I am going to London in August for 5 days, I was wondering if anyone had views on whether it would be worth getting a travelcard to cover the stay?

I'm staying in Mayfair so we are fairly central.

Also does anyone know a good soft play in the area? Just in case the weather gets really bad.

Thanks.

Yes to the travel card as single tickets are very expensive.

Indoor play:

Science Museum basement - free but does get very full on wet days and you still get we from the water play.

Mudlarks at the Museum in Docklands is more expensive and timed entry, but kids love it. And riding at the front of the Docklands Light Railway is great fun. No driver means clear view ahead.

Adam

Adam,

Thanks for that will look into these.

Cheers

Bernie

It is also worth having a look at Transport for London fare changes, (from April 2007), for the Tube, DLR, Buses and Trams. Note that Children under 11 travel free all day, every day - Hooray!! It gets a bit more complicated for over 11s, but it still is a great opportunity to save on travel costs.
Transport for London

It is also well worth checking out what is on in Museums for August, as they may be running workshops and all sorts.

For example, The Livesey Children's Museum (free entry) is running a fab exhibition until the end of August called 'The Magnificent 12. A great number adventure', where you and your kids can take a colourful and unusual journey through numbers 0 to 12.

Or Discover, is an amazing place for children and families from 0 - 8 years old to play and create stories. Focused on storytelling, children can let their imaginations run wild in the indoor exhibition or venture outside into the Story Garden. (Cost: £3:50 for children and adults. Concessions: £2:50 and Under 2s: Free). Open every day 10am until 5pm except for Mondays during term time.

And who can resist the Science Museum (Free Entry), take a look at their events for the Under 5s here or take a look at the Natural History Museum's family events for August, including fun craft workshops.

Also do take a look at our very own Dea Birkett's campaign Kids in Museums, who now have their own annual awards.

Most of all though, we wish you a fun filled family trip to London. Do let us know how you get on!

If the weather isn't fantastic for you there is still so much on offer in London that softplay doesn't need to be part of your plan.
In addition to the museums (science and naturally history, in particular) visit the Tate Modern and the Hayward Gallery...great exhibits this summer and fun for adults and kids.

Hi Bernie 64, this may come a little late, but still useful if you are planning to travel to London again, especially if you are going on a day trip. We've recently published an article on our website listing different ways to save money on family rail travel and days out.

Did you know for example that you can save an average of 39% if you book your tickets in advance with thetrainline? And you can get 2 for 1 offers on loads of London attractions if you travel by train? There are also some great railcards available that last all year round with savings. We've listed all this plus our Top 5 Family days out in London and Manchester in a couple of articles here.

Hope this helps for half term or future trips!

Annelies