Family Guides

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Westminster Abbey

Practical Information

Address 20 Dean’s Yard, SW1P 3PA; 020 7222 5152; www.westminster-abbey.org

Tube Westminster.

Bus stop Westminster Abbey or Victoria St.

River bus Westminster Pier

Open 9:30am–4:30pm Mon–Fri (till 7pm Wed); 9:30am–2:30pm Sat. Last admission 1 hour before closing. On Sun and religious holidays, the abbey is open for worship only – all are welcome.

Price £52–62; under-11s free

Skipping the queue Tickets can’t be pre-booked. Attending church services is free: the choir sings Evensong daily except Wed (5pm weekdays; 3pm weekends)

Guided tours Free audio tour; there are verger-led guided tours up to five times daily (£3)

Age range 5 plus

Activities Children’s trail (ages 5–12) in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian; kids aged 5–12 can dress up as a monk in the museum (free). Art, dancing and drama workshops on summer afternoons in College Garden (ages 5 plus, free).

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, via North Door; some areas inaccessible

Café Cellarium Café in the cloisters offers afternoon tea.

Shop Outside the West Door

Toilets Near Poets’ Corner

Good family value? Plenty to dazzle here, though adult admission is expensive.

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Houses of Parliament

Practical Information

Address St Margaret’s Street, SW1A; 020 7219 3000; www.parliament.uk

Tube Westminster.

Bus stop Bridge Street, Parliament St, Millbank.

River bus Westminster Pier

Open 8am–11pm Mon–Thu; 8am–8pm Fri; 9am–6pm Sat

Price Attending debates is free.

Skipping the queue UK residents can arrange a free tour through their MP (six-month waiting list). Arrive early for tour.

Guided tours Paid tours Tue & Sat Aug–Sep, plus Sat all year round: £37–60 (0844 847 1672; www.ticketmaster.co.uk/housesofparliament)

Age range 7 plus; visitors attending debates must be silent.

Activities Good children’s brochures are usually available at the Westminster Hall reception

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, all tours

Shops In St Stephen’s Hall

Toilets In Westminster Hall

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Tate Britain

Practical Information

Address Millbank, SW1P; 020 7887 8888; www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain

Tube Pimlico, Vauxhall.

Bus stop Millbank, Vauxhall Bridge Road, John Islip Street.

River bus Tate Boat (www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-boat) shuttles every 40 minutes to Tate Modern during opening hours.

Open 10am–6pm (last admission 5:15pm); till 10pm Fri

Price Free; special temporary exhibitions individually priced

Skipping the queue Tickets for temporary exhibitions can be booked ahead online.

Guided tours Free tours four times daily, plus multimedia guide £3.50

Age range 3 plus

Activities Children’s activity packs; Art Trolley on weekends and school holidays (free); occasional family workshops.

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, Manton entrance, Atterbury Street

Shops Millbank and Manton entrances

Toilets Manton entrance

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Churchill War Rooms

Practical Information

Address Clive Steps, King Charles Street, SW1A; 020 7930 6961; http://cwr.iwm.org.uk

Tube Westminster, St James’s Park.

Bus stop Parliament Street, Parliament Square.

River bus Westminster Pier

Open 9:30am–6pm daily (last admission 5pm)

Price £34–44, under-16s free

Guided tours No. Free audio guide

Age range 8 plus

Activities Children’s audio guide (English only), plus War Rooms family trail. Kids’ activity sheets for Churchill Museum downloadable from website. Occasional school holiday workshops for families.

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, use Great George Street entrance.

Shop At the end of the tour

Toilets In ticket lobby

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Horse Guards Parade

Practical Information

Address Horse Guards, Whitehall, SW1A; 020 7930 3070; www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk

Tube Westminster, Embankment, Charing Cross.

Bus stop Whitehall.

River bus Westminster Pier

Open Changing the Guard, 11am daily (10am Sun); museum open 10am–6pm daily (Mar–Sep); till 5pm (Oct–Feb)

Price £15

Skipping the queue To guarantee a good view of the guard change, arrive by 10:45am.

Guided tour No

Age range 4 plus

Activities Dressing-up uniforms and good age-specific museum quizzes. Pre-bookable school-holiday craft activities (free with an admission-paying adult)

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Gifts and souvenirs

Toilets In the museum

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Banqueting House

Practical Information

Address Whitehall, SW1A; 0844 482 7777; www.hrp.org.uk/banquetinghouse

Tube Westminster, Charing Cross, Embankment

Bus stop Whitehall.

River bus Westminster Pier

Open 10am–5pm Mon–Sat (last admission 4:30pm, call in advance as can close ahead of functions)

Price £10, under-16s free. Free audio guide

Skipping the queue Rarely busy

Guided tour No

Age range 9 plus

Allow Up to 1 hour

Wheelchair access Limited. Call 020 3166 6155/6152 for details

Shop On the main stairwell

Toilets In the undercroft

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Buckingham Palace

Practical Information

Address Buckingham Palace Road, SW1A; 020 7766 7300; www.royalcollection.org.uk

Tube Victoria, St James’s Park.

Bus stop Buckingham Palace Rd

Open State Rooms Jul–Oct 9:30am–6:30pm (last admission 3:45pm). Changing the Guard May–Jul 11:30am daily; Aug–Apr alternate days; cancelled in heavy rain

Price £60–70, under-5s free

Skipping the queue Book tickets in advance online. The palace forecourt gets squeezed during the Changing the Guard – children will get a better view on nearby Friary Court, outside St James’s Palace. Aim to be there before 11am

Guided tours Free audio guide in eight languages

Age range 5 plus

Activities Children’s audio guide (ages 7–11), plus garden nature trail on request (or downloadable online). Family room with free activities during summer holiday: design a hat for a garden party

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, but must be booked in advance: 020 7766 7324

Café On the garden terrace

Shop Large shop at the end of the Palace gardens, at the end of the visit

Toilets In the garden at the end of visit

Good family value? The palace tour is far from cheap, though the children’s audio guide and sparky summer activities make it just about worth the money.

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

The Royal Mews

Practical Information

Address Buckingham Palace, SW1W; 020 7766 7302; www.royalcollection.org.uk

Tube Victoria, Green Park or Hyde Park corner.

Bus stop Buckingham Palace Rd

Open Feb, Mar, Nov & Dec: 10am–4pm Mon–Sat; Apr–Oct: 10am–5pm daily (last admission 45 minutes before closing) check website for dates when closed

Price £22–33, under-5s free

Skipping the queue Buy tickets online before visiting.

Guided tours Hourly; free

Age range 5 plus

Activities Children’s audio guide; unsupervised art room for ages 5–11 at weekends (free); occasional school holiday workshops.

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes, for more information, call 020 7766 7324

Shop On Buckingham Palace Rd

Toilets Near the entrance, with baby-changing facilities

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Guards Museum

Practical Information

Address Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, SW1E; 020 7414 3271; www.theguardsmuseum.com

Tube St James’s Park.

Bus stop Victoria Street

Open 10am–4pm (last admission 3:30pm)

Price £8–12, under-16s free

Skipping the queue Rarely busy

Guided tours No

Age range Museum, 8 plus; shop, 5 plus

Activities Dressing-up, £6; ask about the children’s quiz sheet

Allow Up to 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes, via lift

Shop On the right, just after the gates on Birdcage Walk, selling armies of toy soldiers

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Royal Institution

Practical Information

Address 21 Albemarle St, W1S 4BS; 020 7409 2992; www.rigb.org

Tube Green Park or Piccadilly Circus.

Bus stop Berkeley St or Piccadilly

Open 9am–6pm Mon–Fri

Price Free

Guided tours No; free eGuide

Age range 7 plus

Activities Hands-on science sessions six times a year (ages 5–12): £16–20

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets In the lobby

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

National Gallery

Practical Information

Address Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN; 020 7747 2885; www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Train Charing Cross.

Tube Charing Cross or Leicester Square.

Bus stop Trafalgar Square.

River bus Embankment Pier

Open 10am–6pm daily; until 9pm Fri. Closed 1 Jan, 24–26 Dec

Price Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions individually priced

Skipping the queue The Sainsbury Wing entrance (corner of Trafalgar Square) is less busy. Arrive early for kids’ workshops.

Guided tours “Taster tours” of the collection twice daily, plus Fridays at 7pm

Age range 5 plus

Activities Family audio tours (under-12s free), plus themed workbook trails: download these at www.nationalgallery.org.uk/families. Family Sunday sessions for under-5s and for 5–11s (2 hours; free). There are school holiday workshops, too.

Allow Up to 3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Café National Café (Level 0) for brunch, lunch and afternoon tea; National Dining Rooms (Level 1) for more formal dining

Shop Sainsbury Wing and main building, selling art-themed books, cards, prints, jewellery and gifts

Toilets All floors main building; Level 1, Sainsbury Wing

Good family value? Excellent, thanks to the inventive kids’ stuff. Visit the Art Start room (Sainsbury Wing) to find out what’s happening on the day.

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Trafalgar Square

Practical Information

Address WC2H; www.london.gov.uk/trafalgarsquare.

Train Charing Cross.

Tube Charing Cross, Embankment or Leicester Square.

Bus stop Trafalgar Square

Activities Annual events include St Patrick’s Day (Mar), St George’s Day celebrations (Apr), Eid (Sep), the Diwali Festival (Oct or Nov), and Christmas carols in Dec; check website for listings.

Allow 1 hour

Toilets Under the central staircase

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

National Portrait Gallery

Practical Information

Address St Martin’s Place, WC2H; 020 7306 0055; www.npg.org.uk

Train Charing Cross.

Tube Charing Cross, Leicester Square or Embankment.

Bus stop Trafalgar Square

Open 10am–6pm Sat–Wed; 10am–9pm Thu–Fri

Price Permanent collection free; temporary exhibitions individually priced

Skipping the queue Tickets for the free family art workshops are put on sale 1hr before the event

Guided tours No. Audio guide £3

Age range 6 plus

Activities Free storytelling sessions (age 3 plus) at 10:30am & 1:30pm and art workshops (age 5 plus) at 11:30am & 2:30pm on 3rd Sat of every month; artist-led sessions in school holidays. Activity cards and audio tours for kids from front desk.

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Ground floor

Toilets On Floor 0 and Floor 3

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Benjamin Franklin House

Practical Information

Address 36 Craven St, WC2N; 020 7839 2006; www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org

Train Charing Cross.

Tube Charing Cross or Embankment.

Bus stop Trafalgar Square or Strand

Open 12–5pm Wed–Mon. The Historical Experience runs at noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3:15pm, 4:15pm Wed–Sun

Price £14–19, under-16s free

Guided tours Yes. Mon only (times as above): adults £3:50, under-16s free

Age range 8 plus

Activities School holiday art and science workshops; period-dress Christmas party for kids

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access No

Toilets In the basement

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Leicester Square

Practical Information

Tube Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus.

Bus stop Shaftesbury Avenue or Charing Cross Road

Activities There are about 50 film premieres annually, mostly at the Odeon Leicester Square (0871 224 4007; www.odeon.co.uk). There’s also a Christmas fair, occasional funfairs and music events. For Chinese New Year (late Jan or Feb; www.chinatownlondon.org), Chinatown comes alive with lion dances, acrobatics and music.

Allow 1 hour

Toilets Underground on the north side, with changing facilities.

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Piccadilly Circus

Practical Information

Tube Piccadilly Circus.

Bus stop Piccadilly Circus

Allow 1 hour

Toilets In the subway to Piccadilly Circus tube station.

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Hamleys

Practical Information

Address 188–196 Regent St, W1B; www.hamleys.com

Tube Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus.

Bus stop Regent Street

Open 10am–8pm Mon–Wed & Sat, 10am–9pm Thu & Fri, noon–6pm Sun

Activities Lots of hands-on play tables in store, plus storytime sessions and costumed events, often linked to promotions. Real reindeer visit at Christmas.

Allow Up to 1 hour

Toilets Top floor

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Covent Garden

Practical Information

Address Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 8HD; 0870 780 5001; www.coventgardenlondonuk.com

Tube Covent Garden.

Bus stop Aldwych.

River bus Embankment Pier

Open Apple Market: 10:30am–6pm daily (till 7:30pm Thu). Jubilee Market: 9:30am–6:30pm daily (till 5:30pm weekends). Apple Store (1 The Piazza, WC2E 8HA): 9am–9pm (noon–6pm Sun)

Skipping the queue Covent Garden tube can be a scrum at rush hour and lunchtime; consider walking from Holborn, Temple, Leicester Square or Charing Cross (10–15 mins).

Age range All

Activities Check website for family street events – circus workshops in summer holidays, reindeer-petting at Christmas.

Allow 2 hours for shopping and street entertainment

Toilets West Piazza, beside St Paul’s Church; Tavistock Place (with baby-changing facilities), right of the Transport Museum.

Good family value? Hours of free fun just window-shopping and busker-watching – but do put a pound in the hat if the show is any good!

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

St Paul’s Church

Practical Information

Address Bedford St, WC2E; 020 7836 5221; www.actorschurch.org

Tube Covent Garden or Leicester Square.

Bus stop Aldwych

Open 8:30am–5pm Mon–Fri; times vary Sat; 9am–1pm Sun

Price Donations

Activities Services Tue–Thu & Sun; plus regular concerts

Allow 30 minutes

Toilets Next door, on the West Piazza

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Royal Opera House

Practical Information

Address Covent Garden, WC2E; 020 7304 4000; www.roh.org.uk

Tube Covent Garden.

Bus stop Aldwych

Open 10am–3:30pm Mon–Sat and for performances

Price Show tickets start from £38

Skipping the queue Tickets for free Monday recitals are released online nine days ahead, but most are held back till the day – 10am at the box office.

Guided tours Mon–Sat (£34–40)

Activities A free children’s activity trail explores the public areas; creative workshops in May half-term; Christmas productions suit kids aged 6 and up

Age range 8 plus (guided tours); 7 plus (workshops)

Allow 75 minutes for the tour

Wheelchair access Yes, lifts give access to most of the auditoria

Shop Covent Garden entrance and in Amphitheatre Bar before a show

Toilets In the lobby

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Practical Information

Address Catherine St, WC2B; www.reallyuseful.com/theatres

Tube Covent Garden or Holborn.

Bus stop Aldwych

Open Box office 10am–8pm

Price Show tickets from £80

Guided tours Twice daily, Mon–Sat (£32–6)

Age range Tours suit ages 6 plus

Allow 1 hour for the tour

Wheelchair access Limited. Call 08444 124648 for information

Toilets On request

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

London Transport Museum

Practical Information

Address Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB; 020 7565 7299; www.ltmuseum.co.uk

Tube Covent Garden.

Bus stop Aldwych

Open Sat–Thu 10am–6pm; Fri 11am–6pm

Price £30–40, under-16s free

Skipping the queue Tickets give free entry for a whole year.

Guided tours No

Age range 3 plus

Activities Collect cards from the ticket desk for kids to stamp as they go around the museum. Download trails from the website beforehand. There are free drop-in activities in school holidays.

Allow Up to 3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, but some vehicles are inaccessible

Shop Gifts and memorabilia

Toilets Ground floor gallery

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Somerset House

Practical Information

Address Strand, WC2R 1LA; 020 7845 4600; www.somersethouse.org.uk; 020 7848 2526; www.courtauld.ac.uk

Tube Temple.

Bus stop Strand.

River bus Embankment pier

Open Embankment Galleries and Courtauld Gallery 10am–6pm daily; Fountain Court 7:30am–11pm

Price Embankment Galleries £22–32, under 12s free; Courtauld Gallery £12–18, under 18s free (free entry 10am–2pm Mon)

Skipping the queue Tickets for Saturday workshops are released at 1pm sharp. Book ahead for the popular ice rink (www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink)

Guided tours Thu and Sat (free)

Age range All

Activities Family fact-finding sheets for most temporary shows. Free art and fashion workshops on school-holiday weekends, plus every Sat for ages 6–12, and 1st Sun of the month for under-5s. There are studio days for teens in the school holidays.

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Rizzoli Bookshop sells art books; Courtauld Shop offers items inspired by the artworks.

Toilets Downstairs, on the Embankment side

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Sir John Soane’s Museum

Practical Information

Address 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP; 020 7405 2107; www.soane.org

Tube Holborn.

Bus stop High Holborn, Aldwych or Kingsway

Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sat (last entry 4:30pm). Candlelit opening 6–9pm 1st Tue of each month

Price Free

Skipping the queue No pre-booking, so there are often large queues. Get there by 10am

Guided tours Sat 11am (£10); tickets on sale from 10:30am (check website for midweek tours)

Age range 7 plus

Activities Children’s audio tour must be downloaded before visiting. Imaginative holiday workshops for ages 7 plus (£20 full day, £12 half day).

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Limited, due to stairs. Contact 020 7405 2107

Toilets In the basement

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

Hunterian Museum

Practical Information

Address 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3PE; 020 7869 6560; www.hunterianmuseum.org

Tube Holborn or Temple.

Bus stop High Holborn, Aldwych or Kingsway

Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sat

Price Free

Skipping the queue Download the audio guide from the website for free before visiting; at the museum it costs £3.50

Guided tours Wed, 1pm (free)

Age range 6 plus, though parental guidance advisable

Activities Half-term holiday sessions for families

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, via Nuffield College entrance

Toilets In the basement

< Practical Information: Westminster and the West End

St Clement Danes

Practical Information

Address Strand, WC2 1DH; 020 7242 8282; www.raf.mod.uk/stclementdanes

Tube Temple.

Bus stop Strand

Open 9am–4pm; services Wed, Fri and Sun

Price Donations

Allow 30 minutes

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

British Museum

Practical Information

Address British Museum, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG; 020 7323 8000; www.britishmuseum.org

Tube Tottenham Court Road or Holborn.

Bus stop New Oxford Street, Great Russell Street

Open Galleries 10am–5:30pm daily; selected rooms till 8:30pm Fri. Great Court 9am–6pm Sun–Thu; till 8:30pm Fri

Price Free. Special exhibitions charge entrance fees

Guided tours Free 30-min tours daily in selected galleries; multimedia guide £17

Age range 3 plus

Activities Children’s audio tour with a choice of themes. Family workbook trails (ages 3–5 and 6–11) plus activity backpacks available until 3pm at weekends and daily during school holidays from the Great Court. Object-handling in galleries 1, 2, 24, 33, 49 and 68 (11am–4pm). Free family activities and workshops on weekends and school holidays. Free digital workshops every Wed (age 7 plus). Young Friends club (annual membership £20) arranges six sleepovers a year; www.britishmuseum.org/membership/young_friends.aspx

Allow At least 3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Café Court Cafés (Great Court, Ground Floor) serve snacks and sandwiches. Gallery Café (Ground Floor) has family-friendly hot dishes. Court Restaurant (Great Court, Upper Floor) serves an à la carte menu. Ford Centre for Young Visitors (Lower Floor) has a baby-feeding room and allows picnicking.

Shops Several – in the foyer and the Great Court

Toilets On all floors

Good family value? Unbeatable, with lots of free stuff to hold children’s interest, from activity backpacks to object-handling tables and weekend workshops. It’s even permissible to bring your own sandwiches.

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

Pollock’s Toy Museum

Practical Information

Address 1 Scala Street, W1T 2HL; 020 7636 3452; www.pollockstoytheatres.com

Tube Goodge Street.

Bus stop Tottenham Court Road

Open 10am–5pm Mon–Sat (last admission 4:30pm)

Price £14–20

Guided tours No

Activities Occasional toy theatre or puppet shows during school holidays (call to check)

Age range 5 plus

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Only to ground floor shop due to stairs.

Shop Toys and gifts

Toilets Ground floor

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

Wellcome Collection

Practical Information

Address 183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE; 020 7611 2222; www.wellcomecollection.org

Train Euston, King’s Cross or St Pancras.

Tube Euston Square; Warren Street.

Bus stop Euston Road, Euston Bus Station, Upper Woburn Place

Open 10am–6pm Tue–Sat, 11am–6pm Sun; 10am–10pm Thu

Price Free

Guided tours Free 30-minute tours of the Medicine Now and Medicine Man galleries at 2:30pm on Sat and Sun respectively

Age range 6 plus, though parental guidance advisable

Activities Young Explorers Pack for under-14s. Events programme tends to be adult-focused

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Books, gifts and collection-based souvenirs

Toilets On all floors

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

British Library

Practical Information

Address 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB; 0843 208 1144; www.bl.uk

Train King’s Cross or St Pancras.

Tube King’s Cross St Pancras.

Bus stop Euston Road

Open 9:30–6pm Mon, Wed–Fri; 9:30am–8pm Tue; 9:30am–5pm Sat; 11am–5pm Sun

Price Free

Guided Tours Free Viewing Gallery tours at 11am Mon, Wed, Fri; Library Tour (£26; call 01937 546546 to book) 3pm Mon–Sat, plus 10:30am Sat. Free conservation tour 2pm first Thu of month (not suitable for under-12s); audio tours are downloadable online beforehand.

Age range 7 plus

Activities Occasional free family workshops during school holidays, linked to temporary exhibitions.

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes, via lifts and ramps

Shop Ground floor near the entrance

Toilets On all levels

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

Foundling Museum

Practical Information

Address 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ; 020 7841 3600; www.foundlingmuseum.org.uk

Train King’s Cross, St Pancras.

Tube Russell Square.

Bus stop Russell Square, Gray’s Inn Road

Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sat, 11am–5pm Sun

Price £15–25, under 16s free

Guided tours Yes. Download group booking form

Age range 3 plus

Activities Free treasure-hunt trails (ages 3–12) and activity backpacks (ages 3–5 and 5–8). Drop-in family workshops 1st Sat of each month, plus Thu–Fri in school holidays.

Allow Up to two hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop In reception, selling toys and collection-inspired gifts

Toilets Lower ground, ground and first floor

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

Charles Dickens Museum

Practical Information

Address 48 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX; 020 7405 2127; www.dickensmuseum.com

Tube Russell Square, Chancery Lane or Holborn.

Bus stop Gray’s Inn Place; Theobald’s Road

Open Daily 10am–5pm (last admission 4:30pm)

Price £24–34, under-6s free

Guided tours Group bookings

Age range 8 plus

Activities Free children’s trail; occasional family activities

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes, via ramp but some limitations due to age of building

Shop Sells memorabilia

Toilets Basement floor

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

London Canal Museum

Practical Information

Address 12–13 New Wharf Road, N1 9RT; 020 7713 0836; www.canalmuseum.org.uk

Train King’s Cross, St Pancras.

Tube King’s Cross.

Bus stop Caledonian Road, Pentonville

Open 10am–4:30pm Tue–Sun (last admission 4pm); till 7:30pm on 1st Thu of the month

Price £12, under-4s free

Guided tours There is an audio tour, which must be downloaded beforehand from the website to an MP3 player.

Age range 6 plus

Activities Small play corner with books and building blocks; family trails, guided boat trips on some summer Sundays, plus children’s activity days every Tuesday in Aug. Website has kids’ pages and a downloadable walk from Camden.

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Sells books, pottery and model barges

Toilets Ground floor

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

ZSL London Zoo

Practical Information

Address Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY; 020 7722 3333 and 0844 225 1826; www.zsl.org

Train Camden Road Station.

Tube Camden Town, St John’s Wood.

Bus stop Prince Albert Road; Parkway.

Canal Scheduled service along Regent’s Canal between Camden Lock and Little Venice, daily April–September, plus winter weekends (www.londonwaterbus.com).

Open 10am–4pm daily (check website for longer summer opening hours); animal houses close 30 minutes earlier.

Price £70–80, under 3s free (optional 10% surcharge supports conservation work); online saver offers 10% reduction for families (2+2 or 1+3).

Skipping the queue Online tickets allow fast-track admission. Head straight for Gorilla Kingdom, before the queues build.

Guided tours No

Age range All

Activities Daily programme might include watching the otters being fed, seeing the llamas on their daily walk and watching penguins waddle on the Penguin Beach. Plus storytelling in the Animal Adventure teepee and brassrubbing in the Activity Den

Allow At least half a day

Wheelchair access Yes – however, there are two steep ramps that need caution

Eat and Drink The Terrace Restaurant offers hot lunches, including children’s portions, baby food and a pick-and-mix picnic counter. Also Animal Adventure Café, seasonal pancake and hot dog stands, and picnic lawns.

Shops Near entrance and in Barclay Court

Toilets Near entrance, in Oasis Restaurant and around zoo

Good family value? It’s wildly expensive, though cut-price deals can sometimes be found online. To get value for money, arrive early, pick up the “Dayplanner” events leaflet, and plot the day carefully.

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park

Practical Information

Address London NW1 4NR; 030 0061 2300; www.royalparks.org.uk/regents

Train Marylebone, Euston.

Tube Regent’s Park, Baker Street, Great Portland Street, Camden Town, St John’s Wood.

Bus stop Prince Albert Road, Parkway, Marylebone Road, Baker Street

Open 5am till dusk daily (park office 8:30am–4pm)

Price Free

Guided tours Free wildlife walks from spring to autumn (check website)

Age range All

Activities Four playgrounds, with summer holiday activity programme (check website); bandstand and open-air theatre (May–Sept, 0844 826 4242; www.openairtheatre.org; backstage tours £3); boating lakes (boat hire £20, Apr–Sep, daily from 10:30am; 020 7724 4069); holiday sports camps (020 7935 2458); pay-and-play tennis (020 7486 4216).

Allow Up to a full day

Wheelchair access Yes, the park has level access and there are specially adapted toilets

Toilets Throughout the park, including all playgrounds

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

Camden Market

Practical Information

Address Camden High Street, NW1; 020 7284 2084; www.camdenlock.net

Tube Camden Town, Chalk Farm.

Bus stop Chalk Farm Road, Camden Town Station.

Canal London Waterbus (www.londonwaterbus.com) and Jason’s Trip (www.jasons.co.uk) run daily in spring and summer; London Waterbus runs winter weekends

Open 9:30am–6pm daily

Price Free

Skipping the queue The market heaves at weekends: 1–5:30pm Sun, Camden Town tube station is exit only. Weekdays are quieter.

Age range 7 plus

Activities Canal trips

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, via lifts (disabled toilet in Unit 23 on the Stables street level).

Toilets Various; basement of Stable Market, bridge of Middle Yard.

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

Jewish Museum

Practical Information

Address 129–131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB; 020 7284 7384; www.jewishmuseum.org.uk

Tube Camden Town, Mornington Crescent.

Bus stop Delancey Street, Camden High Street.

Canal Camden Lock (www.londonwaterbus.com; www.jasons.co.uk)

Open 10am–5pm Sun–Thu; 10am–2pm Fri (last admission 30 minutes earlier)

Price £18

Guided tours No

Age range 7 plus

Activities Family workshops on occasional Sundays and in school holidays, include glass-painting, candle-making and drumming

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Ground floor

Toilets All floors

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

Madame Tussauds

Practical Information

Address Marylebone Road, NW1 5LR; 0871 894 3000; www.madametussauds.com/london

Train Marylebone.

Tube Baker Street.

Bus stop Marylebone Road, Baker Street

Open 9:30am–5:30pm Mon–Fri; 9am–6pm Sat–Sun

Price £99–109. Half-price tickets after 5pm, online only

Skipping the queue Book online for fast-track entry; online tickets are about 10 per cent cheaper.

Age range 5 plus

Activities Free family activity pack, available online only: www.madametussauds.com/London/BuyTickets/Families.aspx

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, apart from the Spirit of London moving ride. No prams allowed in attractions.

Shop In the exit lobby

Toilet A-list Party and Sports zones

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

Sherlock Holmes Museum

Practical Information

Address 221b Baker Street, NW1 6XE; 020 7224 3688; www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk

Train Marylebone.

Tube Baker Street.

Bus stop Baker Street, Marylebone Road

Open 9:30am–6pm daily

Price £20–30

Guided tours None

Age range 8 plus

Allow Up to 1 hour

Wheelchair access No, due to stairs

Shop Next door

Toilet In basement

< Practical Information: Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

The Wallace Collection

Practical Information

Address Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN; 020 7563 9500; www.wallacecollection.org

Train Marylebone.

Tube Bond Street, Baker Street.

Bus stop Baker Street, Oxford Street

Open 10am–5pm daily

Price Free

Guided tours General tours Wed, Sat, Sun 11:30am and 3pm; themed tour daily 1pm

Age range 5 plus

Activities Two free children’s trails plus multimedia guide with touch-screen games (£4). There is armour to try on in the Conservation Gallery. Little Draw art workshops 1st Sun of the month (1:30–4:30pm), plus family events in school holidays

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Ground floor

Toilets Lower ground floor

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

Tower of London

Practical Information

Address Tower of London, EC3N 4AB; 0844 482 7777; www.hrp.org.uk/toweroflondon

Train London Bridge, Fenchurch Street, Tower Gateway (Docklands Light Railway – DLR).

Tube Tower Hill.

Bus stop Tower Bridge Approach, Tower Hill.

River bus Tower Pier and St Katharine’s Pier

Open Mar–Oct, Tue–Sat 9am–5:30pm; Sun–Mon 10am–5:30pm; Nov–Feb till 4:30pm (last admission 30 minutes earlier)

Price £55

Skipping the queue Book online beforehand (prices are lower, too); or the day before your visit from ticket office on Tower Hill

Guided tours Free 45-minute tours every 30 minutes; themed audio tours (extra charge)

Age range 5 plus, although torture exhibition and Yeoman Warder tour can be scary.

Activities Activity books available free from the Welcome Centre. Downloadable family trails, and an Explore Kit that also covers HMS Belfast and Tower Bridge. Costumed interpreters daily in St Thomas’s Tower, plus free family fun days on 1st Sat of the month and regular school-holiday children’s events. Tower Moat ice rink, Nov–Jan (extra charge; www.toweroflondonicerink.com).

Allow At least half a day

Wheelchair access Limited – there’s a downloadable map of accessible areas on the website.

Café The Armouries Café offers children’s meal deals, high-chairs and a microwave for baby food.

Shops Five shops selling play armour, books and sweets

Toilets Behind Waterloo Block

Good family value? London’s most popular visitor attraction – and it deserves to be.

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

The Monument

Practical Information

Address Monument Street, EC3R 8AH; 020 7626 2717; www.themonument.info

Train London Bridge or Fenchurch Street.

Tube Monument.

Bus stop Gracechurch Street

Open 9:30am–5:30pm daily (last admission 5pm)

Price £9; combined ticket with Tower Bridge Exhibition £36

Skipping the queue At weekends, arrive before 11am to avoid waiting

Age range 5 plus

Allow 30 minutes

Wheelchair access No

Toilets In nearby Monument Street

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

Leadenhall Market

Practical Information

Address Gracechurch Street, EC3V 1LR; www.leadenhallmarket.co.uk

Train Fenchurch Street, Bank (DLR).

Tube Bank or Monument.

Bus stop Gracechurch Street

Open Mon–Fri 7am–6:30pm; market stalls 11am–4pm

Price Free

Skipping the queue Aim to be there before 1pm, when the eateries fill up with City workers

Activities Winter Festival with lunchtime concerts (mid-Nov); City Lights Family Festival, September

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets In Monument Street

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

All Hallows by the Tower

Practical Information

Address Byward Street, EC3R 5BJ; 020 7481 2928; www.ahbtt.org.uk

Train Fenchurch Street, Tower Gateway (DLR).

Tube Tower Hill, Monument.

Bus stop Tower Hill

Open 8am–5pm Mon–Fri (till 6pm Wed); 10am–4pm Sat (till 1pm Sun); Sung Eucharist service, 11am Sunday

Price Free

Activities Brass-rubbing most weekdays 2–4pm, £5 (call to check). Occasional themed walking tours in the City, £6 (www.londoncitywalks.co.uk). Free tours of the church most afternoons (Apr–Sept)

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets In Tower Place, next door

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

Tower Bridge

Practical Information

Address Tower Bridge Road, SE1; 020 7403 3761; www.towerbridge.org.uk

Train Fenchurch Street, London Bridge, Tower Gateway (DLR).

Tube Tower Hill.

Bus stop Tower Bridge Approach.

River bus Tower Pier, St Katharine’s Pier

Open Apr–Sep 10am–6:30pm; 9:30am–5:30pm (last admission one hour earlier)

Price £18–24, under 5s free; combined ticket with The Monument £26–36

Skipping the queue Buy tickets online to avoid queuing

Guided tours Available for groups of 10 or more only (extra charge)

Age range 5 plus

Activities A kids’ passport, from the ticket desk, has stickers to collect. Separate Explore Kit must be downloaded beforehand (also covers Tower of London, HMS Belfast and All Hallows by the Tower). School-holiday activities might include Victorian games and storytelling.

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes, via lifts and an alternative ramped route

Shop At end of visit

Toilets In South Tower and Engine Rooms

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

St Katharine’s Dock

Practical Information

Address St Katharine’s Way, E1W 1LA; 020 7488 0555; www.skdocks.co.uk

Train Fenchurch Street, Tower Gateway (DLR).

Tube Tower Hill.

Bus stop Tower Hill Approach, East Smithfield.

River bus St Katharine’s Pier, Tower Pier

Activities Fine food market on Fri outside Dickens Inn (10am–4pm). Check website for lock opening times – a good time to see boats enter and exit the dock.

Age range All

Allow Up to 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets Near Starbucks coffee shop (Cloister Walk, E1W 1LA)

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

Whitechapel Gallery

Practical Information

Address 77–82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX; 020 7522 7888; www.whitechapelgallery.org

Train Liverpool Street, Tower Gateway (DLR).

Tube Aldgate East.

Bus stop Whitechapel High Street, route numbers 15, 25, 115, 135.

Open Tue–Sun 11am–6pm; Thu till 9pm

Price Free; charge for special temporary exhibitions

Age range 4 plus

Activities Free children’s trail suits ages 4–12; regular weekend and school-holiday children’s workshops (check website)

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling art books and cards

Toilets Ground, basement and 2nd floor

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

St Paul’s Cathedral

Practical Information

Address The Chapter House, St Paul’s Churchyard, EC4M 8AD; 020 7246 8350 or 020 7246 8357; www.stpauls.co.uk

Train Cannon Street, Blackfriars.

Tube St Paul’s, Mansion House.

Bus stop St Paul’s Churchyard.

River bus Blackfriars Pier

Open 8:30am–4:30pm Mon–Sat (last admission 4pm); cathedral galleries 9:30am–4:15pm. Attending services is free, including Evensong, 5pm Tue–Sat and 3:15pm Sun

Price £38–48, under-6s free

Skipping the queue Buy tickets online beforehand – it’s cheaper and allows use of the new fast-track entrance.

Guided tours Free 90-minute tours four times daily, plus multimedia guide

Age range 6 plus

Activities Family multimedia guide (English only); or download self-guided children’s tours before visiting.

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, except for the Whispering, Stone and Golden galleries, and the Triforium, which are reached via many steps.

Café The café in the crypt (see Snacks), plus the more formal restaurant alongside.

Shop In the crypt, selling books and souvenirs

Toilets Beside the café

Good family value? Cheaper than Westminster Abbey – and a visit includes a free workout to reach one of the most spectacular views in London.

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

Bank of England Museum

Practical Information

Address Threadneedle Street, EC2R 8AH; 020 7601 5545; www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum

Train Cannon Street or Bank (DLR).

Tube Bank.

Bus stop Threadneedle Street

Open Weekdays only 10am–5pm (last admission 4:45pm)

Price Free

Skipping the queue Queues rare

Guided tours None, but free audio tour

Age range 5 plus

Activities Five different children’s trails, graded from pre-school to ages 15–17. School holiday events.

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes, via ramps, please call in advance

Shop Souvenirs and gifts

Toilets At the rear of museum

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

Dr Johnson’s House

Practical Information

Address 17 Gough Square, EC4A 3DE; 020 7353 3745; www.drjohnsonshouse.org

Tube Chancery Lane.

Bus stop Fleet Street

Open Mon–Sat 11am–5:30pm; Oct–Apr till 5pm

Price £10, under-5s free

Skipping the queue Queues rare

Guided tours None; Johnson’s London walks, 1st Wed of the month

Age range 9 plus

Activities Free kids’ guide. Occasional concerts and jazz evenings. Activities and trails are organised during school holidays

Allow Up to 1 hour

Wheelchair access No, there are some unavoidable steps.

Shop Selling books, booklets, posters and souvenirs

Toilets Basement

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

Guildhall Art Gallery

Practical Information

Address Guildhall Yard, Gresham Street, EC2V 5AE; 020 7332 3700; www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/thingsto-do/visiting-the-city/attractionsmuseums-and-galleries/

Tube St Paul’s, Bank, Moorgate.

Bus stop Cheapside

Open 10am–5pm Mon–Sat; noon–4pm Sun (last admission 30 minutes earlier)

Price Free; £5–10 (some temporary exhibitions), under 16s free

Skipping the queue Queues rare; go after 3:30pm (or any time Fri) for free admission

Guided tours Fri pm only (free)

Age range 5 plus

Activities Sketching tables in the Undercroft Galleries

Allow Up to 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Near reception

Toilets Floor C by cloakroom

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

Museum of London

Practical Information

Address 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN; 020 7001 9844; www.museumoflondon.org.uk

Tube Barbican, Moorgate, St Paul’s.

Bus stop Moorgate Street, Barbican Station, London Wall

Open 10am–6pm daily

Price Free

Skipping the queue Grab a ticket on arrival for the guided tours – they are free, but numbers are limited

Guided tours Free tours of specific galleries four times a day; plus guided walks around the City monthly

Age range 4 plus

Activities Free activity sheets and packs from the welcome desk for ages 4–7 and 7–11. Interactive quizzes and costumes to try on throughout the galleries. There are also regular free family events at the weekends and in school holidays that are constantly updated, and for under-5s there is a rolling programme (www.museumoflondon.org.uk/London-Wall/Visiting-us/Families).

Allow At least 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Cafés The museum’s Benugo café sells good sandwiches and salads, and has a kids’ lunch deal and high-chairs. The Sackler Hall café does lighter bites. Plus, there’s an indoor picnic area in the Clore Learning Centre, across the forecourt.

Shop In the entrance lobby, selling books, cards and posters related to the exhibitions

Toilets Behind lobby area

Good family value? Absolutely crawling with children, and with all the hands-on activities and trails, it’s easy to see why.

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

The Barbican

Practical Information

Address Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS; 020 7638 4141, Box Office 020 7638 8891; www.barbican.org.uk

Train Liverpool Street, Farringdon, Blackfriars.

Tube Barbican.

Bus stop Barbican tube station, London Wall

Open 9am–11pm Mon–Sat; noon–11pm Sun

Price Shows and exhibitions individually priced. Access to Curve Gallery, library, restaurants and courtyard is free

Skipping the queue Online booking available for most events

Guided tours Architecture tours Wed, Sat and Sun; £28

Age range All

Activities Family Film Club (Sat 10:30am) lays on art activities before the film: £5 (£3 members, sign up for free online). Special teenager tickets for London Symphony Orchestra concerts and talks. Do Something Different weekends (Mar & Jul) offer activities for all. Check website for full programme

Wheelchair access Yes, via Silk Street entrance

Shops Foyer Shop (Level G) selling CDs and books; Art Gallery Shop (Level 3) selling souvenir books and posters

Toilets On most levels

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

Old Spitalfields Market

Practical Information

Address 105a Commercial Street, E1 6BG; 020 7375 2963; www.visitspitalfields.com

Train Liverpool Street.

Tube Liverpool Street, Aldgate East.

Bus stop Commercial Street, Bishopsgate

Open Spitalfields: 10am–5pm Mon–Fri; 9am–5pm Sun; shops: 10am–7pm daily. Petticoat Lane: 10am–2:30pm Mon–Fri; 9am–2pm Sun

Price Free

Age range All

Activities Spitalfields Music Festival, biannually in Jun–Jul and Dec–Jan (www.spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk)

Wheelchair access Yes, the market is accessible but may be difficult to navigate if busy.

Toilets In the market and surrounding restaurants and cafés

< Practical Information: The City and the East End

Museum of the Order of St John

Practical Information

Address St John’s Gate, St John’s Lane, EC1M 4DA; 0207 324 4005; www.museumstjohn.org.uk

Train Farringdon.

Tube Farringdon.

Bus stop Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell Road

Open 10am–5pm Mon–Sat; closed 22 Dec–1 Jan

Price Free (optional donation £5)

Guided tours 11am and 2:30pm (free) Tue, Fri and Sat

Age range 8 plus

Activities Challenge Trail (ages 6–11) plus sticker trail for younger kids (free); actor-led interpretation sessions; drop-in craft activities, 3rd Sat of the month, plus school-holiday workshops.

Wheelchair access Main galleries are accessible, but crypt and upper floor are reached via stairs.

Shop A small gift shop

Toilets Ground floor

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

Shakespeare’s Globe

Practical Information

Address 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, SE1 9DT; 020 7902 1400; www.shakespearesglobe.com

Train Blackfriars, Cannon Street, London Bridge.

Tube London Bridge, Cannon Street.

Bus stop Southwark Bridge Road, Southwark Street.

River bus Bankside Pier

Open Apr–Oct: 9am-5pm daily; Nov–Mar: 10am–5pm; plus performances (see website)

Price Museum: visit £36–46, under 5s free. Theatre tickets from £5

Skipping the queue During the theatre season (late Apr–Oct), auditorium tours are mornings only; afternoon tours focus on the remains of the Rose Theatre, contemporary with the Globe.

Guided tours 40-minute tour included in the museum visit

Age range 6 plus

Activities Live demonstrations of stage combat, Elizabethan stage costumes or printing most days in the museum (phone to check). Family activity weekends (2nd weekend of month) and school holiday workshops, free with museum admission. During theatre season, Child’s Play drama workshops (ages 8–11, £15) coincide with occasional Saturday matinees.

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, via lifts and ramps

Café In the theatre lobby; plus the Swan at the Globe

Shop Selling theatre merchandise and souvenirs

Toilets Inside exhibition space

Good family value? The exhibition is pricey, but there’s plenty happening for children, and show tickets cost as little as £5.

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

Tate Modern

Practical Information

Address Bankside, SE1 9TG; 020 7887 8888; www.tate.org.uk

Train Blackfriars, Cannon Street, London Bridge.

Tube Southwark, London Bridge, Cannon Street.

Bus stop Southwark Bridge Road, Southwark Street.

River bus Bankside Pier.

Open 10am–6pm Sun–Thu; 10am–10pm Fri–Sat (last admission to exhibitions: 45 mins before closing)

Price Turbine Hall and permanent collection free; temporary shows charge

Skipping the queue The extension should ease weekend congestion

Guided tours Free 45-minute tours daily at 11am, noon, 2pm and 3pm, each covering one of the four wings of the permanent collection. There are one-hour tours of temporary shows – times and prices vary.

Age range All

Activities Free guided kids’ activities (age 5 plus) every Sat & Sun noon–4pm, also Thu & Fri in school holidays. Family zone with art books and materials on Level 3; an under-5s’ zone on level 5 and free art trails (age 5 plus) from information desks on Levels 1 and 2. Kids’ multimedia guide from Levels 2 and 3 (£3.50).

Allow At least 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shops Levels 1, 2 and 4 selling art books, jewellery, prints and exhibition souvenirs

Toilets All levels; baby-changing facilities on Level 1

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

Clink Prison Museum

Practical Information

Address 1 Clink Street, SE1 9DG; 020 7403 0900; www.clink.co.uk

Train London Bridge.

Tube London Bridge.

Bus stop Southwark Bridge, Southwark Street, Borough High Street.

River bus Bankside Pier

Open Jul–Sep: 10am–9pm daily; Oct–Jun: 10am–6pm Mon–Fri, 10am–7:30pm Sat & Sun

Price £18

Guided tours Groups only

Age range 8 plus

Allow Up to 1 hour

Wheelchair access There are nine steps to get down to the museum.

Shop Gift shop selling souvenirs

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

The Golden Hinde

Practical Information

Address Pickfords Wharf, Clink Street, SE1 9DG; 020 7403 0123; www.goldenhinde.com

Train London Bridge.

Tube London Bridge, Monument.

Bus stop Borough High Street.

River bus Bankside Pier

Open 10am–5:30pm daily

Price £18, under-4s free

Skipping the queue Best to book ahead for a family workshop

Guided tours Costumed tours or pirate dress-up days every Sat (family £20, including admission)

Age range 5 plus

Activities 2-hour pirate workshops for families most Saturdays (plus some weekdays in school holidays) – come in costume. Also regular sleepovers for ages 5–10, accompanied by an adult (£40pp). Call or check website

Allow 1 hour for self-guided visit

Wheelchair access No, due to the steep stairs and low ceilings

Shop At the ticket shop selling souvenirs

Toilets At the ticket shop

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

Southwark Cathedral

Practical Information

Address London Bridge, SE1 9DA; 020 7367 6700; www.southwarkcathedral.org.uk

Train London Bridge.

Tube London Bridge, Monument.

Bus stop Borough High Street.

River bus Bankside Pier

Open 8am–6pm Mon–Fri, 8:30am–6pm Sat & Sun; services include choral evensong daily. Borough Market: 11am–5pm Thu, noon–6pm Fri, 8am–5pm Sat

Price Donations

Guided tours Groups only (adults £5; under-12s £2.50); walking tours also available

Activities Regular concerts

Allow Up to 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes, via lifts or fixed and portable ramps

Shop Selling cathedral souvenirs, cards, books and gifts

Toilets At the west end of Lancelot’s Link, near the entrance

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

The Old Operating Theatre

Practical Information

Address 9a Saint Thomas Street, SE1 9RY; 020 7188 2679; www.thegarret.org.uk

Train London Bridge.

Tube London Bridge.

Bus stop London Bridge

Open 10:30am–5pm daily

Price £13.90

Skipping the queue Capacity is tight, so book ahead for events

Age range 7 plus

Activities Free demonstrations, at 2pm Sat and Sun (age 7 plus), might feature herbal medicine or 19th-century speed surgery. There’s an imaginative programme of family activities in the school holidays: call ahead or check website.

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access limited

Shop Selling quirky and original gifts and presents with a medical theme

Toilets On entrance level before entering (requires a key)

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

HMS Belfast

Practical Information

Address HMS Belfast, The Queen’s Walk, SE1 2JH; 020 7940 6300; www.iwm.org.uk

Train London Bridge (a five-minute walk); Tower Gateway (DLR).

Tube London Bridge, Monument, Tower Hill.

Bus stop Tooley Street, London Bridge.

River bus London Bridge City Pier, en route between Woolwich Arsenal and London Eye (020 7001 2222; www.thamesclippers.com).

Open Mar–Oct: 10am–6pm daily; Nov–Feb: till 5pm (last admission one hour earlier).

Price £29, under-16s free; including a voluntary donation

Guided tours Free audio guide (also in French, German and Spanish); children’s audio guide

Age range 7 plus

Activities Family drop-in activities take place on selected weekends and during school holidays. Check website for more information

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Limited due to the nature of a warship. See website for details.

Café The Walrus Café, Zone 3 (open only during peak hours)

Shop In ticket hall

Toilets On both the upper and main decks, ask staff for the key to the disabled toilets

Good family value? For maximum value, make time for the hands-on Life at Sea exhibition on Deck 3, with knots to tie and kitbags to lift.

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

The View from The Shard

Practical Information

Address Joiner Street, SE1 9QU; 0844 499 7111; www.theviewfromtheshard.com

Train London Bridge.

Tube London Bridge.

Bus stop London Bridge: 43, 48, 141, 149, 521

Open 9am–10pm daily

Price £108–118; book online for reductions. Disabled guests are offered a concessionary rate with free access to a registered carer. These tickets can only be booked over the phone

Skipping the queue Buy tickets online beforehand – it’s cheaper. Advance telephone booking is also available (extra charge)

Age range 7 plus

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop The Sky Boutique

Toilets Ground and floor 68 of The View

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

Winston Churchill’s Britain at War Experience

Practical Information

Address 64–6 Tooley Street, SE1 2TF; 020 7403 3171; www.britainatwar.co.uk

Train London Bridge.

Tube London Bridge.

Bus stop Tooley Street, London Bridge.

River bus London Bridge City Pier

Open Apr–Oct: 10am–5pm daily; Nov–Mar till 4:30pm

Price £35, under-5s free; book online for reductions.

Age range 7 plus

Allow 90 minutes

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop At the end of the tour

Toilets At back of main gallery

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

Design Museum

Practical Information

Address 28 Shad Thames, SE1 2YD; 020 7403 6933; www.designmuseum.org

Train London Bridge, Tower Gateway (DLR station).

Tube London Bridge, Tower Hill.

Bus stop Tooley Street, Tower Gateway, Jamaica Road, Tower Bridge.

River bus Tower Pier, St Katherine’s Pier

Open 10am–5:45pm daily (last admission: 5:15pm)

Price £22–32, including £1 voluntary donation (under 12s free)

Guided tours Occasional tours of specific exhibitions, some geared towards families

Age range 5 plus

Activities Free activity sheet for under 12s. Sun pm workshops for ages 5–11 most months (book in advance, £4). School holiday courses for age 12-plus focus on specific design disciplines.

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop On the ground floor, selling excellent designer goods

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

London Eye

Practical Information

Address County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB; 0871 781 3000, www.londoneye.com

Train Waterloo, a 5-minute walk away.

Tube Waterloo, Westminster.

Bus stop Belvedere Road, York Road, Westminster Bridge.

River bus London Eye Millennium Pier, Westminster Pier

Open Sep–Mar: 10am–8:30pm daily; Apr–Jun: till 9pm; Jul & Aug: till 9:30pm; closed 2 weeks in mid-Jan for maintenance

Price £56–66 (book online for 10 per cent discount). Time-flexible and fast-track tickets cost extra

Skipping the queue Jul and Aug are busiest; avoid the 11am–3pm peak and arrive 30 minutes before flight time. Fast-track tickets are the same price for adults and children.

Guided tours None. Audio guide costs £5 extra (£4.50 if booked online)

Age range 5 plus

Activities Free “4D” film experience included in ticket. Kids’ puzzle sheet downloadable from website only. In winter, the ice-rink in Jubilee Gardens carries a separate charge.

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes (carer can travel for free)

Café Snacks Zen Café, with outlets beside Jubilee Gardens and inside County Hall, sells snacks and drinks. Real meal Zen China inside County Hall is a more grown-up alternative, specializing in traditional Chinese cuisine.

Shop At the bottom of the exit ramp, selling souvenirs and visitor photos

Toilets Downstairs at County Hall

Good family value? It’s expensive for 30 minutes, but there’s a saving for combined admission to sister attractions Madame Tussauds and London Dungeon. On a budget? Consider the OXO Tower instead.

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

National Theatre

Practical Information

Address South Bank, SE1 9PX; 020 7452 3000; www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

Train Waterloo or Waterloo East (both a 5-minute walk), Charing Cross (10 minutes).

Tube Waterloo, Embankment.

Bus stop Waterloo Bridge, Upper Ground, Waterloo Road, Stamford Street.

River bus Festival Pier (Westminster to St Katherine’s route; 020 7936 2033; www.crownriver.com); London Eye Millennium Pier; Embankment Pier (across Golden Jubilee Bridges).

Open 9:30am–11pm Mon–Sat, noon–6pm Sun

Price Show tickets vary, from £10–40+; standing tickets are sold on the day only, £5

Guided tours Usually 10:15am, 10:30am, 12:15pm, 12:30pm, 5:15pm, 5:30pm Mon–Fri; 10:30am, 12:15pm Sat; 12:30pm Sun. Adults £8.50, under-18s £7.50; call 020 7452 3400.

Age range All

Activities Foyer concerts 5:45pm Mon–Sat and lunchtimes Sat & Sun (free). The Big Wall in the main foyer has touch-screen clips and information about current shows. Talks and workshops programme, mostly for adults. Watch This Space festival (Jun–Sep) has events Tue–Sun; Playspace programme runs in school summer holiday

Allow Up to 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop On the ground floor selling books, texts, programmes, posters, recordings and gifts

Toilets In theatres and foyers

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

BFI Southbank

Practical Information

Address Belvedere Road, SE1 8XT; 020 7928 3232 (IMAX enquiries 033 0333 7878); www.bfi.org.uk

Transport See National Theatre

Open 11am–11pm daily (till 11:30pm Fri & Sat); Mediatheque noon–8pm Tue–Sun

Price Seat prices vary – all tickets cost £5 on Tue. Mediatheque free

Skipping the queue Book ahead for Film Fundays (020 7928 3232)

Activities Film Fundays, usually on last Sun of each month, free with cinema tickets

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling postcards, DVDs, BFI merchandise and books, including those for the more serious film connoisseur

Toilets In the foyer

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

Gabriel’s Wharf

Practical Information

Address 56 Upper Ground, SE1 9PP; 020 7021 1686; www.coinstreet.org

Train Blackfriars, Waterloo.

Tube Southwark, Waterloo.

Bus stop Stamford Street, Blackfriars Bridge, Waterloo Bridge, Upper Ground, Waterloo Road.

River bus Blackfriars Millennium Pier, Bankside Pier

Open Shops, studios and Oxo Gallery 11am–6pm Tue–Sun. Restaurants and cafés till late

Price Free, including Oxo Gallery and Oxo Tower Walkway

Age range All

Activities Sport and dance drop-in classes are available at the nearby Colombo Centre (34–68 Colombo St, SE1 8DP; 020 7261 1658; www.jubileehalltrust.org/colombo/).

Toilets Next to the Studio 6 bar/restaurant

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

Southbank Centre

Practical Information

Address Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX; 020 7960 4200; www.southbankcentre.co.uk. Hayward Gallery: 0844 875 0073

Train Waterloo, Waterloo East, Charing Cross.

Tube Waterloo, Embankment.

Bus stop Waterloo Bridge, Upper Ground, Waterloo Road, Stamford Street.

River bus Festival Pier; London Eye Millennium Pier; Embankment Pier.

Open Royal Festival Hall 10am–11pm daily; Hayward Gallery 10am–6pm daily (from noon Mon; till 8pm Thu & Fri). Queen Elizabeth Hall: 5–11:30pm daily

Price Performances individually priced, likewise Hayward Gallery exhibitions (reductions for ages 12–16; under-12s free)

Activities For the full programme, visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/family. The Waterloo Sunset Pavilion (Hayward Gallery 10am–6pm daily) has six monitors showing cartoons suitable for all.

Wheelchair access All venues

Shops Festival Terrace sells design-led gifts. Royal Festival Hall shop celebrates the artistic programme. Hayward Gallery offers gifts, books and cards.

Toilets All venues

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

Sea Life London Aquarium

Practical Information

Address County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB; 0871 663 1678; www.visitsealife.com/London

Train Waterloo.

Tube Waterloo, Westminster.

Bus stop Belvedere Road, York Road.

River bus London Eye Millennium Pier.

Open 10am–6pm Mon–Thu, 10am–7pm Fri–Sun (last admission: 1 hour earlier)

Price £64–74 (10 per cent saving by booking online). 25 per cent discount after 3pm

Skipping the queue Priority Entrance (more expensive) ticket–holders skip most of the queue.

Age range 3 plus

Activities Feeding sessions at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm and 4:30pm daily; plus shark feeds 2:30pm subject to availability.

Allow Up to 1 hours

Shop Selling gifts and souvenirs

Toilets All floors

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

London Dungeon

Practical Information

Address Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB; 0871423 2240; www.thedungeons.com/london

Train Waterloo.

Tube Waterloo, Westminster

Bus stop Belvedere Road, York Road, Westminster Bridge.

River bus London Eye Millennium Pier, Westminster Pier

Open 10am–5pm Mon–Wed & Fri (from 11am Thu & till 6pm Sat & Sun). Times vary in holidays (see website for details)

Price £62–72

Skipping the queue Priority entry ticket can be purchased online

Age range All (under-13s need to be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years and over)

Activities Feeding sessions at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm and 4:30pm daily; plus shark feeds 2:30pm subject to availability.

Allow 90 minutes

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop At the end of the tour

Toilets After the ticket hall

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

London Film Museum

Practical Information

Address County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB; 020 7202 7040; www.londonfilmmuseum.com

Transport See Sea Life London Aquarium

Open 10am–5pm Mon–Fri (11am Thu); 10am–6pm Sat; 11am–6pm Sun (last adm: 1 hour earlier; call ahead to check before visiting)

Price £46–56; under 5s free

Guided tours £25; groups of 15 or over get a free tour

Age range 6 plus

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access The museum is on the 1st floor, but there is a lift – please call ahead

Shop Selling film souvenirs

Toilets On the first floor

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

Imperial War Museum (IWM)

Practical Information

Address Lambeth Rd, SE1 6HZ; 020 7416 5000; www.iwm.org.uk

Train Waterloo, Elephant and Castle.

Tube Lambeth North, Elephant and Castle, Waterloo.

Bus stop Lambeth Road, Kennington Road, St George’s Road

Open 10am–6pm daily (last admission: 5:45pm)

Price Free; temporary exhibitions individually priced

Guided tours Audio guides for adults and children

Age range 6 plus, but some exhibitions may be unsuitable for pre-teens

Activities Family activities take place on certain weekends and during school holidays. Check website for the most up-to-date information.

Allow Up to 3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, via Park entrance – sometimes parts of exhibitions are not accessible

Shop Lower ground floor, selling books, CDs, posters and gifts

Toilets All floors except third and fourth

< Practical Information: Southwark and the South Bank

Florence Nightingale Museum

Practical Information

Address 2 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7EW; 020 7620 0374; www.florence-nightingale.co.uk

Train Waterloo.

Tube Waterloo, Westminster.

Bus stop Westminster Bridge, York Road, Lambeth Palace Road.

River bus London Eye Millennium Pier, Westminster Pier

Open 10am–5pm daily

Price £16, under-5s free

Guided tours Two tours: one for 7–11 year olds and one for adults. Free audio guides for adults and children aged 7–11

Age range 5 plus

Activities Themed art-and-craft activities in school holidays: check website for details. Kids under 7 can follow Florence’s story by following the I-Spy trail

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling a range of quirky souvenirs

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park

Practical Information

Address Park Office, Rangers Lodge, W2 2UH; 030 0061 2000; www.royalparks.org.uk.

Tube Marble Arch, Queensway, Lancaster Gate.

Bus stop Black Lion Gate; Marlborough Gate; Marble Arch; Hyde Park Corner; Edinburgh Gate; Royal Albert Hall; Palace Gate.

Open Hyde Park: 5am–midnight daily; Kensington Gardens: 6am–dusk daily

Price Free

Guided tours The Royal Parks Foundation run rambles in the parks (www.supporttheroyalparks.org/shop/experiences/filter/walks); 45-minute Albert Memorial tours 1st Sun of month (2pm & 3pm), Mar–Dec (020 7936 2568)

Age range All

Activities The Isis Education Centre based in the LookOut runs discovery days in the school holidays (www.supporttheroyalparks.org/explore/isis_education_centre). Serpentine Lido (020 7706 3422) and paddling pool open May: 10am–6pm Sat & Sun; Jun–mid-Sep: 10am–6pm daily (adults £4, ages 3–15 80p). Hyde Park Tennis & Sports Centre has pay-and-play tennis all year (020 7262 3474). The Boathouse offers boat and pedalo hire, Easter–Oct: 10am–dusk (£25/hour; 020 7262 1330). Solarshuttle boat rides, Mar–Sep: weekends and public hols; Jun–Aug: daily (020 7262 1330; www.solarshuttle.co.uk)

Allow Up to a full day

Wheelchair access There are free electric buggies which give half-hour rides around the park.

Cafés Serpentine Bar & Kitchen (see Real meal) or Lido Café Bar (020 7706 7098; www.companyofcooks.com). Snacks at Hyde Park Tennis Centre Café (summer 9am–9pm, winter 10am-4pm; 020 7262 3474) and Broadwalk Café (see Snacks), as well as at kiosks.

Toilets At Serpentine Road, the LookOut; Palace Gate, Lancaster Gate, Black Lion Gate, Marlborough Gate (Kensington Gardens)

Good family value? The park and its three playgrounds are free; swimming and tennis are affordable; only boat hire is pricey.

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Kensington Palace

Practical Information

Address Kensington Gardens, W8 4PX; 0844 482 7777; www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace

Tube High Street Kensington, Queensway.

Bus stop Bayswater Road, Knightsbridge

Open Mar–Sep: 10am–6pm daily; Oct–Feb: 10am–5pm daily (last admission: 1 hour earlier)

Price £30–40 (excluding voluntary donation), under-16s free

Skipping the queue Book online to dodge the ticket queue

Age range 5 plus

Activities Free family craft activities in school holidays. Online “fun and games” zone has children’s trails and Tudor sewing patterns. Bookable day workshops for families (check website for details)

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling gifts and souvenirs

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Serpentine Galleries

Practical Information

Address Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA; 020 7402 6075; www.serpentinegallery.org

Tube Knightsbridge, South Kensington, Lancaster Gate.

Bus stop Knightsbridge

Open 10am–6pm

Price Free

Age range Call ahead to check suitability of current show

Activities Free Family Sunday workshop most months (noon–5pm). Check website for full programme

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop In reception, selling art books and cards

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Apsley House

Practical Information

Address 149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, W1J 7NT; 020 7499 5676; www.english-heritage.org.uk/apsleyhouse

Train Victoria.

Tube Hyde Park Corner.

Bus stop Hyde Park Corner

Open Apr–Oct: 11am–5pm Wed–Fri; Nov–Mar 10am–4pm Sat & Sun (last admission: 30 minutes before closing). Wellington Arch opens at 10am

Price £21.30. Wellington Arch: £12.40. Joint ticket £26–36

Skipping the queue The Horse Guards ride through Wellington Arch most days at 10:30am and 11:30am – come early for a view

Guided tours Free 15-minute gallery talks daily (times vary)

Age range 7 plus

Activities Free audio guide. Free children’s trail from visitor desk or downloadable online

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access No, due to unavoidable steps

Shop On the ground floor, selling specialist books and memorabilia

Toilets In the basement

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Science Museum

Practical Information

Address Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD; 0870 870 4868; www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

Tube South Kensington.

Bus stop Exhibition Road, South Kensington Tube station: route numbers 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 414, 430, C1; Kensington Road: 9, 10, 52, 452

Open 10am–6pm daily (until 7pm during school holidays); last admission 5:15pm; plus 6:45–10pm on last Wed of month (adults only)

Price Free. Charges apply for IMAX 3-D cinema (£27–80), simulator rides and some temporary exhibitions

Skipping the queue Launchpad is the big draw for kids, so arrive at 10am and head there first. The gallery is quieter when the live science shows are on.

Guided tours Free 30-minute tours (ages 13 plus) at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm most days, focusing on specific galleries. Cockroach tours (with costumes) start at 2pm and 4pm at weekends and during Lates each month

Age range All

Activities Free 20-minute science shows, seven times daily (ages 7 plus); storytelling (under-7s) weekends at 1:30pm – both in Launchpad. School holiday shows feature Albert Einstein, aviator Amy Johnson and more. Live science experiments sometimes invite museum-goers to take part in research. World Wonders and Contemporary Art trails for older children are downloadable online. Monthly Science Night sleepovers, usually on Fridays, for ages 8–11 (minimum group size six, including parent/guardian, £45pp)

Allow Up to a day

Wheelchair access Yes, all floors

Cafés Revolution Café serves buffet-style lunches; Deep Blue Café is a waiter-service family diner – both on ground floor. Eat Drink Shop (Basement) and Fly Café (Floor 3) do snacks and drinks. Picnic area in Basement

Shop On the ground floor, filled with brain-testing games, toys and clever souvenirs

Toilets All floors except 5

Good family value? The IMAX cinema and flight simulators charge, but with science shows, family tours and hands-on galleries galore, there is more than enough free stuff to fill a day. To avoid being pestered for pennies for the kids’ rides, steer clear of the café next to the Fly Zone.

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Natural History Museum

Practical Information

Address Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD; 020 7942 5000; www.nhm.ac.uk

Tube South Kensington (on Circle, District and Piccadilly lines).

Bus stop South Kensington; Exhibition Road

Open 10am–5:50pm daily; last admission 5:30pm. After Hours opening (till 10:30pm, last Fri of month) offers live music, debates, films and food

Price Free. Some temporary exhibitions charge

Skipping the queue Spirit Collection tour has limited places: book on arrival at museum, or by phone after 10:15am on the day).

Guided tours Free 30-minute Spirit Collection tour (ages 8 plus) goes backstage at the Darwin Centre up to four times daily. Extended 50-minute tour at 3.15pm weekdays

Age range All

Activities Monthly Nature Live Nights open up the museum after hours, mainly for adults (see website)

Allow Up to a day

Wheelchair access Yes

Cafés The museum’s striking galleried restaurant in the Green Zone (11am–5pm) serves ploughman’s lunches and hot dishes, and offers a hearty children’s menu and a family roast lunch deal at weekends (four for £30). The Central Hall Café does lighter bites and kids’ lunch bags, plus there’s a basement snack bar and picnic area

Shops There are three. The main shop near the entrance has imaginative nature-themed gifts; Dino Store and Earth Shop sell dinosaur- and planet-themed items

Toilets On all floors

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Victoria & Albert Museum

Practical Information

Address Cromwell Rd, SW7 2RL; 020 7942 2000, www.vam.ac.uk

Tube South Kensington.

Bus stop Exhibition Road, South Kensington tube station

Open 10am–5:45pm Sat–Thu; 10am–10pm Fri (selected galleries open late)

Price Free; some temporary exhibitions charge (all free for under-12s)

Skipping the queue Advance booking advised for temporary shows or events, available up to 48 hours ahead (www.vam.ac.uk)

Guided tours Free 1-hour tours at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 3:30pm daily, plus 7pm Fri. Tours of Medieval & Renaissance (11:30am) and British (2:30pm) galleries daily; Theatre & Performance, 2pm Mon–Fri.

Age range 5 plus

Activities Eight different backpacks for ages 5–12, available till 4pm from the information desk as well as Agent Animal bags for under 5s; plus activity trails devoted to Tudor and Silver galleries; and Picnic Parties (ages 7–12). Free family Drop-in Design sessions every Sun (10:30am–5pm); free 25-minute Gallery Plays every Sat (11am, 1pm, 3pm). Regular Sat workshops for ages 11–19 on photography, fashion and theatre (www.vam.ac.uk/create), plus school holiday events (www.vam.ac.uk/families).

Allow At least 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes; building is Grade I-listed – lifts are used to visit all areas and levels

Shop Gift and bookshop

Toilets On all levels

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Royal Albert Hall

Practical Information

Address Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP; Box Office: 0845 401 5045; www.royalalberthall.com

Tube South Kensington, High Street Kensington.

Bus stop Kensington Rd, Queen’s Gate, Exhibition Rd

Open Box office 9am–9pm daily. Performance times vary

Price Show tickets vary; from £20

Skipping the queue For tours, advance booking recommended

Guided tours 1-hour tours about six times daily (10:30am–4:30pm), except during matinees, £17 per adult, under 16s free. Occasional back-stage tours (check website)

Age range 7 plus on guided

Activities Occasional free family concerts during school holidays; regular jazz and comedy shows in the Elgar Room, plus Classical Coffee Mornings most Sundays at 11am (charges apply).

Wheelchair access Yes, via ramps and lifts

Shop Near box office

Toilets In lobby

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Battersea Park

Practical Information

Address Park Offices, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ; 020 8871 7530, www.wandsworth.gov.uk/parks

Rail Battersea Park or Queenstown Road.

Tube Sloane Square (Circle and District lines) or Pimlico (Victoria line).

Bus stop Chelsea Bridge, Battersea Park Station, Chelsea Embankment, Battersea Bridge.

River Cadogan Pier

Open Daily 8:30am–dusk

Price Park admission free; charges apply for zoo, boating, cycle hire and sports pitches

Guided tours None; self-guided walk leaflets from Park Office (open weekdays only, 9am–5pm)

Age range All

Activities Adventure Playground 8:30am–dusk daily. Land train runs July–August. Cycle hire weekends and holidays from 10am (from £7 per hour; 020 7498 6543, www.londonrecumbents.co.uk). Boat hire Easter to September, weekends and school holidays only (£11 per half-hour; 020 7262 1330, www.solarshuttle.co.uk). Frequent school holiday art workshops at Pump House Gallery (020 8871 7572, www.pumphousegallery.org.uk). Millennium Arena open weekdays 7am–10pm, weekends 7:30am–7:30pm (020 8871 7537); tennis bookings (020 8871 7542). Occasional funfairs in school and bank holidays.

Allow Half a day

Cafés Family-run La Gondola al Parco (near Rosery Gate, open 8.30am–8pm in summer, winter till 4pm; 020 7978 1655) does home-style Italian staples and a kids’ menu, by the lakeside. The Tea Terrace Kiosk (9am–dusk) has snacks; plus weekend sandwich van with picnic tables, outside the adventure playground.

Toilets Near fountains, zoo entrance and adventure playground.

Good family value? The brilliant playground is free; the zoo, cycling and boating are affordable. What’s not to like?

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo

Practical Information

Address North Carriage Drive, Battersea Park, SW11 4NJ; 020 7924 5826; www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk

Rail Battersea Park, Queenstown Road.

Tube Sloane Square, Pimlico.

Bus stop Chelsea Bridge, Battersea Park Station, Chelsea Embankment, Battersea Bridge.

River bus Cadogan Pier

Open Apr–Sep:10am–5:30pm daily; Nov–Mar till 4:30pm (last admission: 30 minutes earlier)

Price £26–36

Age range 2 plus

Activities Feeding times at weekends and school holidays: otters and meerkats 11am, 2:30pm; monkeys 11:30am, 3pm; farm animals noon and 3:30pm. Storytime Wednesdays in Feb and Mar; drop-in activities during school holidays (check website).

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, via ramped entrance

Shop Near the ticket office

Toilets Near the gift shop

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

National Army Museum

Practical Information

Address Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, SW3 4HT; 020 7730 0717; www.nam.ac.uk

Tube Sloane Square.

Bus stop Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea Bridge Road, King’s Road.

River bus Cadogan Pier

Open 10am–5:30pm daily

Price Free; some temporary exhibitions charge. Kids’ zone: £2.50 per child (ages 0–8)

Skipping the queue Free Kids’ Zone operates on timed ticket system; it is sometimes reserved for private parties – check online

Age range Kids’ Zone ages 3–10; galleries and Action Zone 6 plus

Activities Kids’ Zone; children’s backpacks suit ages 6–10. Family activities during school holidays and occasional weekends, led by costumed cavalry officers or sergeant-majors (check website).

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling gifts, toys and books on military topics

Toilets On the Ground and Lower Ground levels

< Practical Information: Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Chelsea Physic Garden

Practical Information

Address 66 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HS; 020 7352 5646; www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk.

Tube Sloane Square.

Bus stop Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea Bridge Road, King’s Road.

River bus Cadogan Pier

Open Apr–Oct: noon–6pm Tue–Fri, noon–6pm Sun and Bank Holidays (last admission: 30 minutes earlier)

Price £30–40, under 5s free

Guided tours Free most days, times vary

Age range Most family activity sessions target ages 7 plus

Activities School holiday family programme, themes vary, booking essential (£5.50 per person, including accompanying adult)

Allow 1 hour

Shop Selling garden-related products

Toilets Beside shop

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Greenwich

Practical Information

Address Greenwich Tourist Information, Pepys House, 2 Cutty Sark Gardens, SE10 9LW; 0870 608 2000; www.visitgreenwich.org.uk

Train Greenwich Maze Hill, or Blackheath (mainline); Cutty Sark or Greenwich (DLR).

Tube North Greenwich, then bus number 188.

Bus stop Cutty Sark.

River bus Greenwich Pier: on Embankment to Woolwich Arsenal route (0870 781 5049; www.thamesclippers.com); plus from Westminster (www.thamesriverservices.co.uk; www.citycruises.com)

Open Park: 6am daily (closing times seasonal, 6–9:30pm); closed to traffic 10am–4pm and all day at weekends.Visitor information centre open 10am–5pm

Price Free

Guided tours From Greenwich Tourist Information Centre, 12:15pm, 2:15pm daily (£7 per adult; under 16s free)

Age range All

Activities Boat hire (Easter–Oct); playground; pay-and-play tennis and golf putting (020 8293 0276); bandstand concerts on summer weekends (www.royalparks.gov.uk/greenwich-park). Family open days at Secret Garden Wildlife Centre, last Sat of month (www.friendsofgreenwichpark.org.uk). Full events calendar at www.visitgreenwich.org.uk.

Allow At least a day

Cafés Pavilion Tea House (see Real meal) and Cow and Coffee Bean (020 8293 07035; www.companyofcooks.com), both in Greenwich Park

Toilets At Discover Greenwich, Royal Observatory, children’s playground and Blackheath Gate

Good family value? Excellent. Vast amounts to do, much of it blissfully free.

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Old Royal Naval College

Practical Information

Address 2 Cutty Sark Gardens, SE10 9LW; 020 8269 4747; www.ornc.org

Train Cutty Sark (DLR) or Maze Hill (5-minute walk).

Bus Cutty Sark.

River bus Greenwich Pier

Open Grounds 8am–6pm; Discover Greenwich visitor centre, Painted Hall and Chapel, 10am–5pm

Price Free

Guided tours 90-minute tours given by yeoman guides daily, 2pm (£5 per adult, under-16s free)

Age range All

Activities Family trails (£1 each, or download them from the website). Drop-in craft workshops every Fri in school holidays (small charge); plus occasional archaeology workshops and shows (check website)

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Discover Greenwich centre sells innovative gifts and souvenirs

Toilets Discover Greenwich centre

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

National Maritime Museum

Practical Information

Address Romney Road, Greenwich, SE10 9 NF; 020 8858 4422; www.rmg.co.uk

Train Cutty Sark (DLR) or Maze Hill (5-minute walk).

Bus Cutty Sark.

River bus Greenwich Pier

Open 10am–5pm daily (last admission 4:30pm)

Price Free

Guided tours Free themed talks in Maritime Galleries daily (times vary). Queen’s House offers tours weekdays only (11:30am, 2pm) and free audio guide.

Age range All

Activities Young Explorers’ trails downloadable online only. Play Tuesdays for under-5s at 10:30am–12:30pm and 1–3pm weekly (free tickets at welcome desk). Explore Saturdays for over-5s and Discover Sundays for all ages, 11am–4pm. Programme runs daily in school holidays

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Level G, to right of entrance

Toilets Level G and Level 1

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Practical Information

Address Blackheath Avenue, Greenwich, SE10 8XJ; 020 8858 4422; www.rmg.co.uk

Train Greenwich or Maze Hill, both a 15-minute walk.

Bus stop Romney Road.

River bus Greenwich Pier

Open 10am–5pm daily

Price £15, under 6s free (astronomy galleries free); Planetarium £17.50

Skipping the queue Book ahead for Planetarium shows (020 8312 6608; www.nmm.ac.uk/tickets)

Guided tours Most weekdays (free, times vary); audio guide (£3.50)

Age range 6 plus

Activities Kids’ trail downloadable from website only. Free monthly Space Explorers workshops (Sat, age 6-plus). Planetarium shows include Space Safari (under-7s) and Sky Tonight Live (5-plus), both daily (check website for schedule).

Allow 2–3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, but slightly restricted in some buildings

Shop In Astronomy Centre and near Meridian Line

Toilets In Astronomy Centre and Flamsteed House

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Museum of London Docklands

Practical Information

Address West India Quay, Canary Wharf, E14 4AL; 020 7001 9844; www.museumoflondon.org.uk/docklands

Train West India Quay (DLR).

Tube Canary Wharf.

Bus Westferry Circus.

River bus Canary Wharf Pier, on London Eye–Woolwich Arsenal route (www.thamesclippers.com)

Open 10am–6pm daily

Price Free

Guided tours Free highlight tours: ask on arrival

Age range All

Activities Mudlarks gallery open 2–5:30pm weekdays; 10am–5:30pm weekends and school holidays. Free Explorer Backpacks for ages 2–5. Download activity sheets from website. Mini Mudlarks sessions (6 months–walking) 12:45–1:45pm Mon. Little Mudlarks (walking–age 5) 10:15am–noon Mon. Under-5s storytime 3–3:30pm Thu. Family events Sat and school holidays (check website for full programme) and book ahead.

Allow Half a day

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop To left of entrance

Toilets Ground and third floors

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Mudchute Park and Farm

Practical Information

Address Pier Street, Isle of Dogs, E14 3HP; 020 7515 901; www.mudchute.org

Train Crossharbour or Mudchute (both DLR).

Bus stop Crossharbour, Pier Street

Open Farm: 8am–4pm daily; park: open daily

Price Free

Age range All

Activities Duck walk (9am) and animal round-up (4pm). Drop-in sessions Mon–Wed in school holidays; plus seasonal fundays. Riding lessons available (charged).

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, but can be difficult if wet

Shop Selling animal feed and sometimes eggs from the hens

Toilets In the courtyard

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

British Music Experience

Practical Information

Address O2, Peninsula Square, SE10 0DX; 020 8463 2000; www.britishmusicexperience.com. Emirates Air Line: Royal Docks (north terminal): 27 Western Gateway, E16 4FA; Greenwich Peninsula (south terminal): Edmund Halley Way, SE10 0FR; www.emiratesairline.co.uk

Tube North Greenwich (Jubilee line). Emirates Air Line: Royal Victoria (north terminal); North Greenwich (south terminal).

Bus stop North Greenwich Station.

River bus North Greenwich Pier, on London Eye–Woolwich Arsenal route (www.thamesclippers.com)

Open 11am–7:30pm daily (last admission 6:30pm). Emirates Air Line: 7am–8pm Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm Sat, 9am–8pm Sun

Price £39–49, under-5s free. Emirates Air Line: £13–23 (one-way), under-5s free.

Age range 7 plus. Emirates Air Line: 3 plus

Activities Family activities (free with admission) in school holidays: check website

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes. Emirates Air Line: Allowed on board

Shop Selling music-themed goods

Toilets By entrance. Emirates Air Line: No

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Eltham Palace

Practical Information

Address Court Yard, Eltham, SE9 5QE; 020 8294 2548; www.english-heritage.org.uk/elthampalace

Train Eltham or Mottingham, then 15-minute walk.

Bus stop Court Road; Eltham High Street.

Car Free car park off Court Road

Open 10am–5pm Sun–Wed, Apr–Oct; 10am–4pm Sun, Nov–Mar; closed Jan

Price £25, under-5s free

Guided tours Free audio guide with admission

Age range 5 plus

Activities Children’s activity sheets, Time Traveller family days with historical themes in school holidays, plus Easter Egg Hunt and Tudor Jousting weekend (Jun).

Allow 2–3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, but parts of garden are uneven

Shop Selling gifts and souvenirs

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Firepower Museum

Practical Information

Address Royal Artillery Museum, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, SE18 6ST; 020 8855 7755; www.firepower.org.uk

Train Woolwich Arsenal (mainline and DLR), 5-minute walk.

Bus stop Plumstead Road; Woolwich town centre.

River bus Woolwich Arsenal Pier, services from Embankment (www.thamesclippers.com).

Car Pay-and-display car park at Plumstead Road entrance

Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sat

Price £12.50

Guided tours daily, from admissions desk

Age range 7 plus

Activities Camo Zone activities cost extra (£1.50 each). There is a busy school holiday events programme – mostly free (check website)

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling gifts, souvenirs, books, militaria, models and music

Toilets Ground and first floors

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Thames Barrier

Practical Information

Address Information Centre, 1 Unity Way, Woolwich SE18 5NJ; 020 8305 4188; www.environment-agency.gov.uk/thamesbarrier. Thames Barrier Park, North Woolwich Road, E16 2HP

Train Charlton, then 15-minute walk (south side).

DLR Pontoon Dock (north side).

Bus stop Holborn College Park; North Woolwich Road; Connaught Bridge

Open Information Centre: 10:30am–5pm Thu–Sun) Park: 7am–dusk daily

Price £11–15; under-5s free

Activities To see the barrier closed, visit on a maintenance day (dates listed on website); call to book.

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Information Centre: largely accessible but access to the river front is restricted as steep stairs lead down from the bank. Park: yes

Toilets Both sides of river

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

V&A Museum of Childhood

Practical Information

Address Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA; 020 8983 5200; www.museumofchildhood.org.uk

Train Cambridge Heath (five-minute walk) or Bethnal Green (10-minute walk).

Tube Bethnal Green (Central line).

Bus stop Cambridge Heath Road

Open 10am–5:45pm daily (last admission 5:30pm)

Price Free

Skipping the queue Major events bookable up to two weeks in advance (check website)

Guided tours Free family tours on Saturdays and Sundays during term time. Daily activities vary

Age range 3 plus

Activities Kids’ trails with a variety of themes; drop-in storytelling and art sessions. Montessori Family Packs for under-5s, plus toddler sessions. Tours and activities available every weekend and on school holidays, check the website for details.

Allow Half a day

Wheelchair access Yes

Café Benugo Café, in the main hall, serves simple hot lunches and salads. There are also picnic tables indoors and outside.

Shop Ground floor, selling books, stationery, gifts and pocket money toys

Toilets Lower ground floor

Good family value? Excellent – even the temporary exhibitions are free. Bring some change though, as some toys can be set in motion with a 20p coin.

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Geffrye Museum

Practical Information

Address 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA; 020 7739 9893; www.geffrye-museum.org.uk

Train Hoxton, 5-minute walk.

Tube Old Street (Northern line), then number 243 bus or 15-minute walk; Hackney Central and Hackney Downs.

Bus stop Kingsland Road; Hackney Road

Open 10am–5pm Tue–Sat; noon–5pm Sun; bank hols (Mon)

Price Free; £5–10 for special exhibitions, under-16s free

Skipping the queue For Saturday Special family activities at 10:30am and 2pm, arrive 30 minutes early to secure a place

Guided tours Audio guide (£2), children free

Age range 3 plus

Activities Free family audio guide (ages 5–11) and activity backpacks (ages 3–5), weekends and holidays only. Free family days first Sat of month (ages 5–16), plus full school holiday programme. Website has recipes and garden design games

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, except for Restored Almshouses Exhibition

Shop Selling high-quality gifts and books relating to interiors

Toilets On all floors

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Hackney City Farm

Practical Information

Address 1a Goldsmiths Row, E2 8QA; 020 7729 6381; www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk

Train Cambridge Heath, 10-minute walk.

Tube Bethnal Green (Central line), 15-minute walk.

Bus stop Hackney Road

Open 10am–4:30pm Tue–Sun, plus bank holidays

Price Free

Age range All

Activities Self-guided tour leaflet has animal information and activities (£1). Feeding time 4pm; drop-in pottery twice weekly (£5, 2–4pm or 4–6pm). Summer holiday workshops might include rapping or puppet-making.

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes; contact Farm Manager beforehand

Toilets On ground floor

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Hackney Museum

Practical Information

Address 1 Reading Lane, E8 1GQ; 020 8356 3500; www.hackney.gov.uk/cm-museum

Train Hackney Central, five-minute walk; Hackney Downs (10 minutes).

Bus stop Mare Street

Open 9:30am–5:30pm Tue–Fri (Thu till 8pm); 10am–5pm Sat

Price Free

Guided tours Free Tea and Tour 3pm Wed. Occasional local history walks (call to check)

Age range 3 plus

Activities Interactive exhibits, dressing-up and toddler reading corner. Free drop-in crafts and storytelling events in school holidays, 2–4pm Wed–Thu

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling books, souvenirs and pocket-money toys

Toilets On ground floor

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Sutton House

Practical Information

Address 2–4 Homerton High Street, Hackney, E9 6JQ; 020 8986 2264; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/suttonhouse

Train Hackney Central, 10-minute walk; Hackney Downs, 15-minute walk.

Bus stop Homerton High Street; Lower Clapton Road; Morning Lane

Open 10am–4:30pm Thu–Fri; noon– 4:30pm weekends early Feb–mid-Dec. School summer hols: 10am–4:30pm Mon–Wed; times vary so call ahead

Price £6.90

Guided tours First Sun of month, 3pm (free)

Age range 5 plus

Activities Free family days last Sun of month; plus drop-in kids’ activities Thu & Fri in school holidays, most days in summer

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access No; ground floor is level, stairs to other floors

Shop Selling gifts and Trust goods; also secondhand books

Toilets Close to entrance

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Discover

Practical Information

Address 383–387 High Street, Stratford, E15 4QZ; 020 8536 5555; www.discover.org.uk

Train Stratford (DLR and mainline trains), 5-minute walk.

Tube Stratford (Central and Jubilee lines), 5-minute walk.

Bus stop Stratford Bus Station; High Street; Stratford Centre

Open 10am–5pm weekdays (closed Mon during school term); 11am–5pm weekends

Price £16, under 2s free

Skipping the queue Book ahead for the frequent literature and art events

Age range 3–11

Activities Free storytelling sessions every weekend (11:30am, 2:30pm), and in school holidays (11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm), plus programme of workshops (see website)

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling pocket-money toys, gifts and classic picture books

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Ragged School Museum

Practical Information

Address 46–50 Copperfield Rd, E3 4RR; 020 8980 6405; www.raggedschoolmuseum.org.uk

Train Limehouse (DLR), 10-minute walk.

Tube Mile End (Central, Hammersmith & City, District lines), 10-minute walk.

Bus stop Ben Jonson Road; Burdett Road; Mile End Road

Open 10am–5pm Wed–Thu, plus 2–5pm first Sun of month

Price Free

Age range 5 plus

Activities Free 45-minute history lessons (all ages), 2:15pm and 3:30pm first Sun of month. Free themed activities for under-13s, usually led by eminent Victorians, Wed–Thu in school holidays.

Allow 1 hour

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling vintage toys

Toilets No

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Kenwood House

Practical Information

Address Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR; 020 8348 1286; www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwoodhouse

Train Gospel Oak or Hampstead Heath.

Tube Golders Green (Northern line), then bus 210 or H3; or Archway (Northern line), then bus 210.

Bus stop Hampstead Lane.

Car West Lodge car park (pay-and-display); free parking on Hampstead Lane

Open House: 11:30am–4pm daily; Estate: from 8am (closing time varies with season)

Price Free; some temporary exhibitions charge

Guided tours Yes, times vary (small charge applies)

Age range 6 plus

Activities Occasional holiday crafts sessions; Easter Egg trails; bat-spotting walks on summer evenings. Picnic concerts programme Jun–Aug (www.picnicconcerts.com)

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Ground floor and toilets only

Café Set in Kenwood’s servants’ wing, the Brew House Cafe (020 8341 5384; 9am–4pm) serves breakfasts and lunches on the terrace; the Steward’s Room serves home-baked bites.

Shop On the ground floor

Toilets On the ground floor

Good family value? It’s free, and so is the Heath

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

Practical Information

Address Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Leavesden Studios, WD25 7LR; 08450 840 900; www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Train Watford Junction station, then shuttle buses run every 30 minutes to attraction (£2pp return).

Car Free parking on site

Open Daily; first tour: 10am, last tour starts between 4pm and 6:30pm (varies with season); closed Dec 25 & Dec 26

Price £83, under 4s free (tickets must be bought in advance)

Skipping the queue Book the earliest tour available

Age range All ages

Activities Hand-held audio-visual guide available in eight languages includes facts, interviews and unseen footage (£4.95)

Allow 3.5 hours, arrive 20 minutes before the tour starts

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling an extensive range of merchandise

Toilets Several throughout

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

RAF Museum

Practical Information

Address Grahame Park Way, NW9 5LL; 020 8205 2266; www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london

Train Mill Hill Broadway, 15-minute walk.

Tube Colindale (Northern line), 10-minute walk.

Bus stop Grahame Park Way; Lanacre Avenue.

Car Parking on site (from £2.50)

Open 10am–6pm. Our Finest Hour show runs hourly, 1–5pm

Price Free, except flight simulator (£2.75) and 4-D theatre (£4).

Guided tours Free volunteer-led tours, times vary. Audio guide to selected galleries available by download only

Age range 6 plus; Eurofighter simulator min height 107 cm (3 ft 6 in)

Activities Some activity sheets and audio guides available from website, plus worksheets. Family activity programme focuses on Commonwealth Day (Mar), Armed Forces Day (Jun) and the Battle of Britain (Sep), plus half-term holiday workshops.

Allow Half a day

Wheelchair access Yes, although getting in aircraft will be difficult

Shop Selling a variety of aviation-themed gifts

Toilets By the entrance

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Wembley Stadium

Practical Information

Address Wembley National Stadium, HA9 0WS; 0844 980 8001 (booking line: 0844 800 2755); www.wembleystadium.com/Wembley-Tours.aspx

Train Wembley Stadium station.

Tube Wembley Park (Metropolitan and Jubilee lines).

Bus stop Olympic Way, Empire Way, Wembley Park Station.

Car Green Car Park, Engineers Way

Open Tours run most days (check website), departing 10am–4pm. Sometimes only a 60-minute “mini tour” is offered, missing out dressing rooms and pitch-side.

Price £41, under 5s free

Skipping the queue Advance booking strongly advised; arrive 30 minutes before tour

Age range 6 plus

Activities Quiz sheets can be downloaded from the website’s Groups and School Visits page

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling football and Wembley souvenirs

Toilets At start of tour

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Horniman Museum and Gardens

Practical Information

Address 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ; 020 8699 1872; www.horniman.ac.uk

Train Forest Hill, 10-minute walk.

Bus stop London Road; Sydenham Hill

Open 10:30am–5:30pm daily; gardens 7:15am–sunset Mon–Sat, from 8am Sun

Price Free. Aquarium £6–10; some temporary exhibitions charge

Skipping the queue Busy Bee tickets available at 10:45am, 11:30am & 12:15pm on Wed & Fri, 12:30pm at weekends

Age range 3 plus

Activities Free family activities every weekend afternoon: mix of drop-in “discovery for all” sessions (2–3:30pm) and ticketed art workshops and object-handling (11:45am–12:30pm, 1–1:45pm, 1:30–2:15pm, 2:45–3:30pm). Free family storytelling every first Sunday of month (2:15pm & 3:30pm). Frequent sessions on school holiday weekdays, too (check website). Half-hour Busy Bee crafts and story sessions for under-5s every Wed and Fri (10:45am, 11:30am & 12:15pm). Download age-graded activity sheets and learning packs before visiting at: www.horniman.ac.uk

Allow At least half a day

Wheelchair access Yes, both museum and gardens

Café The museum’s café has excellent variety for kids; on a sunny day, eat in the ornate Victorian conservatory.

Shop Selling toys, musical instruments and books inspired by the museum’s collection.

Toilets By café and on Lower Ground Floor

Good family value? Absolutely tremendous. Unlike many London museums, even the café is affordable.

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Practical Information

Address Gallery Road, SE21 7AD; 020 8693 5254; www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

Train North Dulwich or West Dulwich, both a 10-minute walk away.

Bus stop College Road; Dulwich College

Open 10am–5pm Tue–Fri, 11am–5pm Sat–Sun (last admission 4:30pm)

Price £12, under-18s free; temporary exhibitions extra

Skipping the queue Book half-term and after-school courses in advance: 020 8299 8732

Guided tours 3pm Sat and Sun (free); multimedia iGuide (£3)

Age range 8 plus

Activities Free quiz and drawing trails (ages 4–12). Family ArtPlay drop-in, 2–3:30pm first and last Sun of month (free with entry, or £2); also Wed in school holidays. Half-term workshops (ages 6–8 and 9–11, charges apply). Jazz evenings and films in summer.

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Selling art-related gifts, books and toys

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Crystal Palace Park

Practical Information

Address Crystal Palace Park, Thicket Road, SE20 8DT; 02083134471; www.bromley.gov.uk. Access via Thicket Rd, Crystal Palace Park Rd and Ledrington Rd

Train Crystal Palace, 2-minute walk; Penge West, 5-minute walk.

Bus stop Crystal Palace Station; Penge West Station

Open 7:30am–dusk. Park information centre (near Thicket Road entrance) open from 9am

Price Free

Guided tours Dinosaur trail leaflet from information centre, which has a small history display

Age range All

Activities Playground and dinosaur area near Thicket Road gate, plus hedge maze (free). Most weekends, keepers at Crystal Palace Park Farm (noon–4pm Thu–Tue; 0208 778 5572) give talks at 2pm and 2:30pm. Occasional ranger-led pond-dipping and Easter egg hunts in school holidays (call to check). National Sports Centre hosts school holiday activity or sports schools (ages 6–15; www.gll.org/holidayactivities).

Allow Up to half a day

Wheelchair access Yes

Toilets Near Thicket Road entrance

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Kew Gardens

Practical Information

Address Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB; 020 8332 5000; www.kew.org

Train Kew Gardens, 5-minute walk; or Kew Bridge, 10 minutes.

Tube Kew Gardens (District line).

Bus stop Kew Gardens, Kew Bridge Station.

Car Parking at Brentford Gate (£6.50 per day).

River bus Kew Pier, Apr–Sep, four services daily to and from Westminster (020 7930 2062; www.wpsa.co.uk)

Open 9:30am–6:30pm, Apr–Aug; 9:30am–6pm Sep–Oct; 9:30am–4:15pm Oct–Jan; 9:30am–5:30pm Feb–Mar. Last admission 30 minutes earlier, weekends close an hour later; Evolution House: closed for renovation (check website for details)

Price £29; under-17s free

Guided tours Explorer Bus tours the gardens hourly, half-hourly in high season (£10–15). Free walking tours daily from Victoria Plaza, 11am and 1:30pm; plus themed tours

Age range All

Activities Cimbers and Creepers (ages 3–9); Treehouse Towers (up to 11). Kids’ Kew guidebook (£5) has stickers and garden trails. Tropical Extravaganza festival in February (orchids etc); Kew the Music picnic concerts in July

Allow Up to a day

Wheelchair access Mostly. Aquarium and top-level galleries not accessible, but garden paths and most buildings are. Explorer Bus can take one wheelchair.

Café The Orangery is self-service, with children’s portions and afternoon teas; White Peaks Café serves simpler family fare and ice cream next to the play area; Victoria Plaza Café sells sandwiches and snacks. In summer, Pavilion Restaurant has outdoor BBQ and salad buffet. All offer a kids’ lunchbox.

Shop Selling plant-related and cookery items; children’s toy/gift shop near play area

Toilets At main attractions

Good family value? Free admission for under-17s, and there’s almost nothing to pay for once inside.

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

WWT London Wetland Centre

Practical Information

Address Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT; 020 8409 4400; www.wwt.org.uk/visit-us/london

Train Barnes or Barnes Bridge, 15-minute walk.

Tube Hammersmith, then number 283 bus.

Bus stop Wetland Centre or Red Lion.

Car Free parking on site

Open 9:30am–6pm Apr–Oct; 9:30am–5pm Oct–Mar (last admission 1 hour earlier)

Price £28, under 4s free

Guided tours 11am, 2pm (free), plus noon at weekends

Age range All

Activities Bird feeding 3pm daily. Free family activities (30–60 mins) weekends and holidays, plus Animal Discovery weekends. Occasional evening bat walks (age 8 plus, £10).

Allow Half a day

Wheelchair access Yes, apart from Wildside Hide (steps)

Shop Selling books, eco items, bird feeders/boxes and souvenirs

Toilets Ground floor near café and in the car park

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Syon House

Practical Information

Address Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 8JF; 020 8560 0882; www.syonpark.co.uk

Train Kew Bridge, then bus 237 or 267; or Brentford, then 15-minute walk.

Tube Gunnersbury (District line) then bus 237 or 267.

Bus stop Brent Lea.

Car Free car park

Open House: 11am–5pm Wed, Thu, Sun mid-Mar–Oct: (last admission 4pm); Gardens: 10:30am–5pm daily and winter weekends

Price £25, under-5s free

Guided tours Occasional guided garden walks

Age range 8 plus

Activities Garden cinema, Aug; Enchanted Woodland evening openings, Nov; craft fairs

Allow Up to 2 hours

Wheelchair access Garden paths are accessible, as is ground floor of the house (via chair lift)

Shop Small gift shop and garden centre

Toilets On the ground floor

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Osterley Park

Practical Information

Address Jersey Road, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 4RD; 020 8232 5050; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/osterley

Train Isleworth, 30-minute walk.

Tube Osterley (Piccadilly line), 15-minute walk.

Bus stop Jersey Road (number H28); Hammersmith (H91, 15-minute walk).

Car Parking £3.50

Open House: noon–4:30pm, Wed–Sun (till 3:30pm Mar) Mar–Oct; noon–3:30pm, Sat & Sun Nov–mid-Dec. Garden: 11am–5pm Wed–Sun Mar–Oct; noon–3:30pm, Sat & Sun Nov. Park: 8am–7:30pm daily.

Price House and garden: £24.75; garden only: £13–20; park free

Guided tours Audiovisual guide includes family trail; occasional themed tours and parkland walks (charges apply, see website).

Age range 6 plus

Activities Family Discovery Days last Sun of month, noon–4pm; children’s activities on Thu pm in school holidays, 1–4pm; both free with admission

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access No

Shop Selling gifts; also a farm shop selling flowers and vegetables

Toilets Close to stableyard

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Richmond Park

Practical Information

Address Holly Lodge, Richmond Park, Richmond, TW10 5HS; 0300 061 2200; www.royalparks.gov.uk/richmond-park

Train Richmond, then bus 65 or 371; or Norbiton, then 15-minute walk to Kingston Gate.

Tube Richmond (District line), then bus.

Bus stop North side: 33, 190, 337, 391, 419, 485, R68. South: 85, 263, K3. East: 72, 493. West: 65, 371. Car Six free car parks

Open Park: from 7am Mar–Sep; from 7:30am Oct–Feb (closes half an hour before dusk). Park office: open weekdays 8:30am–4pm. Visitor centre: Pembroke Lodge (Richmond Gate) open 10am–4pm Fri–Sun (till 3pm Nov–Feb)

Price Free

Guided tours Free garden walks and history rambles most months (dates vary, check website)

Age range All

Activities Playgrounds at Petersham and Kingston Gates. Cycle hire at Roehampton Gate (10am–5pm Mon–Fri, till 7pm weekends and school holidays; from £4 per hour; 0705 020 9249; www.parkcycle.co.uk). Power-kiting lessons (020 7870 7700; www.kitevibe.com); fishing permits (Jun–Mar; 020 8940 3209); pay-and-play golf (020 8876 1795); for riding stables, see park website.

Allow Up to a day

Toilets All main gates

< Practical Information: Beyond the City Centre

Ham House

Practical Information

Address Ham Street, Richmond, TW10 7RS; 020 8940 1950; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse

Train St Margarets or Twickenham, then 10-minute walk and foot ferry (10am–6pm or dusk, Feb–Oct, plus winter weekends); Richmond, then 30-minute riverside walk, or bus 65 or 371.

Tube Richmond (District line).

Bus stop Ham Street, Sandpits Road.

Car Free parking nearby

Open Noon–4pm Sat–Thu, Apr–Oct; Feb, Mar and Nov: guided tours only, 11:30am–3:30pm. Garden, shop and café: 11am–5pm daily

Price House and garden: £27.90. Garden only: £9.75 Feb–Nov; £4.90 1 Jan–19 Feb & 3–25 Nov

Guided tours Feb, Mar and Nov only: 30-minute tours of selected rooms. Garden tours all year round (call for times). “Servants’ Tours”, Apr–Oct, Tue (charged)

Age range All

Activities Interactive Discovery Room, quiz trail and garden trails. Art Cart craft activities Apr–Oct, Sun. Occasional family ghost tours (ages 5 plus; book ahead). Easter egg hunts; summer cinema and theatre in the gardens; Christmas events for families

Allow 2 hours

Wheelchair access Limited: steps and narrow doorways inside – lift available; gravel paths outside

Shop Selling local and unusual gifts and souvenirs

Toilets In courtyard

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Hampton Court Palace

Practical Information

Address East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 9AU; 0844 482 7777; www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace

Train Hampton Court Station (trains from London Waterloo).

Bus stop Trophy Gate, Hampton Court Station.

River bus Services run Apr–Oct from Westminster, Kew and Richmond (www.wpsa.co.uk or www.turks.co.uk).

Car Park at Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Green or Hampton Court Station

Open Apr–Oct: 10am–6pm; Nov–Mar: 10am–4:30pm (last admission one hour earlier). Gardens open one hour later.

Price £45–55, under-5s free; maze only: £13–20; gardens only: £11–16, under-16s free

Skipping the queue Book ahead online to skip the ticket queue – it’s a little cheaper, too.

Guided tours Costumed tours and dramatic vignettes daily (free, times vary). Four themed audio tours for adults, plus four for children. Occasional evening ghosts tours on Fri and Sun (ages 12 plus).

Age range 3 plus

Activities Range of age-graded children’s trails, with prizes; plus audio tours for ages 6 plus (all free). Tudor cloaks in all sizes available from Information Centre. Cookery weekends in Henry VIII’s kitchens (see website for dates), plus additional live interpretations in school holidays, which might include Tudor etiquette, falconry displays, jester shows and jousting. Chapel Royal open for services daily. Hampton Court Music Festival (Jun) and Flower Show (Jul).

Allow A full day

Wheelchair access Most of the routes are accessible via a lift. There are some shallow stairs, but doorways are wide. There are scooters for the gardens.

Café Both Tiltyard Café (see Snacks), in grounds, and Privy Kitchen Coffee Shop, inside the Palace, offer light lunches and a children’s menu.

Shop Four – Barracks, Tudor Kitchens, Garden and Henry – selling a vast array of themed gifts, books and toys

Toilets Main car park, Tiltyard Café, Base Court, Fountain Court

Good family value? It’s quite expensive, but apart from the Tower of London, no heritage attraction in Britain does a better job of keeping families entertained all day.

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Windsor Castle

Practical Information

Address Castle Hill, Windsor, SL4 1NJ; 020 7766 7304; www.royalcollection.org.uk/windsorcastle

Train Windsor & Eton Central, served by trains from Paddington via Slough; or Windsor & Eton Riverside, direct from Waterloo (journey time: 40 minutes–1 hour).

Coach Green Line daily from London’s Victoria Coach Station (www.greenline.co.uk).

Car Use long-stay parking in Windsor town centre (charged)

Open Mar–Oct: 9:45am–5:15pm; Nov–Feb: 9:45am–4:15pm (last admission 75 minutes earlier). State Apartments closed very occasionally (check ahead). St George’s Chapel open Mon–Sat, and for services only on Sun

Price £47–57 (less when State Apartments are closed), under-5s free. Plus £1.25 per ticket booking fee

Skipping the queue Buy tickets direct from the Royal Collection (online or from castle ticket office) for one year’s free re-admission

Guided tours Free 2-hour audio-tour, plus children’s version (ages 7–11). Frequent 30-minute tours of Castle Precincts daily (free with admission). Aug–Sep only: 45-minute Conquer the Tower Tour for ages 11 plus (£22–32); 30-minute Great Kitchen Tour (£17–22), check website for dates, pre-booking essential.

Age range 5 plus

Activities Free kids’ audio-guide plus activity sheets for ages 5–7 and 7–11 (also downloadable from website). Art activities in Moat Room, first Sat every month. School-holiday programme may include special children’s tours, storytelling, object-handling and armour design (check website). Changing the Guard ceremony: Apr–Jul: 11am daily; Aug–Mar: alternate days; no ceremony on Sun

Allow 2–3 hours

Wheelchair access Yes, but there are steps to the main entrance and to St Georges Chapel. There is a lift inside the castle. The outside areas can be uneven.

Café None on site; ice cream and water available from North Terrace

Shop There are three shops, all selling Royal- and castle-themed souvenirs and gifts

Toilets Courtyard and North Terrace

Good family value? Far from cheap, but just about worth it when combined with the town and Windsor Great Park. Aim to visit when children’s activities are scheduled, and avoid Sundays, when there’s no Changing the Guard and St George’s Chapel is closed to visitors. Visit again within 12 months for free.

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Windsor Great Park

Practical Information

Address The Savill Garden, Wick Road, Englefield Green, Surrey TW20 0UU; 01784 435544; www.theroyallandscape.co.uk

Train Windsor & Eton Central. Egham or Virginia Water for Savill Garden.

Car Free parking on A332 south of Windsor. Pay car parks at Savill Garden (free with garden admission), Valley Gardens, Wick Road, Virginia Water Gate and Blacknest Gate

Open Park: 7am–dusk. Savill Garden: Mar–Oct: 10am–6pm; Nov–Feb: 10am–4:30pm (last admission 30 minutes earlier)

Price Windsor Great Park free. Savill Garden: summer £23–33; winter £18–28 (under-6s free)

Guided tours Groups only

Age range All

Activities Seasonal treasure trails and activities for families in some school holidays. Open-air theatre and opera (Jun–Aug); carriage rides from Savill Garden on selected spring and summer weekends (check website for details).

Allow Half a day

Shop Savill Garden visitor centre, selling gifts, toys, books, garden items, wildlife and eco products, and the Duchy Original range

Toilets Savill Garden, Valley Gardens, Virginia Water car park

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Eton college

Practical Information

Address Windsor, SL4 6DW; 01753 671177; www.etoncollege.com

Train Windsor & Eton Riverside, then 15-minute walk.

Car Arrive from north via Slough Road, or (preferably) walk from Windsor

Open Apr–mid-Oct by guided tour only; see website for details

Price £24–34

Guided tours 1-hour tours at 2pm and 3:15pm

Age range 8 plus

Allow 1–2 hours

Wheelchair access Mostly – there is a chairlift to the chapel and cobbled surfaces outside

Shop In Eton High Street, selling school-related items

Toilets Brewhouse Yard

< Practical Information: Day Trips

Legoland

Practical Information

Address Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY; 0871 2222 001; www.legoland.co.uk

Train Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside, then shuttle bus (charged; from 10am till 30 minutes after park closes).

Coach Green Line service daily from London Victoria (www.greenline.co.uk).

Car 3 km (2 miles) from Windsor on B3022; parking fee

Open Mar–Nov: call for details (closing time varies with season)

Price £164–74; book online for reductions

Skipping the queue Book online to skip the ticket queue. Ride queues peak noon–3pm; for a hefty extra charge, Q-Bot devices enable visitors to reserve time slots on selected rides.

Age range 3–12 years

Activities Stunt performances, puppet plays and 4-D cinema shows in Imagination Theatre. Programme might include events with kids’ TV characters, laser spectaculars and Hallowe’en fun and fireworks.

Allow A full day

Wheelchair access Yes

Shop Throughout the park; the Big Shop is at the entrance, selling Lego® products.

Toilets In car park and throughout the park

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Westminster and the West End

Bloomsbury and Regent’s Park

The City and the East End

Southwark and the South Bank

Kensington, Chelsea & Battersea

Beyond the City Centre

Day Trips

Westminster Abbey and Around

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Westminster Abbey

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Houses of Parliament

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Tate Britain

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Churchill War Rooms

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Horse Guards Parade

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Banqueting House

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Buckingham Palace and Around

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Buckingham Palace

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The Royal Mews

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Guards Museum

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Royal Institution

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National Gallery and Around

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National Gallery

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Trafalgar Square

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National Portrait Gallery

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Benjamin Franklin House

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Leicester Square

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Piccadilly Circus

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Hamleys

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Covent Garden and Around

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Covent Garden

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St Paul’s Church

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Royal Opera House

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Theatre Royal Drury Lane

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London Transport Museum

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Somerset House

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Sir John Soane’s Museum

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Hunterian Museum

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St Clement Danes

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British Museum and Around

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British Museum

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Pollock’s Toy Museum

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Wellcome Collection

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British Library

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Foundling Museum

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