10 ways to keep the kids occupied during a train journey to London

This Easter we are planning a day trip to London with the kids. It will be Jack's first time visiting the big smoke and ever since we visited the Southbank, Natural History Museum and Science Museum with Harry and Heidi a few years ago, they have been begging us to return.

10 ways to keep the kids occupied during a train journey to London

There's no getting away from the fact that accommodation in London is expensive, especially as a family of 5 when it's not as easy as booking a cheap Travelodge deal. After a lot of careful consideration we have decided to travel from Newcastle to London and back in one day. Virgin Trains East Coast can get you there in under 3 hours so really, it should be quicker than driving somewhere like Alton Towers and when you look at it like that, it makes sense.

Virgin Trains customers are also eligible for various 2 for 1 offers when visiting the capital on top attractions including The Tower of London, Madame Tussauds London, The London Eye, ZSL London Zoo and lots more. We're planning on visiting The Houses of Parliament (it's on my bucket list!) and Madame Tussauds London then exploring a little of the Southbank before heading home.


We have endured many LONG journeys in the car before (remember Peppa Pig World in 2014) so I am sure a short trip on the train will be a breeze in comparison. Especially as I can enjoy a glass or two of wine on the way home! However I have found a few things that will keep the kids occupied during our journey. Some of these links are affiliate links.

First of all, I have fallen in love with this London Bus Back Pack 


1 - Sticker Dolly Dressing London 
There is a part of Madame Tussauds London that is dedicated to  London Fashion Week and I'm sure this will inspire our creativity.


2 - London Activity Pack
We bought this is 2014 and it was such a good buy that I am planning on buying them again.


3 - 100 Things for Little Children to do on the train 
We have the car version of these cards and there is loads to keep the little one's entertained and I'm sure the train version will be just as good. 


4 - iPad 
Nothing like a good old electronic babysitter for keeping the kids entertained for a bit :-) 


5 - London children's map for kids 
Again, we bought this for our last trip to London and it was actually handy for grown ups too! 


6 - Learn to draw a London bus 
I love this little activity and might even have a shot myself. 


7 - London themed picnic lunch  (Photo Credit:-  Eats Amazing)
This London themed packed lunch box will make for a wonderful snack on board.


8 - Teach the kids how to use the underground
I know that some grown ups struggle to use the underground and I think navigating public transport is a very important skill for children to learn. We'll use the tube map in our children's map to help us plan these and our own journeys. 


9 - Play Uno 
Uno is our family's favourite game and I'll definitely be popping our deck into my handbag.



10 - London colouring book 
I just love this colouring book and think I'll not be able to resist helping out. 

What do you think? Have you travelled to London via train with the kids? Let me know your tips too. 

10 ways to keep the kids occupied during a train journey to London

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15 comments

  1. ooh I love the London pack and we never go anywhere without the iPads, or Uno although it gets competitive x

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  2. Great tips there Sam... I find being on a train with kids WAY more relaxing than the 5/6 hour drive... sometimes it's just enough for them to have a wander up to the buffet car or stare out of the window. But yes, iPads, snacks and activity books are a great idea!!! You'll all be so bushed on the way home I imagine the return journey will go in a flash :-)

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  3. I'm incredibly lucky to live a 20 min train journey from Euston so London is super easy for me but for you a train journey would be so much better than driving. Great tips x

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  4. Love all the things you have featured. Our UNO cards come everywhere with us too, and my daughter loves the Sticker Dolly Dressing books. Love the London back pack too. Have a great trip. I am sure the train journey will zoom by and enjoy your day in the big smoke x

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  5. Great post! I don't live that far from London, so this is something I'd easily forget about!

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  6. I haven't been to London for years, never thought of doing the train there and back in a day. Some great tips

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  7. I'm off to London tomorrow with my Sister. So excited. We'll have our ipads to keep us occupied even in our 20's.

    Katie x

    www.katiejaneonline.com

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  8. Great post - we love a train journey, but have only tackled around a two hour journey with my youngest so far. He's had enough by then, but he is only 3! Kaz x

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  9. We had half an hour journey on the train with Boo and she was a nightmare - it was packed though. These are great ideas of a long journey on a train!

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  10. Oh some great tips here and some I will use myself for sure

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  11. Ah off to London this weekend and I am so excited. Great post.

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  12. I can imagine having the iPad is an absolute god send x

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  13. Oh some lovely ideas here!!! I found that the kindle came in handy on our train journey and also took along some activity packs! I love the London activity pack, that looks great! Also love the London bus bag :) Thanks for sharing xx

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  14. Oh some great trips here and some day i will visit for sure

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  15. Aww some lovely ideas. I have to admit when we go on a long journey the iPad is definitely first in the bag

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