Your guide to a London family trip with LNR

Travelling to London by train can make a family day out easier from the moment you leave home. Instead of dealing with motorway traffic, city-centre driving and parking, parents can sit back while children read, play games or enjoy the journey.

Modern trains offer comfortable seating, tables and onboard facilities, giving families a convenient way to travel together and start their day out before they even reach the capital.

Family Advance fares are available to book in advance up to 12 weeks before travel, subject to availability and allocation. It is based on Advance fare inventory, and Railcard discounts do not apply. Booking early is therefore important if you want to secure the available Family Advance fare for your chosen journey.

London Northwestern Railway offers families a convenient way to reach the capital from several towns and cities across the Midlands and North West.

Birmingham to London train

As the train leaves Birmingham, the scenery gradually changes from the city to the greener countryside of the Midlands and beyond. The journey gives children time to play, read or take in the views while parents relax.

For added value, the LNR Family Advance fare starts from £22 from Birmingham. One fixed fare covers up to 2 adults and 4 children, making this a practical choice for a budget-conscious family day out.

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Coventry to London train 

As the train travels south, families can watch the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire countryside pass by before reaching the capital. Children can use the time for games, books, or simply taking in the views.

The LNR Family Advance starts at £22 from Coventry, with a single fixed fare covering up to 2 adults and 4 children travelling together.

Northampton to London train 

With no change required, parents can stay relaxed while children watch the countryside pass by the windows or get ready for the day's activities.

The LNR Family Advance fare starts from £22 from Northampton. It provides one fixed fare for up to 2 adults and 4 children, making it easier for families to set their travel budget before heading to London.

Liverpool to London train 

As the train travels south, the views shift from the North West through the Midlands and towards the capital, making the journey part of the adventure. Children can read, play games or watch the countryside while parents enjoy a break from driving.

For families travelling from Liverpool, the LNR Family Advance starts from £35. The fixed fare covers up to 2 adults and 4 children, providing strong value for a family travelling together.

A family trip to London can be as relaxed or action-packed as you like, with attractions and landmarks to suit different interests and ages. From discovering dinosaurs and famous historical treasures to seeing the city from above, there are plenty of ways to keep children engaged.

Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Hyde Park

South Kensington brings together three excellent options for a family day out. The Natural History Museum gives children the chance to discover dinosaurs, fossils and fascinating specimens, while the Science Museum offers interactive galleries covering space, technology and scientific discovery. Both museums offer free general admission, making them useful choices for families watching their spending.

When the children need a break from museums, Hyde Park is close by and provides open space for walking, relaxing and playing.

Tower of London and Tower Bridge

For children who enjoy castles, stories and adventure, the Tower of London offers an opportunity to explore one of the capital's most famous historic landmarks. Families can discover its royal history, see the Crown Jewels and learn about the Beefeaters and the ravens associated with the fortress.

Afterwards, walk along the Thames to Tower Bridge, where the family can admire one of London's most recognisable structures. The Tower Bridge exhibition adds an extra experience, including elevated walkways and views over the river.

South Bank and the London Eye

The South Bank is a great place to experience London's landmarks without following a rigid itinerary. Families can stroll beside the Thames, take in views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and stop to watch street performers along the riverside.

For an extra-special experience, the London Eye offers panoramic views across the capital from its glass capsules, giving children a different perspective of the city. Families can also visit the nearby SEA LIFE London Aquarium to explore marine life and underwater habitats.

Arriving at London Euston means your family can move straight from the train into the heart of the capital. The station is in central London, close to Bloomsbury and within easy reach of major attractions.

Facilities include toilets, baby-changing facilities, accessible facilities, shops and places to eat, making it practical for families arriving with children and bags. Step-free access also makes it easier to navigate the station with a buggy.

From Euston, families have several options for continuing their journey, including London Underground services, local buses and taxis. Central London attractions can also be reached on foot, depending on your plans.

Travelling with London Northwestern Railway removes the need to drive into the city, so you can arrive at Euston ready to begin exploring rather than dealing with traffic and parking.

Booking an LNR Family Advance ticket through TrainPal is a simple way to find a suitable family fare for your London trip. Follow these steps:

• Visit TrainPal, select your departure city or station, set London Euston as your destination, and enter your travel date. Remember, LNR Family Advance tickets can be booked up to 12 weeks before travel.
• Select the correct number of adults and children travelling. The LNR Family Advance fare covers up to 2 adults and 4 children aged 5–15, while under-5s travel free.
• From the LNR/WMR train results, find your preferred departure time. Select the option labelled “LNR/WMR Advance Family Single”, or the equivalent family configuration for your group, then select Continue.
• Use the seating preference tool to select seats together. Where available, choose seats around a table for a more comfortable family journey.
• Add your email address carefully and check it before continuing, as your booking confirmation and digital tickets will be sent there.
• Choose your preferred option: digital e-ticket or physical ticket collection.

• If you have a valid TrainPal discount voucher, enter it in the Promo Code box.

• Review your journey details, ticket type and passenger information. Tick the box to accept the terms and conditions, then select Continue.
• Choose an available payment method, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal or a debit/credit card, and complete your purchase.