The Spirit of London: A Ride Through History at Madame Tussaud

London’s black cabs are iconic, so it’s fitting that one of the more distinctive family activities in London sits inside one.

At Madame Tussauds London, the Spirit of London Ride carries guests through the capital’s history aboard a taxi.

From posing next to wax figures to climbing into a cab and travelling through changing scenery, a relaxing break awaits on a fun, educational ride that the whole family can sit and enjoy together.

Black Cab Experience & Family Bonding

Once the black cab ride pulls away, the scenery around it shifts through different points of London’s past. The effect of this immersive experience often has younger children talking about their favourite parts of the journey.

It’s one of the few moments during the visit where grandparents, parents and children sit down for a few minutes together. After time spent wandering between zones at different paces, that shared seat works as a pause as much as a highlight, a small piece of family bonding built into the visit.

The ride is included with a Madame Tussauds London standard ticket, so there’s nothing extra to book, queue for separately, or pay for once you’re inside.

A Journey Through London’s History

The route moves through several distinct points in the city’s past, each built as a set with an audio track that explains each scene.

Tudor London appears first, all timber-framed houses and narrow lanes, before the cab rolls into the chaos of the Great Fire of 1666, flames licking along the rooftops. From there, the ride settles into the colour and noise of the swinging 60s, with music and miniskirts marking a very different London.

Each scene is designed to be recognised rather than read about, which tends to suit younger children and older relatives who’d rather not stop and study information boards. It works as a history lesson that doesn’t feel like one, edutainment at its best.

For anyone weighing up historical things to do in London, it’s a way to move through several centuries without leaving your seat, and without needing any prior knowledge of the periods on show.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Alongside the wax figures, the ride adds more family activities in London to enjoy in a single visit, so there’s no need to plan a separate trip elsewhere to fit in a bit of history.

The Spirit of London Ride sits entirely indoors, making it one of the more dependable indoor family activities in London for families keeping an eye on the weather. A wet afternoon doesn’t mean you have to cut the day short.

For family activities in London this weekend, the ride doesn’t call for a separate booking or time slot. It’s part of the standard route through Madame Tussauds London, so simply hop on during your visit whenever you reach it.

With guests seated throughout, it's gentle enough for families with younger children who are looking for kids activities in London. For older kids and grown-ups, the moving sets and changing scenery still hold your attention as you make your way round.