Have you ever dreamed of taking your family to London without draining your bank account? We just returned from an unforgettable Thanksgiving trip—and the best part? Points and miles covered almost everything.

Below is exactly how we did it, plus practical tips so you can plan a London adventure that’s both magical and affordable.

Flights: Kansas City to London for $5.60 Each

We flew from Kansas City to London Heathrow for 27,000 AAdvantage miles plus $5.60 in taxes per person.
Total cash cost for all four of us: $22.40.

How We Earned the Miles

We earned AAdvantage miles through a combination of welcome bonuses and everyday spending on groceries, gas, and regular household purchases.

If you’re interested in earning miles for a similar trip, send me a DM on Instagram and I’ll share the best credit card options for your personal situation.

Pro Tip: Watch for off-peak dates and set up AA award alerts to snag low-mileage seats.

Getting Around: The Elizabeth Line and the Tube

After landing at Heathrow, we took the Elizabeth Line straight to Tottenham Court Road. It’s fast, simple, and very family-friendly.

Navigating London Transportation

• Use contactless payment (card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay) to tap in and out. Daily fare caps help keep costs down.
• Most major attractions are in Zones 1–2.
• Download Citymapper or the TfL Go app for real-time updates.
• Travel off-peak (outside 6:30–9:30 AM and 4–7 PM on weekdays) to save money.
• Consider buses or the TfL River Bus for scenic routes above ground.

Where We Stayed: Hyatt Scotland Yard Using Points

We stayed at Hyatt Scotland Yard and booked:

• One King room
• One Twin room
• 25,000 points per room per night

Our two rooms connected through a small private hallway that could be closed off from the main corridor. It created a suite-like setup with plenty of space and two bathrooms. For a family of four, it was ideal.

How We Earned the Points

We combined transferable points from two accounts and transferred them to Hyatt for the booking.

As Globalists, we enjoyed free daily breakfast, which saved us about £80 per day for our family.

Alternative Option: Hyatt Regency Blackfriars is also an excellent choice and requires fewer points per night.

Activities Worth Booking

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. I’ve also written a post on how to hit up all the spots yourself if you don’t want a guide.

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 offers many unforgettable experiences without spending a penny:

• Horizon 22: Free panoramic views (reserve 2–3 weeks ahead).
• Sky Garden: Another excellent free viewpoint with reservations.
• British Museum: World-class exhibits with free entry.
• Regent’s Park and St. James’s Park: Great for strolls and letting kids burn off energy.
• Natural History Museum: Fantastic for kids and adults alike.
• Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market: Colorful, lively, and full of charm.

Eating Well on a Budget

London has no shortage of good, affordable food. Here are a few spots we loved:

• Mercato Mayfair
• Horse & Guardsman (near Leadenhall Market)
• Covent Garden restaurants, including Bill’s
• Buns From Home
• Padella (Borough Market)
• Poppies Fish & Chips (Spitalfields and Soho locations)

Money-Saving Tips

• Take advantage of hotel breakfast if available.
• Visit Borough Market or Flat Iron Square for budget-friendly meals.
• Pack picnic-style lunches for park days.

The Best Sunday Roasts in Central London

If you’re in London on a Sunday, these classic roasts are worth planning around:

1. The Blacklock (Soho, Shoreditch, City)
2. The Harwood Arms (Fulham)
3. The Churchill Arms (Kensington)
4. The Fox & Anchor (Clerkenwell)

Each offers its own version of a hearty, traditional British roast in a memorable setting.

How Points and Miles Made This Trip Possible

Here are the key tools and strategies we used:

Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Earns flexible, transferable points
• Excellent for Hyatt transfers and airline partners

Ink Business Preferred

• Strong welcome bonus for qualifying small businesses
• Points can be combined with Sapphire Preferred points

Rakuten

• Great for earning additional rewards when booking tours or activities through Viator

Pro Tip: Transfer bonuses can significantly increase your value—keep an eye out for them.

Why This Trip Was So Affordable

A Thanksgiving week trip to London can be expensive, but points and miles brought our costs down dramatically. Flights and hotels were covered with miles and points, leaving more room in our budget for activities and meals. The memories were priceless, and the savings were substantial.

Ready to Plan Your Own London Trip?

Start by focusing on cards that earn transferable points and by booking activities early, especially during holiday travel seasons.

If you want help choosing your next card or figuring out how to earn the right points for a similar trip, reach out on Instagram. I’d be happy to help you map out your strategy.

Thank You

If you decide to book a recommended tour or open a new credit card using my affiliate links, it supports Points and Miles Teachers at no extra cost to you.

Your support allows me to continue creating free resources, guides, and step-by-step strategies to help families travel for less.

Thank you for being here, and happy trip planning!