by Brigit’s Bakery, Hasbro, and Entertainment One, this experience is designed for the entire family.

You'll enjoy a Peppa Pig-themed afternoon tea menu filled with delightful treats while riding through Central London with views of landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Tower Bridge. Each table is equipped with a built-in tablet featuring Peppa Pig guided animations, making it an engaging and interactive adventure that your children will love. Available all year round, the tour departs two or three times a day from Somerset House.

Half-term activities in London - Paddington Bus Tour

Paddington Bear Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Another exciting option for the little ones (and their grown-ups, too) is the Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. This bear-tastic experience features a Paddington-themed afternoon tea menu with the best marmalade sandwiches imaginable!

As you ride on the iconic double-decker Routemaster bus, you'll enjoy captivating stories about Paddington's adventures at landmark sites, including Nelson’s Column and St. Paul's Cathedral. Available all year round and departing from Trafalgar Square twice a day, this tour brings the world of Paddington Bear to you while you enjoy the most unique afternoon tea.

Half-term Activities in London: MONOPOLY Tea Tour

The MONOPOLY Tea Tour

Who doesn't love a game of MONOPOLY where everyone in the family has a chance to get competitive? Then why not try our MONOPOLY Tea Tour - a bus tour where the classic board game comes to life?

This unique experience combines a London sightseeing bus tour with our delicious afternoon tea, mixed in with interactive activities inspired by the iconic game. As you travel around Central London, you’ll complete challenges, buy properties, and charge rent - all while enjoying our afternoon tea treats. It's a fantastic way for families to bond while discovering real-life landmarks from the MONOPOLY board and an adventure that seamlessly blends entertainment and education.

Available all year round, this tour departs three times a day between Thursdays and Sundays from Somerset House.

Half-term Activities in London: Brigit's Bakery Covent Garden

Afternoon Tea Picnic

If the weather is warm and dry, and you're looking for a more relaxed option that allows you and your family to explore the city (either by foot or by bike, for example), check out our Afternoon Tea Picnic.

Brigit’s Bakery offers beautifully packaged afternoon tea picnics that you can pick up from their Covent Garden bakery. Perfect for enjoying in one of London’s many parks, these picnics include a selection of delicious sandwiches, cakes, scones, freshly squeezed orange juice, and your choice of tea or coffee. So why not enjoy a lovely meal under the sun with family and friends?

Half-term Activities in London: October Events with Hamleys

Halloween at Hamleys Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

If you're a fan of the season of spooky celebrations, Halloween at Hamleys Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is a must-try! Partnering with the iconic toy store Hamleys, this exclusive Brigit's Bakery adventure offers a Halloween-themed afternoon tea while exploring Central London. You'll enjoy spooky treats like eerie pumpkin tarts and finger sandwiches while Hamleys’ Halloween characters engage and entertain your children. This unique experience also includes a complimentary Halloween-themed travel cup for each child.

During the Halloween period, we also run a Peppa Pig Halloween Bus Tour and a Spooky Halloween Bus Tour. Like many of the seasonal and themed tours we offer, the Halloween-themed tours only run on specific dates, so make sure you book in advance. You don't want to miss out!

Half-term activities in London: halloween bus tours

Other seasonal and themed Brigit's Bakery Afternoon Tea Bus Tours

During the winter festive period, we run themed tours where you can admire the Christmas lights, such as the;

During the Easter school holidays, we run special Easter- themed Tours, but dates and places are limited!

If you're interested in any of our themed tours, we recommend you check our bus tours calendar, select the month you're looking for, and see what tours are available during that period.

Explore the museums of South Kensington

For those interested in educational outings, South Kensington is home to some of the best family-friendly museums in London. The Natural History Museum is always a hit with children, showcasing fascinating exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons and a giant blue whale. Nearby, the Science Museum offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays that will captivate children’s imaginations.

If you're looking for a more artistic approach, the V&A Museum is another fantastic stop, with everything from fashion and textiles to design and performance arts. Many museums in London offer free entry, making them a perfect choice for a budget-friendly family day out.

The London Zoo

No half-term or summer holiday would be complete without a visit to the London Zoo! Nestled in Regent’s Park, the zoo is home to over 750 species of animals. Children will love the interactive exhibits and the chance to see animals like giraffes, lions, and penguins up close. The zoo offers various events throughout the year, making it a fun-filled day located in the heart of the city.

The London Eye

A visit to London would be incomplete without experiencing the London Eye. This iconic landmark offers stunning panoramic views of the city, allowing you to spot landmarks like Westminster Abbey and the Shard. The ride is enjoyable for all ages, and on a clear day, you can see for miles! Take some family photos to treasure your memories of this exhilarating experience.

Parks and outdoor fun

When the weather is nice, London’s parks are a great option for outdoor activities. Hyde Park, one of London's largest and most famous parks, offers plenty of space for picnics, playgrounds, and boating on the Serpentine. You can rent a pedal boat or relax while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Regent’s Park and Green Park are also excellent locations for a family day out. They often host events during the half-term, including outdoor concerts and children’s activities. So check their schedules for any special happenings over the holiday period.

Family-friendly events

During half-term, London hosts a variety of events designed to entertain children and families. Many theatres offer family shows, so check out what's playing in the West End. You'll also find free events, such as fairs, festivals, and pop-up markets, dotted around London that are perfect for families looking to enjoy the festive spirit of the city.

Where to go in London for half a day?

All our Afternoon Tea Bus tours last approximately 90 minutes (depending on traffic conditions), so there's plenty you can plan around our tours. But if you're looking for a shorter outing, here are a few things that would be perfect for a half-day adventure:

The London Aquarium. Located next to the London Eye, the aquarium is home to fascinating sea life and offers an interactive experience that children love. It’s a manageable visit that won't take up your entire day. If you are planning various activities though, consider purchasing a Families Day Pass for certain attractions, as it can save you money if you visit multiple locations in one day.
Borough Market. If you and your children love food, Borough Market is one of London’s oldest and most famous food markets, where you can sample delicious street food.
Sky Garden. For breathtaking views without taking a full afternoon, visit the Sky Garden. This unique space is free to enter (if booked in advance) and features beautiful gardens, observation decks, and restaurants.

Which part of London is best for kids?

Each part of London offers unique experiences, but South Kensington is undoubtedly one of the best areas for children, due to its range of museums, parks, and attractions. Regent’s Park is also nearby and is fantastic for outdoor play and relaxation.

Another child-friendly area is The Southbank, where families can enjoy riverside strolls, pop-up markets, street performers, and attractions such as the London Eye. The nearby Shrek's Adventure! and Sea Life London add to the excitement.

Where to go in London with kids for free?

Visiting London doesn’t have to break the bank. Plenty of engaging activities for families won't cost a penny. For example, you can visit the museums, explore the parks or the markets, or take a walk along the Southbank, where there's plenty to see. You can also enjoy walking along the River Thames, admire the London bridges, or take in the sights of famous landmarks like the Shakespeare's Globe. Street performers often entertain in the area, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Planning your family day out

With so many friendly attractions across London, you can easily create a full itinerary for a family day out and create unforgettable memories during the half-term holiday.

So which adventures will you choose for your next half term?