If you’ll want breakfast before boarding, eat at Heathrow (Pret A Manger or Giraffe) or on the flight; having a good breakfast makes arrival and check-in smoother. Allow time for security/check-in before your flight.
Arrive at your central London hotel, drop bags and refresh after the flight — gives you energy for an afternoon walk around Westminster. Most hotels allow mid/late check-in but confirm your exact time.
See the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and Houses of Parliament from the riverside — an iconic photo stop and good orientation for central London. Outdoor, open all day; allow ~45 minutes for photos and nearby views.
A 30–40 minute rotation gives panoramic views across the Thames and central London; best to pre-book tickets to skip lines. Typical opening around 11:00–18:00 in autumn — check your timeslot on booking.
If you want a late-lunch snack or famous chocolate-covered strawberries, pop into Borough Market near London Bridge — great for family treats and local foods. Many stalls operate until mid/late afternoon; check individual stall times.
A colourful, fun shop for kids and collectors in Leicester Square with lots of photo ops and treats — open late (often until 8–10pm). Good quick stop after the South Bank walk.
The Leicester Square LEGO store is interactive and entertaining for a 12-year-old and parents alike; browse exclusive sets and play areas. Stores typically open until evening; check specific store hours.
Family-friendly dim sum in Chinatown (short walk from Leicester Square) — lively, tasty and convenient for an arrival-night dinner. Many restaurants open until late; reservations help at peak times.
Start with a hearty, family-friendly breakfast near the West End so you’re ready to explore Oxford Street and Regent Street. Many cafés open from about 8:00–9:00am in this area.
Hit the big-name shops and flagship stores (Hamleys nearby on Regent Street for toys) — a classic shopping stretch for fashion, electronics and fun window displays. Stores generally open around 10:00; start early to avoid crowds.
Mercato Mayfair offers a range of stalls and quick meals; it’s convenient for a varied family lunch on a shopping day. Check vendor hours (many open mid-morning through early evening).
Spend time exploring one of the world’s largest toy stores — great for your 12-year-old and fun demonstrations. Stores are family-focused and usually open until evening.
Enjoy the shopping streets as the evening lights come on; this time of year you’ll begin to see early seasonal lighting and window displays. Streets are public and open all times; window-shopping is free.
Your planned Dishoom reservation: classic Bombay-inspired plates in a family-friendly environment; great for a memorable meal near the West End. Dishoom gets busy — keep your reservation and arrive on time (typical dinner hours 5pm–10pm).
After dinner, take a short walk to Leicester Square / Piccadilly Circus for neon lights and street atmosphere — a lively end to a shopping day. Open space, free to visit at any time.
Early breakfast to fuel the studio trip; choose hotel breakfast for convenience before heading to Euston station. Trains to Watford run from London Euston and you’ll want time for transfers.
Take the train from Euston to Watford Junction then the official studio shuttle to Warner Bros. Studio — allow ~1–1.5 hours door-to-door. Trains typically take 20–25 minutes; shuttle timing should be checked against your studio ticket.
Your pre-booked Hogwarts experience: sets, props, the Great Hall and behind-the-scenes exhibits — a must-see for Potter fans. Your ticket is for 12:00; arrive 30–45 minutes early for the shuttle and security. (You noted you’ll get to Watford by train and then take the studio shuttle.)
Return by shuttle and train to central London; evening is free for low-key activities after a full day at the studios. Trains can be busy, so allow extra time.
Quick stop for a photo at the Platform 9¾ photo point and the Harry Potter shop — a short, fun post-studio visit. Station open all day; the photo queue can be quicker in the evening.
Start leisurely on the birthday day with breakfast near Marylebone or at your hotel to prepare for a day of shopping and celebrations. The Ivy Marylebone is an option for a special morning meal.
Explore Carnaby’s independent boutiques and Regent Street’s flagship stores — November brings festive lighting and window displays that make shopping extra-special. Shops typically open 10:00–21:00 depending on the store.
Lunch in Covent Garden where street performers and atmospheric markets create a lively birthday ambience. Many cafés and restaurants are family-friendly; midday hours generally 12:00–15:00.
Reserved afternoon tea at Sketch for a memorable birthday experience — whimsical rooms and top-tier afternoon tea service make this a special family treat. Sketch typically opens afternoons for tea; confirm your booking time and any dietary requirements.
Wander Covent Garden’s market, boutiques and colorful Neal’s Yard — great atmosphere, street performances and photos. Most outdoor areas open freely throughout the day.
Celebrate the evening with a birthday dinner at The Ivy Marylebone, known for a polished family-friendly menu and special occasion atmosphere. Book ahead; the restaurant is usually open for dinner from early evening.
Top West End musicals make a celebratory birthday night if you’d like theatre — check show times and book in advance (many shows have 7:30–8:00pm starts).
Visit Kew Gardens to wander glasshouses, winter gardens and treetop walks; peaceful and beautiful in autumn. Typical winter opening 10:00–16:30 (confirm close time and book tickets if needed).
A relaxed lunch near Kew — Petersham Nurseries or local cafés offer seasonal menus and family-friendly options. Check opening times (many lunch services run midday).
Explore Camden’s eclectic market stalls, then take a scenic canal walk toward Little Venice for a quieter riverside atmosphere and barge cafés. Markets often operate midday through late afternoon; canal walks are public and open all day.
Finish with a family-friendly dinner at Hard Rock Cafe (Piccadilly location) or another family restaurant close to the West End. Reservations recommended for dinner service.
If the seasonal ice rink at Canary Wharf is open this year, it’s a lovely evening activity — check actual opening dates and book skate times in advance. Seasonal rinks usually open in late November, so verify availability for early November.
Have a final breakfast at the hotel and finish packing. For a 10:25am flight from Luton, aim to leave London allowing sufficient travel time and airport check-in/security.
Take a direct train or pre-booked taxi to Luton; trains take roughly 50–90 minutes depending on route and connection, taxi is quicker but more expensive. For a 10:25am flight aim to arrive at Luton by ~8:30–9:00am.
Arrive at the airport to check in, drop luggage and pass security; families should allow extra time for queues. Airport procedures typically recommend 2 hours prior for short-haul flights.