Built beginning in 1887 as Hyde Park Court, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London remains one of the city’s most recognizable and important luxury hotels. We sat down with Matthew Jackson, the Head Concierge, to hear all about his favorites for families at the hotel and within the city.

**Matthew Jackson**
Head Concierge, The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

London is one of the world’s most dynamic cities, offering endless opportunities for families. The pageantry of the culture, with its palaces and parades, is a visual feast, and the wealth of museums and public spaces make it perfect for exploring. But one of the very best parts of London is its parks and gardens – huge, dedicated green spaces dot the city, filled with formal landscaping, riots of spring flowers, rolling lawns, and long promenades. The largest of these is Hyde Park, a 350-acre oasis in Westminster established in 1536 by Henry VIII, with neighbors no less distinguished than Kensington Palace to the west and Buckingham Palace to the east. Perched along its south flank, with a show-stopping red brick façade reaching into the skies and a picture-perfect black cab or two usually stopped out front, is the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London.

Built beginning in 1887 as Hyde Park Court, Cesar Ritz consulted on the property when it was converted into a hotel in the early 20th century; since 1996, the Mandarin Oriental flag has flown above its entrance, and it remains one of the city’s most recognizable and important luxury hotels. Down the street from Harrod’s and steps from a playground, it’s a perfect home base for families exploring the British capital. We sat down with Matthew Jackson, the Head Concierge, to hear all about his favorites for families at the hotel and within Greater London.

A Perfect Family Day in London

A native Londoner, Matthew has spent the last six years of his career at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, which is familiar territory. “Growing up nearby, I have fond memories of playing football right next to the hotel, so being here in my career truly feels like home.” He’s put a lot of work into coming home again – not only is he the youngest Head Concierge in London, he’s also the youngest Head Concierge across all Mandarin Oriental properties worldwide. And yet, he’s maintained his sense of humor as he’s climbed the professional ladder, finding time to work with some pretty colorful characters, especially during a stint as a talent runner on the British reality competition sensation Strictly Come Dancing. “The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has always held a special place in my heart,” he says. “There is no better day in London than a day spent outside (when it’s not raining!), and there is no better place to do it than Hyde Park, which is on the hotel’s doorstep.”

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Speaking of colorful characters, several times a week, breakfast at the hotel restaurant comes with a cameo, so if you’re looking for one perfect day in Londontown, Matthew recommends not sleeping through the first meal. “There are always stunning views onto Hyde Park from the breakfast restaurant, and, if you’re lucky, you will see the Household Cavalry trot past in their regalia – a true British cultural gem!” Walk off your Full English with a stroll through the park to Kensington Palace, with a stop at the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, which is inspired by JM Barrie’s stories of Peter Pan, en route. “Then, head over to Notting Hill for lunch at Gold on Portobello Road. After that, hitch a classic London black cab over to Regents Park for the London Zoo,” he suggests. “The Zoo is such a great way to learn about animals as well as conservation and sustainability. Another benefit is that it is outside, so gets the kids out in fresh air and families can enjoy Regents Park at the same time.”

“The summer season is one of my absolute favorite times to be around London, so I would recommend visiting in the early summer months of May, June, and July. The city is a hive of activity around that time and depending on the age of the children, I would recommend taking them along to some of the most iconic sporting events of the summer, such as Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, or the Formula 1.” The Mandarin Oriental team loves customizing the hotel experience for families to their interests and ages – their Little Ranger Adventures program means that kids are greeted with activity books and dress-up clothes on arrival, as well as a treasure map of the city. “The map includes dedicated trails that allow kids to explore the local area as their chosen ‘Ranger,’ whether that’s a Sloane Ranger, Royal Ranger, or Park Ranger,” he says. And even the littlest guests are welcomed with cribs, bouncers, bottle warmers, and plushy toys and treats with their Very Little Rangers experience for babies and toddlers.

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With a few days in London, Matthew suggests getting out of the city center. “London is so much more than Zone 1 on the tube map and the iconic destinations that you might find on first glance,” he says. “One of my favorite areas to visit is Richmond, out to the southwest of the city. Here, you will find beautiful green space to explore and lots of wildlife in Richmond Park. It is very safe for children and great for cycling. Families can enjoy a wonderful meal at Scott’s, or enjoy a freshly poured pint at the White Cross Pub - both are located just next to the river.” Closer to the hotel, he also recommends exploring the family-friendly neighborhoods in Chelsea and along King’s Road and Fulham Road. “These are great areas for families – they’re full of individual, independent businesses so families can pop into unique shops and enjoy interesting cuisines at the local restaurants. The area is very residential, so the surrounding streets are quiet and there are many other families out and about.”

There’s also much to spark the imagination of older kids, including Cutty Sark, a 19th century British Clipper that sailed between England and China as part of the tea trade that is now docked at Greenwich, in southeast London. “Families can go up on deck and meet a cast of colorful characters, play interactive games, and understand what it was like to live at sea,” Matthew recommends. “The HMS Belfast and the Imperial War Museum are also great options for an insight into wartime life, and The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Transport Museum are all wonderful for families, taking children on a journey through different aspects of the world’s history of discovery.”

If the idea of all this action makes you hungry, he’s got you covered there as well. “Nothing is more quintessentially British than a traditional pub. Not only are they a fantastic choice for families, but they also serve up delicious food and offer the perfect setting for a British evening,” Matthew says, and the streets surrounding the hotel have a great selection. “The Grenadier is a must for its historic charm and iconic status, The Thomas Cubitt is a Georgian institution, and The Alfred Tennyson is beloved by locals.”

Hail a cab or take a short walk back to the hotel after dinner – if the kids still have energy, the hotel team can set up a movie night or video game console in-room while the parents put their feet up in anticipation of another full day of exploration in the morning.

More of Matthew’s Favorites

Cafes and Restaurants

The Rosebery (Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London)
Enjoy a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea with a special children’s menu.

Scott’s (Richmond)
A family-friendly restaurant offering delicious meals with a riverfront view, perfect for a relaxed family lunch.

Gold (Notting Hill)
A chic and vibrant restaurant on Portobello Road, offering modern dishes in a stylish and welcoming environment.

The Grenadier (Belgravia)
A historic pub known for its charm, serving traditional British pub food in a cozy atmosphere.

The Thomas Cubitt (Belgravia)
A quintessentially British pub serving hearty and refined British cuisine

The Alfred Tennyson (Belgravia)
A beloved local pub with classic British dishes and a cozy upstairs dining room

Sweets and Treats

The Mandarin Cake Shop (Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London)
A great place to indulge in decadent cakes and pastries

Harrods Chocolate Hall
A paradise for chocolate lovers, Harrods offers a range of luxurious sweets and treats

Neighborhoods & Parks

Richmond
A peaceful, family-friendly area with beautiful green spaces, wildlife in Richmond Park, and cycling opportunities.

Holland Park & Kyoto Gardens
A tranquil park offering stunning gardens and the peaceful Kyoto Gardens, ideal for a relaxed family day out.

Landmarks & Museums

London Zoo (Regents Park)
A must-visit for families, offering an interactive experience with animals while enjoying the beauty of Regents Park.

Cutty Sark (Greenwich)
A historic ship that allows families to explore the world of Victorian tea merchants

The British Museum
One of the world’s greatest museums, featuring a vast collection of art and artifacts that span over two million years of history

Kensington Palace
Step into the world of royalty with a visit to this stunning palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria

The Natural History Museum
Awe-inspiring exhibits about the natural world, from dinosaurs to ecosystems

The Science Museum
Another family-friendly museum where children can interact with exhibits about science and technology.

The Transport Museum
Discover London’s iconic transport systems through fun, interactive exhibits.

HMS Belfast
A decommissioned warship, offering older children a fascinating insight into wartime life.

Imperial War Museum
A powerful museum that explores the history of wartime London

Cultural Events

Wimbledon (Summer)
Annual world-class tennis event

Royal Ascot (Summer)
A prestigious racing event offering families a chance to experience one of London’s most iconic sporting traditions.

Formula 1 (Summer)
Enjoy the high-octane thrill of Formula 1 racing, perfect for sports-loving families.

Open Air Theatre at Regents Park
A great place for performances of Roald Dahl classics and more during the summer months.

Shakespeare’s Globe (Southbank)
Experience a truly authentic Shakespearean performance in this iconic open-air theatre

Learn more about family stays at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, including details on special rates, amenities, and connecting options, here.

Industry Insider: Family-Friendly London with Matthew Jackson, Head Concierge at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

Built beginning in 1887 as Hyde Park Court, the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London remains one of the city’s most recognizable and important luxury hotels. We sat down with Matthew Jackson, the Head Concierge, to hear all about his favorites for families at the hotel and within the city.