Getting kids excited to go on a trip isn’t difficult is it? But getting them to understand a little about where you’re going can also help build excitement in a different way.
When I home educated my kids we’d always search out books about the places we’d be visiting. It was an easy win for us to prepare them, get them started on something we might learn about there and enjoy a new book too! When we visited London one time our day was taken over by visiting and learning about an Egyptian obelisk (on Embankment) my daughter read about once – I’d never have thought about it otherwise!
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We’ve personal experience of all of the kids books about London on this page from our various trips as a family to England’s capital city and each one has been remembered fondly!
If you’re travelling to London with your family read on for some ideas to get your kids excited about your upcoming trip with some books about the city!
Table of Contents
My favourite children’s books set in London
So I’m definitely a big believer of getting the kids learning about the places we travel to way before we even arrive. There’s nothing better than them recognising a monument, or museum piece because of a book they saw!
I thought it would be nice to share our favourite children’s books set in London that we have enjoyed over the years. There are some options for all ages.
Children’s Picture books set in London
Katie In London
We love the Katie books and were really happy to see they had one set in London. Katie In London tells the story as she travels with her Grandma to London and having great adventures while she’s there with the lions of Trafalgar Square.
If you’re planning a trip to any of the London museums with your kids you’ll love the series. There are books about the National Gallery and the Natural History museum so if you have some dinosaur lovers then Katie and the Dinosaurs is also a great book. In fact the whole series is fab!
This is London
Part of a series of classic books about cities around the world, This is London takes us on a journey around the city, talking about the buildings and sights to see. The book was first written in 1959 so has a beautiful vintage feel, but is still entertaining to this day.
If you’re traveling to other parts of Europe there’s a few others you might like too such as Paris.
Madeline in London
Madeline in London follows the little French girl, Madeline as she goes on a school trip with the nuns of her school to see the Queen in London. It’s a lovely series of books, with beautiful illustrations and wonderful rhymes adding a great feel to the story.
A Walk in London
Go on A Walk in London with this lovely picture book. Showing many of the the sights that you’d see on your own walks round London this picture book is great for all sorts of age ranges of kids.
Paddington at the Palace
Who doesn’t love Paddington? Especially after the recent films. The lovely bear from Peru who was found at Paddington Station with just marmalade to eat is an endearing story (and for older kids, see below for the chapter book) Paddington at the Palace is a picture book showing Paddington on a trip to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards.
Since Paddington is based in London (you must visit the statue at Paddington Station) there’s a few books that are similar and have tales about some of London’s sights. You might like the London Treasury book which has a few stories in one edition.
Non Fiction children’s books about London
London Children’s Map
This London Children’s Map really helps kids plan and see what’s happening on their trip. With stickers to add to the map, including saying where they slept etc, it’s a really fun angle to give kids to create a memorable trip. It might be one to keep for on the plane to keep them busy on the journey!
The Story of London
This is the book I mentioned earlier. We read it before we headed to London for a day trip a few years ago and it helped us decide on the best sights to see for the kids. They read about and wanted to see Cleopatra’s Needle – I’d have probably overlooked the sight, but they loved it! Taking ownership of the trip was great for them.
The Story of London takes you through the history of London with great pictures and stories. I’d say suitable from about age 5-10 (approximately KS1-KS2)
Horrible Histories – London
I love the Horrible Histories series (as do the kids!) and it’s perfect for learning about all sorts of historical periods. This one concentrates on the location of London and the history of the city from the kings and queens to facts about the city during both world wars. The style is great for older kids as it doesn’t hold back on gruesome details, but always tells it in a fun way.
More visual learners might like the new edition which is designed like a newspaper / comic.
William Shakespeare & the Globe
Although a picture book William Shakespeare & the Globe is aimed at older kids (8+ or KS2) and goes through the life of William Shakespeare and also the Globe theatre in London. If you have plans to visit this amazing site in London with your kids (they do family friendly tours) then a bit of child friendly background about Shakespeare is a good idea!
Chapter Books set in London
Perfect for older kids and teens visiting London
Paddington
A Bear Called Paddington is the original story about Paddington bear. This is a short chapter book suitable for younger independent readers or it would also make a nice bedtime story.
Peter Pan
Peter Pan is a classic, set in London in Victorian times, and a great bedtime story for the lead up to your trip to London – we listened to this audio book version read by Jim Dale and can highly recommend that. Maybe one for the journey?
Harry Potter
The brilliant Harry Potter Series begins with some iconic scenes in London as Harry takes his first trip on the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross Station. How fab would it be when after reading this you visit the real Kings Cross Station’s platform 9 and 3/4?? Yes it does exist! The illustrated version here is brilliant and will help bring the book to life!
London Eye Mystery
If you have independent readers who like a bit of mystery then maybe this book will whet their appetite to see more of what London has to offer. The London Eye Mystery is great for older children and receives great reviews.
Have you any favourite kids books about London that I have missed? I’d love to know about them!
Other posts about London you might like:
- Things to do in London with teenagers
- 10 Pretty Places in London to visit
- The Original Tour London – Our review of the hop on, hop off sightseeing bus
Other posts about children’s books you might like:
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🇬🇧💂♀️ London Travel FAQ 💂♀️🇬🇧
Do I need insurance for traveling to London?
YES! I always recommend people take travel insurance when exploring the world!
Check Travel Insurance Master for quote comparisons from different providers.
Do I need a car for visiting London?
NO – If you’re just visiting London then a car is not recommended and can be more of a hindrance than a help.
If you plan to explore more of the UK then I recommend DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices
How to book accommodation in London?
For hotels I recommend Booking.com
For apartments and cottages check out VRBO
Will my phone work in London?
Perhaps – it depends if you have roaming enabled and beware this can be an expensive way to use your phone.
If you need a SIM for use in the UK I recommend GiffGaff which you can get and set up before traveling.
What’s the best guidebook for London?
I really like the Lonely Planet Guidebooks
Where to get flights for London
Expedia is my first port of call for finding cheap flights to London.
Do I need a visa for London?
Many countries don’t need a visa for visiting England as tourists (USA, Canada, Aus, NZ and Europe) – it’s always best to check first though.
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Very nice. Thank you for this. Just what I needed!