27th November 2017
Travel trend gurus have noticed that multi-generational travel is becoming increasingly popular, with three or four generations of a family travelling together on epic adventures. It’s a way for families to spend rare quality time as a group. Siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles can branch off and have their own mini-adventures, then everyone can come together again for meals and day trips.
As grandparents retire, they have more time to spend on their two priorities in life: family and travel. Consequently, the ‘skip-gen’ travel trend is becoming ever popular, with grandparents taking their grandchildren away for amazing vacations. Frazzled parents get a break while the kids spend quality time with their grandparents, having eye-opening new experiences at the same time. What’s not to like?
Our buzzing and historical city is absolutely perfect for multi-gen and skip-gen travellers. Here are our top London tips for modern-day family travel.
The magnificent history of London has something for each and every member of the family. On skip-gen trips to London, grandparents can visit iconic sites and monuments they’ve always wanted to see. When visiting such places, the grandchildren can’t help but gain an education in history too.
One must-visit historical site in London is Buckingham Palace, which is just a ten-minute walk away from The Athenaeum through Green Park. The impressive Changing the Guard ceremony happens four times a week. A little further beyond Buckingham Palace are the Houses of Parliament, which offer guided tours especially for families on Saturdays. Take in the view of the iconic Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben too – stand on the pavement on Westminster Bridge to get the perfect family selfie.
Our great city is brim-full of museums, galleries and performing art venues, rated as being among the best in the world. While some are aimed at those with specialist interests, most venues cater to the tastes of multiple generations superbly.
The Tate Modern on the Southbank is filled with the classic and contemporary masterpieces of the art world, while children can participate in art-related activities there every weekend. The National Portrait Gallery also runs workshops and storytelling sessions for children, while adults can explore the most extensive collection of portraits in the world.
Museums that offer a dose of culture, while being geared up for children as well as adults, include the Natural History Museum, the British Museum and HMS Belfast, where you can board a historic warship on the River Thames.
The performing arts scene in London is one of the best on the globe, with West End shows that are ideal for the whole family, from The Lion King to Thriller Live about the life of Michael Jackson. Take in amazing dance performances at Sadlers Wells too, which runs shows ranging from Vamos Cuba! to Pinocchio.
There’s no doubt that London has it all when it comes to history, culture and education, but sometimes it’s time to kick back and let loose with the whole family too.
Visit London’s most famous toy shop, Hamleys, make funny poses with the waxwork figures at Madame Tussauds, scare yourselves silly at The London Dungeons and walk through tunnels of fish at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. Take in the views over London on the giant ferris wheel at The London Eye or The View from The Shard. And tuck into a hearty meal surrounded by musical memorabilia at the Hard Rock Café London, a minute’s walk from The Athenaeum.
Residences at The Athenaeum are ideal for multi-generational trips to London. These are our apartments inside Victorian red-brick townhouses adjacent to the hotel. Each apartment has a separate bedroom, living areas with dining tables and fully equipped kitchens. Providing all of life’s little luxuries, they can be made into interconnecting spaces too, perfect for multi-gen and skip-gen trips to the city.
Grab the family and pack your bags for London!
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