Have you ever dreamed of taking your family to London without breaking the bank? My family of four just returned from an unforgettable trip, and the best part? We used points and miles to cover the major costs! Here’s how we did it, along with tips to help you plan your dream trip, save money on activities and food, and maximize your credit card rewards.

Flights: Kansas City to London for $5.60 Each

We flew from Kansas City to London Heathrow on American Airlines for just 27,000 AAdvantage miles and $5.60 in taxes per person. That’s $22.40 for all four of us!

How I Earned the Miles: We accumulated these AAdvantage miles by leveraging credit card welcome bonuses and strategically spending on everyday purchases like groceries and gas. You can earn miles by opening an AAdvantage credit card. DM me on IG and I’ll send you the best link for your situation.

Pro Tip: Set up flight alerts on AA’s website and search for off-peak awards for the best redemption rates.

Getting Around: The Elizabeth Line & London Underground

Upon arrival at Heathrow, we took the Elizabeth Line directly to Tottenham Court Road. It’s an affordable and efficient way to get to central London from the airport.

Navigating the Tube in London

The London Underground (Tube) is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around the city. Here’s what you need to know:

• Oyster Card & Contactless Payment: You can use an Oyster card, contactless debit/credit card, or Apple/Google Pay to tap in and out at stations. Fares are capped daily, so using contactless often saves money compared to single tickets.
• Zones & Pricing: London is divided into zones (1-9), with most tourist attractions in Zones 1 and 2. Travel within these zones is relatively inexpensive.
• Tube Map & Apps: Download the Citymapper or TfL Go app for real-time updates and route planning.
• Peak vs. Off-Peak Travel: Traveling during off-peak hours (outside 6:30-9:30 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays) saves money.
• Mind the Gap: Some stations have significant gaps between the train and platform, so watch your step when boarding and exiting.
• Alternative Transport: Buses are a great way to see more of the city, and the TfL River Bus is another scenic option.

Accommodation: Staying at Hyatt Scotland Yard

We stayed at the Hyatt Scotland Yard, a luxurious property located in a prime area for exploring London. We booked two rooms: one with a king bed and another with two twins. The rooms were connected, giving us plenty of space and two bathrooms—a must for a family of four!

Cost: 25,000 Hyatt points per room per night.

How I Earned the Points: We transferred points to Hyatt from our Chase Sapphire Preferred card. My husband and I opened Ink Business Preferred cards, combined the points into my Sapphire Preferred account, and then transferred them to Hyatt.

Perks: Thanks to Globalist status, we enjoyed complimentary breakfast daily, saving us at least £80 per day for our family.

The Hyatt Regency Blackfriar is another option in an excellent location that requires fewer points per night.

Must-Do Activities in London

London offers incredible activities, and we made sure to book some of the best experiences through Viator to save time and money.

Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard

We visited London in November but weren’t able to explore the inside of Buckingham Palace, and I really wish we had! Check out this entrance ticket and Changing of the Guard Tour to make your trip even more special. Then, DM me and let me know what I missed out on!

Harry Potter Walking Tour

If you’re a Harry Potter fan like us, don’t miss this guided tour of iconic filming locations around London. Find a tour that fits your schedule below. My kids loved seeing all the Harry Potter spots as we explored London.

London in WW2 & Churchill War Rooms Tour

History buffs will love this tour, which includes a visit to the Churchill War Rooms. I had no idea the scope of the underground spaces used during the war. All of the artifacts and the way the rooms are set up made it easy to imgaine being there in that dark time in history.

London Food Tour

Want to explore London’s best-hidden food spots? Join this Secret Food Tour for an incredible culinary experience.

Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Explore London at your own pace with the Big Bus tour, which includes an optional river cruise. A hop-on, hop-off bus is a great way to see all the major sights and learn about the city’s history—especially if you’re traveling with kids. It provides the perfect opportunity for a walking break while still allowing you to continue sightseeing.

Free Activities Families Will Love

London is packed with free attractions. Here are some of our favorites:

• Horizon 22: Book free tickets for stunning city views. (Get your tickets a weeks in advance to grab a spot.)
• Sky Garden: Another free viewing spot if you book ahead.
• British Museum: Free entry, though donations are encouraged.
• Regent’s Park & St. James’s Park: Perfect for a peaceful stroll and letting kids burn off energy.
• Natural History Museum This iconic museum is a must-see, featuring fascinating exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to space exploration. Best of all, entry is completely free, though donations are appreciated.
• Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market Wander around the charming neighborhood of Notting Hill, especially around Portobello Road Market. You can explore the colorful streets and browse the antique and vintage stalls (even if you don’t make a purchase, it’s a lovely walk and this neighborhood has been featured in many movies such as Paddington and Notting Hill.)

Pro Tip: Plan your itinerary and book free activities 3–4 weeks ahead of time to avoid missing out, especially during peak travel seasons.

Dining on a Budget

We found affordable and delicious eats all over London:

• Mercato Mayfair: A food market in a renovated church with a unique vibe.
• Horse and Guardsman Pub: Near Leadenhall Market, perfect for traditional British fare.
• Covent Garden: Christmas décor and fun dining options like Bill’s which we loved.
• Buns from Home: A family favorite for pastries and snacks.
• Padella (Borough Market) Known for its fresh, hand-rolled pasta.
• Poppies Fish & Chips (Spitalfields & Soho) This iconic fish and chips shop offers delicious, crispy fish and golden fries

Tips to Save Money on Food:

• Take advantage of complimentary breakfast at your hotel.
• Visit markets like Borough Market and Flat Iron Square for affordable meals.
• Consider picnicking in one of London’s many parks.

Top 4 Places for a Sunday Roast in Central London

London’s Sunday roast is a beloved tradition, and the city offers many spots that serve up delicious, hearty meals. Here are five must-visit places near central London for the perfect Sunday feast:

1. The Blacklock (Soho, Shoreditch, and City)

Famous for its generous portions and tender meats, The Blacklock serves a top-notch Sunday roast with all the trimmings—crispy roast potatoes, huge Yorkshire puddings, and seasonal vegetables. The Soho location is particularly central, perfect for a post-exploration roast.

2. The Harwood Arms (Fulham)

Just south of central London, The Harwood Arms is the city’s only Michelin-starred pub. Known for its upscale yet cozy atmosphere, it offers exceptional seasonal British fare.

3. The Churchill Arms (Kensington)

This iconic Kensington pub is famous for its stunning floral exterior and excellent Sunday roast. With hearty portions and a great selection of ales, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a traditional British roast in a charming setting, just a short distance from central London. If you are in London on a Sunday, don’t miss out on this iconic restaraunt.

4. The Fox & Anchor (Clerkenwell)

A cozy, traditional British pub in Clerkenwell, The Fox & Anchor offers a fantastic Sunday roast with all the classic trimmings.

No matter where you are in the city, these spots offer the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Sunday roast in a welcoming atmosphere!

Maximizing Your Points and Miles

Here’s a breakdown of the credit cards and strategies we used:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred:
  • Earn 60,000 points after meeting the minimum spend.
  • Transfer points to Hyatt for hotel stays or to airline partners for flights.
• Ink Business Preferred:
  • Earn up a ton of points, which can be combined with Sapphire Preferred points.
• Rakuten:
  • Stack purchases through Rakuten’s travel portal to earn extra points or cashback.
  • We used this for booking activities on Viator.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses to maximize your points when moving them to travel partners.

Why Points and Miles Made This Trip Possible

This trip would have cost thousands of dollars if we paid cash, but by leveraging points and miles, we brought the cost down to a fraction.

Flights and hotels were covered, leaving more room in our budget for experiences and meals. The memories we created during the holiday season in London were priceless, and it’s all thanks to strategic planning and smart credit card use.

Ready to Plan Your London Adventure?

If you’re ready to take your family to London for less, start by exploring credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Business Preferred. Focus on earning transferable points, and always plan your itinerary and bookings in advance to maximize your savings.

Have questions about earning or using points and miles? Leave a comment or reach out to me on Instagram—I’d love to help you plan your next family trip!

Thank you!

As you plan your incredible London adventure, remember that using my affiliate links when booking activities I recommend or opening credit cards helps support Points and Miles Teachers at no extra cost to you. Ready to open you next card? Send me a DM on IG or visit my best offers page located at the top of my site.

This simple step allows me to continue providing the insider tips and resources you need to embark on big adventures without breaking the bank.

Your support means the world and keeps this valuable information coming your way, so thank you for helping me keep the dream of affordable travel alive!