Whether you’re visiting London or lucky enough to call this amazing city home, sometimes you just want to spoil the little prince or princess in your life! It might be a milestone birthday, a special celebration or just your average Saturday (if that’s how you roll!), but I’ve been scouring the capital to find the very best luxury things to do in London with kids.
And I’m not just talking about expensive attractions or five-star hotels that happen to welcome children. These are genuinely extraordinary family experiences, from private tours and exclusive behind-the-scenes adventures that most people don’t even know exist. Most importantly, children are at the heart of every single one.
As a London mum of two boys and a luxury family travel blogger, I’m always on the lookout for something a little out of the ordinary. I’ve included some of our own most memorable experiences alongside a few extravagant discoveries that are firmly on my wish list.
So whether you’re planning an unforgettable birthday treat or simply fancy pushing the boat out, here’s my guide to the most exceptional luxury family experiences in London.
For more ideas, take a look at my guide to the best things to do in London with kids, covering everything from London’s famous attractions to our favourite family days out.
1. Luxury Afternoon Teas for Children in London
Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson
Best for: Alice in Wonderland fans and children who love magic and make-believe.
Location: The Sanderson Hotel, Fitzrovia, London
Age suitability: Suitable for younger children, including toddlers.
The experience: The Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at The Sanderson is a real London classic and a trip down the rabbit hole! Alice in Wonderland was one of my dad’s favourite books growing up, so I absolutely loved the idea of taking the boys to an afternoon tea inspired by Lewis Carroll’s magical world that he loved.
The experience takes place in the hotel’s gorgeous conservatory, which is the perfect setting for afternoon tea. Everything is themed around Alice’s adventures, from the curious ‘Drink Me’ potion to beautifully presented sandwiches and pastries inspired by the characters from the story.
There are some imaginative creations, including a Battenberg chessboard, a Queen of Hearts cherry and Biscoff delight and a blue caterpillar, alongside fluffy scones and traditional afternoon tea classics. Oscar’s absolute favourite was the candy floss.
One of the best things was that the hotel had really thought about entertaining younger guests. There’s a dressing-up rail with costumes inspired by the characters, as well as books and colouring activities. The boys had great fun dressing up as the Mad Hatter and the March Hare!
My verdict: One of my favourite themed afternoon teas in London! I loved the attention to detail, and seeing the boys having just as much fun dressing up as they did eating the cakes. Perfect if you want afternoon tea with a bit of added magic.
Booking: The Sanderson Hotel
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
Best for: Peter Pan fans and children who would love afternoon tea high above London.
Location: Aqua Shard, Level 31, The Shard, London Bridge
Age suitability: Children of all ages, with a dedicated afternoon tea menu for under 12s.
The experience: Afternoon tea at The Shard is already an amazing experience, but add a Peter Pan theme and it’s even better for kids! I tried the Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard when Oscar was a baby, and it’s one of the most unusual afternoon teas we’ve had in London.
Located on the 31st floor, Aqua Shard has floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views across the capital. The tea is served on an elaborate stand modelled on Captain Hook’s pirate ship, the Jolly Roger, which is probably the most imaginative afternoon tea stand I’ve ever seen!
When we visited, we enjoyed finger sandwiches and mushroom-shaped bread, followed by traditional scones hidden inside a treasure chest. The themed pastries included Tick-Tock the crocodile and a fun chocolate cake designed to look like a tree trunk. Now there’s Captain Hook’s Battenberg and Tinkerbell’s Hot Chocolate. For an extra treat, the Window to Neverland upgrade guarantees a window table.
My verdict: The combination of imaginative food and those incredible views makes this a stunning choice for a birthday treat or a family visit to London.
Price: Adults from £70, children under 12 £48. The Window to Neverland experience starts at £95 per adult.
Booking: Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at Aqua Shard
I’ve chosen two of my favourite luxury afternoon teas for this guide, but you can discover plenty more in my guide to the best child-friendly afternoon teas in London.
2. VIP and Luxury Experiences in London with Kids
Private Pod Experience on the London Eye
Best for: Milestone birthdays, family celebrations and a VIP sightseeing experience.
Location: South Bank, London
Age suitability: All ages, including younger children.
The experience: The London Eye is one of London’s most iconic attractions, but did you know you can hire an entire pod exclusively for your family? Imagine soaring 135 metres above the Thames with spectacular 360-degree views of the capital, without another visitor in sight!
We were lucky enough to have a pod entirely to ourselves during a special LEGO experience at the London Eye. Our visit began with drinks in the VIP bar before we were fast-tracked to the front of the queue. Having the whole pod to ourselves was an unexpected bonus and definitely added to the occasion!
If you want to guarantee this level of exclusivity, private pod hire includes VIP check-in and Fast Track boarding. During the 30-minute rotation, you can see landmarks including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, with views stretching as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day.
Each pod accommodates up to 25 guests, with the option to arrange food and drinks for your group.
My verdict: Although we haven’t actually booked a private pod, we had a fantastic experience when we unexpectedly had one to ourselves. It would be a fantastic way to celebrate a milestone birthday, particularly if you could gather the whole family together!
Price: £850 per private pod, accommodating up to 25 guests.
Booking: Private London Eye Pod Experience
3. Magical Shopping and Personalised Experiences
Private Hire of Hamleys Toy Shop
Best for: An unforgettable children’s birthday party or special celebration
Location: Regent Street, London
Age suitability: Children of all ages who love toys, games and a bit of magic!
The experience: Did you know you can privately hire the whole of Hamleys for a child’s birthday party? When I discovered that you could have all seven floors of the world’s oldest toy shop entirely to yourself, I knew it would be the perfect way to celebrate Oscar’s seventh birthday!
Our morning began with a red carpet welcome and a flurry of bubbles before the children were treated to a magic show, face painting and a treasure hunt around the entire shop. I’d told the organisers about Oscar’s obsession with Toy Story, so they had themed the experience around his favourite characters. There were games, a puppet show, a pizza feast and even a visit from Hamley Bear!
But the biggest highlight was at the end when Oscar was given the honour of officially opening Hamleys to the public, ringing the famous bell and welcoming the customers inside. He absolutely loved it too!
My verdict: Without a doubt, the most magical birthday party we’ve ever organised for Oscar. Seeing his face as he rang the bell to open Hamleys to the public was a moment I’ll never forget!
Booking: Private parties are offered on Sunday mornings before the shop opens to the public. Find out more in my full review of Oscar’s seventh birthday party at Hamleys.
Bonpoint Children’s Spa at Pan Pacific London
Best for: A special parent-and-child pampering experience or a first introduction to the world of spas.
Location: Pan Pacific London, Bishopsgate
Age suitability: Children aged 5–16. A parent or guardian must be present during treatments.
The experience: Who says spa days are just for grown-ups? At Pan Pacific London, children can enjoy their very own luxury spa treatments, with a collaboration with French children’s fashion and beauty brand Bonpoint.
The hotel was the first in the UK to introduce the Bonpoint spa experience, with a specially designed treatment menu for younger guests.
One of the highlights is the Dreamy Treatment, a parent-and-child experience where you can enjoy a facial and body treatment side by side. Using gentle movements adapted to children’s needs, the treatment focuses on relaxation, hydration and spending some uninterrupted time together.
There are also two dedicated children’s facials. The Awakening to Care treatment introduces little ones to skincare with a gentle facial and guidance on looking after their skin, while the Fairy Tale Treatment uses music, storytelling and imaginative touches to create a sensory experience.
I can imagine this being a fantastic birthday surprise for a child who loves being pampered!
My verdict: I love the idea of introducing children to the world of luxury spas. If only I had a daughter to do this with lol!
Price: Children’s facials start from £110 for 30 minutes. The Dreamy parent-and-child treatment costs £110 for 30 minutes or £185 for 60 minutes, according to the published treatment menu. Confirm whether these prices are per person when booking.
Booking: Bonpoint Spa Treatments at Pan Pacific London
4. Luxury Family Dining Experiences
Le Petit Chef – An Immersive Dining Experience
Best for: Children who love interactive entertainment and families looking for a meal with a difference.
Location: Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences, Westminster
Age suitability: Book it for children who can sit through a two-hour dining experience.
The experience: If you’re looking for a family dining experience that’s out of the ordinary, Le Petit Chef is definitely one to try! Located within Kona at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, this unique immersive restaurant brings the world’s smallest chef to life right on your dining table.
Using incredible 3D projections, Le Petit Chef appears on your plate before each course, taking you on a culinary adventure filled with jokes, history and plenty of surprises. The table transforms with colourful animations inspired by Kandinsky’s artwork, while the tiny chef guides you through five beautifully presented courses and the skills every great chef needs to master.
It’s funny, clever and completely different from any restaurant we’ve visited before. The whole experience lasts around two hours and finishes with an interactive dessert where you get to become the chef and add the final touches yourself.
My verdict: One of the most unusual restaurants I’ve visited, and one I really recommend. It’s a brilliant choice when you fancy doing something a bit different with the children.
Price: Adults from £139, children from £69.
5. Spectacular Theatre and Entertainment
Private Cinema Experience at Everyman
Best for: Film-loving children and an exclusive cinema experience with friends or family.
Location: Everyman Baker Street, Marylebone, London
Age suitability: Suitable for children of all ages, depending on the film selected.
The experience: Imagine having an entire cinema to yourselves, choosing your child’s favourite film and settling into comfortable sofas with a big bucket of popcorn! Everyman offers private screenings that can be tailored around your child, making this an amazing birthday party.
At Everyman Baker Street, you can exclusively hire one of the cinema’s two screens, accommodating up to 58 or 60 guests. Whether your child is obsessed with Paddington, Disney or Harry Potter, the experience can be tailored around your chosen film, turning an ordinary cinema trip into something much more memorable.
The cinema offers bespoke children’s party packages with a dedicated food menu, including pizzas, popcorn, drinks and sweet treats. You can choose from suggested party combinations or create your own package, with the Everyman team taking care of the catering and arrangements.
My verdict: I think this is a fantastic idea for a film-loving child. Having the big screen all to themselves would make a birthday feel like a real event! I know my boys would make it a Toy Story extravaganza!
Price: Available on enquiry, depending on the screening, guest numbers and catering.
Booking: Everyman Baker Street Private Hire
If you’re planning a birthday party, I’ve also put together a guide to the best children’s party venues in London, including some of the more unusual places we’ve discovered.
Private Box at the Royal Albert Hall
Best for: Special occasions and children who love live entertainment.
Location: Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington
Age suitability: Depends on the performance.
The experience: The Royal Albert Hall is one of London’s most spectacular entertainment venues, but did you know you can hire your very own private box for a performance? Whether it’s a Christmas concert, Cirque du Soleil or a favourite film accompanied by a live orchestra, it’s an incredible way to experience a show.
We’ve experienced a private box at the Royal Albert Hall ourselves, and I can highly recommend it! Depending on the hospitality package, you can have Champagne, canapés and even a full food and drinks service brought directly to your box by a dedicated waiter.
Boxes accommodate four, eight or twelve guests, making them ideal for a family outing or an evening with friends. One thing I’d be mindful of is their position, as some are quite high up, which may not suit younger children or anyone uncomfortable with heights.
My verdict: The Royal Albert Hall is one of my favourite London venues, and having your own private box takes the experience to another level. I’d choose this for a show that whole family can enjoy for example Cirque de Soleil.
Price: Varies by performance and box size. Private Cinema Box packages for selected 2026 performances have been advertised from £1,000 for four seats.
Booking: Royal Albert Hall – What’s On
6. Luxury Private Tours and Museum Experiences in London
Private Dinosaur Tour at the Natural History Museum
Best for: Dinosaur-loving children who’d enjoy exploring the museum before it opens to the public.
Location: Natural History Museum, South Kensington
Age suitability: Recommended for children aged 7 and over.
The experience: The Natural History Museum is one of London’s best places to visit with children, but imagine having the opportunity to explore its famous Dinosaurs Gallery before the museum opens to the public!
The museum offers special out-of-hours Dino Tours, with the option to request a private tour for an even more exclusive experience. Accompanied by one of the museum’s knowledgeable guides, children can discover the fascinating world of dinosaurs without the usual crowds.
During the hour-long tour, you’ll learn how dinosaurs were first discovered, what they really looked like and how they adapted to life on Earth millions of years ago. There are some extraordinary prehistoric creatures to discover, including one with a rather unusual chewing mechanism and another with an unexpectedly fierce appearance!
My verdict: I think this experience would be a brilliant birthday treat for a dinosaur-obsessed child. Having the chance to explore the Dinosaurs Gallery before everyone else arrives would make a trip to the museum even more exciting!
Price: Standard out-of-hours tours cost £30 per person (£24 for museum members). Private tour prices are available on request.
Booking: Natural History Museum Out-of-Hours Dino Tours
Exclusive Private Tours at the Tower of London
Best for: History-loving children and families looking for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.
Location: Tower of London, Tower Hill
Age suitability: Best suited to school-aged children. The Secrets of the Tower tour is restricted to guests aged over 13.
The experience: The Tower of London is one of my favourite historic attractions in the capital, but did you know you can book exclusive tours and discover a completely different side of this famous fortress?
We’ve visited the Tower of London ourselves, and there’s so much for children to discover, from the Crown Jewels and tales of kings and queens to the famous Beefeaters and ravens. For an extra-special visit, Historic Royal Palaces offers two private tours that caught my eye.
The Morning Jewel House Tour gives you the chance to see the magnificent Crown Jewels before the exhibition opens to the public. Accompanied by an expert Yeoman Warder, you’ll be welcomed into the treasury for a private viewing of some of the most valuable treasures in the world, including the spectacular crowns worn by British monarchs.
For families with older children, the Secrets of the Tower Tour offers something completely different. Led by a Yeoman Warder, you’ll explore normally restricted areas of the fortress and discover its darker history, from royal prisoners to executions and centuries-old secrets. It’s a fascinating opportunity to see a side of the Tower that most visitors never experience.
My verdict: We’ve visited the Tower of London as a family, although we haven’t tried either of these private tours. I think seeing the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive would be fantastic for younger history fans, while teenagers might prefer discovering the Tower’s darker secrets!
Price: Morning Jewel House Tour from £2,025 + VAT for up to 15 guests. Secrets of the Tower Tour from £2,500 + VAT for up to 10 guests.
Booking: Tower of London Exclusive Tours
Stay the night at London Zoo
Best for: Animal-loving children and families looking for a truly unforgettable London adventure.
Location: London Zoo, Regent’s Park
Age suitability: Family nights are for children aged 5–13. Children under five cannot attend.
The experience: Have you ever wondered what happens at London Zoo once all the visitors have gone home? Well, you can actually spend the night there, sleeping just a stone’s throw from the lions! I was lucky enough to experience this before having children and it’s still one of the most unusual nights I’ve ever spent in London.
Located in the heart of the Land of the Lions, the London Zoo Lodges are a collection of charming wooden cabins inspired by the lions’ natural habitat in India’s Gir Forest. My friend Lauren and I stayed in the Sun Bird lodge, which wasn’t the lap of luxury but it was comfortable, with an en-suite bathroom, tea and coffee facilities and even towels folded into swans!
The real magic begins when the zoo closes to the public. I remember starting our evening with a glass of Prosecco before heading off with our guides to explore the zoo without the usual crowds. We visited the Asiatic lions, discovered the wonderful details of the Land of the Lions habitat and met animals including pygmy hippos, warthogs and some fascinating nocturnal creatures.
After dinner, we returned to our lodge for the night, accompanied by the soundtrack of animal noises! The birds started calling at around 4am, but it was all part of the experience.
The following morning we were able to explore the zoo before it opened, visiting the penguins and even getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the kitchens where the animals’ food is prepared.
The experience is now available on dedicated family nights, with talks and activities tailored to younger visitors. A stay includes exclusive sunset and after-dark tours, a morning tour with a keeper meet-and-greet, dinner, breakfast and two days of zoo admission.
My verdict: I absolutely loved my night at London Zoo! Getting to explore after hours, meeting the animals and waking up to the sounds of the zoo made it such a memorable experience. I’d love to return with the boys!
Price: Family stays start from £220 per person based on two sharing, with different rates depending on family size. Additional children’s places cost £85.
Booking: London Zoo Lodges
Read more about my overnight experience at London Zoo.
Deluxe Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Best for: Harry Potter fans who want the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience.
Location: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Leavesden, Hertfordshire
Age suitability: Best suited to school-aged children who manage a two-and-a-half-hour guided tour. I wouldn’t take a younger child; we left Noah with a babysitter when we visited for the standard tour.
The experience: We’ve visited Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, and it’s an incredible experience for Harry Potter fans. Seeing the original sets, costumes and props from the films is fascinating, but if you’re looking to make the day even more memorable, there’s also a Deluxe Tour offering a VIP experience.
The Deluxe package begins with priority parking, breakfast and a welcome from your guide before a two-and-a-half-hour small-group tour. You’ll discover behind-the-scenes secrets as you explore the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, Diagon Alley and Platform 9¾, with an expert bringing the magic of the films to life.
Once the guided tour finishes, you’re free to explore again at your own pace. Butterbeer in a souvenir cup and a complimentary guidebook are also included.
My verdict: For a Harry Potter-obsessed child, I think it would make an incredible birthday or Christmas present.
Booking: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – Deluxe Tour
VIP Turtle Experience at SEA LIFE London Aquarium
Best for: Animal-loving children who would enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes encounter with marine life.
Location: SEA LIFE London Aquarium, South Bank
Age suitability: Check the minimum age requirements before booking. The experience is limited to two guests.
The experience: SEA LIFE London Aquarium is always a brilliant place to take children, but did you know you can actually go behind the scenes and meet its resident green sea turtles? We loved taking Oscar to the aquarium when he was just six months old and I’ve taken Noah a few times, but this exclusive VIP experience is something I’d love to return for now he’s older!
The 30-minute private experience introduces you to Boris and Dougie, the aquarium’s green sea turtles, with the opportunity to learn all about these fascinating creatures from the expert aquarists who care for them.
You’ll discover their individual personalities, what they love to eat and how they’re looked after, as well as getting an insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes at one of London’s most popular family attractions.
The experience is limited to just two guests, making it ideal for some one-to-one time with your child. Admission to the aquarium is also included, so you can explore the rest of the underwater world during your visit.
My verdict: We’ve visited SEA LIFE London Aquarium lots of times before, but haven’t tried the VIP experience. I’d love to return with Oscar now he’s older, and I think meeting Boris and Dougie would be a brilliant for a child who loves animals!
Booking: VIP Turtle Experience at SEA LIFE London Aquarium
7. Luxury Hotel Experiences in London for Families
The Science Family Suite at The Ampersand Hotel
Best for: Space enthusiasts and families looking for an out-of-this-world London sleepover!
Location: South Kensington, London
Age suitability: For younger children who love space, rockets and imaginative play.
The experience: If your children have ever dreamed of sleeping in a rocket ship, The Ampersand Hotel in South Kensington has created something special! Inspired by its neighbour, the Science Museum, the hotel’s Science Family Suite takes the idea of a family hotel room to a whole new level.
The two-bedroom suite has been designed around a space theme, with the children’s bedroom featuring an incredible rocket-shaped bunk bed, complete with little portholes, celestial details and space-inspired decorations. There are also books and toys to encourage the imagination, making this feel much more like an adventure than an ordinary hotel stay.
Parents have their own beautifully designed adjoining bedroom, offering a little grown-up luxury alongside all the fun. The suite also has a kitchenette and a separate bathroom, so it’s practical for families as well as fun.
To make the stay even more special, the hotel offers two wonderfully imaginative afternoon teas. The award-winning Science Afternoon Tea features treats such as chocolate spacemen, dinosaur biscuits and jams served in petri dishes, while the Jurassic Afternoon Tea takes families back to the age of dinosaurs, with volcanic eruptions, dinosaur eggs and other prehistoric creations. Both offer dedicated children’s menus, making them a great addition to a stay.
My verdict: I absolutely love the idea! The rocket-shaped bunk beds are fantastic, and with the Science Museum just around the corner, I think this would make an incredible birthday surprise for a little space enthusiast.
Price: From £841 per night for the date checked in October 2026. Rates vary depending on dates and availability.
Booking: The Science Family Suite at The Ampersand Hotel
Natural History Museum Dinosaur Family Suite at Park Plaza London Riverbank
Best for: Dinosaur-obsessed children and families looking for an extraordinary London sleepover.
Location: Albert Embankment, London
Age suitability: For younger children and primary-school-aged dinosaur enthusiasts. The suite accommodates up to two adults and three children aged 12 and under.
The experience: Imagine checking into a hotel and discovering that your bedroom is hidden behind a secret bookcase, complete with an enormous dinosaur skeleton suspended above your bed! Park Plaza London Riverbank has teamed up with the Natural History Museum to create this incredible dinosaur-themed family suite.
The experience is inspired by Sir Richard Owen, the scientist who coined the word dinosaur and founded the Natural History Museum. The story begins with the discovery of his long-lost study, filled with fossils, scientific notes and mysterious clues.
Children are invited to become dinosaur detectives, searching through specimen drawers, books and hidden objects before discovering a secret door concealed within a bookcase. Behind it is a prehistoric bedroom with colourful jungle murals, twin beds and an incredible T. rex-inspired bunk bed, complete with a giant skeleton stretching across the room.
But the adventure doesn’t stop at the bedroom door! Families can follow Sir Richard Owen’s Dinosaur Discovery Trail around the hotel, hunting for seven hidden dinosaur models and completing challenges along the way. At the end, little explorers can return to reception to collect their very own Certificate of Palaeontology.
There are lots of extra touches too, including dinosaur cuddly toys, Natural History Museum books and games, a Tonies box with themed stories and a special welcome package for children.
Breakfast is included, children aged 12 and under eat free from the children’s menu when adults order a main course, and families can also use the hotel’s indoor swimming pool and 12th-floor Riverview Lounge.
My verdict: I love how the whole stay has been turned into an adventure, rather than just decorating a bedroom with dinosaurs. It’s exactly the sort of hotel experience that would have my boys bursting with excitement!
Booking: Natural History Museum Dinosaur Family Suite at Park Plaza London Riverbank
For more places to stay, take a look at my guide to the best luxury child-friendly hotels in London, covering some of the capital’s most beautiful family hotels.
The Best Luxury Experiences in London with Kids
London has no shortage of incredible things to do with children, but sometimes you want to go all out and treat them to something they’ll remember for years to come. Whether it’s having an entire toy shop to yourself, meeting animals behind the scenes or watching a spectacular show from your own private box, these experiences take a family day out to another level!
For me, the best luxury family experiences are those where children aren’t just an afterthought. They’re the stars of the show, and there’s plenty for parents to enjoy too. After all, that’s what SilverSpoon London is all about!
Have you tried any of these extraordinary experiences in London, or have I missed something fabulous? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
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