The summer holidays are finally here providing the chance for families to enjoy time away together. London is a popular destination with its diverse range of attractions from green spaces such as Hyde Park to museums, history and exciting summer events. Most schools broke for the summer holidays to start on Tuesday 21 July and many aren’t due to start again until Tuesday 1 September.
Families need somewhere to stay and unwind during their trip to London. Central Park Hotel and Royal Eagle Hotel are ideally located in the centre of the city. Hyde Park, Paddington, South Kensington’s many museums such as the Science Museum and Natural History Museum, the West End and other family-friendly attractions are within easy reach of both hotels.
We have made this great guide for you to get the most from the summer holidays. It covers free activities, attraction events, dining spots and even a few options for the inevitable rainy-day!
Top 10 Summer Holiday Things To Do in London
1. The National Gallery – Free Summer of Art
Great for children who love getting creative. Make your own Venetian souvenirs, see children’s artworks from around the UK and even step aboard an almost life-size gondola. Free entry. Trafalgar Square.
2. GoBoat – A Family Adventure on the River Thames
Explore central London from the water in a self-drive electric boat, with room for the whole family. Booking ahead is recommended. Departures from Paddington.
3. Hyde Park – Picnic in the Park
A beautiful place for a family picnic. Bring your own food to keep costs down or pick up a takeaway before relaxing in the open green space beside the lake. Free entry; barbecues and open fires are not permitted.
4. Young V&A – Wallace & Gromit and Friends
Discover the world of stop-motion animation in an interactive exhibition celebrating Aardman. See iconic models and learn how much-loved films and characters are brought to life. A strong rainy-day option in Bethnal Green.
5. Oxford Street and Regent Street – Flagship Shops
Treat the children to a shopping trip for their favourite toys and games. The LEGO flagship store, Disney Store and famous Hamleys are all nearby, making this a fun stop for younger visitors and adults who never quite grew up.
6. Museums Close to the Hotels – Perfect for Rainy Days
Explore the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A Museum, all within easy reach of the hotels. Together, they offer dinosaurs, space, science, design and family-friendly exhibitions in one convenient part of London.
Natural History Museum – visit · Science Museum – visit · V&A Museum – visit
7. Notting Hill Carnival – London’s Biggest Street Celebration
Experience Europe’s largest street festival, with Caribbean music, colourful costumes, family-friendly entertainment and incredible food stalls. Family Day takes place on the Sunday and the event is free to attend.
9. Buckingham Palace – Explore the State Rooms
Open to visitors during the summer, Buckingham Palace gives families the chance to explore the magnificent State Rooms and discover more about the Royal Family. One of London’s most iconic attractions. St James’s.
10. Local Restaurants – Eat Near the Hotels
Take an easy trip to Pizza Pilgrims for Neapolitan pizzas, a children’s menu and a lively atmosphere. Alternatively, visit Serpentine Bar & Kitchen in Hyde Park for a convenient meal even closer to the hotels.
London Summer Holidays 2026 | Where to Stay
Your central base for the whole trip to London. Central Park Collection has two hotels with excellent transport connections next to Hyde Park, Bayswater, Paddington and within a short distance of family-friendly attractions.
Central Park Hotel
In peaceful Bayswater, Central Park Hotel offers a calm base close to Hyde Park and central London. It’s ideal for families planning museum days, park walks, shopping, sightseeing and easy Tube connections across the city.
Royal Eagle Hotel
Just five minutes from Paddington Station, Royal Eagle Hotel is a practical base for summer holiday excursions. With fast links across London, it works well for families visiting the museums, West End, Hyde Park and many London attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the summer holidays in 2026?
Dates vary by school, but for many families the summer holidays run from Tuesday 21 July to Tuesday 1 September. Summer holiday offers and activities are already well underway in London.
What free things can families do in London in the summer holidays?
There’s lots of free options for families this summer in London. For no cost at all, you can enter the National Gallery for their summer of art, enter the Young V&A, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. We advise booking ahead where possible. You could visit Hyde Park for free too and bring your own food to save on those costs.
What are the best rainy-day half-term ideas in London?
Look towards indoor attractions if there’s a rainy day. The Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Young V&A, The National Gallery and a Buckingham Palace are all strong rainy-day options.
Where should families stay in London for the summer holidays?
Staying near Hyde Park, Paddington, Bayswater and South Kensington is recommended. You will have easy access to museums, parks, transport and several central attractions.
Do I need to book attractions in advance?
Book in advance where you can, especially for limited events and exhibitions.
The Natural History Museum and Science Museum both recommend booking ahead at busy times for example.
