The Golden Hinde is a great family attraction in London

When I set out to find the “Top 5” off-the-beaten path ideas of things to do with kids in London, I turned to the one of the country’s most trusted concierges from the five-star The Stafford Hotel in central London.

Head Concierge Frank Laino was voted “Best Concierge in the World” and writes a newsletter for the property called Frankly Speaking –  where he shares tips from his 20-plus years in the business.

Best Casual/Family Friendly restaurant in London: Carluccios is a small chain of Italian restaurants ideal for younger children. Their menu describes things like Spaghetti as “Strings” and Penne as “Tubes”. They offer a  “make your own dish” service where children choose their favorite pasta shape and the restaurant will compliment it with your favorite pasta sauce.

Best Candy Shop: Hope and Greenwood of Covent Garden is a traditional, old fashioned sweet shop. Sweets are still sold by the specific weight required. They are measured out from large jars and weighed on scales on the counter before being put into old-fashioned paper bags.

Best Ice Cream: Fortnum an Mason houses one of the most well stocked and exiting Ice Cream Bars in London.

Best Unknown Attraction:  When bringing your children to London, stop by The Golden Hinde. The original Golden Hinde became the flagship of Sir Francis Drake. The Hinde offers guided tours and shows about life at sea in Tudor times. On certain days, come dressed as a pirate and join the crew in a treasure hunt and hear stories of famous pirates. The Golden Hinde is at Pickford Wharf, Clink St. London.

Best Ghost Tours/Walking tours: Nothing grabs my kids’ attention more than a ghost tour. The Jack the Ripper tour takes attendees through the streets of London at night and stops at each murder site of Jack the Ripper. For more information check out the official “On the Trail with Jack the Ripper” website.

Save big on family travel deals to London and around the world with CheapOair.

Flickr: Magnus D