11 Best Hostels in London for Families

London is simply the best! Covering 607 square miles, this sprawling city is home to over eight million people, Big Ben, and other famous attractions. With plenty of things to do and see, this English capital brings in tons of visitors. No wonder families love to visit this beautiful city! However, it’s also (obviously) one of the most expensive cities in the world! So, how do families enjoy London on a budget? With hostels! If you think they’re not for your family, think again! They’re a great option for a budget break, and many of them have kitchens, laundry services, and other money-saving facilities, which are good for families with young children. But with so many to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve picked some of the best hostels in London for families! Keep scrolling and give your list a look!

YHA London St Pancras

11

YHA London St Pancras is literally across the road from Kings Cross / St Pancras International Station, perfectly positioned for travelers. This London hostel offers comfortable and cool yet affordable accommodation. It makes a fantastic base for weekends away, budget family breaks, or even sightseeing holidays. As with other hostels in London for families, there are private and dormitory rooms on-site. Our favorite pick for families is none other than the private quadruple room that boasts two bunk beds. It’s spacious, clean, and comes complete with bed lights for reading. Best of all, it boasts an en suite bathroom, so your family doesn’t have to share the bathroom with some strangers.

Here, everyone can enjoy a selection of snacks. While there’s no kitchen available, you can get some drinks and light bites at the on-site coffee house. Even better, there are many delicious restaurants nearby, like Nando’s and Prezzo. Before you head out, make sure to get some cash first from the on-site ATM center. And if you need some insiders’ tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to talk to the friendly staff! If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly hostel that allows you to explore London easily, this is a nice choice.

Keystone House

10

Up next is Keystone House! This hostel is in the perfect location for rail travelers. As one of the best hostels in London for families, it’s set right across the road from Kings Cross and St Pancras, so it’s ideal for getting the Eurostar in the morning. Apart from that, there are plenty of cafes and eateries near the hostel. This is great, so you can get your kid some food whenever they need it. We also love how friendly the staff is. They’re always ready to help you out and give you some tips whenever you want. Even better, they can speak Spanish, French, Italian, and more!

The building is tall and narrow, with lots of floors and no lift, so be wary if you’re bringing a lot of luggage. Rooms were basic but comfy enough, and they were very quiet at night. Apart from the dorms, several private rooms are suitable for small families. In addition to that, free Wi-Fi is available in all areas. And when you need some fresh air, you can chillax on the terrace for a while. Unlike other London Center hostels, this hostel doesn’t have that social vibe. This is probably because there aren’t many common areas on-site, which is not a problem if you need your loved ones!

Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage

9

Palmers Lodge Swiss Cottage is, without a doubt, one of the best hostels in London for families. It’s a charming hostel with lots of character – in and outside! The building is a renovated Victorian mansion with lots of space and different common areas to enjoy. The biggest area, the living space, comes with different sofas to chill and computers for free usage! Downstairs, you can get a drink and some delicious as well as reasonably priced food, and play a round of pool. We’re sure your kids will enjoy it.

The rooms are also high-quality. Every single bed in the dorm features a privacy curtain, a plug to charge your phone, and a light. However, we think the best room for families is the private triple room. It comes with two single beds and a double bed. There’s plenty of space for your stuff, and you don’t have to share the bathroom with strangers. What about the location? By staying here, you’ll be two minutes away from the metro stop with direct access to downtown. The infamous Camden Market is also within walking distance. This hostel’s surrounding area offers plenty of options to spend quality time with your families, including cafes and restaurants.

YHA London Central

8

You don’t have to stay at a luxury hotel in London to enjoy your trip. Providing high-quality accommodation in the heart of the capital, YHA London Central offers both comfort and convenience for families. This hostel boasts seven floors of modern, budget accommodation, just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street, Regent Street, Wigmore Hall, Carnaby Street, and more, making it one of the best hostels in London for families. The on-site amenities are great as well. You can visit the on-site bar and have a drink when your kids are busy playing games. It’s arguably the best place for you to swap stories with fellow travelers. Apart from that, there are also 24-hour reception facilities and access.

Male and female dormitories at this hostel feature bunk beds and come complete with lockers so you can store your valuables safely. For families, we think the quadruple room is the perfect option. It has four beds in total and comes with a private bathroom, so you don’t have to share it with other people. Of course, high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all public areas and can be accessed free. Other notable amenities include vending machines, an on-site ATM, and lifts.

St Christopher’s Inn Village – London Bridge

7

Does everyone in your family love sightseeing? If so, you should stay in St Christopher’s Inn Village – London Bridge, one of the best hostels in London for families! This hostel puts you mere moments away from the bridge itself, Borough market, and Tate Modern. You don’t have to bother renting a bike or looking for transportation when you’re here. You can reach tons of must-see attractions in less than a five-minute walk! Places like Menier Chocolate Factory, Southwark Cathedral, The Shard, London Eye are a stroll away! When it comes to the location, this hostel is simply unbeatable.

Inside, rooms are monochromatic with whitewashed walls and odes to the city through canvas prints of some of London’s iconic sights. They remind you of Big Ben and classic red telephone boxes. We highly recommend checking out the private double room as it comes with a private bathroom and has plenty of space. But if the bed is too small, you can consider the four-bed private room as it can accommodate four people. Meanwhile, the on-site entertainment venue has karaoke nights, fancy-dress parties, and music. Plus, all guests will receive a 25% discount in selected restaurants and special offers on drinks.

Safestay London Elephant & Castle

6

Housed in a Georgian building formerly the Labour Party headquarters, the Safestay London Elephant & Castle is an excellent choice for families. Its zone-one location offers excellent transport links to the city’s tourist spots. London’s most popular attractions, including Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Oxford Street, and Leicester Square, can all be reached within a 15-minute tube journey via Elephant & Castle station. An early pioneer of the poshtel concept, you can expect to see a unique design and décor at this hostel with splashes of pop art, antique mirrors on the walls, and striped carpets. We’re sure your kids will have tons of fun taking pictures of the hostel!

Moreover, there are both private and dormitory rooms. For families, we recommend the quadruple dormitory room with a private bathroom. It has enough space for a family of four, and you don’t have to share the bathroom with strangers! You can also choose the twin room with two beds, but we think it’s more suitable for a family of three. Plus, it’s equipped with a flat-screen TV and coffee-making facilities. On top of that, there are lockers to store your valuables. The room rate includes a basic breakfast. There’s also a basement bar where you can enjoy Pot Noodle and Budweiser!

Smart Hyde Park View Hostel

5

If you plan to stay in Westminster, look no further than the Smart Hyde Park View Hostel! With its superb location and friendly staff, this hostel is highly recommended. It offers comfortable, clean rooms and fantastic access to London’s most famous sights and attractions. Step out of the hostel and enjoy the stunning walk through Hyde Park to Buckingham Palace and Picadilly Circus or Portobello Market. When it comes to the rooms, all of them have en suite facilities, with their shower and toilet facilities making it a perfect place to stay. The beds have curtains and panels, ensuring that your stay is private and comfortable. Most families love the superior double room, as it makes you feel like your staying at a hotel!

As with other hostels in London for families, this hostel also provides a range of services and amenities to help make your stay more comfortable. Never be out of touch with your contacts, with free Wi-Fi offered throughout your stay. If you plan to arrive by car, you’ll appreciate the hostel’s available parking right on-site. On top of that, this hostel also provides front desk services such as luggage storage and safety deposit boxes for your convenience. For lazy days and nights, in-room conveniences like room service and daily housekeeping will let you make the most of your room.

Hostel One Notting Hill

4

Next on this list is Hostel One Notting Hill. This hostel is located in a 19th-century building located in the famous neighborhood of Notting Hill. The recently restored historic building now offers brand new bathrooms and a common area, making it one of the best hostels in London for families. Due to its location, Hostel One offers easy access to many tourist spots and amenities. Places like the Portobello Market, Hyde Park, and Kensington Palace are nearby. There are so many things to do in London that families can do here, so you’ll never have a boring day!

As one of the top hostels in London for families, this hostel is affordable. Despite that, you don’t have to worry about comfort and quality. We recommend getting the four-bed dormitory room for a family of three or four. The beds are super comfy, and there’s enough space for everyone! There are also sockets near the beds, so your kids can charge their console or other gadgets. Of course, free Wi-Fi is available too! And when it’s time for dinner, you can enjoy the complimentary meal that’s offered by the hostel every night. In addition to the free nightly dinner, you can also take advantage of the complimentary tourist info, maps, lockers, luggage storage, and more!

Generator London

3

Set in Camden Town, Generator London is among the best hostels in London for families. Housed in an old police station, you can’t go wrong with this hostel. Like most Generator hostels, this property has many modern, upscale fixtures, a huge common area, a bar, and a restaurant. However, there’s one thing missing: a common kitchen. Luckily, the on-site restaurant won’t break your bank. Plus, it also offers vegetarian meals! Even better, there’s also a pool and foosball table, meaning there’ll never be a dull moment when your family decides to spend your nights here. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas, and there are plenty of on-site activities that you can participate in, including pub crawls and walking tours.

There are many options for you to choose from when it comes to room selections. There are shared, female-only dormitory rooms, and the biggest one can accommodate more than 10 people. But sharing a room with strangers might not be the best choice for you and your loved ones. So, why not opt for the private room instead? There are three and four-bed private rooms, and they have all the amenities you’ll need. Surprisingly, the beds are plush and comfortable! This is quite shocking, considering how affordable the hostel is. Not to mention, its location is near King’s Cross Station and a short walk from Regents Park, Covent Garden, and the British Museum!

The Walrus Bar and Hostel

2

Quirky and charming, The Walrus Bar and Hostel is a great choice for small families. Let’s start by talking about the rooms at this hostel. The super spacious and bright dorms are among the cleanest and nicest in London. The biggest one is a 22-bed mixed dormitory room, which is huge! But for families, the best option is the superior twin room. It comes with two single beds and a comfy seating area. It’s not the biggest, but it’s surely one of the coziest and will be just fine for a family of three. Of course, there’s free bed linen and free Wi-Fi as well.

When you’re starving, go to the shared kitchen area and feel free to cook anything you want! Apart from that, there’s also an on-site pub with its unique style. At night, it turns into a great local spot that’s ideal for socializing, sipping on a couple of affordable drinks, and making new friends. Best of all, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning – the perfect way to start your day! Once your stomach is happy, head out to explore London! You’ll find yourself in the absolute heart of the city, within walking distance of all major attractions. Some of the main spots include London County Hall, London Aquarium, Big Ben, London Dungeon, The Old Vic, and more!

Wombat’s The City Hostel London

1

Considering its price and the top-notch amenities it offers to families, Wombat’s The City Hostel London is easily our number one pick! You can find this hostel right in the heart of London, which is partly why it’s seen as one of the best hostels in London for families. This accommodation is one of the few places that has kept its cleanliness, value, and fantastic hospitality over the years. There are dormitory rooms (mixed and female-only) and private rooms. For families, we highly recommend the private quadruple room! It comes with a large double bed and two bunk beds. Best of all, it boasts a huge terrace where your kids can run around, and you can enjoy the views of the city!

When your kids are asleep, feel free to visit the on-site bar, the perfect place to meet like-minded travelers. There, you can share travel stories over an ice-cold beer and relax in the courtyard or comfy lounge. This hostel also provides board games, so getting to know other travelers is a piece of cake. Staying here, you’ll be located in a prime spot in Whitechapel, close to the famous Tower Bridge, Tower of London, and the iconic Wilton’s Music Hall. With the free city map, it’ll be a breeze to get around and explore the rest of London’s top attractions as well!

Where to Stay in London

When you’re looking for the best hostels in London for families, you might want to stay in Kensington and Chelsea. It’s an Inner London borough and the second smallest district in England. This is an area of historical and architectural interest. Apart from cheap London hotels and hostels, you can easily find tons of breathtaking buildings as well as plenty of theaters that’ll wow you and your kids!

Then, there’s Camden. It’s one of London’s quirkiest neighborhoods and is packed with brilliant places to see. You can expect plenty of lively bars, cool street art, shopping, and pubs by staying here. You and your kids will have a blast in this area. Oh, it’s also home to Camden Market!

Another area that might interest you is Westminster. It takes in a large area of central London and is set to the south of Camden. Here, many great attractions can make your trip memorable. They include the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, The Supreme Court, Guards Museum, Westminster Abbey, and more.

Recommended Restaurants / Bars in London

• Cubana – This family-friendly restaurant is within walking distance of Waterloo Station and has a great menu that is also highly affordable. For around 7USD you can choose from two courses off the kid’s menu along with a juice and a super-sized ice cream sundae. Tasty fruit mocktails are on offer too and the adult cocktail menu is a welcome addition. The delicious home-cooked grub and lively atmosphere add to the appeal.
• Bodean’s BBQ – With a menu full of favourites such as ribs, wings, burgers, pulled pork, and mac n’ cheese, this diner-deli chain appeals to adults and children alike! Slow-smoked barbecue techniques, secret rubs, and sublime sauce recipes means there is plenty of flavour on offer. Kids can eat for free from the set menu until 3 PM in the week and 5 PM at weekends. If you like to eat later, you can also get a free children’s meal with every paying adult, or pay just a fiver if you are outnumbered by children!
• Masala Zone – Masala Zone offers traditional Indian restaurant food as well as street food. You can also get a delicious thali platter for just over 10USD, including rice, chapati, and a great selection of main courses. If your little ones are under seven, they can eat from the kid’s menu for just five pounds.

Recommended Activities in London

• Kensington Palace Sightseeing Entrance Tickets – Together with your loved ones, visit this iconic royal landmark and learn the surprising stories of many of the palace’s inhabitants over the centuries, from Queen Victoria to Diana, Princess of Wales. You’ll learn of their momentous lives and discover their sometimes heart-rending secrets.
• Magical London: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour – Is your kid a Harry Potter fan? Then this tour is a must! Walk in the footsteps of your favorite wizards (and witches) around Muggle London. Your Harry Potter enthusiast guide will be armed with weird and wonderful trivia all along the way. Highlights include passing The Leaky Cauldron, the secret wizarding inn. Explore the real Diagon Alley, where Harry buys his first wand.
• London: West End Musicals Silent Disco Walking Tour – Whether you’re a musical fan, a wannabe theatre star, or just want to broaden your knowledge in a fun-packed and hilarious way, everyone is welcome on this thrilling and musical walk around London’s fantastic theatreland. Experience the city like never before as you sing and dance along to all the greatest show tunes it has to offer. This tour can be a great pre-theatre activity to get your family in the mood or a fantastic way to learn and discover new musicals.