Paris and traveled throughout Europe. He is the author of Let's Take the Kids to London, Beyond Downton Abbey, and Portugal —A Tale of Small Cities. David is the editor of the new history fiction novel The Scottish Ruin Keeper by Deb Hosey White.
David’s travel articles have appeared in the Washington Post, the Charlotte Observer, The Three Tomatoes ezine, AAA World Magazine, and in numerous travel websites and online magazines.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book with the expectation that I would provide an honest review.
Having traveled to Europe several times (including to London) with our own children (aged 8 and 10 at the time), we have a pretty good idea of how to see London with kids. We can enthusiastically recommend this book as not just a great guide for taking kids to London as well as a valuable resource for planning any trip with children. It will certainly help the travelling family get the best experience for their money.
The book is laid out in typical guidebook fashion, with sites grouped by theme (parks, museums, history, etc.) with each site briefly described with good comments on its value (some are described as tacky, which is certainly true) as well as a summary of hours, cost, transport, and other details. This book has few pictures and is printed in black, white and pink. It reminds us of the format used by Fodor's.
The author suggests a couple walking tours which are well-designed.
A couple things that the author left out which we think are helpful: At Westminster Abbey, they have a kid’s scavenger hunt that really keeps the kids occupied while helping the adults (who are helping the kids) really see the detail of this magnificent building.
Our criticism would be that in an effort to avoid publishing actual prices (which admittedly can change quickly) for various attractions, he has only provided a qualitative statement (e.g. Moderate, Expensive) without providing a range of what these costs might be. However, these comments are enough to give you a general idea of cost, especially in relation to others. Since he has provided web addresses for most locations, the prudent traveler can check prices ahead of time at home.
It’s certainly worth spending some time to get the kids of the couch for a few weeks before your trip to exercise so they can keep up with the walking. It would be useful to discuss culture and history before you go in order to appreciate and put things in context.
The more general travel tips at the back of the book provides great suggestions and well-learned tips on how to plan for execute a trip. Chapters on Money, Internet and phones, British terminology and transport are useful for anyone making their first trip to the UK—with or without kids.
Just in time for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the summer Olympics, the fourth edition of Let’s Take the Kids to London gives readers everything they need to enjoy an entertaining family holiday in London that blends culture, history, and just plain fun for parents and children alike.
In addition to introducing a multitude of amusing things to do and see in London, Let’s Take the Kids to London is crammed with practical advice and tips on everything from getting from the airport to the hotel to finding a doctor, changing money, and calling home. Children of all ages will enjoy discovering where Sherlock Holmes, Mary Poppins, and Paddington Bear lived and following the footsteps of Harry Potter and Peter Pan.
Additional features include:
• Detailed, up-to-date information for families visiting London's tourist sites
• Child-savvy advice on the city's attractions, events, dining, and lodging
• Trip-planning tips for families—from finding public toilets to surviving motion sickness and airline food
• Humorous antidotes to the inevitable tribulationsfaced by traveling families
Let’s Take the Kids to London, by David Stewart White, gives readers everything they need to enjoy an entertaining family holiday in London that blends culture, history, and just plain fun for parents and children alike.
In addition to introducing a multitude of amusing things to do and see in London, Let’s Take the Kids to London is crammed with practical advice and tips on everything from getting from the airport to the hotel to finding a doctor, changing money, and calling home. Children of all ages will enjoy discovering where Sherlock Holmes, Marry Poppins, and Paddington Bear lived and following the footsteps of Harry Potter and Peter Pan.
We're excited to announce the fifth edition of: Let's Take the Kids to London will be available in the spring of 2015.
We spent much of the fall criss-crossing the city, checking facts, visiting sites, and interviewing some fascinating people. Check back in early 2015...or you can pre-order the book now.
As always, we try to personally answer London travel questions at mail@KidsToLondon.com.