Places to take the children

Cartoon Museum

Close to the British Museum, this is a real hands-on museum. As well as comics such as The Beano and Dandy, kids can have a go up in the Young Artists’ Gallery, where paper and pencils are provided. Regular animation and cartooning workshops.

35 Little Russell Street 020 7580 8155 Moderate, free to under-18s Holborn

Golden Hinde

On board an accurate replica vessel, travel back to the 16th century with sailors in Tudor costumes to hear about naval warfare, weapons and the rigours of life at sea, and learn about Sir Francis Drake’s voyage around the world.

Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie Dock, beside Southwark Cathedral 0870 0118 700 Mon–Sat 10–5:30, Sun 10:30–5 London Bridge Moderate

Hamleys

With 250 years of history, Hamleys flagship store is one of the most famous toystores in the world. Always busy, this magnet to parents and children boasts seven floors of fun, from model kits to stuffed toys, dolls to action figures.

188–196 Regent Street 0870 333 2455 Mon–Fri 10–8, Sat 9–8, Sun 12–6 Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus

Little Angel Theatre

Known as the ‘home of British puppetry’, this 100-seat theatre has a regular schedule of outstanding daytime shows, usually from Friday to Sunday, with occasional weekday performances.

14 Dagmar Passage, off Cross Street, Islington 020 7226 1787 Angel, Highbury, Islington Moderate

London Duck Tours

London’s most unusual river ride is aboard a yellow amphibious ex-World War II DUKW (Duck) vehicle, operated by London Duck Tours. The journey begins in conventional style on dry land, but just watch the kids’ faces as their land vehicle suddenly splashes into the water for a 75-minute tour of the sights.

Departs from Chicheley Street (behind the London Eye) 020 7928 3132 (reservations essential) Expensive

Museums and galleries

All the major museums and galleries have special projects for youngsters. At the British Museum, for example, drop by the Paul Hamlyn Library next to Room 2 and find out about the family trails and free Ford activity backpacks, full of puzzles, games and other activities to do in the galleries with the whole family.

Pollock’s Toy Museum

For 40 years, this unusual museum has fascinated youngsters with its doll’s houses and teddy bears, mechanical toys, magic lanterns and board games. The oldest toy? A 4,000-year-old Egyptian toy mouse.

1 Scala Street 020 7636 3452 Inexpensive Goodge Street