As the founder of Nellie, I've always believed in the power of travel to connect people across cultures. This summer, I had the opportunity to put that belief into practice with my own family. Having grown up in England, I was eager to share a piece of my past with my teenage boys, who hadn't been “across the pond” in a long time.
At the beginning of our journey, they were convinced their hometown of San Francisco was far superior to anything London could offer. So I wanted them to experience the city beyond the typical tourist attractions and see London as I see it - a melting pot of cultures, a culinary paradise, and a city that seamlessly blends history with modernity. By the end of our trip, they were impressed by London's diversity, its food scene, definitely the thrifting and the overall vibrancy of the city.
Our non-tourist-y tour
As any parent of teenagers knows, shopping is high on their list of preferred activities. So we made Soho our “home base” in London. With its mix of mid-market brands and unique boutiques, Soho is a shopper’s paradise.
We spent two days shopping in Soho, and the energy was infectious. The boys loved exploring stores like Wear London, where they picked up some basics, as well as the numerous footwear and sneaker shops, like Puma and Onitsuka Tiger. It wasn't just about the shopping, though. The vibrant atmosphere, the diverse crowds, and the eclectic mix of stores made it an experience in itself.
Shoreditch
We also spent a day in Shoreditch, a formerly gritty part of London that has been transformed into a trendy neighborhood that's popular among young locals and tourists alike. Located about a 20-30 minute cab ride from Soho, Shoreditch is now a haven for hipsters in their twenties and thirties. It’s renowned for its excellent thrifting opportunities, with numerous marketplaces and vintage shops scattered throughout.
Churchill War Rooms
Despite our focus on experiencing London like locals, we couldn't resist delving into some history. The Churchill War Rooms were a hit with my history-loving kids. Seeing where Churchill led the war effort brought their textbook knowledge to life in a way that only travel can.
Windsor
We also took a day trip to Windsor, the town next to where I grew up. While Windsor Castle is a popular tourist attraction, we skipped it in favor of exploring the town itself. Walking around the shops and having lunch in my old stomping grounds gave my boys a glimpse into my childhood.
STAY: Ham Yard Hotel
The older I get, the more I am drawn to hotels that feel like a “home away from home,” and Ham Yard, a five-star property in the heart of Soho, delivers. It allowed us to soak in all of London's energy and have a sophisticated and welcoming environment to come home to at the end of the day. The design ethos of the Ham Yard is what I would call "modern Britain." It moves away from the formal, traditional English style and instead embraces a more colorful, contemporary vibe that appeals to younger Brits and international travelers alike.
We loved having access to two special rooms in the lobby that are exclusively available to hotel guests. We were able to get room service delivered there and we would all meet up to eat and chat at the end of the day.
Despite its high-end status, the Ham Yard is notably family-friendly and is popular among American travelers, which could be a plus for U.S. families looking for a bit of familiarity amid their London adventure. However, its distinctly British vibe ensures an authentic local feel as well.
EAT
London's food scene has come a long way since I was a teenager, and I was excited to show my kids the incredible diversity of cuisines available. And while we didn't make it to some of the restaurants I had planned, like Sushi Samba or Ave Mario, we got to try a bit of everything, from Korean and Thai to Vietnamese and Greek. One huge hit with my boys was going to Wagamama, the popular Asian fusion restaurant chain with locations all across London (if you’re reading this, Wagamama folks, please come to SF!).
A culinary highlight of our trip was getting to experience a quintessential British tradition—the Sunday roast at The Princess of Shoreditch. It was a perfect way to introduce my boys to this beloved British custom. Shoreditch also has a large Bangladeshi community and so is home to some of the best curry restaurants in the city. And the neighborhood is filled with food halls, like Spitalfields, where you can sample a variety of cuisines under one roof.
Final thoughts
On our last day in London, one of my sons realized we hadn't seen some of the classic London landmarks like the Tower of London or Big Ben. It was a reminder that while experiencing a city like a local is wonderful, sometimes kids (and adults!) still want that iconic photo op. We managed to squeeze in a quick selfie in front of the London Eye before heading home.
This trip reinforced my belief in the transformative power of travel. It showed my kids that there are amazing places outside of America and that every place has its unique charm and history. It taught them to appreciate both where they're from and the wider world around them.
More importantly, it demonstrated the value of experiencing a place beyond its tourist attractions. By shopping in local districts, eating at neighborhood pubs, and exploring areas off the beaten path, we got a taste of the real London - diverse, dynamic, and full of surprises.
Tips for your London adventure
- Consider visiting in summer (June-July) for the best weather, or during the Christmas season for a magical atmosphere.
- Mix iconic landmarks with neighborhood exploration for a well-rounded trip.
- London's tube and bus system is an experience in itself and a great way to see the city.
- Consider day trips to places like Windsor or the coastal town of Sandbanks for a taste of local life outside the capital.
Ready to plan a trip with your teens? We'd love to make some magic for you. Get in touch!