coll. - Family Guide London

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Left Youngsters having fun in a playground by River Thames Right Running around and letting off steam in the grounds outside the British Museum

Children trying their hands at the arts and crafts on offer at Somerset House

A city with a rich history, impressive architecture, world-class museums, lush parks, superb shops and incomparable theatre, London is a treasure chest for visitors and has a wide choice of family-friendly activities. Explore famous monuments, then relax on a river cruise or in a park. Attend an art workshop, take part in an exciting sport, then find time to witness the spectacle of one of Londons traditional ceremonies, full of heritage, pomp and colour.

For culture vultures

Start the day at .

Another day, take a family tour at the .

Alternatively, climb up to the Whispering Gallery at and spend the afternoon doing a gallery trail.

Toys from the past on display at the Museum of London

In three days

Take an open-top .

Next day, arrive early for a morning at that castle of castles, the and a 3D movie at the Imax.

On the last day, spend the morning at .

Soldiers taking part in the Changing the Guard

By season

In spring, visit to see spectacular carpets of bluebells, yellow daffodils and stunning crocuses. Take part in free, fun activities, such as the chocolate workshop and Easter egg hunt.

Book tickets in advance for a summer concert at glorious ; pack a rug and delicious picnic (or pre-order one). Dress up in something colourful for the lively, late August Notting Hill Carnival.

Go for an autumnal walk on to see the glorious leaf colours, and, if its one of those clear, sunny, autumn days, take a trip on the London Eye.

Do some Christmas shopping in Harrods(see .

Children in colourful costumes taking part in the annual celebrations of the Notting Hill Carnival

Outdoors

After a morning at .

Let the kids loose in and finish with a play at Regents Park Open Air Theatre.

Visit and get lost in the 300-year-old maze.

Costumed chefs rustle up historical delicacies in the Tudor kitchens at Hampton Court Palace

On a budget

Entry is free to the permanent collections of Londons major museums and galleries. Many also offer complimentary or inexpensive childrens tours, trails, storytelling and workshops. The capitals parks (see ), do not charge for admission although a donation of some kind is appreciated.

A great way to get to know the city is on foot, as London and its fascinating, historic architecture is like a living walk-through museum. Transport for London( guarantees hours of amusement from the street performers.

For discount theatre tickets, visit the tkts booth in Leicester Square (, apart from a do-it-yourself picnic in a park, are often local cafs or ethnic restaurants outside of the central touristy areas sometimes only a few streets away from the main drag.

Stage and screen

A number of London theatres are dedicated to performances for children (see ).

A pantomime is a Christmas holiday highlight for adults as well as children: among the best are those at the Old Vic().

Londons principal cinema chains are Odeon(www.odeon.co.uk), Vue(www.myvue.com) and Cineworld(www.cineworld.co.uk). These and the independent Clapham Picture House(www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Clapham_Picturehouse) and Electric Cinema(www.electriccinema.co.uk), have regular kids clubs.

Active London

Sports-mad families will find plenty going on in London to keep their heart rates up, whether they want to be participants or spectators (see ). Other activities that should appeal to energetic kids are climbing, go-karting, bowling, inline skating and even dry skiing.

Westway Sports Centre has a terrific beginners climbing wall and a junior programme that includes family sessions (www.westwaysportscentre.org.uk/climbing). The best places for budding racing drivers (aged 8+) to go karting are Playscape(www.playscape.co.uk) and Daytona(www.daytona.co.uk), while childrens bowling is offered at Hollywood Bowl(www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk), with special lightweight bowls, and