Interesting Things To Do In London With Teens

Many people think that city breaks are just something for adults to do together, or that there isn’t enough to do in the city centre to occupy teens. Well, when you’re in London, this could not be further from the truth! London is an incredible city with awesome diversity and culture, and you’ll have no trouble finding things to do with your teens on your next trip. If you don’t believe me then just keep reading.

It should come as no surprise that after 2,000 years of history London has some great stories to tell, and there are some great activities on offer for families of all ages! So let us help you make the most of your time in the city, and take full advantage of the amazing London hotels special offers at the Park Grand Paddington Court Hotel. Let’s dive in!

The London Dungeons 

The London Dungeons have become one of the city’s largest and best attractions- and for good reason! Located along the south bank of the Thames, the Dungeons is a walk through interactive experience. It combines actual horror and the history of the city. Lasting around 90 minutes you will travel through the brutal history of the city and meet some of its most infamous inhabitants, including the notorious Jack the Ripper. Some of the content is pretty gruesome, so this is perfectly suited for older teens with a stronger constitution! 

The Ghost Bus Tour

The Ghost Bus tour is an excellent way to spend an evening. Once the sun has set you can hop aboard the lovingly named ‘necro-bus’; a beautifully restored, black 1960s Routemaster. Then your incredibly knowledgeable guide will proceed to show you around the city, and will happily describe all the most gruesome crimes and tortures that have taken place druing the city’s long life. Your guide will remain in character for the entire trip, and you will all have an evening you won’t forget in a hurry.

Thames River Cruise

If you’re worried about your teens complaining about all the walking they are having to do (and they will complain!) then a great way to change things up is jumping on a river cruise. You’ll be able to see the city from a whole new perspective, whilst seeing all of the city’s top landmarks. If your teens fancy something a bit more intense, then check out the Thames Rockets. It’s quite literally a rocket boat that zooms around the river doing donuts and fast spin turns- all in between the captain filling you in on the history of the area and pointing out the key landmarks!  

The Tower of London

The Tower of London has been a part of the city’s skyline for 1,000 years, and was for a while the tallest building in Britain. It has been used as a prison/ toruture chamber, an execution ground, and an armoury over its life; so you can imagine there are some stories to tell. The Beefeaters will delight in giving you all the gruesome details, and if you’re lucky (or is it unlucky?) you may even hear the tortured screams of Guy Fawkes echoing around the basement.  

The Globe Theatre

If your teens are into theatre and stage performance, then there is nowhere better in the city to take them. The Globe is a marvellous feat of engineering, and a truly beautiful and accurate reconstruction of the original. The wooden stage and supporting frames give this building an incredibly authentic feel, and this really bleeds into the productions. There are always performances being held, both Shakespearian and more modern, so you’re more than likely to catch a great show. This enchanting building, and the productions it hosts, are sure to delight you and the family.  

Harry Potter Studio Tour

If you are a ‘Potter-Head’ then this one’s for you. In fact, even if you aren’t then you will still enjoy this truly magical experience. Head to the Warner Bros. Studio just outside the city, and explore Harry Potter’s magical world first hand. Stroll through the actual Great Hall, head into Dumbledore’s office and relax in the Gryffindor Common Room. This place is filled to the brim with props, special effects, and incredible displays that will delight and fascinate pretty much anyone. You can also grab a magical memento at the incredible gift shop on the way out! 

The London Bridge Experience

Another experience based around horror. Sorry, but it’s what the people want! The London Bridge Experience will first take you on a tour of the historic and haunted bridge. Walk the glass floor some 250 feet above the Thames, before descending to the depths of the city. Tour the old London tombs deep under London Bridge Tube station, and learn about the city’s most terrifying residents. If you don’t think your teens will enjoy a walking tour, then this will keep them interested!  

The Natural History Museum

Free to enter and encompassing the entire history of nature. With tens of thousands of artefacts and fossils on display, there will be something to interest everyone here. The dinosaur exhibits are always a favourite, some of the fossils on display will blow anyone’s mind- regardless of their age.  

ArcelorMittal Orbit 

Despite the weird sounding name, this is actually one of London’s coolest new attractions. Remember the red tower from the 2012 London Olympics? Well not only is it Britain’s tallest sculpture, but it’s also the home to the world’s longest tube slide! It’s a 40 second high speed thrill ride, taking you round 12 loops and reaching pretty high speeds- all in the dark! London isn’t known for its adrenaline fuelled activities, but this could change things! 

So there you have some of the best things on offer in the city for families with teens. Who said you couldn’t fill your time in London with activities that everyone can enjoy? Make the most of your stay at the best Paddington Hotels London has to offer, and make sure you eat at The Grand Restaurant Paddington for a meal to cap off the perfect trip.