Cheap, family day out in London – Regent’s Park

Hubs with L and C, in amongst the blossom in London.

Hubs with L and C, in amongst the blossom in London.

I’m forever hearing people complain that London is too expensive. Which it is if you want to do certain things. However there are oodles of activities that you can do in London that cost nothing or very little. We had one such family outing the weekend before last, when the weather was still lovely and sunny.

We’d had several busy weekends where we hadn’t had time to stop and just be together as a family, so we set aside the Sunday to do just that. Seeing as the sunny weather was set to last we decided to head to Regent’s Park.

Me with L and C in Regent's Park

Me with L and C in Regent’s Park

As a family, we LOVE London’s parks, as there are just so many of them. We have frequented Green Park, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Battersea Park, Kew Gardens, Tooting Commons, Clapham Common, and no doubt others that I have forgotten. But we have only ever passed by Regent’s Park.

What a mistake as it is beautiful.

Hubs with L and C in front of fountain and blossom in Regent's Park

Hubs with L and C in front of fountain and blossom in Regent’s Park

Going at the right time of year, in gorgeous sunshine probably helped too. There were flowers and blossom everywhere, and the gardens were immaculate.

We came fully prepared for our day there with L, aged 7, and C, aged 16 months. We had picnic blankets, sandwiches, salad, snacks, drinks, badminton rackets, books and more.

The day we decided to go there was engineering work on various tube lines, meaning we would need 3 tubes to get there, so we opted to take just 2 tubes, and to wander up from Oxford Circus, through some of London’s beautiful streets.

Once we got to Regent’s Park we strolled through the gardens, savouring the blossom, watching squirrels, and just generally spending some quality family time together. After a while the kids* were getting hungry so we set up our picnic camp on an area of the softest, greenest grass.

*Hubs and I

Hubs with L and C, all set for our picnic.

Hubs with L and C, all set for our picnic.

After tucking into our home-prepared picnic we settled C down for a nap in the shade.

Naptime for C

Naptime for C

While Hubs had a nap, I read my book, and L went off to explore the area nearby.

Naptime for Hubs

Naptime for Hubs

A bit later, once our picnic had digested a bit, Hubs and L had a game of badminton, whilst C discovered the joy of walking on springy grass.

L playing badminton with Hubs

L playing badminton with Hubs

C takes tentative steps on the springy grass.

C takes tentative steps on the springy grass.

By this stage it was getting busier, so we chose to go for another wander, and tried out C’s new rucksack/reins thingy, even though Hubs says people will think we’re treating her like a dog. She loves it and is safe, so who cares what people think?!

Hubs with C on the lead!

Hubs with C on the lead!

L was in 7 year old heaven when we came across some trees for her to climb – in her eyes no outdoor outing is complete without some tree-climbing!

L enjoying her favourite pastime - tree climbing.

L enjoying her favourite pastime – tree climbing.

Around 5pm it started getting cooler, and everyone was getting tired, so we decided to stroll back towards Oxford Circus, taking in Wimpole Street, where Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady lived (L and I are My Fair Lady fans!).

We had got colour in our cheeks, fresh air in our lungs, and stretched out some muscles, whilst spending some really quality timeย en famille. I can’t recommend this kind of day enough.

C and me, at the end of a wonderful day :-)

C and me, at the end of a wonderful day ๐Ÿ™‚

And the cost of such a day out in London? ยฃ5.40 tube fare for Hubs and me (under 11s travel free on the tube). You can’t say fairer than that.

For the first time, I’m linking up to Country Kids from Coombe Mill, click on the linky below to see other family’s outdoor activities:

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

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14 Responses

  1. karen jones says:

    What a lovely day. I love visiting London and walking around everywhere. Tiring but so much to see and if the weather is right, PERFECT.
    karen jones recently posted…The early bird and all thatMy Profile

    • Franglaise Mummy says:

      It’s such a fab city for just walking around in, you can’t beat it when the weather is good!

  2. I’ve only been to Regent’s Park once – on our way to the zoo – I do remember it being lovely though … and great for a cheap and fun day out.
    Rosie @Eco-Gites of Lenault recently posted…Guest Blog: holidaying in franceMy Profile

  3. Tarana says:

    Looks like you had a wonderful time! On our trip to London, we just loved the parks. It’s the best place to take kids to.
    Tarana recently posted…Toddler Tales (27): Colour PlayMy Profile

  4. If you are looking for more ideas for free family days out in London, take a look at the listings on our website http://www.fabfamilydays.co.uk – we’ve got all the London Royal Parks listed and lots more great locations and ideas for family days out.

  5. Shell Louise says:

    Glad you had a lovely family day out. We’re hoping for a weekend of good weather after the drop in temperature we’ve had recently.
    It’ll be lovely to get out and about for a change ๐Ÿ™‚
    Shell Louise recently posted…How does your garden grow? #hdygg?My Profile

    • Franglaise Mummy says:

      It sounds like it’s going to be another good one – just in time for mothers’ day ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. Vicky Myers says:

    Sounds like a great day, we love parks:)
    Vicky Myers recently posted…Sunday Catch UpMy Profile

  7. Oh it looks glorious! I’m a huge fan of being able to have a nap on a picnic blanket ๐Ÿ˜‰
    Kate Williams recently posted…Silent SundayMy Profile

    • Franglaise Mummy says:

      It was wonderful! And you can’t beat a post-lunch nap on a picnic blanket ๐Ÿ™‚

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