Words by Harriet Mallinson
Even as a fully grown adult, entering a room stuffed with huge plush toys, games, storybooks and a cloud-painted ceiling is enchanting. Add in a love of Moomins, a dollop of imagination and a child’s gaze and this themed hotel accommodation is a dream come true.
The UK’s first Moomin-themed hotel rooms are now available to stay in at Hilton London Bankside until late autumn. There’s also a themed Sunday brunch complete with character appearances, whether you fork out for the cartoon kip or not.
Family Traveller visited the London hotel, just moments from the Tate Modern and London Bridge, to find out what the limited-edition takeover – and realisation of author Tove Jansson’s magical Finnish cartoon world – offers big and little kids alike.
Family-friendliness at a glance
What are the Moomin rooms like?
London hotels can be fairly utilitarian, joyless places – not so Hilton London Bankside this autumn as the restrained interiors usually associated with city accommodation are replaced with puzzles, giant Moomin toys and playful references to Jansson’s much-loved stories.
The detail really is impressive; I can barely move for Moomins during my sojourn in the Moomin King Family Room. Moomin cushions and plush toys greet me benignly from the bed and sofa before I spot others atop the beanbag and desk. A small bookcase is filled with classic Moomin tales while colouring books and puzzles provide further child-busying diversion. Even the mugs and coasters are Moomin-adorned!
The themed decor doesn’t stop there – the towels are Moomin-ified, the lamp is, the doorstop is, the do-not-disturb is. Heck, even the dressing gowns boast a chirpy Moomin patch. Wherever I look a curvaceous alabaster face gazes back gently; it’s hardly surprising I end up cuddling up to one of the toys for most of the night (illuminated in the soft glow of a Moomin lamp, of course) – consider me thoroughly seduced.
Waking up, the first thing I see is the blue painted sky above, splashed with fluffy white clouds – more theming, of course: the design takes its inspiration from Jansson’s 1948 novel Finn Family Moomintroll in which a magical hat transforms eggshells into clouds that Moomintroll and his friends ride through Moominvalley. In the King Bed Moomin Suite (which can also be booked as an interconnecting room), there’s a pink sky, which I assume makes you feel like you’re in a permanent sunset.
It’s all gloriously wholesome and endorphin-boosting; returning after a day of exploring is like being welcomed home by a benevolent family and enveloped in a fantasy land where nothing can go wrong. How bad can things get when there are Moomin biccies to be gorged upon under a Moomin blanket? Finland is well documented as the happiest country in the world, and I defy you not to feel joy in this little slice of Scandi serenity.
Plush toys greet me benignly from the bed and sofa
What is included with a Moomin stay?
Guests receive a Moomin welcome card and themed sweet treats on arrival. Younger visitors are also given a limited-edition, hand-iced Moomin biscuit created by Biscuiteers as part of its official collaboration with the brand.
Despite being surrounded by a plethora of Moominabilia, Hilton London Bankside takes pains to remind visitors that the toys, books and whatnot are very much to stay in the room after check-out – although there’s no denying it’s tempting to make off with a handbag-toting Moominmama to keep the magic alive.
Further perks await downstairs: guests staying in the Moomin suite receive a complimentary minibar and access to the hotel’s Executive Lounge, comprising a light breakfast, all-day snacks and drinks plus evening canapés and drinks.
The design takes its inspiration from Jansson’s 1948 novel Finn Family Moomintroll
Moomin brunch at Hilton London Bankside
The takeover continues beyond the bedrooms with a Moomin-themed brunch at the hotel’s OXBO Bankside restaurant every Sunday. Time it right and Moomintroll himself turns up for photo ops.
The Moomin brunch (served between 12.30pm and 3.30pm) adds several character-inspired dishes to the restaurant’s established Sunday offering. Moominmamma’s pancakes come with banana and caramel compote, whipped cream, maple syrup and forest berry jam left over from breakfast as part of a zero-waste approach.
Other treats include Moomin’s orange marmalade cakes, banana blondies with brown butter frosting, raspberry tarts with wildflower, lavender and lemon honey, plus Moomin-themed cookies. Guests can also try goodies from the official Biscuiteers Moomin collection.
Moomin character appearances are scheduled for selected brunches throughout the takeover. Upcoming dates include 30 August, 13, 20 and 27 September, 11, 18 and 25 October and 1 November 2026.
The final appearance on 1 November will have a spooky Moomin theme. Families should confirm the schedule directly with the hotel before booking as dates may change.
The brunch costs £42 for adults or £62 with bottomless drinks, and for children aged three to eight it’s £25.
The takeover continues beyond the bedrooms with a Moomin-themed brunch
Moomin crafts and books
Incredibly, there is still more on offer thanks to this Moomin mania. A pink-cloud-themed craft corner in the lobby gives children somewhere to play away from the bedrooms and restaurant. Activities include Moomin character games, Plus-Plus construction toys, puzzles, books and colouring.
The takeover also supports the UK’s National Year of Reading. Hilton London Bankside is giving away 500 books over the summer, encouraging families to switch off and spend time reading together. The Moomin rooms, suite and craft area contain curated collections of Tove Jansson’s stories. At the end of the partnership, the books will be donated to a local charity.
Harriet enjoys a Moomin character appearance – scheduled for selected brunches
What else does Hilton London Bankside offer families?
The Moomin experience may provide the initial reason to book but Hilton London Bankside has several standard facilities that make a family city break easier.
These include an indoor swimming pool (great for lengths, parents!), fitness centre, treatment rooms and flexible interconnecting family accommodation.
OXBO Bankside serves breakfast, weekend brunch and dinner from Wednesday to Friday. The Distillery is the hotel’s gin and cocktail bar, serving lunch and dinner daily and offering an outdoor terrace.
Where is Hilton London Bankside?
Hilton London Bankside is at 2–8 Great Suffolk Street in London’s Bankside neighbourhood.
Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market are within walking distance, making it easy to combine the stay with sightseeing, riverside walks and family-friendly cultural attractions.
How much do the Moomin rooms cost?
The Moomin King Family Room starts from £272 per night, while the King Bed Moomin Suite starts from £422 per night.
The themed rooms and suite are available until the end of October 2026. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Where to stay Moomin King Family Rooms at Hilton London Bankside start from £272 per night, while King Bed Moomin Suites start from £422 per night. The takeover runs until the end of October 2026. Sunday brunch at OXBO Bankside costs £42 per adult, £62 with bottomless drinks and £25 for children aged three to eight. How to book Visit the Hilton London Bankside website to book.Make It Happen
FAQs
How long is the Moomin takeover at Hilton London Bankside?
The Moomin rooms, suite and brunch are available for a limited period until the end of October 2026. A special character appearance is also scheduled for 1 November.
Can families book interconnecting Moomin rooms?
Yes. The Moomin King Family Room and King Bed Moomin Suite can be booked as interconnecting rooms, subject to availability.
Do you need to stay overnight to book the Moomin brunch?
No. Families can book the Sunday brunch at OXBO Bankside separately from an overnight stay.
Does Hilton London Bankside have a swimming pool?
Yes. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool as well as a fitness centre and treatment rooms.
Are gluten-free Moomin biscuits available?
No. The limited-edition Moomin biscuit supplied in the themed rooms is not available in a gluten-free version.
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