The Hidden City In London Is Right For Kids’ Holiday Trip
London is the absolute best place for children and families. With dozens of attractions and museums, we guarantee you’ll never be bored exploring the city. Here are our top family-friendly activities to keep you entertained this weekend, next weekend and at least 45 weekends after that.
What’s On February 2024
Museum of London Docklands
The Museum of London Docklands has a host of exciting events lined up for this February, including some fantastic FREE activities the whole family can enjoy, perfect for half-term! Drop in and learn about life in historic London through these hands-on sessions.
This February, join them as they celebrate the year of the dragon in a free Lunar New Year festival and take part in an action-packed programme of activities over the half term, themed around migration.
Hidden City
A treasure hunt-style experience across London using your phone.
MI6 needs your help. It is critical you follow 007’s trail. Gather intelligence, navigate the city and solve clues in a bid to outsmart Spectre…
In teams of up to six players, solve a series of clues, sent to your phone.
Embark on a journey across the city, working with Moneypenny, Q and other characters from the world of James Bond.
As the game unfolds, you will make choices which will affect the outcome of your story.
Rollerscape
Fancy something a bit different this half-term and enjoy nostalgia too? London’s newest pop-up experience on wheels Rollerscape could prove just the thing! Converted for a limited season from a theatre, it’s a full-throttle experience with a bespoke lighting environment, disco balls aplenty, and DJs playing a mixture of seasonal favourites, guilty pleasures and dance anthems! There’s even a high-energy Taylor Swift themed evening! Kids are not forgotten with dedicated sessions and a range of delicious treats including toffee apples and churros!
Horizon of Khufu
One of the newest, most thrilling immersive experiences out there, Horizon of Khufu is a 360-degree artificial reality event set in a 1000 sq.m site just 10 minutes from Central London on the Elizabeth Line. The ground-breaking experience is the perfect day out for adventure seekers and history enthusiasts alike, delivering a unique experience for school trips, families, friends, corporate groups, and colleagues to travel back to the time of the Pharaohs and find a blurred line between reality and imagination.
Using the latest technology, it’s possible to go back 4,500 years to look down over the great Egyptian city of Cairo, enter and climb the great pyramid of Giza (the only surviving Wonder of the World) and travel down the Nile to experience the funeral of Khufu as though you were there. Excurio, the innovative technology company behind the magic, create themed VR travel like no other while working with acknowledged academic experts in their fields. It’s a sensation that can only truly be experienced by taking the journey for yourself!
More to do in London this half term:
Changing The Guard
People come from far and wide to experience this royal tradition, so it’s definitely worth heading down to Buckingham Palace to catch the Changing the Guard ceremony at least once. It’s free to watch and will be happening daily throughout September. The colourful spectacle sees the Buckingham Palace Old Guard change with the New Guard. The ceremony lasts around 45 minutes and is accompanied by music. Head down earlier than 10.30am to ensure you get a good view.
WHEN: 10:30 am St James’ Palace & Wellington Barracks, 11.00 am Buckingham Palace
WHERE: Buckingham Palace Road, SW1A 1AA
Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
Explore the home of Henry VIII, The Renowned Magic Garden and get lost in the famous Maze. Discover more about this majestic palace and its unique history and explore the gorgeous gardens and stunning rooms. You’ll experience the public dramas and private lives of Henry VIII, his wives and children in the world of the Tudor court.
WHEN: Monday and Tuesday Closed, Wednesday – Friday 10.00 am – 4.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10.00 am – 5.00 pm
WHERE: East Molesey, Surrey. KT8 9AU
Kew Gardens, Richmond
A World Heritage Site and a top UK attraction, Kew Gardens is the world’s most famous garden. Visitors of all ages will be fascinated with the sheer range of climates, native and exotic plants and the beautiful collections of botanical art. Explore a tropical rainforest in the Palm House, where temperatures reach a balmy 27°C, stroll the tree-top walkway, see the serene lake and waterlily ponds!
This experience for two is truly out of the ordinary, and will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world – and you’ll learn about the 250 years of science and history behind this world-famous attraction, too!
WHEN: 10.00am – 6.00pm
WHERE: Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE
London Eye
Situated on the South Bank of the river Thames, the London Eye is an iconic part of London’s skyline. At 135 metres, the Lastminuite.com London Eye is the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, with 40 kilometre panoramic views in all directions (that’s as far as Windsor Castle on a clear day!).
With mesmerising 360-degree views of the capital, take in London’s most famous landmarks such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square. Made up of 32 high-tech glass capsules, a ride on the London Eye takes 30 minutes.
WHEN: 11.00am – 6.00pm daily
WHERE: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
The London Dungeon
Treat yourself to the ultimate day out at the London Dungeon… if you dare! The home of scary fun invites you to live and breathe your way through London’s darkest history via a selection of scream-drenched stories and fear-inducing shocks. With thirteen haunting tales and two thrilling rides, guests will come face-to-face with some of London’s most notorious historical characters: Guy Fawkes, Sweeney Todd and even Jack the Ripper! Familiar tales are played out before your eyes and storytelling is given a contemporary twist in a trip that’s not to be missed.
WHEN: 11.00am – 4.00pm daily
WHERE: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
London Zoo, Regent’s Park
Home to over 720 different species of animal, London zoo is the perfect way to connect with nature and animals in the heart of the city.
This animal kingdom in Regent’s Park offers some excellent experiences to help children and families learn about wildlife from around the world. Enter the Lion Temple to see the big cats roaming about. Head down to the Penguin Beach for feeding time. Don’t forget to meet the monkeys! The kids will love monkeying around in the monkey play area, designed to teach them how monkeys move in their environment.
WHEN: From 10am daily
WHERE: Regent’s Park, Outer Circle, London NW1 4RY
Madame Tussauds London
Step through the world-famous doors of Madame Tussauds London and onto the red-carpet action with your favourite celebs. Mingle with the rich and famous at the ULTIMATE A-list party, strut like you mean it on the catwalk and rub shoulders with the Royal Family in a truly iconic setting. Perform with global music stars then hail a cab to journey through the history of London. Save the world one more time with the Marvel Super Heroes before using the force with the greats of the Star Wars universe. Are you ready for your moment in the spotlight? COME ON IN!
WHEN: 10.00-3.00pm daily
WHERE: Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5LR
The Monument
The Monument is the tallest isolated stone column in the world and if you and the kids can hike up its 311 steps, you’ll be able to experience the incredible views from the top. The Monument is a reminder of the Great Fire of London which took place in 1666 and is still one of the most famous events in London history. Climb to the top of the tower and learn all about the ghastly event that began on Pudding Lane and engulfed the city of London in the 1600s.
WHEN: 9.30am – 6.00pm daily
WHERE: Monument Street, EC3R 8AH
Puttshack
Puttshack is an upscale, tech-infused mini golf experience that appeals to everyone. More than just indoor mini golf, Puttshack leans on its ground-breaking technology to elevate the game, while also serving world-class food and full bar in a cool environment. The Puttshack experience is really all about having fun – and doing something fun – together.
WHEN: Mon – Wed 12.00pm – 11.00pm Thurs – Fri 12.00pm -12.00am Sat 11.00am – 12.00am Sun 11.00am – 10.00pm (adults-only from around 7pm)
WHERE: Bank, Lakeside, Watford, White City
Sea Life London Aquarium
Discover the secret underwater world in our oceans and coastline. Experience the habitat of thousands of seawater creatures. The Shark Walk immerses you in the world of sharks. Get up close with Sand Tiger sharks, Bow Mouths, Black Tips and Grey Reefs. Don’t forget to remind the little ones that the sharks can’t harm them from behind the glass! You’ll also learn about how Sea Life are helping support ocean conservation and marine welfare.
WHEN: 10.00am – 7.00pm daily
WHERE: County Hall, Riverside Building, SE1 7PB
The Science Museum, London
The Science Museum holds a collection of over 300,000 items located over seven floors and categorized by topic, such as medicine, nuclear power, photography, electricity, food, technology, transportation, and much more, there is SO much to see a do.
Located in South Kensington, The Science Museum is one of the city’s major tourist attractions. It’s a great place to see, touch and experience science first-hand.
WHEN: Daily 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
WHERE: Exhibition Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD
Shrek’s Adventure
Join the adventure and become the hero of London’s only fairy-tale walk-through experience. Be whisked into Far Far Away, an enchanting world of magic for an adventure of a lifetime. Journey on a 4D flying bus, visit Cinderella in Shrek’s swamp and cook up a magic spell with the Muffin Man. See, hear, touch and smell the action by exploring 11 fairytale-themed live shows, collecting the special ingredients you need in order to make it home safely and meet the big green ogre himself, Shrek!
WHEN: 10.00am – 5.00pm daily
WHERE: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
The View From The Shard, London
Head 800ft above the streets for incredible panoramic views across the Capital for a great family day out in London.
Step into the smooth high-speed “kaleidoscopic” lifts and be swept over 800 feet up to London’s highest observation deck. The View from The Shard is a must-see and sure to impress everyone from kids to grandparents. From the top, you’ll have a 360-degree panoramic view of the capital that stretches as far as 40 miles around on a clear day.
Don’t forget your cameras as the views are truly spectacular, and take as much time as you need to spot all of London’s famous landmarks. You’ll have plenty of time to capture the perfect family selfie with the best backdrop imaginable!
WHEN: Sunday to Wednesday, 10.00 am – 7.00 pm; Thursday to Saturday, 10.00 am-10.00 pm
WHERE: 32 London Bridge Street, SE1 9SG
Frozen, The West End Musical
With incredible special effects, jaw-dropping scenery, and all the songs you know and love, it’s going to be an unmissable experience that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.
Even the biggest FROZEN fans will be in for some surprises, as the production features brand-new music from Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, writers of the unforgettable Let It Go.
For advice on getting cheap tickets, click here.
WHERE: Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine St, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5JF
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 15 minutes
SUITABLE FOR: Children under the age of 4 will not be permitted
Tower Of London
The Tower Of London experience dives right into the heart of London’s dark and horrible history. Spend the day engrossed by tales of murder and mystery and learn about deadly plots that took place in the tower as you walk around the famous stone walls. Take a peek at the magnificent Crown Jewels too, which are made up of an incredible 23,578 gems. Book tickets here!
WHEN: Tuesday – Saturday, 9.00 am-4.30 pm; Sunday – Monday, 10.00 am – 4.30 pm
WHERE: The Tower of London, EC3N 4AB
Warner Bros. Studio Tour, London
One for the Potter fans!
The Making of Harry Potter is a public attraction in London and quite possibly the only permanent filmmaking exhibit of its size in the world. Step back into the world of Harry Potter and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the films.
WHEN: Opening times vary, check the website for details
WHERE: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden WD25 7LR
Lion King, The Musical
The Lion King tells the tale of a young lion cub named Simba who struggles to accept his destined role as king and the responsibilities that come with adulthood.
Using a timeless score by Elton John and Tim Rice, Julie Taymor creates an imaginative and highly creative world that brings the flora, fauna and animals of Africa to life, with songs by Lebo M, Julie Taymor, Mark Mancina, and Hans Zimmer.
WHERE: Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington St, London WC2E 7RQ
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours 30 minutes
SUITABLE FOR: Children 8+
