Describe your area in three words: Busy, lively and modern

Coolest coffee spot: I highly recommend a visit to Peggy Porschen. It’s a 10-minute walk from Victoria Station and they have the most beautiful cakes, as well as offering babyccinos for the little ones. They also have amazing themed displays on their door and windows that change with the seasons, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. It can get busy so it’s best to go early.

Best family-friendly restaurant: We love Prezzo. There’s one within Victoria Station and the children’s menu is very good. You can get a three-course toddler meal and drink for £3.95, and the portions are generous. They also have colouring for children while you wait for your food, which is always helpful.

Favourite park or green space: We’re very lucky to be near so many of the Royal Parks, whether within walking distance or a short car ride or bus journey away. Our closest park and the one we visit most frequently is St. James’s Park, which offers beautiful scenery and is a 10-minute walk from Victoria. It can get very busy, especially in the summer, and so for a quieter park visit we like to go to Victoria Tower Gardens, which is situated behind the Houses of Parliament and right beside the River Thames. It’s a small area of green space and has a small play area for the children.

Best local museum or gallery: The Science Museum is great for young children and is a 15/20-minute bus or car ride from Victoria. They have an under-6 play area that’s free to enter and includes water play (spare clothes are a must for younger children). We’ve also recently discovered the newly opened National Army Museum in Chelsea (a 15-minute walk from Victoria). There are interactive stations around the museum and an army-themed soft-play area that I highly recommend. It costs £4.50 to enter the soft play and I advise booking before you go – either on their website or by phone.

Coolest kids’ shop: Hamleys on Regent Street. Lots to see and do, and rated one of the best toy stores in the world.

Favourite under-5s class/activity: We’ve recently joined Little Kickers football group, which Harvey loves. You pay a termly fee and the sessions are 45 minutes long. It’s great for helping children to gain social skills, develop gross motor skills and learn their colours and numbers, and the sessions are made very fun.

What makes your area great? Victoria has lots to offer, including shopping, restaurants, cafes and excellent transport links. It’s also very close to many of London’s main attractions.

What’s the best thing about living in London?: The opportunities here – that and you can always find something new to do.

And the worst?: It can be very busy!

Follow Rebecca at @rebeccaconnoll 

Photo credit: Rebecca Connoll