Day out with children in London – the Transport Museum

The London Transport Museum must be one of my favourite places to visit with children on a day out in London. So you can imagine how surprised I was, when I found out that it doesn’t even make it is only #79 on the list of London’s Museums on Tripadvisor. It doesn’t even make top 10 London’s museums according to families.

Yes, I can hear those screams – what about Harry Potter’s Studio or the National History Museum? Don’t get me wrong, these are great places. However, when it comes to visiting London, I think everyone wants to get a photo of a red double-decker bus. In the transport museum, you can sit behind the wheel of one of these magnificent vehicles.

So here I am, on a mission to make sure that every family who visits London knows it is there and plan an amazing day out in London.

 

What we like about the London Transport Museum

The museum is very hands-on. The kids can touch and try almost everything. Fixing a tube train? Drive a red London bus? Or maybe climb one the old omnibus? It is all there and it is guaranteed to keep your children busy on your day out in London.

It offers a great combination of modern, interactive technology with experience of historical modes of transport that kept London moving for almost two centuries. The exhibitions are both engaging and educational.

Your little ones can learn how to build a tunnel or drive a train whilst learning about the environmental benefits of using public transport. Easily, you can turn your family day out in London into a real-life lesson.

Children can also try the drivers’ uniforms, high vis engineer’s vests and play different roles in the busy public transport organisation.

There are also stamp collection points located across the museum. At the entry kids can get a stamp collection cards and as they move throughout various sections complete the collection.

Don’t get me wrong, there is also huge amount of interesting information for adults to keep them entertained.

There is also the museum shop where you can buy all sorts of products, toys, books with the world famous London transport “roundel” logo.

The good news is, that additionally to the permanent exhibition there are always additional shows, demonstrations and temporary events that give you something more, every time you visit.

 

 

Location

The London Transport Museum has actually two locations. The main one in the Covent Garden and a depot in Acton.

It is interesting that the main building can easily be missed despite its Central London location. I suspect it is because of all the distractions of the Covent Garden itself. The restaurants, shops and countless artists performing in the pedestrianised square just outside the museum may make you miss it.

Don’t!

Just look around and you will definitely spot the large building in the corner.

 

Tickets

Unlike for many of London museums the entry is not free. You need to buy the tickets to get in. However, there is some good news here.

Firstly, the children and youth up to the age of 18 has a free entry. Secondly, if you buy tickets online there is a discount for adults.

There is also additional benefit. The ticket entitles you to unlimited number of visits for 12 months from the date of purchase.

 

…just don’t miss it…

The London Transport Museum is a great destination for a day out with children in London. It can be easily just and afternoon visit or a whole day event. I would strongly recommend putting it on your itinerary of the next visit in the capital. If staying away from the city is your thing, here is our recommendation for a weekend away from London.

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