Our Family Friendly Guide to Mayfair, London.

Imagery from: The Ned, Native King’s Wardrobe, St Pauls Cathedral, Ralph Lauren Café

Mayfair may be known for its elegant hotels, designer boutiques and polished restaurants, but it is also surprisingly well suited to families. Beneath the glamour, this iconic London neighbourhood offers plenty for little ones and grown-ups alike, from beautiful places to stay and child-friendly dining spots to charming cafés, inspiring exhibitions and classic London experiences just a short stroll away.

Whether you are checking into The May Fair Hotel, stopping for pastries at Le Café by Nicolas Rouzaud, spending an afternoon immersed in the world of Wes Anderson at the Design Museum, or letting little ones run wild at Hamleys, Mayfair makes family time feel effortlessly stylish. Here is our guide to the best family-friendly things to do in and around Mayfair, London.

By Alice Codford

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WHERE TO STAY: The May Fair Hotel

We recently had the pleasure of staying at The May Fair Hotel, and it was every bit as luxurious as expected, while also being incredibly family-friendly. The location is excellent, right in the heart of Mayfair, London, close to fantastic shops, restaurants, and plenty to do.

From the moment we arrived to check in, we were greeted by lovely staff, who kindly gifted our little one a teddy bear and served us a glass of English sparkling wine - a win for the whole family. The hotel lobby is incredibly chic and inviting, and the hotel’s restaurant, The May Fair Kitchen, is a must-visit whether you’re staying at the hotel or not.

If you enjoy afternoon tea, you’ll love it even more at The May Fair Kitchen. It was one of the best we’ve had in London, and what made it even more special was that the children’s afternoon tea was every bit as delicious and beautifully presented as the adult version. Dinner was also a hit with the family, thanks to a delicious mix of elevated Japanese izakaya and Italian cuisine that we all thoroughly enjoyed and would happily return for.

To top it all off, breakfast was outstanding, with plenty of delicious options for children, including pancakes and French toast, which went down very well with all of us.

If you stay at The May Fair, we recommend booking one of the newly refurbished Family Rooms. They are chic and spacious, with a large walk-in wardrobe area and a huge family bathroom complete with a separate shower and bath, two sinks, and, did we mention? - a TV by the bath. It made bathtime wonderfully easy.

What made our stay even more special wasn’t just the incredible food or the comfortable room, but the genuinely warm and friendly staff, especially in the restaurant.

Book a Family Room at The May Fair Hotel here.

WHERE TO EAT: Le Café by Nicolas Rouzaud

While not a restaurant, Le Café by Nicolas Rouzaud, which recently opened in Burlington Arcade, is a gem of a spot for children who enjoy delicious pastries that look like works of art. Just a short walk from The May Fair Hotel, Burlington Arcade is home to a number of incredible shops, including Manolo Blahnik and Strathberry, making it a lovely place to stroll before or after a visit.

Earlier this year, one of Europe’s most celebrated master pâtissiers, Nicolas Rouzaud, opened this elegant café, bringing his signature French artistry to Mayfair. Known for his exquisite fruit-focused pastries and deep respect for French culinary tradition, Rouzaud has created a destination that brings together specialty coffee, bakery, and pâtisserie, alongside a refined breakfast and lunch menu that feels seasonal, comforting, and beautifully executed.

Each creation blends emotion, precision, and artistry, from the signature brioche, a reimagining of a childhood classic, to drinks crafted like desserts, turning every sip into an experience.

Visit Le Café by Nicolas Rouzaud, Burlington Arcade, W1J 0QJ

WHAT TO DO: Wes Anderson: The Archives at The Design Museum

While not exactly in Mayfair, The Design Museum is relatively close, and very much worth a visit to see the Wes Anderson: The Archives exhibition. It offers a deep dive into his meticulous craft with original props (like the Grand Budapest Hotel model, Asteroid City vending machines, Margot Tenenbaum's coat), storyboards, sketches, and puppets. It's praised for revealing the incredible detail and collaborative artistry behind his films, providing a magical, immersive "Wes Anderson World" experience. And if you are there, you can also experience a Wes Anderson theme’d afternoon tea at The Design Museum Courtesan au Chocolat.

Book tickets here. The Design Museum: 224–238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG

WHERE TO SHOP: Hamleys

Within walking distance of Mayfair is the famous Hamleys toy store on Regent Street. A classic shopping experience for the whole family, it’s a wonderful place to let your child run wild and pick out a special souvenir from a trip to London. Parents, a small warning: make sure you’re caffeinated before you go, because there is a lot of running around involved. Still, you somehow always leave with a cute new toy and a smile on your face.

Hamleys: 188-196 Regent Street, London, W1B 5BT