Our Guide To The Chic Family-Friendly Area, Marylebone.
What’s not to love about Marylebone? The vibrant and chic residential area is centrally located in London, but it doesn’t feel that way. It feels like an exciting village, with plenty of things to do, especially for families. There are stunning parks within and nearby, incredible architecture to marvel at, a bustling food scene with new openings and established favourites to try, and some of the best shops in the city.
Here is our guide of where to stay, where to eat, where to shop, and what to do, in our favourite area of London, Marylebone.
By Alice Codford
Where To Stay: The Level at Meliá White House
The Level at Meliá White House is an elevated and exclusive escape, perfect for families. The hotel’s stunning art deco style building is located right by Regent’s Park, and offers beautifully designed and spacious rooms and suites, a private entrance with a bespoke check-in, and access to a private lounge. The whole experience is so enjoyable from start to finish, and stress-free for families.
We recently had the pleasure of staying at the Meliá White House, and loved our beautiful room, The Level Junior Suite, which was the epitome of comfort and truly felt like a home away from home. With plenty of space at the entrance of the room - ideal for parking the pram - as well as a huge wardrobe area. The open plan room was so spacious with lots of seating for the whole family, and plenty of space for kids to run around. The room also featured a separate bath and shower room, making bathtime so much fun. And the king-size bed was one of the most comfortable we have slept in. After a busy day of exploring Marylebone, it was so nice coming back to the room, unwinding with a coffee, and enjoying the view from our top floor window.
What makes staying at The Level at Meliá White House a must, is the access to The Level Lounge. Exclusively for The Level guests, you will have all day access to the premium lounge where you can enjoy an excellent a la carte and buffet breakfast in the morning, as well as complimentary snacks and a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day. They even offer a delightful tapas and cocktail hour each evening. The lounge is especially ideal for families with a super child-friendly and welcoming atmosphere right until close. The hotel is walking distance from train stations as well as a stone's throw from Marylebone Village. A Luminary Mothers approved family friendly hotel. Book a stay here.
Where To Play: Paddington Street Gardens Children’s Playground
This vibrant and fully-equipped playground, featuring jungle gyms, tire swings, picnic tables, and more, is located just behind Marylebone High Street at the end of Paddington Street Gardens, which is also home to a lovely English rose garden! Surrounded by trees, and with plenty of nice benches or clean grass areas to lay a blanket, the park offers a wonderfully peaceful escape from shopping or sightseeing.
Marylebone Green Playground in Regent’s Park
Marylebone Green Playground, located in the southern part of The Regent’s Park, is a paradise for play, featuring climbing frames, seesaws, and sandpits spread across three themed areas. The Traditional Zone embraces the essentials of a classic playground, complete with swings, a seesaw, and a climbing frame. The Art Zone, inspired by the park’s annual ‘Frieze’ art show, features a winding concrete folly, a slide, and a rock-climbing wall. The Natural Zone invites exploration with a living willow tunnel, climbing rocks, timber stilts, and a fallen mature tree, perfect for adventurous play.
Where To Shop: Bonpoint
Bonpoint is a luxury French brand known for its elegant, high-quality children’s clothing and accessories. Combining timeless style with modern charm, it offers sophisticated, comfortable pieces for kids, often made with premium fabrics and attention to detail. With a large store on Marylebone High Street, you can buy beautiful gifts or clothes for your little ones.
Petit Bateau
Petit Bateau is another renowned French brand, famous for its iconic French Breton stripe shirts. Fans of their striped nautical designs include Alexa Chung, Gigi Hadid, and more! They are also known for their high-quality, pure cotton tees and underwear, they also offer a fantastic range of accessories. Petit Bateau baby clothing is beautifully designed, so are the soft toys which make perfect gifts. The shop is located right on Marylebone High Street.
Daunt Books
Daunt Books in Marylebone is a beautiful Edwardian bookshop known for its oak galleries, skylights, and travel-focused collection. The children’s section is a cozy, well-curated space with books for all ages, from board books to young adult novels. Featuring classics, contemporary picks, and beautifully bound editions, it’s a magical spot for young readers, and a great shop to visit for the whole family. Visit Daunt Books.
Where To Eat: Lina Stores
Just off the corner of Marylebone Lane and Wigmore Street, at the entrance to Marylebone Village, is Lina Stores. This stylish Italian deli and restaurant serves fresh, authentic Italian dishes. Their menu features handmade pasta, traditional antipasti, and Italian-inspired main courses, along with a selection of wines and desserts, all made with high-quality ingredients. Visit Lina Stores.
Carlotta
Carlotta in Marylebone is a buzzy, modern Italian restaurant known for its warm, inviting atmosphere. It serves a variety of Italian dishes, including fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, offering a contemporary take on classic Italian flavours. Visit Carlotta.
The Real Greek
With its cozy, rustic interior and welcoming staff, The Real Greek in Marylebone offers an authentic taste of Greece. The menu features traditional mezedes and souvlaki dishes, as well as a great kids menu, with plenty of delicious and healthy options. Emphasising informal dining, the restaurant serves delicious yet uncomplicated dishes in a relaxed setting. Visit The Real Greek.
Where To Get Coffee: Buns From Home
Buns From Home is a London-based bakery specialising in rich, flaky brioche buns with creative fillings. It started as a lockdown home baking project in 2020, with founder Barney Goff making buns in his mother’s kitchen and delivering them by bike. Their popularity quickly grew, leading to multiple bakery locations across London, including Marylebone. Today, they’re known for their high-quality ingredients, innovative flavours, and irresistibly buttery pastries. Visit Bun From Home Marylebone.
Hagen Espresso Bar
Hagen Espresso Bar in Marylebone is a sleek, Scandinavian-inspired coffee spot known for its high-quality, specialty brews. Hagen started with a mission to bring Copenhagen’s coffee culture to London, focusing on expertly crafted espresso and a minimalist, cozy atmosphere. With a commitment to precision and sustainability, Hagen has grown into a go-to destination for coffee lovers seeking a smooth, rich cup in a stylish setting. Visit Hagen Marylebone.
WA Cafe
WA Cafe (pronounced “wha”) in Marylebone is a stylish Japanese patisserie known for its delicate, handcrafted pastries and desserts. Specialising in Japanese-French fusion, they offer exquisite matcha cakes, fluffy chiffon, dorayaki, high-quality coffee and artisanal bread, all made with premium ingredients. With its minimalist aesthetic and focus on precision, WA Cafe is a fun must visit coffee spot with children, with exciting options for the whole family. Visit WA Cafe.