Pre-Trip Fun for London, England

"101 Dalmations" -- Set in Primrose Hill (which you can see from the London Eye on a clear day), this fiendish story about the kidnapping of Dalmation puppies is a perfect film for the whole family. (All ages)

"Mary Poppins" -- This 1964 family classic, as charming to watch today as it ever was, tells the story of how a nanny with magical powers sets an eccentric upper crust London family back on track. (All ages)

"Finding Neverland" -- A winning tale about the life of J.M. Barrie, who was inspired to write Peter Pan while ambling through Kensington Gardens. The movie has scenes of Barrie (played by Johnny Depp) regaling his lady friend's four sons with stories of a boy who could fly while they all enjoy the Gardens. (Teens)

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" -- The Regent's Park Zoo is where Harry Potter first gets an inkling he can speak parseltongue when he manages to talk to the boa constrictor who's never seen Brazil. In addition to the Reptile House of the zoo in The Regent's Park, you'll find scenes in the Harry Potter movies filmed at King's Cross Station [add link] and Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley). (Teens)

Scones -- Try these to prepare for the buttery wonders of scones and crumpets you'll enjoy at high tea in London!

Homestyle potato chips -- Everyone in London likes potato chips even if they call them crisps! (They call "chips" what we call French fries).

Roast pork -- Get a taste of pub food and the traditional Sunday roast dinner you'll find at restaurants in London.

"Madeline in London " -- Madeline, Miss Clavel and the 11 others head to London to surprise a friend but they are in for some surprises themselves. Ludwig Bemelmans's pen and ink drawings of famous London buildings are a great way to get your little ones excited about a trip. (Ages 4 to 8)

" Percy to the Rescue" -- When two boys get stranded on the Serpentine in Hyde Park, a clever pigeon comes to their rescue flying all over London to get help. (Ages 4 to 8)

"Ballet Shoes" -- Aspiring dancers Pauline, Petrova, and Posy live on Cromwell Road, so close to the Victoria and Albert they can go there on rainy days to look at the doll houses in this charming story of three determined orphans set in London. (Ages 9 to 12)

"Oliver Twist" -- Charles Dickens' classic story of an orphaned boy who runs away from a poor house depicts the underbelly of London and was actually responsible for helping clean up a city slum. Many other Dickens novels have detailed scenes of London, including "A Tale of Two Cities" and "David Copperfield," all excellent reading for older teens. (Teens)

Candy castle: -- Build your own palace to get excited about seeing the Tower of London, Winsor Castle, and Buckingham Palace!

Do a London puzzle: -- Piece together Big Ben, the London Eye, the Thames, and more.