During school holidays, there will be many families out and about, going on fun daytrips, enjoying shopping in the sales and meeting up with friends across London and the rest of the country. Family outings in England’s capital can be huge fun, but they can also come with higher levels of stress if you don’t prepare for them enough. Here are some top tips to help you enjoy a festive trip to London at this hectic time of year, starting with several reasons why you should consider booking minicabs for families.
Book one or more minicabs for families
Rather than trying to rely on public transport in London, which will be crowded and could well experience delays and interruptions if the weather is bad, why not book a minicab to take you where you need to go? You can be collected from your chosen location at a pre-arranged time and be driven straight to where you want to go. Once there, you don’t have to worry about finding and paying for parking. You can enjoy privacy an comfort in your very own minicab and have plenty of room for luggage if you are planning to stay overnight or return with lots of shopping bags full of exciting purchases.
Plan ahead to avoid the crowds
London is buys at any time of year and more so at and just after Christmas and New Year. There are many attractions to enjoy, as well as additional seasonal treats, such as a visit to see Father Christmas, pantomimes, plays and ballets, Christmas craft workshops and festive light displays. Aim to book at less busy times so it makes it easier to get there and less crowded. If you cannot choose your arrival time due to the event starting at a fixed time, book a minicab to get you there safely and conveniently in plenty of time to get in and settled before the proceedings begin.
Look after young children
Navigating London with young children can make life a lot harder. You need to remember a lot more equipment, factor in times for naps, nappy changes and feeding and basically keeping them and everyone safe and out of the way of the crowds while you go from A to B. Always pack more spare clothes, nappies, baby supplies and snacks than you think you will need. That way, if you are delayed or something unexpected happens, you are well prepared. Travelling by minicab offers even more comfort and space to bring things like pushchairs, car seats, changing bags and toys.
Check out fun for free
London can be very expensive, especially if you are with children (and adults!) who are keen to see and do everything. However, by taking time to do some research online before you go, you can find a plethora of free or low-cost activities that will help you enjoy a fantastic family outings in London for far less expenditure. Most of the big museums are free to enter and can offer a full day’ worth of entertainment. These include the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, both of which contain several floors of fascinating exhibits and activities for families to enjoy.
Take your own lunch and snacks for cheaper dining – even in frosty weather, you should be able to find sheltered spots to enjoy a bite to eat al fresco. Other ideas for free things to do in London include walking round to look at the Christmas lights on Regent Street, Trafalgar Square and Carnaby Street, among others and watching the street entertainers in Covent Garden and along the South Bank.
Don’t try to do too much
Often, family outings can end up with some members feeling overwhelmed if the group tries to pack too much in at once. The Christmas and New Year period can often be hectic anyway with all the preparations, excitement of Christmas Day itself, travelling to see relatives etc. London has. A lot to offer, however it can sometimes be better to take things at a slower pace and not try to do too much. Plan some downtime, such as a stroll or run round a park, a long, lingering lunch or a mooch round your favourite shop. You can always plan a return visit. Plus, if you use minicabs for families to get in and out of the city, planning a trip to London is made even easier!
