I often get asked by friends, to suggest places to stay in London and things to see and do with families and young children. I know that come October, quite a few of you will be making the journey up to London for ' The Baby Show'.  I'm so fortunate to live pretty much on the doorstep, of The Baby Show and it really doesn't take that long for me to travel there at all. So I thought I'd put together some ideas for places to stay and other things to see and do around the area close to Kensington Olympia, where The Baby Show is held.

If you're not totally shopped out after the Baby Show then Westfield Shopping Mall in White City/ Shepherd's Bush, is just one stop away on the overground. Westfield is literally shopping paradise with everything from high street brands such as H&M and Zara to luxury high end boutiques along the lines of Miu Miu and Gucci. You'll also find tons of great restaurants here, a cinema and the newly opened Kidzania which we visited last weekend and will be blogging about soon, it's amazing!!

Notting Hill is also close by with all it's gorgeous boutiques and restaurants and of course the world famous market.

Holland Park ( Or Hollandaise Park as my daughter calls it) is one of our favourite parks in London. It's pretty close to where The Baby Show is held and it has two great kids playgrounds, plenty of space to run free and of course it is home too the beautiful wild Peacocks that roam the park. If you're looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of this vibrant city then I highly recommend taking some time out in the Japanese Garden within the park, it is hard to believe that you're just moments away from Kensington High Street!



Kensington High Street- another great little shopping area which is home to my favourite organic food shop - Wholefoods!!

Where to stay? I have often recommended the Holiday Inn London- Kensington Forum to my friends.   It's family friendly, It's just a short trip by tube from Gloucester Road or 5-10 minutes by Taxi to The Baby Show and also walking distance museums such as The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the V&A. This hotel is great if you're coming from Wales & the West as it's just off the M4 and is also convenient for those flying in to Heathrow Airport.

* Written in collaboration with IHG