Lessons from London: Navigating the City With Kids | Tips for Traveling to the UK

[@udeychowdhury2529]

Love your vids, shout out to Dad for carrying his little lady!!!

[@palmsandpalaces]

@@udeychowdhury2529 Absolutely!! He never complains! And THANK YOU!! 🙏 More to come!

[@terrym3837]

As a Londoner you can never get the weather right . Best way to see much of London is walk it so many parks and gardens to chill out in glad you enjoyed it

[@terrym3837]

There air con on 4 lines of the underground and the betty line. But when people are wet from rain and you go on an underground train it’s a Turkish bath hellish it is

[@gdok6088]

Your vids are awesome and this one offers really helpful, practical advice in a great format. You are a lovely family and your kids are so charming, well behaved and polite. You can be very proud of them - they are an absolute credit to you as parents. Hope you are able to come back to the UK soon. Worth consideration for any future visits would be the Roman walled city of York, Edinburgh and Scotland in general (the Jacobite / 'Harry Potter' steam train runs from Fort William to Mallaig and crosses the amazing 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct which is famous from the Harry Potter films. From Mallaig you can take a ferry over to the Isle of Skye. Also worth a visit is the Lake District and many other very varied places and experiences across the UK. 🇬🇧❤🇺🇸

[@palmsandpalaces]

Thank you very much. They are great kids. We already have Ireland and Scotland on our radar for next time - appreciate you sharing this. We may have to pick your brain when it’s time to plan!

[@glastonbury4304]

Loving your videos ❤

[@palmsandpalaces]

Thank you so much for being here! More to come - and we’d love to connect with you on Facebook. We now have a page with updates and community convo!

[@jasminejones7389]

take few clothes, hit the charity shops that abound in the city, return non-essential clothing to charity shops when you leave. That way you can carry the absolute minimum.

[@palmsandpalaces]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@wrd777]

London-Windsor. A suggestion. Don't go from Paddington, go from Waterloo. Windosr & Eton Riverside station is much nicer. The platforms are street level and as you come out of the station, you have the stunning site of the Castle wall looming high in front of you. And it's by the river.

[@palmsandpalaces]

Ah! Brilliant!! Thanks!

[@andyburns2385]

And no need to change trains along the way

[@adventuresforthecurious]

Awesome vlog! I couldn't believe I had never seen one of your videos, and was shocked at how new you guys are to vlogging - you are pros already! I subscribed and am going to check out your previous videos too! Heading to England in September, already purchased the London Pass, and was glad to hear you mention why it was a good choice for you.

[@palmsandpalaces]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Really appreciate it. I hope you have a WONDERFUL trip - so excited for you. We will have more content coming soon, and feel free to check out my Instagram @mamaneedstodisney where I have other tips! Or reach out if you need anything. ;)

[@john_smith1471]

TfL have a map on their site that shows 4G & 5G coverage. Customers now have 4G and 5G mobile coverage in stations and tunnels on sections of the Jubilee, Central, Piccadilly, Victoria and Northern lines and 4G in all Elizabeth line stations.

[@palmsandpalaces]

Thanks! We are definitely living in an ever so connected world to say the least.

[@stevenperkins]

Dont forget the Museums too

[@palmsandpalaces]

Absolutely!

[@freddiemac1438]

I would suggest visiting Winchester, Windsor, St Albans and the New Forest and Bournemouth (sandy beaches) or Brighton (bohemian and sea - but it’s all pebbles). If kids a bit older then go to the Tower of London at night (9pm) for the 800 year old nightly ceremony of the keys when they lock up the Tower - you buy tickets online -£5 each and only 60 people permitted each night - it’s spooky and entertaining and last about 45 mins. If in New Forest (near Winchester and Bournemouth) then visit Burley (if you like Harry Potter - you’ll love this witchcraft town). Just a few thoughts …

[@palmsandpalaces]

This all sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing!

[@john_smith1471]

Wi-Fi is available at: * All Tube stations * Most London Overground stations * All Elizabeth line stations under central London * Victoria Coach Station Your devices will automatically pick up the Wi-Fi signal when you're in a Wi-Fi enabled station. There's no signal in tunnels, but your phone will connect to the signal at the next Wi-Fi enabled platform so you can pick up where you left off.

[@palmsandpalaces]

Love the facts you give! Thank you - we will need to do a follow up to our initial lessons with more tips!

[@ulsterscot]

Did you go to the Hampstead area of London? It would definitely be your thing 🤝👏🙏

[@palmsandpalaces]

Hampstead was on our list, and I am so sad we didn't make it over! I told Scott that we need a solo trip next time and we're staying in Hampstead! What are your must-do's there?

[@ulsterscot]

Can’t believe you responded 😮 I would go to the tube station- Flask Walk is just around the corner- short walk maybe to Burgh House for a coffee if you like. Then just get lost a little bit - head back on yourself towards the station ( I think Streatley Place and Mansfield Place are worth checking out on the area). Cross the main street into Church Row - check the church and graveyard (the ‘Peter pan boys’ are there - and a very famous painter called Constable). Just meander upwards towards the Holly Bush - maybe for lunch). The Admirals House (Mary poppins) is in the area. I would take the bus 5 minutes up the hill to Kenwood House (also featured in films in think)….and stretch your legs on Hampstead Heath. Regards❤

[@torreypajares2384]

This is so good! So helpful as we consider a future trip to London 👍🏼

[@palmsandpalaces]

@@torreypajares2384 I’m so glad, my friend!

[@palmsandpalaces]

Don't forget - our KZbin kickoff giveaway ends TODAY, July 21st! Head to my Instagram and see the post from June 21st to enter!

[@palmsandpalaces]

We have found our winner and she has redeemed her prize. Thanks to those who entered!

[@Iskandar64]

Comment on the weather: London in July is usually warm sunny, even hot in Summer and not much rain, (fun fact; London is one of the driest capitals in Europe). But this year the weather has been terrible. We have just had 18 months of record rainfall, and it has been quite cool, even cold. You just have to be prepared. Being typically British, I check the weather forecast daily and plan around that and check the rain radar maps often, if I know it is going to be damp. 🤣

[@palmsandpalaces]

Thanks for sharing! I will share this with Scott to reassure him that we should spend even more time in London.

[@AndyKing1963]

More and more London tube stations and lines now have WiFi

[@palmsandpalaces]

Love that! Thanks for sharing!

[@stephenlee5929]

Re getting split up on the tube, basically you need to plan what to do. Will the group still on the train try to go back or the group who got off try to catch up? Same in stores/shops etc, what happens if you get split up, in general my rule was kids stay still adults try to get to them, not a good strategy on a moving train, when its get off at next stop and wait, adult try to catch up/go back. Note phones generally don't work on the Tube, but there are 'Help' button on all platforms on the Tube and I think on all Tube trains. It doesn't matter what the details of your plan are it matters that you are all working to the same plan.

[@palmsandpalaces]

Yes, I definitely agree! We did not have a plan - but sure did after we got split up! Definitely a learning lesson. Appreciate you sharing!

[@richt71]

Hey Londoner here. Nice video although I don't agree with a few points. Some pubs do good food but many serve frozen food so worth checking ratings first. London may be good value IF you want to visit the things included but many places like museums are free anyway. London eye is ok but there are better free views of London like the Sky Garden building. London is a pretty safe place but like any major world city valuables especially on public transport should be kept in sight at all times. The other thing to be aware of is cell phone snatches by cyclists or scooters passing by. Don't walk along videoing things on the edge of the pavement with your phone held up in front of you. There's free wifi in all tube stations and soon in the tunnels as well but at the moment you need a UK sim network to get this. All train stations offer free wifi though. It should also be noted that yes the pace around tube stations is quick, tubes in central London arrive every 1-2 minutes so don't run for a tube. As well as stand on the right on escalators the other things which will upset Londoners is getting to the ticket barrier and not having your payment ready (card, phone, watch). Also DON'T stop to check directional tube maps at the bottom of an escalator (I've seen this a lot where people were having to shout excuse me rather than land on people stopped right at the bottom of the escalator!). Don't be afraid to ask for help. Londoners do move in their own bubble but will be happy to help if asked.

[@ethelmini]

If you know which tube line you want and in what direction (e.g. Northbound), just follow the arrows.

[@palmsandpalaces]

Thanks for sharing! We opted for Sky Garden/Shard over London Eye, and no regrets! Found the food rating scale very helpful. Was impressed with how many establishments had a 5 - overall, we found the quality of food better than the US. Noted on the Wifi. It was pretty easy to navigate the Tube payment, directions slowed us down a bit at the beginning of our trip - but we did have to remember to not stand in the way! ;) We did find the Londoners willing to help - in fact, a kind gentleman managed to hold the Tube door open for my son so he could hop out with Dad (lesson learned). My daughter and I, were not so lucky, but we found our way back together and did find Londoners to be generous. Thanks for taking the time to share your insight! Please continue to follow along, and have a good day!

[@ethelmini]

@@palmsandpalaces Good choice. As it obscures its own views as it rotates everyone wants to be looking in the same direction at the same time, which is especially bad if it's busy.

[@gmdhargreaves]

Wicked video, so helpful. NEW SUB HERE ❤❤❤

[@palmsandpalaces]

@@gmdhargreaves I’m so glad. Thanks for being here. We appreciate you!

[@Marli-o4g]

Hi. Yes don’t go to eat at or near tourist traps (Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, etc). You can get ripped off because some of those places know that they can get away with serving a frozen ready meal that’s just heated up in the microwave and then charge a fortune for it. Head away from those areas to eat and go to places the locals go. Don’t be afraid to get lost in London (you don’t really get lost, but just step off the main thoroughfares into the quiet side streets and hidden squares).

[@palmsandpalaces]

Great advice! And London really is a lovely place to “get lost.” 💙

[@ethelmini]

Smoking comment is misleading. It's banned in enclosed spaces, You shouldn't have to put up with it in an outside dining area either, though that could be difficult if you're next to a pedestrian area in a busy city.

[@palmsandpalaces]

Interesting. Thanks for sharing! There were a few times where we had to find alternate/indoor seating because of the smoke on the patios and most recently, balcony of a restaurant. No big deal to do so! Appreciate your insight.

[@SiobhanHfuhruhurr-qe1ul]

Smoking is getting more and more frowned upon, but there are some folk that are really ignorant to others when doing it. I smoke myself, but wouldn't light up in a crowded area, or where there are people eating, or where there are children. It's unfortunate that you experienced some entitled people but I'd argue that it's a city thing.

[@djs98blue]

I’d imagine a lot of those smokers were from the rest of Europe where it’s a lot more prevalent than the UK. Try Paris or Barcelona for example.

[@freddiemac1438]

@@djs98blueagreed entirely

[@robcherry6734]

@@djs98blueYou’d be surprised how many Brits still smoke or vape, it’s getting popular with the Teens again 😢

[@dellaanniehughes4533]

Under 12s travel free with adults.

[@judyburgess3357]

Tip for pronounciation, Bath is "BaRth", Castle is "caR-sel, The tube is "the tyube", not toob.. Glad you had a good time, come again.

[@palmsandpalaces]

Thanks!

[@john_smith1471]

Both pronunciations are used by Britons, it depends on your regional accent.