A Family Guide to Spring in London

A family trip to London entails a myriad of options and possibilities to fill the time, particularly during spring when the sun is finally out and the parks and streets beckon, so we’ve crafted the perfect springtime itinerary to help ensure you get the most out of your stay at The Milestone Hotel & Residences.

Your 3-Day London Itinerary

Day One: Staying Local

Whilst London is rich with areas of discovery, Kensington's blend of elegance and cultural depth is unrivalled, with grand Victorian townhouses sitting alongside some of the world’s finest museums. There's no better place for you to begin your explorations. 

Breakfast is the most important part of the day, and it can be taken downstairs in Cheneston's and the Park Lounge, or, if you prefer, be indulgent and have your breakfast delivered to your room to enjoy in bed.

After breakfast, take a stroll in the local area. Speak to Jorge and the Concierge Team and they'll be delighted to assist you with planning a route on a map, going past many of the highlights of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. This can be tailored to suit your interests, from visiting many of the historic blue plaques in the area to taking in the architecture of the various courts, mews, and the Royal Albert Hall. Families with younger ones can't go wrong by spending time in Kensington Palace Gardens and taking in the wonders of the Natural History Museum.

Our Head Concierge, Jorge

Take afternoon tea with us at 3pm, and enjoy the longstanding tradition started by the Duchess of Bedford in our wood-panelled Park Lounge. We also offer a children's afternoon tea perfect for princes and princesses under the age of 12. The fireplace and views across the road towards Kensington Palace add to the regal feel of the occasion.

Once afternoon tea is finished, our Doormen can have a taxi ready to whisk you off to the theatre. The Devil Wears Prada, on stage until September 2026 at the Dominion Theatre, is a strongly recommended multigenerational treat that will delight both teens and grandparents.

Day Two: The Tower, The bridge, and the market

Discover the City of London together with a day that delights every generation – from riding the Tube like locals to exploring the storied towers and glittering treasures of the Tower of London, before finishing with some relaxed family time back at the hotel.

After breakfast, either downstairs or in room, the Concierge Team can arrange for one of their expert tour guides to take you by tube (like ‘proper Londoners’) over to Tower Hill to visit the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels. The Tower, steeped in history, is closely guarded by the Beefeaters, who are also very happy to explain the traditions and history of the Tower, along with the tales of those once imprisoned for being traitors. And, of course, there's the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels as closely as anyone can without being the King or Queen of England. Due to the sheer scale of the tower, along with its various museums, this will take up the morning and will lead into early afternoon.

The Tower of London

After the tower, enjoy a leisurely stroll across Tower Bridge. Often confused with London Bridge, Tower Bridge is the ‘pretty one’ that crosses from the Tower of London over to the southern side of the Thames and HMS Belfast.

For lunch, there’s no place more thrilling than Borough Market. There are so many different stalls and shops providing delicacies from all over the world. As Joe and the team will tell you, “If you're not sampling the freebies you're doing it all wrong.” (For something extra lavish, our Borough Market Experience allows you to explore alongside our Executive Chef, Daniel Putz, with whom you'll choose a range of ingredients to be transformed into a multi-course dining experience back at the hotel.)

Once you’ve fully experienced the market for lunch, take a leisurely walk back across the river and hop on the tube back to The Milestone. Although you should have devoured more than your own weight in food at the market, relax and enjoy a drink in Stables Bar, where parents can enjoy cocktails, while children can sip mocktails, and, if you do become peckish, a light bite can be ordered from the all-day dining menu.

Day Three: Westminster, Whitehall, and Churchill's War Rooms

Step into the heart of national life with a day in Westminster that brings Britain’s past and present vividly to life. Exploring the grandeur of the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, delving into wartime history at the Churchill War Rooms, and strolling along Whitehall past 10 Downing Street and the The Cenotaph is a day to captivate all ages.

After breakfast, hop in the cab arranged by our Door Team with an envelope full of entrance tickets for the day ahead. Day three will be all about exploring the inner workings of the British government, both today and in the 1940s.

Starting with the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, get a feel for the traditions of the British government and its links to the monarchy and the Church of England. Then it’s time for a spot of time travelling to the 1940s at the Churchill War Rooms. Moving back to the present day, take a walk up Whitehall to catch a glimpse of Downing Street, where you’ll maybe even spot the Prime Minister coming or going from number 10, and have a moment of reflection going past the Cenotaph, thinking about all those that have fought for their beliefs and were either injured or killed defending them.

Westminster Abbey

All this exploring is hungry work. Making a stop at 50 Kalo for an incredible Naples-inspired pizza for lunch is a must (we recommend you book through the Concierge Team in advance to avoid disappointment). Alternatively, either take a wander down The Mall and past the palace or grab a taxi and head to Bbar, our sister bar and restaurant attached to The Rubens at the Palace.

After this late lunch, head back to the hotel for rest and relaxation, and if you need an evening dining option you can dine in our wonderful Chenestons, or our Concierge Team will recommend a lovely local favourite.

An Extra Day Option: Ashdown Forest and a Steam Railway Ride 

From the timeless childhood charm of Winnie-the-Pooh in Ashdown Forest to the powerful wartime stories linked to the D-Day landings, this Sussex countryside escape weaves together nostalgia, nature, and history in a way that resonates across generations.

A takeaway breakfast and some coffees will be arranged and ready for your swift exit from the hotel on this morning, as the Doormen have arranged a taxi for you to Victoria Station. From there, you will hop on a train for a 50-minute ride out of London and down into the picturesque countryside of Sussex.

At your destination – East Grinstead Station – you will meet your expert guide (the only officially licenced Winnie-the-Pooh Guide) and driver, Gerry. Gerry will explain all the sites of interest in the forest, before you visit The House at Pooh Corner, the bridge for an essential game of Poohsticks, the North Pole, and of course many more spots.

A stream train ride through Sussex

After this tour, Gerry will continue with you as you make a stop at one of the many charming country pubs in the area for lunch.

After lunch, Gerry will guide you around the beautiful gardens at Sheffield Park, and explain the history of the Ashes for those interested in cricket, and the park’s time as a headquarters for one of the Canadian armoured divisions preparing for the D-Day landings.

Gerry will then escort you across to Sheffield Park Station, where after exploring the sheds, museum, and platform with him you will part ways as you head on your steam train ride back to East Grinstead. Then, it’s a modern train ride back to Victoria, followed by either a tube or cab ride back to The Milestone.

 

There’s truly no place like The Milestone when it comes to providing a truly unique multigenerational getaway that brings everyone together in comfort and style. If you’re ready to start making memories, you can discover more about our family-friendly offerings and book your perfect stay together.