Planning the perfect family break can be tricky – juggling budgets, keeping the kids happy and finding suitable hotels can all make it more complicated. London, with its excellent transport links and fun educational attractions, can be the ideal solution to holiday planning woes.

Indeed, there are countless educational attractions to discover in the capital, from fascinating museums packed with interactive exhibits to historical sites with gruesome pasts. What's more, many of these are free to enter, so they are also a great way to limit the cost of family getaways.

In terms of hotels, if you are keen to stay somewhere luxurious but also suitable for children, search online for 4 star accommodation in London to find good deals on family-friendly options.

So, just where are the top places to visit as a family in London?

Science Museum

A perennial favourite, the Science Museum has something to interest everyone – even children who insist they loathe science! Indeed, the fantastic thing about this museum is that it has a huge range of fascinating exhibits and interactive displays that really engage a younger audience, allowing them to look at the subject in new ways.

Situated in South Kensington, the Science Museum is home to exhibitions on exploring space, the history of medicine, computing, and even a fun interactive section on the human body. You and your children can head there to discover what you might look like in the future, or to see how you would sound if you were a member of the opposite sex.

Horniman Museum

Located in Forest Hill in south London, the Horniman Museum has an eclectic mix of collections that includes musical instruments, anthropology and natural history, while the site is also home to a wonderful aquarium and beautiful gardens. So, there is more than enough to keep young visitors entertained for hours on end.

The Nature Base is a great place for them to learn a little about local wildlife, such as honey bees and mice, while in the Hands on Base Gallery they can pick up and examine all kinds of genuine artefacts. These include clothing, so they will even be able to try on historical garments.

In the aquarium, children will have the chance to see marine life from all over the world, as well as learn about species that live here in the UK. In addition to seeing fish, they can spot animals such as tropical butteflies in the rainforest display.

Natural History Museum

If your little ones can't get enough of the natural world, the Natural History Museum is the perfect place to take them. Home to a life-size model of a blue whale, dinosaur skeletons and a 400,000-year-old Neanderthal skull – among lots of other amazing exhibits – this establishment is overflowing with all sorts to capture the imagination.

As well as learning about the evolution of creatures, children can also find out about minerals, rocks, gems and plants. Indeed, they can even head into the Wildlife Garden to see all kinds of interesting species up close.

Historical sites

While museums certainly rank among the very best places to go if you want to treat your children to an educational outing, there are also plenty of other options. For example, if your kids are interested in the more gruesome side of the capital's history, they will probably love a trip to the London Dungeon. Here, they can learn all about things like the plague and the Great Fire of London, as well as go on thrilling rides.

For something a little less scary, you could go to the Tower of London. This is where the Crown Jewels are kept, while it also has a wonderfully rich history, thanks to its various roles throughout its lifetime, which include a prison and even a zoo.