Explore Kensington, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge
London's vibrant streets are packed with thrilling attractions. While you can't tick these all off in one visit, why not explore the charming Kensington, find out what to do in Chelsea, London, and discover Knightsbridge? This desirable area of Western London promises cultural giants like the V&A alongside cutting-edge art galleries, parks, and cafes. With a central Millennium Hotels stay and spacious family suite in London, you're a stone's throw from the action. Here are ten attractions for an unforgettable and fun family trip in London over the bank holiday weekend.
Top ten London excursions this bank holiday
1. Discover the Natural History Museum
Perfect for families, South Kensington's Natural History Museum boasts a plethora of riveting exhibits on the natural world. You'll be greeted by the iconic blue whale skeleton, Hope, on arrival in Hintze Hall, before exploring interactive exhibits on dinosaurs, natural forces, space, and beyond. There's plenty of hands-on action to entice and educate the little ones as they navigate nature's evolution.
2. Get hands-on at the Science Museum
The Natural History Museum's next-door neighbour, the Science Museum, provides an excellent accompaniment to the natural sciences. Home to mesmerizing tech displays and interactive experiments, you can explore revolutionary inventions, outer space, and future concepts that'll soon become reality. The Flight Gallery remains one of the most popular things to do in London with kids, where you can book stimulating flight simulations and VR trips through space.
3. Relish the Victoria and Albert Museum
Completing the giants of South Kensington's exceptional museum scene, the V&A is the UK's premier centre for art and design. While there's plenty to allure fans of fashion and interior design, children get a lot out of the experience, too. Regular exhibits on noted children's authors and exciting treasure trails provide excellent opportunities for an engaging and exhilarating visit.
4. Stroll through Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of London's oldest and most famous parks and an excellent outdoor escape for kids. Its 142 hectares span picturesque rose gardens, woodland trails, and lakes for boating. The latter makes for an excellent family adventure as you explore the tranquil Serpentine Lake. There's also a playground for young ones on the south side.
5. Indulge in retail therapy at Harrods or beyond
You can't visit Knightsbridge without browsing the luxurious department store, Harrods. Its opulent halls of decadent goods, including a glittering Egyptian escalator, are an attraction unto themselves. Take the little ones to the magical Toy Kingdom or explore the gourmet delights of the food hall for a picnic at Hyde Park.
6. Marvel at Kensington Palace
Experience royalty for a day at Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection and Jewel Room. Rooms are expectantly plush, with the historic King's Gallery lined with eye-catching paintings by European masters. Families will adore getting hands-on with royal history. You can also explore the sprawling Kensington Gardens, home to a wildflower meadow, and the Sunken Garden, featuring a statue of Diana, Princess of Wales.
7. Catch a show at the Royal Albert Hall
The UK's most famous concert hall is home to the Proms and a host of world-famous touring artists. Check the schedule for family-oriented concerts that range from engaging children's theatre shows to lighter classical music. There are plenty of tours of the venue, too, from front-of-house experiences to secret, behind-the-scenes tours.
8. Escape to Chelsea Physic Garden
Tucked away from the bustle of Chelsea, this walled 17th-century garden is packed with edible, medicinal plants. Families can get hands-on with planting sessions, weed hunting, and folklore workshops. Take a short stroll from the gardens to discover the waterfront Chelsea Embankment, home to stunning sculptures and the richly-historic Chelsea Old Church.
9. Take a cruise of the River Thames
With ferry stops at Chelsea Harbour and Cadogan Pier, you can enjoy a cruise along the River Thames. Take in iconic sights from Battersea Park to the Houses of Parliament and beyond for breathtaking views of London. Spot the landmarks as you pass, including the Tate Britain and the SIS Building of James Bond lore. You can book a round trip, an evening cruise, or simply use the clipper as your main mode of London transport. 10. View contemporary art at the Saatchi Gallery
If you're wondering what to do in Kensington London, this grand gallery near the Sloane Square end of King's Road is one of London's best contemporary art spaces. Get your kids in on the action with the Learning Gallery, where you can paint in the style of some recent exhibits. The Saatchi Gallery remains an excellent place to explore art with your family in Chelsea.
Book a family weekend away in a luxurious Millennium Hotel suite
Enjoy an extravagant stay in the city at one of Millennium Hotels' well-placed London hotels with family suites. You'll get 15% off your room and dining bookings with the My Suite Millennium Life offer. Simply book your family in for a weekend stay and enjoy the sweet side of suite living. Here are our prized locations on offer for a memorable bank holiday in London.
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
Tucked away in a quiet corner off Kensington High Street, Knightsbridge's top attractions are well within reach of the front desk. Traditional English features, a delightful Tea Lounge, and the hotel's 12th-floor Executive Suites deliver spacious family settings and impressive views across London's skyline. Feel right at home in Copthorne Tara's vibrant lobby, just a ten-minute walk from Kensington Palace.
Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington
Perfect for extended stays in the heart of Kensington's Museum District, the Gloucester Hotel boasts king-size beds and exclusive access to the Club Lounge. An on-site afternoon tea experience delivers all the comfort you could need to fuel a stroll through Hyde Park or Kensington Palace Gardens. Book the Studio Suite for separate living areas, great views, and that personal family touch.
Millennium Hotel London Knightsbridge
With a fine location along the desirable Sloane Street and just moments from Harrods, deciding what to do in Knightsbridge is an easy option here for families seeking retail therapy. The interiors echo the opulence of Kensington's style-conscious streets, with plenty of plush furnishings and privileged city views. Family stays in the Luxury Suites come with complimentary buffet breakfasts, separate living spaces, and one-touch Nespresso machines.
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington
Located on the bustling Gloucester Road and within easy reach of Kensington's best-known museums boasts a rich history and boutique setting. Its iconic red façade has been a mainstay of this area for over a hundred years. The interiors reflect this pedigree with original spiral staircases, chandeliers, and historical themes. Families can settle into the luxurious Walworth Suite, a richly-decorated and spacious suite with a private staircase overlooking the Kensington skyline.
The Chelsea Harbour Hotel & Spa
Among London's most sumptuous spa hotels, the Chelsea Harbour Hotel brings a touch of exclusivity to its range of family suites and penthouse stays, including the amenity-packed Kings Penthouse Suite. With a scenic location along Chelsea Harbour, guests can take in Thames views with al fresco dining or hop on a clipper for river travel. The suite's decorative blend of alluring art styles and separate sleeping and living facilities make for a fun family vacation complimented by an in-room sauna, spa bath, and Jacuzzi.
Bonus Weekend Tip: Head to Paris or Rome for a romantic weekend away
Why not hop across the Channel this bank holiday weekend for a romantic stay in Paris? Experience the majesty of museums and monuments showcasing Monet, Manet, and more, or taste exquisite authentic French cuisine in Le Marais and Montmartre. Millennium Hotels' My Suite Millennium Life offer is active at the M Social Hotel Paris, a divine 1920s hotel just a stone's throw from Palais Garnier. Book La Grande Sweetie for an unforgettable city experience amid refurbished, plush interiors that offer separate living, dining, and sleeping quarters. The lobby lounge provides a fine place to plan and unwind, while the traditional Brasserie Haussmann delivers exceptional French dining in a classical setting.
To experience charismatic Rome, home to centuries-old architecture and spellbinding art, book a suite at the Grand Hotel Palace Rome. Situated in the scenic foodie haven of Ludovisi and close to the romantic Spanish Steps, this exceptional hotel will dazzle you with its Renaissance-meets-Art-Deco treasures. Like a time capsule of Italian glamour, each room is immaculately designed with lashings of 1920s style. Families will adore the Signature Suite with its marbled bathrooms and spacious, elegantly-decorated interiors. There's much to do without leaving the hotel's front door, from grand Venetian frescoes and fountains to exceptional dining in the grand hall and spa treatments. Make the most of Rome with this historic Roman hotel.
Wherever you spend this bank holiday, benefit from a My Suite Millennium Life booking at 15% off. Pack as much or as little into your itinerary for a relaxing and rewarding break with the family. Things to do in London with kids this weekend don't get much sweeter than this.
