What to do in London with family?
#16
Join Date: Dec 2009
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The weather is likely to be bad (cold, raining) some of the time. So I suggest you have several alternative ideas and choose which is best each day. The zoo in the rain is no fun.
The Natural History Museum is a good indoor thing for children, easy to engage with, visually appealing, with a fine selection of cakes in the cafe. Even the most traditionally Victorian part of the NHM, the minerals galleries, can be interesting to children (of all ages): Oooh, Shiny!
The Tower is also good, as long as it's not raining a lot: it's a giant castle with (slightly) scary ravens and old time guards (often sardonic, for the adult entertainment) full of armour and treasure, what is there not to like about that? You have to walk outside between the buildings, hence not good in a downpour.
The Natural History Museum is a good indoor thing for children, easy to engage with, visually appealing, with a fine selection of cakes in the cafe. Even the most traditionally Victorian part of the NHM, the minerals galleries, can be interesting to children (of all ages): Oooh, Shiny!
The Tower is also good, as long as it's not raining a lot: it's a giant castle with (slightly) scary ravens and old time guards (often sardonic, for the adult entertainment) full of armour and treasure, what is there not to like about that? You have to walk outside between the buildings, hence not good in a downpour.
#17
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What ages are your children? That might help in making suggestions.
Also, bear in mind you are going to be there in March. Outdoor activities (e.g. a Thames cruise) might be less welcoming than in June.
FWIW, I've found most London attractions to be child friendly with lots for them to do.
Also, bear in mind you are going to be there in March. Outdoor activities (e.g. a Thames cruise) might be less welcoming than in June.
FWIW, I've found most London attractions to be child friendly with lots for them to do.
#19
Join Date: Jan 2017
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Watching this thread with interest as a friend is bringing her kids to visit in the summer. I was thinking about the Kensington museums as suggested up thread. I also thought we would do a day on the south bank starting with a photo opportunity at Big Ben/Houses of Parliament -> London Eye -> Wander past the street market, Tate modern, Globe Theater, Golden Hinde, Tower Bridge -> Tower of London (if time). Lots of opportunity to stop off for food or have a closer look at things if they want to. If the weather is nice you can just amble around watching the street entertainers and trying different foods from the market.
#20
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Watching this thread with interest as a friend is bringing her kids to visit in the summer. I was thinking about the Kensington museums as suggested up thread. I also thought we would do a day on the south bank starting with a photo opportunity at Big Ben/Houses of Parliament -> London Eye -> Wander past the street market, Tate modern, Globe Theater, Golden Hinde, Tower Bridge -> Tower of London (if time). Lots of opportunity to stop off for food or have a closer look at things if they want to. If the weather is nice you can just amble around watching the street entertainers and trying different foods from the market.
#21
Join Date: Aug 2013
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Maybe it's the difference between living there and visiting but during my first visit, I went in to watch Parliament. It was fascinating, and depending on the age of your friend's children (and the OP's), might be interesting, especially if they are learning about how their government works in school. As I recall, you can stay for a bit or leave any time you want, so perfect for kids.
#22
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Public Gallery is also open and except for busy times (PMQs for example) there should be seats in the gallery - no ticket needed.
#23
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They also have a special family tour, aimed at kids aged 7-12. I think it only runs during the UK school holidays.
#24
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How difficult is it to get in? I was in the Public Gallery at Westminster in the 90's and for a Commonwealth resident actively involved in government and politics in his own country I found it a very moving experience to sit in the place where it all began. I would have anticipated with increased terrorism threats that it would be very difficult to get into the House of Commons.
#25
Join Date: Oct 2013
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How difficult is it to get in? I was in the Public Gallery at Westminster in the 90's and for a Commonwealth resident actively involved in government and politics in his own country I found it a very moving experience to sit in the place where it all began. I would have anticipated with increased terrorism threats that it would be very difficult to get into the House of Commons.