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Ham Yard Hotel is one of London's most design-forward boutique properties, tucked into a peaceful courtyard just moments from the energy of Soho and Theatreland. Firmdale Hotels are renowned for their family welcome: Ham Yard provides mini bathrobes, children's books and board games, milk and cookies at bedtime, family DVDs, Sky TV, cots, high chairs, and children's cutlery. The hotel's restaurant and bar opens onto a beautiful courtyard with oak trees — a surprisingly calm space in the middle of central London. The location is unbeatable for families who want easy access to museums, theatres, parks, and the best of London's cultural life.
Ham Yard Hotel sits in Soho — one of London's most vibrant, walkable neighbourhoods, and more family-friendly than its reputation suggests. The surrounding streets are lined with independent restaurants, street art, specialist food shops, and the world's best theatres. Carnaby Street, just to the north, is a pedestrian shopping street great for a morning wander with children. Chinatown is two minutes on foot — a favourite with children for its lanterns, dumplings, and spectacle. Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, and Leicester Square are all within a 15-minute walk, as are the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.
National Gallery, Trafalgar Square — 15-min walk. Free entry. Family trails and audio guides available. One of the world's great art collections. All ages. Covent Garden Market — 12-min walk. Street performers, shops, cafes. Children are captivated. All ages. London Eye — 20-min walk or short taxi. The 30-min rotation gives stunning views over London. Ages 4+. SEA LIFE London Aquarium — Adjacent to the London Eye. Sharks, rays, jellyfish and more. Ages 3+. National Theatre — South Bank, 20-min walk. Regular family productions and backstage tours. Tate Modern — South Bank, 25-min walk. Free entry. Regular family workshops and trails. Great for older children. Leicester Square — 5-min walk. The M&M's World and LEGO store are perennial children's favourites. Chinatown — 5-min walk. Perfect for a lively, affordable lunch or dinner. Children love the spectacle. Regent Street & Hamleys — 10-min walk. Seven floors of the world's greatest toy shop. St James's Park — 20-min walk. Pelicans, ducks, the best view of Buckingham Palace. Free. All ages. Stays sitters are available to take children on supervised outings to any of the above.
Soho and the surrounding area isn't the most obvious dog territory, but St James's Park and Green Park (both a 20-min walk or short taxi ride) are dog-welcoming green spaces. The Pillars of Hercules pub on Greek Street and several independent Soho cafes welcome well-behaved dogs. Regent's Park to the north (20 min by taxi) is one of London's best off-lead parks. Staying in Soho with your dog? Stays offers professional dog-sitting and dog-walking. We'll look after your dog at the hotel or take them for a walk in the Royal Parks while you enjoy the West End.
Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square stations are nearby, both with some step-free access. The National Gallery (15-min walk) is fully accessible with lift access throughout. The South Bank — home to the Tate Modern, BFI, and National Theatre — is one of London's most accessible areas, with wide riverside promenades and step-free access throughout. Covent Garden Piazza is level and accessible, although the tube station has no lift (take a bus or taxi instead). Stays provides companion carers and elderly care professionals for hotel guests — ideal for families with an older relative who would benefit from a dedicated carer or companion during the London stay.
Soho, Covent Garden, and the surrounding West End are home to some of London's most exciting and award-winning kitchens. With a Stays professional looking after the children, your evening is yours:
Barrafina — Soho. Outstanding tapas; counter seating is exciting for older children. £££ Dishoom, Carnaby — 10-min walk. Bombay-style café. Children love the chai and the naan. Always buzzy. ££ Yauatcha, Soho — 5-min walk. Upscale dim sum in a stunning basement. A memorable treat for children. £££ Shake Shack, Covent Garden — 12-min walk. Reliably excellent burgers; children's menu. ££ Chinatown (various) — 5-min walk. Wonderful for families with adventurous young eaters. £–££
Ham Yard Restaurant — On-site. Beautiful courtyard dining; children welcome. Pre-theatre menu ideal for early family dinners. ££££ Brasserie Zedel — Piccadilly, 10-min walk. Grand Parisian brasserie at accessible prices. Perfect for families. ££ Frenchie, Covent Garden — 12-min walk. Acclaimed Franco-British bistro. The Ivy, West Street — 10-min walk. London institution; grand, fun, always reliable. Hawksmoor, Seven Dials — 12-min walk. London's finest steakhouse. J. Sheekey — St Martin's Court, 12-min walk. Iconic London seafood restaurant.
Can I get a babysitter at Ham Yard Hotel?
Yes. Stays provides professional, vetted childcare for Ham Yard Hotel guests. Book via staysgroup.co.uk or contact us directly.
Are your sitters allowed in the hotel room?
Yes. All Stays professionals are qualified, insured, and experienced in hotel in-suite care.
What qualifications do your sitters have?
All are practising nannies, nursery nurses, teachers, or hospital play workers with enhanced DBS and Paediatric First Aid.
Do you have sitters who speak languages other than English?
Yes — over 30 languages covered. Please let us know your preference when booking.
How much notice do I need?
From weeks in advance to same-day. We always do our best for last-minute requests.
Do you offer overnight babysitting at Ham Yard Hotel?
Yes. Please enquire at booking.
Can Stays look after my dog while I'm at the hotel?
Yes. We offer dog-sitting and dog-walking throughout central London.