Visiting London is great fun for all the family, all-year-round! If you’re visiting the city this spring, then there are many great things to see and do while you’re here. Here’s our guide to creating the ultimate family weekend…
Visit a city farm
London has many surprising attractions for visitors of all ages, and the Hackney City Farm is one of the very best. You might not expect to see a farm in the middle of London, but here it is – and among the many great sights on offer, you’ll have a chance to pet the local pigs.
Other great city farms include Mudchute Farm, which covers some 32 acres and is filled with animals as well as a riding school. With field upon field it just cries out for you to bring a picnic while staying at the Park Grand London Kensington. Animal-loving children and adults will love the feeling of being entrenched in nature, even while staying solidly within the city.
Indulge in some retail therapy
Shopping in the city needn’t only be relegated to the grown-ups – London has plenty of spots where all the family can shop enjoyably before heading for an Indian afternoon tea to celebrate! There are plentiful toy shops catering to a wide variety of ages and tastes for example. The city’s most famous toy shop, Hamley’s, is a treasure trove of traditional toys sure to inspire more active play in younger children, as well as being something of a tourist attraction in its own right. Meanwhile, the unusual Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop is an even more incredible find, selling many nostalgic toys including music boxes, spinning tops and puppets.
Head to London Zoo
If you’re looking for more exotic species of wildlife, then a weekend visit to ZSL London Zoo is a must-see. With everything from lions to penguins housed here, the zoo is run by the London Zoological Society and supports lots of great conservation projects helping to sustain animal welfare worldwide. There are talks and interactive activities for children to learn more about the natural world in a hands-on, fun way, so if you’re raising an aspiring zookeeper, this is a fantastic way to encourage their interests before grabbing a bite to eat at the Park Grand Restaurant.
Check out the Science Museum
The city is packed with remarkable museums, but the Science Museum remains one of the most popular with younger visitors. Not only does it use the latest technology to create remarkable exhibits, but the museum also brings science to life in a way which is interesting for all ages. We recommend avoiding mornings at the museum, when it can be particularly busy, and opting to visit later in the day once the crowds have dispersed. While you might not quite have the place to yourselves, it will give you more space to roam and explore!
