When people think of London, they often think of busy streets, iconic landmarks, and never-ending nightlife and cultural events. And well, those things are true. But many people don't know that London is also tremendously rewarding for families — it offers a perfect mix of historical landmarks, kid-friendly activities, and opportunities to learn about new cultures.

London is such an ideal holiday destination that one trip simply isn't enough to absorb everything it offers. This is something we see time and again speaking with prospect Flyway Owners looking for a pied-à-terre. Co-owning a London second home makes sense precisely because London is by itself such a loved destination that families visit time and time again.

Here are 10 reasons why families keep coming back to London. Do you see yourself in any of those?

1. Unparalleled History and Culture

This point is first and foremost for a reason — you simply cannot ignore London as a global powerhouse of culture, history, politics, and, yes, even royalty. After all, it is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a rich tapestry of diverse cultures. And whether you're strolling through Westminster Abbey and royal gardens or riding on an iconic red double-decker bus — there are endless opportunities to soak up everything that London offers.

That vibrant culture is woven into the fabric of London and presents an almost unrivalled opportunity for children to learn more about the broader world around them. They can see firsthand where some of the most significant events in human history took place. For example, visiting the Tower of London lets kids explore a 900-year-old royal palace and learn about British royalty through the ages, all before lunch.

2. There's Always Something New to Do in London

This is the city where there is always something new and exciting happening. New pop-up exhibits, temporary experiences, shows, and performances are constantly cropping up around the city — giving you and your family ample opportunity to explore and find new favourite activities.

Even if you've been to London many times before, chances are good that there are still plenty of things left to do. And with a city that's constantly growing and evolving, you can be sure that there will always be something new to check out on your next visit after that. This is true for adults and kids alike. 'Tired of London? Tired of life.' the saying goes!

3. A Great Base for Day Trips

If you're looking to mix up your London itinerary, you can take plenty of day trips from the city. Just a short train ride away, you can find yourself in the stunning countryside of England or Wales, exploring charming medieval villages or taking in the natural beauty of the rolling hills. Take a day trip to Oxford or Cambridge or any other famous British university for that matter, to fuel your kids' studies aspirations. Visit Stonehenge and Bath for a trip down the lanes of history. Hop between picturesque villages in The Cotswolds. Have a day by the seaside in Brighton or Portsmouth (both offering lots of kid-friendly activities!)

And if you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can even hop on a plane, train, or automobile and be in Paris in just a few hours. With so many options for day trips, you can easily customize your family's vacation and taste a little bit of everything – undoubtedly important when you have to keep kids entertained!

4. Endless Family-Friendly Activities

In addition to all of the historical and cultural sites, London is also home to a number of kid-friendly activities. From world-renowned museums like the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum to kid-centric attractions like Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon — there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Oh, and let's not forget the unmissable Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.

And if you're looking for something a little more hands-on, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in workshops and classes around the city. You can learn how to make traditional English foods, take part in pottery or art classes, or even go on a behind-the-scenes tour of some of London's most popular attractions.

5. An Accommodating City for Families with Kids

Believe it or not, London is a city that is very accommodating to families. From restaurants with kids' menus and play areas to hotels with family-friendly amenities, there are plenty of options for those travelling with children.

And if you're looking for even more peace of mind on your trip, a number of tour companies offer family-oriented tours and activities. These can be a great way to explore the city while still keeping everyone in the family happy and feeling safe.

Moreover, many of the city's public transportation options are free for kids under 11, making it easy and affordable to get around. And with many parks and green spaces spread throughout the city, you'll never be too far from a place to relax and unwind. Co-owning the Hummingbird Home, for example, will place you a short walk away from Green Park and Hyde Park. Likewise, if you'd rather own a piece of the Wader Home, you'll be a pleasant walk away from Tower Bridge and the stunning banks of River Thames, where you can safely walk and enjoy outdoor happenings.

6. A Welcoming City for All

No matter who you are or where you come from, you'll find a warm welcome in London. The city is incredibly diverse, and its residents are used to visitors from all over the world. This means there's no need to worry about language barriers or feeling out of place.

In fact, many of the city's attractions and activities are designed with international visitors in mind. At the same time, you will most probably enjoy incredibly high service quality, thanks to the British politeness code.

Most importantly, with the diversity of cultures visible all over the city's neighbourhoods, you offer your kids a glimpse of a truly cosmopolitan place where people of different backgrounds co-exist, work and interact seamlessly. This is a lifelong lesson, especially if you head to London from more ethnically homogeneous countries. London is home to people from all over the world, and there is no better way to show your kids the importance of equality and respect other than by taking them to such a vibrant, culturally colourful place.

7. The Perfect Place to Mix Business With Pleasure

If you're travelling to London for business, there's no need to leave your family at home. In many cases, bringing them along with you can actually be easier and more convenient. This way, you can kill two birds with one stone by getting some work done during the day and then exploring the city with your family in the evening and on weekends.

If you have a Flyway Home based in London, you are perfectly set up to bring your family along for the fun while doing business. Work is work, but you'll quickly forget that once you're enjoying your time off with your family in your own downtown, upscale home, complete with high-end amenities like pools, gyms, and private cinemas.

Perhaps staying in London's Mayfair or The City might be your liking?

8. A Foodie's Paradise

If you consider yourself a foodie, then consider London your gastronomical heaven. The city is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, as well as a number of Michelin-starred chefs. And with cuisines from all over the world represented, you're sure to find something to suit everyone's taste buds.

It doesn't have to be all high-brow dining either. London is also home to several iconic food markets, like Borough Market and Camden Market. These are great places to sample local produce and dishes, as well as pick up some souvenirs for friends and family back home.

9. A Shopping Playground

Whether you're looking for high-end designer labels or unique souvenirs, you'll find it all in London. The city is home to some of the best shopping in the world, with a wide variety of shops and stores to explore. From the legendary stores of Selfridges and Harrods to the quirky boutiques and eateries of Covent Garden, there's something for everyone. For example, co-owning the Hummingbird Home puts you a stone's throw away from the iconic Hamleys toy store in Regent Street for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your little ones!

And if you're looking to save money on your shopping spree, take advantage of the city's many world-famous sales and discounts. These typically happen a few times a year, and they're a great way to snag some amazing deals on clothing, accessories, and more.

If you have a teenager or spouse dedicated to the art of shopping, London can't disappoint.

10. Having a Second Home in London Makes Regular Visits Easy and Convenient

This article has been full of London's upsides, but there is no skirting around the fact that London hotels are expensive, and prices continue to trend upwards. Staying in a hotel or an Airbnb is rather pricey, especially when visiting the city repeatedly. This is the reason why repeat travellers consider co-ownership — true asset ownership of a prime downtown second home, at a fraction of the total price, without any of the hassle of maintenance.

If you also travel to London for business, you'll likely find our article Business Travel: Is It Worth Buying a Property in the City You Visit Often? quite interesting.

Investing in a Flyway Home is an excellent way to ensure that you and your family have a comfortable place to stay on your next trip to London and a convenient base of operations for all your future visits.

To learn more about how you can get started with co-ownership in a Flyway Home, please book a call with the Flyway Concierge team for further information. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.