London at Christmas: The Coolest Spots for Families (Plus the Perfect Place to Stay!)
Imagery from: The Ned, Native King’s Wardrobe, St Pauls Cathedral, Ralph Lauren Café
London turns into pure magic during the festive season, think twinkling lights, Christmas markets, heart-warming treats, enchanting store-window displays and endless family-friendly experiences. But as every parent knows, enjoying the city in winter all comes down to one thing: choosing the right base. This year, we found it. Tucked behind St Paul’s Cathedral in a peaceful historic courtyard, Native King’s Wardrobe is the place for families to stay — spacious, beautifully designed apartments with all the comforts of home, just steps from the city’s most festive attractions.
With a location that works for both little legs and weary parents, plus kitchens, living rooms and plenty of space for prams, toys and winter coats, it’s the ideal setting for a magical London weekend. Here’s how to make the most of it.
By Alice Codford
WHERE TO STAY: Native King’s Wardrobe
We recently had the pleasure of staying at Native King’s Wardrobe, and it instantly became our top recommendation for families visiting London during the festive season. Hidden just behind St Paul’s Cathedral in a charming cobbled courtyard, it feels like one of those rare finds. Utterly peaceful, spacious and beautifully designed, yet right in the heart of everything. Blending history, comfort and modern convenience in a way few central London stays can, Native King’s Wardrobe offers families the chance to truly spread out in stylish serviced apartments with separate bedrooms, generous living areas and fully equipped kitchens, which is so ideal for snacks, naps, early bedtimes and cosy winter evenings after exploring the city.
What really surprised us, though, was that you don’t sacrifice the feel of a beautifully designed hotel room by staying here. This is not your average aparthotel. Our apartment looked and felt like a newly renovated, on-trend London home with thoughtful furniture layouts, clever use of space and a sophisticated paint palette that we loved so much we actually took notes for future renovations.
WHY WE LOVED IT AS A FAMILY
Beyond the beautiful design, what truly made our stay effortless was how brilliantly set up the apartments are for families. Instead of squeezing into one hotel room and tiptoeing around sleeping children, we had space to breathe and actually enjoy our stay. With separate bedrooms for naptimes, a proper living area for relaxing after bedtime, and a kitchen that became our unsung hero. Morning coffees, easy breakfasts, emergency snacks ready in the fridge, reheated leftovers from Borough Market, it all made the weekend feel smoother, calmer and far more like home.
We genuinely appreciated:
Room to spread out, play, unpack and actually live.
A full kitchen, perfect for fussy eaters, early risers and late-night snacks.
A washer/dryer, which every parent knows is a winter essential.
A peaceful courtyard setting, giving us quiet mornings even in the heart of the city.
The entire stay felt like the perfect blend of home comforts and boutique-hotel polish. The dream combination for families who want both style and practicality.
A FESTIVE BASE THAT MAKES LONDON EASY
One of the very best things about staying at Native King’s Wardrobe is the location, it genuinely couldn’t be more convenient for a festive family weekend. London in December is magical, but it can be hectic, and being able to walk almost everywhere made our trip feel effortless. St Paul’s Cathedral, with its towering Christmas tree and carol services, is literally on the doorstep.
From there, we loved wandering across the iconic Millennium Bridge, which becomes even more atmospheric in winter, straight to the Southbank Christmas Markets to enjoy warm churros, twinkly lights, riverside views and plenty to keep little ones entertained. A few minutes beyond that is Borough Market, perfect for festive treats, quick lunches and foodie exploring.
We were also within easy walking distance of Covent Garden, where the giant Christmas tree, street performers and sparkling decorations made it an essential stop. And whenever we needed something quick and cosy, the restaurants around Paternoster Square were just a few steps away, ideal for hungry kids and tired grown-ups.
It’s the kind of location that lets you dip in and out of the festive buzz all day, without long journeys or stress, and always return to a peaceful, stylish apartment to recharge.
WHERE TO EAT: Family-Friendly, Without Compromise.
London’s dining scene is endlessly varied, and the area around St Paul’s is no exception, with plenty of spots that genuinely welcome families. From reliable pizza favourites that keep everyone happy, to a deli-meets-grocer perfect for stocking the fridge back at your apartment, to familiar crowd-pleasers with dedicated kids’ menus, you’re spoilt for choice without needing to wander far.
WHERE WE ATE AND YOU SHOULD TOO
FRANCO MANCA: Perfectly positioned in the heart of the City, and literally a two-minute walk from Native King’s Wardrobe, Franco Manca sits directly opposite St Paul’s Cathedral, giving you one of the most iconic lunchtime views in London. It’s hard to go wrong here: the sourdough pizzas are consistently delicious and there’s truly something for everyone.
The kids’ menu is a standout, a pizza, drink and ice cream for £8.25 is unbeatable value in central London. For the grown-ups, we loved the burrata with spicy ’nduja, the aubergine parmigiana, and a glass of their organic Prosecco.
And a bonus worth mentioning: it’s dog-friendly, making it an easy, relaxed option for the whole family.
2 St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8APMILLIE’S LOUNGE @ THE NED: A short stroll from Native King’s Wardrobe sits The Ned, still one of the coolest, buzziest spots in London, especially at this time of year with its famous Christmas tree. Housed in a former bank, its vast marble halls, soaring ceilings and live music create an atmosphere that’s glamorous without ever feeling stuffy. And right at the heart of it all is Millie’s Lounge, a beautifully relaxed brasserie where families are genuinely welcomed.
Despite the chic setting, Millie’s manages to feel warm and easygoing. The menu leans towards elevated comfort food, classics done well, indulgent brunches and plenty of options that appeal to younger diners too. And here’s a perk worth noting: a complimentary children’s menu is served daily between 5pm and 6pm for little ones under six, making early dinners wonderfully stress-free.
If you want to soak up one of London’s most iconic dining rooms without sacrificing family-friendliness, Millie’s at The Ned is a brilliant choice, a little glamorous, a little indulgent, yet completely doable with kids in tow.
Address: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJPADELLA (LONDON BRIDGE): If you find yourself wandering through Borough Market, which you absolutely should during a festive London weekend, Padella is the place to stop for a plate of pasta that’s as simple as it is unforgettable. This tiny, wildly popular spot near London Bridge has achieved near-cult status for its handmade, silky pasta dishes and shockingly reasonable prices, drawing locals, food lovers and curious tourists in equal measure.
The menu is short and focused, but that’s part of the charm: pappardelle with 8-hour beef shin ragu, tagliarini with brown shrimp and chilli, and their impossibly creamy cacio e pepe are all favourites. Kids often love the simpler shapes and sauces, and the relaxed, buzzy atmosphere makes it an easy win for families who appreciate good food without the fuss.
There’s no booking, it’s walk-in only, but the queue moves faster than you’d expect, especially outside peak hours, and you can always explore the market while you wait. For families who want one truly exceptional pasta stop on their London itinerary, Padella is the one.
Address: Borough Market, Padella, 6 Southwark St, London SE1 1TQCORNER SHOP 180: Just a short walk away from Native King’s Wardrobe, Corner Shop 180 is the kind of neighbourhood deli you wander into once and immediately wish you lived around the corner. Part artisan grocer, part stylish provisions store, it’s filled with exactly the sort of beautifully curated essentials that elevate an apartment stay, from fresh pastries and sourdough to organic produce, thoughtful pantry staples, speciality snacks and a well-chosen selection of wines.
It also comes with serious fashion credentials: to open London Fashion Week, British Vogue chose Corner Shop 180 as the location for its Vogue Café pop-up, attracting a flurry of stylish visitors, including Anna Wintour herself. The space still carries that insider buzz, yet remains wonderfully relaxed and welcoming.
For families staying at Native King’s Wardrobe, it’s the perfect place to stock the fridge and cupboards. Think: cheeses, cured meats, ready-to-toast bread, fresh fruit, grab-and-go snacks for long city days, and easy bits for breakfasts or simple dinners in. Kids are instantly sorted, parents can pick up good coffee and better treats, and your apartment ends up feeling like your own chic London pied-à-terre.
Address: 7 Arundel St, London, United Kingdom WC2R 3DA
