Top 10 Things To Do in Central London’s Most Popular Boroughs

This post is part of our archived content. While we’ve shifted focus, it still may be useful.

Most visitors to central London tend to stay in one of these five boroughs:

Westminster
Camden
Kensington & Chelsea
Southwark
Lambeth

due to their proximity to most of the city’s tourist attractions.

Whether you’re a local or visiting with the family, these five boroughs are full of exciting, cultural, and tasty things to do.

Here’s our guide on what not to miss if you’re visiting with kids in the central London boroughs of Westminster, Camden, Kensington & Chelsea, Southwark, and Lambeth.

Westminster

The heart of iconic London – think red buses, royal buildings, and lots of history.

1. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace – it’s a classic. Arrive early and bring snacks as it gets busy.

2. Take a ride on the London Eye. You’ll enjoy love spotting landmarks from way up high.

3. Explore Westminster Abbey. History buffs of all ages can marvel at the architecture and stories.

4. Stroll down Whitehall and visit Downing Street.

5. Cruise the Thames from Westminster Pier. Great views plus a sit-down equals a win-win.

6. See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament up close

7. Pop into the Churchill War Rooms. It’s surprisingly fun for curious teens.

8. Wander through St James’s Park and feed the ducks. A royal park with pelicans? Yes, please.

9. Catch a family show in the West End. Matinee performances can be cheaper and there’s sometimes an option to have a lunch or afternoon tea with the same theme as the show you’re planning to watch.

10. Visit the National Gallery. It has free entry, amazing art and is a culturally uplifting place to stay dry while you dodge the rain.

Camden

Eclectic, colourful, and always buzzing, Camden is the perfect area for cool kids and curious adults.

1. Explore Camden Market for food, fashion, and fun.

2. Take a canal boat to Little Venice for a peaceful, pretty, and unique perspective of London.

3. Head to ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park. It’s not technically in Camden, but close enough for animal lovers.

5. Tour the Roundhouse (or catch a family-friendly show). There’s always something happening from live music to circus, or a theatre production.

6. Enjoy a food crawl through Market Stables for global eats in one place.

7. Snap street art in Chalk Farm – it’s like an open-air art gallery.

8. Visit the British Library’s Treasures Gallery to see the Magna Carta and Beatles lyrics in one go.

9. Take a Harry Potter walking tour starting at King’s Cross.

10. People-watch from a café by the canal because sometimes, just chilling is the best activity.

Kensington and Chelsea

Elegant, leafy, and full of cultural gems.

1. Visit the Natural History Museum for dinosaurs and hands-on exhibits that are always a hit.

2. Explore the Science Museum. It’s so interactive, they won’t realise they’re learning! Some of the best stuff is busy and/or requires payment so check out their site to plan your visit before you go.

3. Stroll through Portobello Road Market – especially on a Saturday. It’s bustling, beautiful, and full of curiosities.

4. Take a tour of Kensington Palace.

5. Wander through Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden which is so serene, you’ll forget you’re in London.

6. Indulge in afternoon tea at The Orangery. It’s fancy but still family-friendly.

7. Marvel at modern art at the Saatchi Gallery which is compact enough to keep kids engaged.

8. Shop for yummy snacks at Whole Foods Kensington. It’s not cheap and it does get busy but it’s a great option, especially if you need free-from foods.

9. Catch a family screening at the Electric Cinema which has comfy seats and kid-friendly options.

10. Walk along the colourful streets of Notting Hill.

Southwark

Where culture meets riverside charm.

1. Explore the Tate Modern. There’s loads of room, big art, and family guides.

2. Tour Shakespeare’s Globe. You can even book family storytelling sessions.

3. Walk across Millennium Bridge as seen in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

4. Grab lunch at Borough Market. It’s a famous foodie destination with fab options for picky eaters.

5. Climb to the viewing deck at The Shard (if you’re feeling brave) to see some of the highest views in Europe.

6. Dive into design at the Fashion & Textile Museum. It’s small, creative, and often has colourful exhibits.

7. Visit the Golden Hinde – a full-sized ship that you can actually explore.

8. Check out Southwark Cathedral. It’s less busy than St. Paul’s but just as impressive.

9. Go mural spotting in Peckham for colourful, creative, and completely free street art.

10. Catch a family film at Peckhamplex for budget-friendly movies.

Lambeth

Lively, local, and full of character (and cake).

1. Visit the Imperial War Museum which is surprisingly engaging for kids over seven.

2. Walk the riverside from Vauxhall to Waterloo for views, buskers, and space to roam.

3. Visit the Southbank Centre which often has family-friendly exhibitions and installations.

4. See a family show at the National Theatre – there’s always something magical on stage.

5. Ride the carousel on the South Bank because why not?

6. Visit Oval Farmers’ Market for everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to organic meat, marinated olives, cheese, honey, pies, cakes, soups, juices and lovely hot food.

7. The Garden Museum is a calm, lovely space with a fab kid-friendly café.

8. Tour Lambeth Palace Library (check ahead for family sessions). You’ll get to see rare books in a beautiful new building.

9. Have a treat at Konditor’s Cake Shop. They serve some of the city’s best brownies.

10. Take a photo at the colourful tunnel under Waterloo Station. It’s graffiti-covered and completely brilliant.