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Travelling with teens in London – the top 10 places to take your teen in town
A break in a luxury serviced apartment in London is perfect for the whole family, from tots to teens, even if their needs are very different. Younger children will appreciate the home-like routine of being in a self-catering flat, where their familiar regime can be stuck to, whereas teenagers will appreciate the space, central location and the ability to come and go as they please during their stay.
Once the accommodation is sorted – be it in the heart of theatreland at Covent Garden, the retail heaven that is Oxford Street, the transport-link friendly London Bridge, Cannon Street or City Road, or the hipster haven of Spitalfields, there are myriad sights and attractions that need to feature on your teens' to do list! Here's our top ten:
Top Shop Oxford Street
Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, London
Whether you have a teen daughter or son, Top Shop at Oxford Circus is the place to head to for the latest in looks! Be prepared to lose them for the whole day, but be around to help carry their bags home!
Camden Market
Camden High Street, London
If your youngster is currently cutting an alternative vibe style-wise, they'll definitely appreciate a trip to Camden Market, which is actually a whole clutch of traders operating out of units around Camden Lock. A must-visit place for any cool teen! http://www.camdenmarket.com/
Apple Store Regent Street
235 Regent Street, London
No one can resist a browse round the Apple store – and that goes double for teenagers! Whether compiling a wish-list, or perusing with a view to purchasing, the Regent Street store is the place to go for the latest gadgetry.
Designer Outlet Wembley
Wembley Park Boulevard, Wembley, Greater London
We all love a bargain, and teens with limited spending power even more so! The designer outlets at Wembley will make their pocket-money go further, not to mention mum and dads. With plenty of stores for the whole family to check out (including a cinema and restaurants) make sure it's on your must-do itinerary. http://www.londondesigneroutlet.com/
BFI IMAX at Waterloo
1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, London
Chilling with a movie an a huge tub of popcorn is most teens' idea of a blissed-out afternoon, so why not give yourself a break while installing them in front of the IMAX silver screen (all 20 metres of it) for a couple of hours? http://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/bfi_imax/211/
Forbidden Planet
179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London
Forbidden Planet on Shaftesbury Avenue is London's biggest science fiction shop, and if your youngster loves all things comics, action figures, TV merchandise and collectibles, then this is the place they'll want to be hanging out! https://forbiddenplanet.com/
Leicester Square for film premiers
London, UK
Got a teen who wants to rub shoulders with the stars? Then find out what films are premièring at Leicester Square and go hang out by the red carpet to celeb spot! This twitter feed will give you all the insider info you need... https://twitter.com/UKFilmPremieres
Ice skating at Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace Way, London
Whether you've already got all the moves, or you're a complete beginner, there's a skating session for everyone at the iconic Ally Pally ice rink – so don't limit it to the youngsters, make it a family event! http://www.alexandrapalace.com/ice-rink/
Visit Primark
14 – 28 Oxford Street, London
You only have to glance around you on the Tube to see how many tourists make sure a visit to Primark is on their holiday to-do list – those brown paper bags are everywhere! So if your teen wants to re-vamp their wardrobe without breaking their (or your) bank, let them loose in Primark Oxford Street for a few hours.
M&M World
Swiss Court, 1 Leicester Square, London
It's a nutritionists' and dentists' nightmare, but that doesn't stop the crowds flocking to M&M World in Leicester Square, and with its wall-to-wall chocolate, it's not that hard to see why! The enormous store has everything M&M related you or your teen could ever wish for, from sweets to homewares and clothing. Just brush your teeth really well after visiting! http://www.mymms.com/
Accommodation Advice
Newly renovated and decorated hotel apartments from Smart City Apartments with a selection of 1 and 2 bed apartments across London (City Road, Cannon Street, London Bridge, Covent Garden and more) would be an ideal choice for a perfect relax out!