London with kids - best location to rent a flat (and cycle of course)

[jyyanks]

Hi Ladies

I'm planning a trip to London in the summertime with my husband and 2 kids (7 and 14). I haven't decided yet if we will stay in a hotel as I would like some room to spread out. I've been looking at flats to rent but I'm not familiar with London and what areas would work for a family with kids. Ideally, the location should be close to attractions/restaurants/shopping but we'd like to avoid seedy areas (obviously) as well as areas with a busy night scene. For those who have been to London or currently live there, do you have any suggestions?

I know London is known for it's cycling culture but not sure if the busy street will be ok for my youngest who just learned to ride a bike recently. Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated. Thank is advance for your help.

[IBrakeforPastry]

I've been to London several times and I honestly never had the desire to cycle there. It's congested and unlike newer cities that may be laid out in a grid, the streets are twisty and haphazard. Maybe the parks?

I have ridden in the English countryside. There are organizations that may help you plan a day out. Take the train somewhere and set you up with bikes and maps.

How long will you be staying? And is it just a vacation, or is business involved? If it's going to be for a while, I would try to find a more residential neighborhood (probably better biking) and rely on the "Tube" to get to the sites.

[Giulianna23]

I used to travel to London a few years ago in between 2001 -2005 when I had a long distance love relationship. We used to visit eachother frequently and I used to go at least twice a year. I love London its so beautiful and different . But our favorite spot was Brighton...the beach, the pier....very bicycle friendly (at least back then ...dont know now... I didnt cycle back then but I notice a lot of people riding their bikes from young to elders),...not to much traffic. As far as I remember it is about 40 minutes from the border of London and another 45min to 1hour from the center of London(because of traffic of course) . I fell in love with Brighton and I really want to go back one day.

[indysteel]

If we're talking central London, I'm partial to Bloomsbury. It's very centrally located and is, generally speaking, a relatively quiet area. The British Museum is nearby, as is the Russell Square tube stop. I have no idea what rentals are available though. I have no idea what cycling in the area would be like. I'm not sure how inclined I'd be to ride on the streets in Central London. I think taking a day trip to, say, Oxford for a bike ride would be more fun.

[jyyanks]

Thanks for your suggestions. This will be our family vacation and we are planning on staying for a week. I like the advice of staying somewhere in Central London and making a side trip to a less congested area to cycle. I will look into Bloombury as we would like a nice quiet area to stay. Brighton sounds wonderful and definitely worth a side trip, especially since we have 7 days to kill. Thanks All!

[indysteel]

Seven days in London will be super easy to kill. There's SO much to do and see! Have fun!

[nuliajuk]

There is a really good British cycling magazine called Cycling Active. They always have some ride routes and descriptions in each article, some of which are in and around London. This might give you some ideas.
http://www.cyclingactive.com/

[Chile Pepper]

I would not want to cycle with my kids in London--or anywhere with traffic in England, really. A week is not enough time to get used to riding on the left and looking right before left. It is so disorienting! We recently spent two weeks in Ireland, and even after two weeks I was still having OMG moments.

[jyyanks]

Thanks for the link Nulia!

Chile - I totally forgot that the UK rides on the other side! You're right - cycling with my kids in such a busy city where they drive on the opposite side of the street may not be a good idea.