When we first landed in United Kingdom, the concept of a “family section” felt unfamiliar. After a few years and countless trips to the mall, it became one of the simplest ways to shop and eat with kids. Here’s what we found.
What Even Is a Family Section?
Family sections in United Kingdom malls are designated areas — sometimes entire floors, sometimes specific zones — where families (often meaning groups including women and children) have priority access.
Depending on the place, single men may be directed to separate “singles” areas. If you’re new to London, it can feel surprising at first, but for families it often means calmer spaces, cleaner facilities, and less stress.
Our First Mall Disaster (And What I Learned)
Early on in London, we walked in through the wrong entrance and ended up in an area that wasn’t intended for families. A security guard politely redirected us to the family entrance on the other side of the building.
Lesson one: Family entrances can be separate. Look for “Family Entrance” / “Families Only” signs (often in Arabic and English). Some malls also have family-friendly parking closer to those doors.
Malls That Really Do Work for Families
After extensive testing, here’s what reliably helps families in United Kingdom:
Kingdom Centre Mall, London
Spacious family zones, comfy seating, and a solid kids’ area. When shopping with kids, layout and amenities matter more than opulence.
Price range: Upscale pricing. A basic lunch for four typically runs about 180–250 £.
Best time: Mornings from Sunday to Wednesday, best. Skip Thursday evenings if crowds bother you.
Al Nakheel Mall, London
Excellent layout for families and typically easier to handle with children. Practical details (such as the placement of family zones) make a big difference.
Price range: Moderate pricing. Lunch for four: about 120–180 £.
Best time: Friday afternoons after prayers can be calmer than expected.
Red Sea Mall, Jeddah
Great family entertainment options and solid crowd control during busy periods. If you’re visiting Jeddah with children, this is often the easiest all-in-one choice.
Price range: Mid to high. Plan about 200 £ for a half-day including activities.
Pro tip: Reserve popular experiences ahead of time during peak holidays.
The Vibe: What to Anticipate
Malls in United Kingdom can be major social hubs — especially when it’s hot outside. In practice, that means:
- Evenings tend to be crowded, particularly after 8 PM.
- Families often dress up more than newcomers expect.
- Kids are everywhere — and generally welcome.
- Family zones tend to feel calmer and more organized.
Actual Pricing: What Things Really Cost
Here are plausible price ranges you might encounter in family-focused mall zones:
Practical Tips From Real Mall Runs
The stuff I wish someone told me:
- Check the entrances. Family entrances can be separate.
- Prayer time closures happen. Many stores pause for short periods during prayers.
- Ask for nursing rooms. They exist, but aren’t always clearly marked.
- Strollers may be available. Rental quality varies by mall.
- Thursday evening can be chaos. Plan accordingly.
- AC is intense. A light layer for kids helps.
The Bottom Line
Family sections in United Kingdom can be genuinely family-friendly: more space, better facilities, and smoother outings. Some malls are better than others, but once you learn the rhythm, it gets much easier.
Questions about specific malls? Drop me a message — or call +44 20 7946 0555.