10 Unique Behind-the-Scenes Tours in London for Kids

You’ll discover London’s most exciting secrets when you step behind the curtains, under the stages, and into the hidden worlds where theatre magic, movie wizardry, and historical mysteries come alive. From walking onto Shakespeare’s Globe stage to exploring Harry Potter’s film sets at Warner Bros. Studio, these unique tours let you peek behind London’s most famous doors. You can dress up in real costumes at the National Theatre, venture into secret Underground stations, or watch live newsrooms at BBC Broadcasting House—each adventure reveals the incredible stories that happen when the public isn’t watching.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: Step Into the Bard’s World

When you step into Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, you’re entering a time machine that whisks you back over 400 years to when the Bard himself watched actors perform his plays. This reconstructed open-air playhouse on Bankside offers 45-minute guided tours that’ll captivate your imagination with stories of rowdy “groundlings” who cheered and booed from the pit below.

You’ll sit in the galleries where nobles once watched performances, sometimes catching live rehearsals in action. Guides share spooky tales during special Ghosts & Ghouls tours, perfect for adventurous kids. For an even more immersive experience, special backstage tours take you into the attic above the theatre and beneath the stage to explore props and costumes from iconic productions.

The best part? You might walk onto the actual stage, experiencing what actors see when performing. With family-friendly storytelling and vivid anecdotes about Shakespeare’s London, this award-winning tour transforms history into an exciting adventure.

National Theatre Family Tours: Interactive Backstage Adventures

Step behind the curtain at London’s National Theatre, where you’ll discover the magic that brings world-class productions to life during their specially designed family tours. Perfect for kids aged 7-11, these hour-long adventures happen every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 11am.

You’ll explore either the Olivier or Lyttelton theatres, visiting workshops where craftspeople create amazing sets, costumes, and props. The best part? You can dress up with real theatrical costumes and props!

Your family will access three auditoria, backstage areas, and front-of-house spaces while learning how shows come together. These tours are scheduled three times weekly and provide an immersive look into professional theatre operations.

With only 20 spots per tour, book early. Adult tickets cost £15, kids pay £7.50. Children under 5 can’t join these tours, but older kids will love this interactive theatrical adventure.

Royal Opera House Alice Tour: Down the Rabbit Hole Experience

From theatrical workshops to opera house magic, London’s cultural venues offer extraordinary adventures for young explorers. The Royal Opera House’s Alice Tour transforms children into Wonderland adventurers during a 75-minute interactive journey.

You’ll chase the White Rabbit through backstage areas normally off-limits to visitors, handle real ballet shoes and costumes, and peek through rehearsal studio windows at Royal Ballet dancers preparing for performances. The experience includes a colouring activity with a bespoke gift created by Eat Sleep Doodle.

Your family adventure includes crossing the iconic Bridge of Aspiration, discovering magical potions, and enjoying a tap-dancing tea party. Children must be five or older, and each adult can accompany up to three kids.

After the tour, you’ll relax in the dedicated lunch space with provided lunchboxes and bespoke gifts, making this an unforgettable cultural experience.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Magic of Harry Potter

Where else can you walk through the actual Great Hall where Harry Potter ate his meals, ride a broomstick through green-screen magic, and sip the famous Butterbeer that’s only sold at one place in the world? The Warner Bros. Studio Tour near Watford brings you face-to-face with real sets, costumes, and props from all eight films.

You’ll explore Diagon Alley’s cobblestones, peek inside Gringotts Bank, and spot magical creatures in the Forbidden Forest. The interactive broomstick experience lets you “fly” like a Quidditch player, while Platform 9¾ features the original Hogwarts Express train. Located in Leavesden, England, this behind-the-scenes experience offers unparalleled access to the filmmaking magic.

Plan for 3-4 hours to see everything, including the massive Hogwarts Castle model that’ll leave you absolutely spellbound.

London Transport Museum Hidden London: Secret Underground Stations

While most travelers rush through London’s Tube stations without a second thought, you can actually explore secret tunnels, abandoned platforms, and hidden wartime bunkers that’ve been locked away for decades. London Transport Museum’s Hidden London tours reveal around 10-11 mysterious locations including Aldwych’s ghost station and Churchill’s secret wartime headquarters at Down Street.

Your kids will discover 160 years of Underground history through story-led adventures featuring vintage tiles, original posters, and time-capsule corridors. Tours cost around £45 for adults and last 75-90 minutes, running Wednesday through Sunday.

You’ll need to book online well in advance since groups are small. Be prepared for stairs and narrow passageways – these aren’t accessible for buggies or wheelchairs, but they’re perfect for curious young historians. These exclusive experiences are the only tours that grant access to completely closed-off locations throughout London’s underground network.

Chelsea FC Stamford Bridge: Walk Like a Football Legend

Even if your little ones have never kicked a football, they’ll feel the electric atmosphere the moment they step into Chelsea FC’s legendary Stamford Bridge stadium. Your family will walk through the same tunnel where superstars enter to roaring crowds, sit in the actual dressing rooms, and snap photos with Champions League trophies.

The hour-long guided tour takes you pitchside for panoramic views and into the press room where managers face tough questions.

Kids love the interactive museum exhibits featuring match-worn shirts, boots, and medals from Chelsea’s greatest victories. You’ll also receive a souvenir lanyard as a memento of your stadium adventure.

Download the multilingual app for games and quizzes that’ll keep children engaged throughout. Tours run daily from 10:00-15:00, but avoid matchdays when planning your visit.

Arsenal FC Emirates Stadium: Behind the Scenes at the Emirates

Though Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium opened in 2006, your kids will discover decades of football history as they explore the gleaming modern home of the Gunners. The self-guided tour lets families move at their own pace through the players’ tunnel, horseshoe-shaped dressing room, and pitchside where they can sit in the manager’s dugout.

Audio handsets provide commentary in multiple languages, sharing matchday stories from Arsenal legends.

Your children will love posing with the FA Cup replica and exploring VIP areas like the Directors’ Box. The Arsenal Museum showcases iconic memorabilia, including Jens Lehmann’s gloves from the unbeaten “Invincibles” season.

For an extra special experience, consider the Legend Tour where families can enjoy a guided tour with a former Arsenal player, complete with a Q&A session and signed photo.

Tours cost around £30 for adults and £10-£40 for children, with under-5s entering free.

BBC Broadcasting House: Where Television Magic Happens

Although BBC tours ended in 2016, families can still peek behind the curtain at Britain’s broadcasting giant through the free Media Cafe overlooking the live newsroom. You’ll watch real journalists and presenters creating television magic from this stunning Art Deco building made of Portland Stone.

The cafe provides camera’s-eye views into bustling TV and radio studios via big screens, letting kids see how news gets made. You’re watching the same newsroom that serves over half the BBC’s global audience in dozens of languages.

The building houses 6,000 people working across multiple floors. News anchors here are actual journalists who research and write 85% of their own stories, making the work you observe even more impressive.

While you can’t tour the famous One Show studio or Radio Theatre anymore, the cafe experience costs nothing and offers genuine behind-the-scenes glimpses of Britain’s most iconic broadcasting center.

Tower Bridge Exhibition: Inside London’s Famous Bridge

Every year, nearly 900,000 visitors discover what’s inside London’s most famous bridge during the Tower Bridge Exhibition. You’ll explore both towers, walk across glass floors 138 feet above the Thames, and see the original Victorian steam engines that once powered the bridge.

Your 90-minute adventure starts in the North Tower, where you’ll learn how 11,000 tons of steel and 31 million bricks created this marvel. The high-level walkways offer stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London Eye. Don’t miss the glass floors – they’re strong enough to hold two black cabs!

In the Victorian Engine Rooms, you’ll discover how 80 workers once raised the bridge in just 60 seconds. The bridge still opens 800 times yearly for passing ships. This Grade I listed building stands as one of London’s most significant architectural treasures, recognized for its exceptional heritage value.

Old Bailey: Courtroom Drama and Legal History

Where can you witness real courtroom drama and explore 900 years of legal history? The Old Bailey offers fascinating guided tours that’ll transport you through London’s criminal court system.

Built on the site of the notorious Newgate Prison, this neo-Baroque courthouse has witnessed centuries of famous trials and executions.

You’ll discover unexpected artworks, learn about historical cases, and see where justice happens daily.

The building’s topped by a striking 12-foot golden Lady Justice statue holding her famous sword and scales.

However, there’s an important catch: you must be at least 14 years old to enter, and you’ll need photo ID.

Tours run on Saturdays with advance booking required, and you can’t bring large bags or cameras inside the sensitive courtroom areas. For a more comprehensive experience, you can join a half-day London legal walking tour that combines courthouse visits with exploration of the historic Inns of Court.

The Sum Up

You’ve discovered London’s coolest hidden spots that most travelers never see! From stepping onto Shakespeare’s stage to exploring secret underground tunnels, these tours let you peek behind the curtain of the city’s most famous places. You’ll walk through Harry Potter’s magical world, stand where footballers prepare for matches, and see how TV shows come to life. Book your adventure today and create memories you’ll treasure forever!