Life as a Nanny in London: A Guide to Adventures, Friendships and Everyday Tips

Regent Street, London

Working as a nanny in London is both rewarding and exciting. Each day brings new opportunities to explore the city, teach children valuable skills, and create lasting memories. At our trusted nanny agency in London, we know how important it is for nannies to feel supported—whether that means finding child-friendly activities, meeting other nannies, or learning how to navigate London with ease. Parents may also find this guide useful when planning days out with their children!

Making Nanny Friends in London

One of the best parts of life as a nanny in London is the strong community. Many nannies meet through local parks, children’s centres, and playgroups. Online forums and Facebook groups such as Nanny Chat and The Nanny Lounge – For UK Nannies are also great ways to connect.

When starting a new role, it’s worth posting in these groups to find nearby nannies—you may even be added into a local WhatsApp group!

Building nanny friendships not only makes the job more enjoyable but also gives children a chance to socialise. For nannies, having a supportive community is invaluable when working in such a large, busy city.

Child-Friendly Activities in London

London is filled with family attractions that combine fun with learning. Depending on where you’re based, you may visit different areas, but some of the most popular spots for nannies and children include:

• London Transport Museum – An engaging destination for kids who love trains and buses. A yearly pass can be purchased for a one-off fee, meaning you can visit any time in the year.

• The Science Museum– Hands-on exhibitions that encourage curiosity. Includes an amazing 'Garden' at the basement which is an immersive play area for children aged 3-6 years, but any age is welcome.

• The Postal Museum- Includes a post office themed play area called 'Sorted!' for children aged 8 and under. This needs to be booked in advance.

  
  

• SEA LIFE London Aquarium – A magical experience to discover sea life.

  
  

• Discover Children’s Story Centre – A creative hub for storytelling and play, including an outdoor space. Also includes additional fun, paid activities such as story telling and exhibitions. Must be booked in advance.

• The Army Museum - Offers hands-on galleries and a brilliant soft play area for younger children. (to be booked in advance)

• The London Museum - Explores London’s fascinating history with interactive exhibits that children enjoy.

• Little Angel Theatre - A magical puppet theatre with performances designed especially for children.

• Kew Gardens – Perfect for exploring nature, tree-top walks, and seasonal family activities.

• Battersea Park Children’s Zoo – Smaller and more relaxed than the main zoo, ideal for toddlers and younger children.

  
  

• London Zoo – A world-famous zoo with animals from across the globe, plus play areas and family events.

• The Young V&A - A newly revamped museum celebrating creativity, design, and play for children.

• Hyde Park - One of London’s largest parks, offering playgrounds, boating lakes, and plenty of space to run around.

In summer, splash parks and lidos are very popular with families. Options include:

• Clapham Common Children’s Water Park – A fun and safe water play zone.

• Highbury Fields Splash Pad – A local favourite with fountains for children to enjoy.

• Barking Splash Park – Large splash area with colourful features.

• Gospel Oak Lido – An outdoor pool, great for cooling off in hot weather.

• Victoria Park Splash Pool – A big park with a lively water play section.

• Clissold Park Splash Pad – Modern water play facilities in a family-friendly park.

• Olympic Park Splash Fountain – Interactive water jets in a vibrant public space.

• Kensington Memorial Park – Features both a splash area and a playground.

Other favourites include the Diana Memorial Playground, inspired by Peter Pan, and the Horniman Museum and Gardens, with family exhibits, an aquarium, and outdoor space for children to explore.

For local activities, Happity.co.uk is a fantastic resource for finding playgroups, music classes, and stay-and-plays. Libraries often host rhyme times and story sessions, while parks, playgrounds, and soft play centres are always reliable options.

Getting Around London with Children

Navigating London transport with children and pushchairs can be daunting, but preparation helps. Buses are generally pushchair-friendly, and many Underground stations are step-free. Always check TfL’s accessibility guides before you travel and allow extra time—especially at peak hours when buggy spaces may be full.

If using a non-accessible station, consider leaving the buggy at home if children are old enough, or bring a lightweight foldable pushchair. Londoners are usually very willing to help lift buggies when needed. Children under 11 travel free with a paying adult, making family travel across London easy and affordable.

Essentials Every Nanny Should Pack

A successful day out starts with the right essentials. A nanny’s bag should always include:

• Snacks and drinks

• Spare clothes

• Nappies and wipes

• A small first-aid kit

• A toy or book for downtime

• Weather protection (raincoats, hats, sunscreen)

• A blanket

Other helpful extras:

• White noise machine for naps

• Snooze Shade for prams

• Portable fan (for hot weather)

• Travel potty for potty-trained children

Family-Friendly Places to Eat in London

The capital is full of restaurants and cafés that welcome families. Popular chains such as Giraffe, Pizza Express, and Wahaca offer children’s menus and high chairs, while park cafés are perfect for quick breaks. Packing a lunch is often more cost-effective and ensures children have food they enjoy.

Safety First

When working as a nanny in London, safety is always the priority. Keep children close in busy spaces, set clear meeting points, and carry emergency contact details for each child. Teaching simple safety habits—like holding hands near roads—makes outings easier. In very crowded areas, wristbands with your phone number provide extra peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Life as a nanny in London is busy, rewarding, and full of adventure. With the right planning and support, every day can be a chance to create lasting memories. From exploring world-class museums to relaxing in the city’s parks, there’s always something new to discover.

At our nanny agency in London, we understand that nannies do so much more than care for children—they help shape happy childhoods and create unforgettable experiences. That’s why we’re committed to supporting both nannies and families with trusted placements, helpful resources, and ongoing guidance, making life in London even more enjoyable for everyone.

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