Planning a trip to the capital? Book a stay at one of our Central London or London airport hotels, with easy access to the city centre. Whatever your requirements, Leonardo Hotels offer the perfect base for your London visit. See what London offers and book a romantic city break or a family staycation today.
London is a perfect destination for a family trip, full of kid-friendly, educational attractions. From riding the London Eye to exploring the Tower of London, there’s so much to see and do. Some of the top family attractions in London are:
Charles Dickens Museum
Immerse yourself in the London home of Charles Dickens and discover the inspiration for "Food Glorious Food". This fantastic museum is located on Doughty St and less than a ten minute walk from NYX Hotel London Holborn. Step back in time with original drafts produced by Dickens himself and bedrooms full of old quaint furniture. The museum offers free entry and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am - 5pm.
British Museum
Discover everything you need to know about Britain at the The British Museum in Bloomsbury. This iconic institution displays some of the largest works of history and culture from British history, as well as a number of popular exhibitions throughout the year. The museum is free of charge, open daily from 10am and is just a 4 minute walk from NYX Hotel London Holborn or a short tube ride away from our Leonardo Royal hotels.
Museum of Croydon
The Museum of Croydon gives you an opportunity to become familiar with Croydon’s history as it showcases a range of historical artefacts from the borough’s past. With collections of Chinese ceramics and pottery, and rare articles from Crystal Palace FC, the local football club, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the diverse local history of Croydon.
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am to 5pm, and all galleries are free to enter. It is situated just under a ten minute walk from Leonardo Hotel London Croydon.
RISE Gallery
The RISE Gallery in Croydon houses a collection of modern and contemporary work, from urban contemporary to post-war pop, in an innovative array of outstanding art. With previous exhibitions of the work of Femme Fierce, Damien Hirst and Britain’s own Banksy, the gallery promises exciting and influential showcases all year round.
RISE Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 6pm, and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays. Entrance is free to the gallery, which is located five minutes by car from our hotel in Croydon.
Hamption Court Palace
The Hampton Court Palace was Henry VIII's royal residence and is less than a half an hour drive from our Heathrow Hotel. The palace is the perfect place to go if you want to soak up medieval charm, featuring 60 acres of beautiful gardens, a famous maze, the vast Tudor kitchens and the popular Base Court. Visitors are also welcome to explore the Haunted Gallery and discover the Baroque Palace.
Croydon Minster
The most prominent church in the borough, Croydon Minster is a magnificent establishment with roots in the 11th Century. Dedicated to St John the Baptist, the church is medieval in appearance with a perpendicular structure, and bears the arms of archbishops Courtenay and Chicheley. The church’s interior houses a huge stain-glass window and a large pipe organ, giving it a warm and spiritual atmosphere.
Croydon Minster is open daily, except Thursdays, from 10am to 4pm, and 10.30am to 1pm on Saturdays. The Minster is situated a fifteen minute walk from Leonardo Hotel London Croydon.
Central London Museums
A journey into Central London will take you to three of the city’s most renowned museums, all less than a minute’s walk from each other.
The Natural History Museum houses a range of exhibits, from dinosaur fossils to volcano displays, as well as the Waterhouse Gallery and the Wildlife Garden. Grab some food at the Restaurant or one of the many cafes, before visiting one of the three shops for a selection of Natural History souvenirs.
The Science Museum is home to some of the most enjoyable, hands on experiences in London, offering exhibitions relating to the human body, the science of engineering, and the wonders of technology. The gift store provides the perfect place to buy all sorts of fantastic gadgets, toys, and educational items.
The Victoria and Albert Museum stocks several unique collections of architecture, books, ceramics, furniture, fashion, and more. With exhibits dedicated to contemporary and historic art and design, from examples of early printing to rare 17th century items of clothing, the V&A is celebrated for its distinctive displays.
The three museums are all within a few minutes of each other, and around 30 minutes from our central London Hotels. Choose between Leonardo Royal London City, Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge, Leonardo Royal London St. Paul's or NYX Hotel London Holborn. Alternatively, the museums are around 50 minutes from Leonardo Hotel London Croydon by public transport.
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world and the family home to British kings and queens for over 1,000 years. The 13 acre castle contains the State Apartments, extenstive suites of rooms, the Drawing Gallery, with an added bonus of St. George's Chapel and they are all open to visitors. Stay at Leonardo London Heathrow Airport and arrive at Windsor Castle within a twenty minute drive.
Watford Museum
Taking you on a journey through the town’s history, Watford Museum lets you explore everything from industry and fine art to Watford Football Club memorabilia and Cassiobury heritage. The museum is free to enter, open Thursdays to Saturdays from 10am until 5pm. Housed in the former Benskins Brewery Mansion, Watford Museum is just a short ten minute walk from our Watford hotel.
New Watford Market
Given a major remodelling in late 2014, the New Watford Market offers a modern market experience with a number of stalls selling food, fashion, furnishings and more. Whether you’re spoiling yourself with beauty treatments and cosmetics or eating at the ever popular Speakeasy Diner, the New Watford Market is the perfect place to spend a day out.
Watford Indoor Market is open on Tuesdays and Thursday to Saturday between 9am and 5:30pm, while on Wednesdays only the upper floors are open between these hours You can find the market just a five minute walk from Leonardo Hotel London Watford.
Watford Palace Theatre
Housed in a beautiful Edwardian Grade II listed building, Watford Palace Theatre is a unique and integral part of Watford’s heritage and community. With a range of events, productions and film screenings, Watford Palace Theatre offers a plethora of entertainment for anyone visiting this underrated city! Take a look at upcoming shows to see what’s on during your stay. The theatre is just down the road (a minute walk) from our hotel in Watford.
The London Eye
Towering over England’s capital city at 135 metres tall, the London Eye offers a unique experience with panoramic views of the whole of London from one of the biggest and most recognized Ferris wheels in the world. A symbol of the city, no trip to London is complete without boarding one of its most popular tourist attractions, taking in iconic structures such as The Shard, Tower Bridge, the Gherkin, and the Houses of Parliament, and many more.
The London Eye is open daily with the first rides at 10am and the last varying depending on time of season. The Eye is situated on the banks of the Thames, around 20 minutes by public transport from three of our central London hotels. Choose between our hotel in Holborn, our hotel on Coopers Row or our hotel in Godliman Street. Discover the rest of our hotels near the London Eye
LEGOLAND UK
With a suprise around every corner, lively music and approximately 60 million LEGO bricks, LEGOLAND UK has something geared towards every member of the family and it's less than a half an hour drive from our Heathrow hotel. The park features 12 different themed lands including the Land of the Vikings, Knights Kingdom and Pirate Shores plus a Miniland with tiny iconic landmarks from across the world! For those adults and adventurous teens the park also includes thrilling roller coasters and interative adventures.
Southbank Centre
The Southbank Centre lies just south of the River Thames, and boasts a reputation for being one of England’s liveliest and most dynamic centres of culture, entertainment, and the arts. Home to performers such as the Philharmonic Orchestra, the venue hosts thousands of artists and musicians every year, ranging from classical music to pop music, dance, literature, and the visual arts, offering visitors a chance to immerse in one of London’s most artistic hubs.
During the summer months, London Wonderground offers a selection of impressive cabaret, circus, and comedy shows, and during winter, one of London’s best Winter Markets covers the Southbank. There’s also a variety of places to enjoy food or drink, including Wagamama, Skylon, and Las Iguanas, as well as stores selling gifts, books, and more. The venue is open from 10am-11pm every day with free entry, and it is 15 minutes by public transport from NYX Hotel London Holborn or less than 20 minutes from Leonardo Royal London City and Leonardo Royal London St. Paul's.
BFI Imax
The biggest cinema screen in Britain resides at the BFI Imax in London Waterloo, standing at over 20 metres high and 26 metres wide. With a capacity of just under 500, the cinema shows the very latest releases alongside old favourites and a selection of educational films.
The venue also has a Costa Coffee and a Yog, as well as a bar and beer garden, perfect for a drink before or after the screening. The BFI Imax in Waterloo is just under 12 minutes from our hotel in Holborn via public transport or less than 20 minutes via public transport to our hotel beside St.Paul's Cathedral.
InGolf Croydon
InGolf Croydon holds the key to a relaxed afternoon of golf for amateurs and experts alike with its life-like simulators, capable of taking you to any course in the world. Choose from 9 or 18-hole games and compete with your friends and family for bragging rights, or bring your own clubs and have a go on the virtual driving range!
Get feedback on your stroke play instantly with all the technical details you need, including ball speed and club distances, and play golf like the professionals. From only £5 for a thirty minute practice session, InGolf Croydon is the perfect place to enjoy a casual swing. Open from 8am to 9.30pm on weekdays and from 10am to 7.30pm on weekends, InGolf is a ten minute drive from Leonardo Hotel London Croydon.
The Royal Observatory
London’s Royal Observatory in Greenwich is one of the most historically significant locations in the world. Set up in the late 17th century, it has since been the official starting point of every day, year, and millennium by international ruling. The Observatory also houses the only planetarium in London, affording visually spectacular views of the universe, from our own solar system to galaxies far, far away.
Visitors can grab a bite to eat at the nearby Royal Maritime Museum Café, where they offer freshly baked goods, hot meals, salads, sandwiches, tea, and coffee. The Royal Observatory is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Sunday, and adult tickets cost £9.50. Planetarium tickets are £9.50 for adults, with shows running from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. The Observatory is a 42 minute drive from Leonardo Hotel London Croydon or you can take a boat trip along the Thames from Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge and arrive within 50 minutes.
Fairfield Halls
Opened by the Queen Mother in 1962, Fairfield Halls has been the cultural heartbeat of Croydon for over 50 years. The Halls consist of three buildings – the Concert Hall is the biggest, and can host almost 1800 people in its elegantly decorated auditorium. The Hall offers internationally renowned acoustics and a set list to match, with outstanding names such as Don McLean, Dawn French and David Hasselhoff on the roster.
Fairfield Halls is also home to The Terrace Restaurant, which has a panoramic view of the city, The Foyer Brasserie, and a range bars perfect for a pre- or post-show drink. The Box Office is open Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm, and 8pm on show nights. Fairfield Halls is only six minute walk from Leonardo Hotel London Croydon.
Warner Bros Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter
Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Harry Potter with the Warner Bros Studio Tour. The immensely popular films and books created a love all things Harry Potter, and this exciting attraction offers a peak at the studios where the iconic movie series began.
Explore sets, costumes, props, animatronics and much more. Whether you’re visiting as a group or a family, this is an exclusive behind the scenes journey for all ages.
The Warner Bros Studio is either a short 15-minute bus ride with an eight-minute walk, or a ten-minute drive from Leonardo Hotel London Watford.
Woodside Leisure Park
Woodside Leisure Park is situated a few miles north of the town centre and offers a bustling venue filled with endless fun! With a multiplex cinema, bowling, arcades, a play dome, and a number of restaurants, this leisure park is the ideal place to enjoy a family day out.
Woodside Leisure Park is a short ten minute drive or 20 minute bus journey from Leonardo Hotel London Watford.
Cheslyn House and Gardens
Cheslyn House and Gardens offers a beautiful urban oasis with pond, rock garden, and large herbaceous borders, and is considered ‘Watford’s best kept secret’. There are a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a range of wildlife, from badgers and the occasional Muntjac deer to the many species of bird found in the aviary.
The garden is free of charge and open daily between 9am and 4-8pm depending on the time of year. Cheslyn House and Garden is a 12 minute bus journey or a five minute drive from Leonardo Hotel London Watford.
Wembley Park
Boasting a rich history, Wembley Park is one of the most renowned entertainment and shopping districts in the world. The stadium and arena alone have hosted some of the biggest performers in the world, from music to sporting legends - and that tradition continues today. Whether you are visiting Wembley Park for a concert, sporting event, or a market, you’ll always be spoilt for choice.
Wembley Park is a train ride from Watford Junction to Wembley Central Rail station. Plan your trip via the TFL (Transport for London) website, which has up-to-date timetables and service information.
Thorpe Park
With more than 30 thrilling rides, Thorpe Park is for a more grown-up visitor. and it's located less than 30 minutes from Leonardo London Heathrow Airport. Featuring some of the highest, fastest and steepest rides in the country, the park is the perfect place to share endless fun with family and friends. For those with smaller family members, the park also includes an Angry Birds land with a 4-D adventure. A 4-lane super slide and tidal wave ride is also at the park for those sunny days.
Watford Colosseum
Located in the heart of the city centre, Watford Colosseum offers a thriving hub of live music and theatre. After a recent refurbishment, the venue has become the ‘world class venue it once was’ and is renowned for its acoustic qualities. With a diverse selection of events to choose from, there is something to suit everyone, take a look at What’s on for more details.
The Watford Colosseum is around a ten minute walk from our Leonardo Hotel London Watford hotel.
Cassiobury Park
Discover Watford’s urban oasis, Cassiobury Park, which offers a range of sports facilities as well as plenty of entertainment for children, including paddling pools, a play area, a miniature railway and a bouncy castle during the summer months.
The Park has plenty of open spaces for picnics and games – perfect for a rounders match on a summer day. There is also a tea pavilion where you can warm up in the colder months.
At the end of the park you can find the Cassiobury Park Nature Reserve, an ideal spot to explore natural beauty and wildlife – occasionally, Munjac Deer are seen wandering the woodland. Cassiobury Park is just a twelve-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel London Watford.
Wembley Stadium
Visiting Wembley for a concert or sporting event? With several public transport options including trams and trains, our London Hotels are the the ideal place to stay to avoid getting caught in the congestion surrounding the Stadium.
Vicarage Road
With a Premiership football club at less than 15-minute walking distance, grab yourself a last-minute ticket and watch a game!
If football isn’t for you, take yourself shopping in the INTU Watford shopping centre mentioned above, while the rest of your party enjoy an afternoon of football.
Covent Garden
NYX Hotel London Holborn and Leonardo Royal London City is located less than 10 minutes from one of the top shopping destinations in London, Covent Garden. This luxury shopping district offers a range of independant boutiques and high-fashion brands, perfect for a day our in London City. Choose from Bluebird, Tiffany & Co. to Toy shops and unique Boho stores. This well known shopping area also offers a plethora of restaurants and cafes, so visitors can spend the entire day taking in the City style.
Whitgift Shopping Centre
Croydon’s Whitgift Shopping Centre is the primary shopping destination in the borough. With a huge range of outlets from clothing and fashion to electronics and everything in between, Whitgift is the ideal location for a relaxed day of shopping, eating, and drinking.
The Whitgift is open from 9am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays, and is located just five minutes from our hotel in Croydon.
Elmsleigh Shopping Centre
Elmsleigh Shopping Centre is located in the heart of Staines and just a short 15 minute drive from Leonardo London Heathrow Airport. The shopping centre has all high street brands with a large selection of upmarket shops too. There is a wide variety of places to eat and drink ranging from Costa to Grape Tree
Centrale Shopping Centre
The Centrale in Croydon is the perfect place to spend an afternoon of retail therapy, with a number of high street shops including Aldo, Debenhams, and Sports Direct, as well as several places to grab some food.
The shopping centre is open from 10am on weekdays, 9am on Saturday and 11am on Sunday, and closes at 6.30pm on Mondays to Wednesdays, 8.30pm on Thursday, 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 5pm on Sundays. The Centrale is only a five minute walk from Leonardo Hotel London Croydon.
Petticoat Lane Market
If you're visiting London, you don't want to miss out on Petticoat Lane Market located less than ten minutes from our central London hotels. This world famous market features a large range of clothes including designer labels, plus a number of other items perfect for gifting or house decorating. With more than 1,000 stalls, visitors are guaranteed to find what they are looking for.
INTU Watford
Just a five-minute walk from Leonardo Hotel London Watford and next door to the city high-street is the intu Watford shopping centre, which is packed with stores to keep you busy! With a range of store types from fashion and footwear to electrical and toys, this extensive shopping centre has something for everyone.