South Bank London Family Day Out: Attractions, Food & Budget Guide
Please note the images within this post was generated using AI for illustrative purposes.
Planning a London day out with the kids?
South Bank is one of the easiest places to combine big attractions, famous landmarks, playgrounds and family-friendly food without travelling across the city. You can ride the London Eye, explore underwater worlds at SEA LIFE, join Shrek on a fairy-tale adventure and see Big Ben, all within a compact sightseeing area.
At a glance: Allow 5 to 7 hours for a relaxed day with two paid attractions, lunch and free sightseeing. Three paid attractions make it a fuller day. You can also enjoy much of the area for free.
Christmas on London's South Bank
Make your family day out extra magical this Christmas! Discover festive experiences, winter activities and family attractions around London's South Bank. Explore what's happening at the London Eye, enjoy Shrek's Christmas activities and plan an underwater adventure at SEA LIFE London.
This section contains affiliate links. Fun Across the World may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Check attraction websites for current events, dates, ticket prices and availability.
Your South Bank Family Itinerary
The following is a suggested schedule, not confirmed attraction availability. Book timed tickets first and adjust the itinerary around them.
Time | What to do | Cost |
|---|---|---|
9:30am | Free | |
10:00am | Paid | |
11:00am | Paid | |
1:00pm | Family lunch | Varies |
2:00pm | Paid | |
3:30pm | Free | |
4:00pm | Riverside walk, statues and street performers | Free |
Allow time for queues, security checks and walking between stops. For younger children, consider choosing only two paid attractions.
South Bank Family Walking Route
Explore eight family-friendly stops along London's South Bank. Tap the numbered markers to discover each attraction, read our guides or check tickets.
Follow the numbered stops in order. The dashed line shows the itinerary sequence, not exact pedestrian paths.
Open Walking Route in Google Maps1. London Eye: See London from Above
Best for: First-time visitors, family photographs and landmark spotting
Step inside a glass capsule for a 30-minute rotation, rising above the Thames for panoramic views of Big Ben, Parliament and the London skyline. Children can turn the ride into a landmark-spotting challenge.
Online from £29 adult / £26 child aged 2 to 15. Under 2s free. Prices vary by date.
FAW tip: Book online ahead of time and consider a clear-weather day. Standard tickets are usually sufficient unless queue time is a major concern.
2. SEA LIFE London: An Underwater Adventure
Best for: Animal lovers, curious children and rainy days
Discover sharks, rays, penguins and other marine creatures across themed aquarium zones. Families can explore underwater habitats and learn about ocean conservation.
Allow around 1½ to 2 hours. Online from £28 adult / £25 child aged 2 to 15. Under 2s free.
FAW tip: Check the day’s feeding and activity schedules. SEA LIFE works particularly well as the main attraction when the weather is poor.
3. Shrek's Adventure! London: Step into Far Far Away
Best for: Shrek fans, storytelling and interactive family fun
Enjoy a 4D flying bus experience, live character performances, fairytale scenes and interactive challenges on a mission to find Shrek.
Around 70 minutes. Online from £21 adult / £16 child aged 2 to 15. Under 2s free.
FAW tip: Some scenes include darkness, loud effects and theatrical surprises. Children sensitive to these may prefer SEA LIFE.
Which Attraction is Best for Your Family?
Attraction | Experience | Time needed | Online adult from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Panoramic sightseeing | 30-min ride, plus queue | £29 | First-time visitors | |
Marine life and aquarium zones | 1½ to 2 hrs | £28 | Animal lovers | |
Interactive live storytelling | 70 mins | £21 | Younger Shrek fans | |
Outdoor playground | 20 to 45 mins | Free | Active play |
Prices checked October 2026, subject to change and availability. Child prices differ from adult prices.
Can you Save with Combination Tickets?
Yes, for families planning more than one paid attraction, a combination ticket may offer better value than separate admission.
Ticket option | Adult online from | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|
£29 | Simple sightseeing visit | |
£49 | Two indoor attractions | |
£54 | Three attractions, one combined ticket |
The three-attraction ticket starts at £54 per adult, compared with £78 for the three individual adult starting prices. Actual family savings depend on the chosen date, child rates and availability. Some combination tickets allow visits across seven days, so families do not have to fit everything into one day.
4. Free Things to do Around South Bank
Jubilee Gardens and Adventure Playground
A free outdoor play area directly behind the London Eye, with climbing equipment, sensory features and space for a picnic. Particularly useful for children up to around 11.
Big Ben and Westminster Bridge
Walk across Westminster Bridge for photographs of the Elizabeth Tower, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Free to enjoy from outside.
Westminster Abbey
Cross towards Parliament Square to admire the Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey. Exterior viewing is free; general tourist entry is ticketed.
Parliament Square Statues
Turn sightseeing into a mini history hunt. Look for statues of Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Millicent Fawcett. Ask children which historical figure they would like to learn about.
Queen's Walk and Riverside Art
Follow the riverside promenade to discover public artworks, seasonal displays, street performers and views across the Thames. Performances and displays vary by day.
FAW family challenge: Can the children spot three statues, two bridges, one famous clock tower and a boat on the Thames? It’s a free way to keep everyone involved in the walk.
5. Where to Eat Near the London Eye
There’s no need to plan a long detour for lunch. These are convenient options around County Hall and the Southbank Centre.
Food Option | Best For | Food Type |
|---|---|---|
Locale Southbank | Staying near the main attractions | Pizza and pasta |
Giraffe | Casual family meals | International dishes |
Wahaca Southbank | Families sharing plates | Mexican |
Honest Burgers South Bank | Straightforward family lunch | Burgers and chips |
Jubilee Gardens Picnic | Keeping costs down | Packed lunch |
For restaurant menus, approximate spending, dietary options and more recommendations,
6. South Bank Family Day-out Budget Calculator
South Bank Family Budget Calculator
Planning a family day out in London? Choose your attractions, adjust ticket prices and calculate your estimated family spending.
1. Your Family
Children under 2 are excluded from the ticket calculation. Free infant tickets may still need to be booked.
2. Choose Your Attractions
3. Additional Spending
Ticket prices are editable example starting prices, not live quotes. Actual costs depend on date, ticket type and availability. Combination-ticket discounts are not automatically included.
Ready to Book Your Attractions?
Check current ticket prices and availability for the attractions you selected.
London Eye Tickets Check Prices ↗ SEA LIFE & Multi-Attraction Tickets Check Offers ↗ Shrek's Adventure! Tickets Check Prices ↗Illustrative online starting prices, October 2026. Children under 2 are excluded because standard entry is free, but free tickets may still be required. This estimate does not automatically apply bundle discounts.
7. Essential Tips Before Visiting
Book ahead: Online tickets can be cheaper than walk-up prices, particularly during school holidays.
Choose your attractions carefully: Two paid attractions plus free sightseeing is often more relaxed than three.
Check your entry times: Some multi-attraction tickets require separate timed reservations.
Plan for the weather: Bring layers for the riverside; SEA LIFE and Shrek’s Adventure are indoor options.
Allow for facilities: Jubilee Gardens has nearby paid public toilets. Check individual attractions for accessibility and pushchair arrangements.
FAQ's
- Can you visit the London Eye, SEA LIFE and Shrek’s Adventure in one day?
Yes, provided you book suitable time slots and allow for queues, lunch and breaks. It will be a busy day, particularly with younger children.
- Is South Bank suitable for toddlers?
Yes. The riverside, London Eye and Jubilee Gardens offer family-friendly activities. Check attraction-specific age guidance and sensory effects before booking.
- What can families do for free near the London Eye?
Visit Jubilee Gardens, walk across Westminster Bridge, photograph Big Ben, see the statues in Parliament Square and explore the riverside.
- Is Westminster Abbey included in this itinerary?
The exterior is an optional sightseeing stop. A paid visit inside the Abbey requires extra time and is better treated as a separate activity.
- Is it cheaper to buy a combination ticket?
It can be. Compare the total for your exact family and date before purchasing, as child rates and promotions vary.
Plan your South Bank Adventure
From the London Eye to Shrek’s fairytale world, South Bank has plenty to offer families with different interests and budgets. Choose the experiences your children will enjoy most, make time for free attractions and check combined tickets before booking.