With a few of London’s greatest household museums, plus a royal palace and parks close by, you’re actually not in need of issues to do in South Kensington with youngsters.
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So whilst you might go to the realm to take a look at a single attraction, I’ve picked out extra concepts to assist fill someday in South Kensington with youngsters, together with issues to do close to the Pure Historical past Museum and Science Museum.
All are inside round a 20-minute stroll of the Pure Historical past Museum, though I’ve additionally added extra concepts close by round Holland Park and Sloane Sq., plus Kensington Excessive Avenue – all simple to succeed in on the tube or by bus, so as to add to your loved ones time out in South Kensington.
Pure Historical past Museum
Not simply one of many greatest sights in South Kensington with youngsters, the Pure Historical past Museum is without doubt one of the greatest household sights in London. Fairly actually, actually.
There are round 80 million objects within the assortment (though not all on show) masking zoology, paleontology, botany, entomology and mineralogy, in certainly one of London’s most eye-catching museum buildings.
The dinosaurs are the most important draw, alongside Hope the blue whale within the Hintze Corridor, however you may also discover galleries on mammals and sea creatures, which is a good choice with littler ones who don’t fancy an encounter with a transferring T-Rex or the earth sciences of the Crimson Zone, with its volcano locator and earthquake simulator.
Take a look at my ideas for visiting the Pure Historical past Museum with a toddler
Plus you’ll discover common short-term exhibitions, which have ranged from the magic of Harry Potter and mammoths to extra dinosaurs. These have to be prebooked, and it’s effectively price reserving free entry tickets to the primary museum for busy instances together with college holidays.
Science Museum
One other of the most well-liked locations to go to in South Kensington with youngsters, the Science Museum is good when you’ve got youngsters who wish to get arms on.
And with collections masking science and expertise from the oldest surviving steam locomotive to the mannequin of DNA and the forerunners of computer systems, this can be a museum that you would revisit time and again.
Together with the house and flight galleries, you may comply with humanity’s technological advances, medical historical past, extra interactive shows and likewise the IMAX 3 cinema exhibiting documentaries.
There are areas geared toward youthful youngsters too, together with The Backyard, that includes displays that make noise, a mini puppet theatre, areas to climb and play and the water function (at all times a giant favorite with my very own daughter when she was little), in addition to the Sample Pod.
Take a look at my ideas for visiting the Science Museum with a toddler
The favored Wonderlab additionally has science reveals and demonstrations (entry is further) which is able to attraction most to high school age youngsters and older – price each penny, my daughter might spend hours right here. And the brand new (free) Technicians gallery is good for teenagers.
You’ll additionally discover common particular exhibitions right here too, from an opportunity to get arms on with some pc video games at Energy Up or a take a look at the ability of music in Flip It Up.
V&A
The world’s largest museum of ornamental arts and design shouldn’t be essentially the most clearly family-friendly of the South Kensington museums, however there’s much more to the Victoria & Albert museum for teenagers than you would possibly count on.
You’ll be able to discover collections spanning 5,000 years of artwork, in addition to cultures from around the globe, so there’s an infinite supply of inspiration – to not point out the short-term exhibitions, together with current ones which featured Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh and Alice in Wonderland, in addition to one specializing in Korea, excellent for Ok-Pop obsessed teenagers.
The museum additionally has numerous interactive shows, household actions and youngsters’s exercise packs to find as effectively.
Take a look at my evaluate of a day on the V&A with a preschooler
Kensington Palace
Childhood house of Queen Victoria, Kensington Palace was a favorite of George II and his courtroom, and has additionally been house to Diana, Princess of Wales and Prince William and Harry.
With altering displays, together with a current exhibition on royal style, you may also see shows from Queen Victoria’s early years, from her tough relations together with her mom to her first assembly with future husband Prince Albert, in addition to tracing her path from a princess no-one thought can be Queen to her coronation.
Elsewhere within the palace you may nonetheless play Georgian playing video games, spot a throne, marvel on the grand staircase and picture the balls held right here – plus the seedier aspect of the royal courtroom with some horrible historical past certain to entertain youngsters.
The palace’s personal gardens (together with in a ticket, however separate from the primary Kensington Gardens), embrace the sunken backyard which is house to a statue of Princess Diana.
Take a look at my evaluate of a day at Kensington Palace with youngsters
Kensington Gardens
Surrounding ,Kensington Palace, Kensington Gardens is without doubt one of the metropolis’s royal parks, stretching for a formidable 265 acres.
The most important attraction is the Diana Memorial Playground, probably the greatest playgrounds within the metropolis (learn on for extra particulars), however exploring the park is ideal to mix with time on the museums, to burn off some power outdoor.
Children will love feeding the inexperienced parakeets which flock across the park, particularly in a number of the timber close to the border with Hyde Park. In actual fact, you would stroll all the best way again to Marble Arch or Hyde Park nook with out leaving the 2 royal parks, should you wished to.
In any other case, hold an eye fixed out for the Peter Pan statue subsequent to the Lengthy Water, with squirrels, rabbits, mice and fairies climbing up in direction of Peter himself, together with the bear fountain close to the Italian gardens within the north-east nook, and the Albert Memorial on the southern finish (scroll down for extra).
Older youngsters might also benefit from the exhibitions on the Serpentine Galleries, often centered on up to date artwork.
Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground,
Maybe London’s best-known play space, you’ll discover the Diana Memorial Playground within the north-western nook of Kensington Gardens, with an enormous wood pirate ship as its centrepiece.
However that’s solely the beginning of the totally different play areas dotted round: you’ll discover a sensory path, play wigwams, sculptures, even a telescope to look out, and lots extra.
At busy instances, there’s a one-in one-out queuing system, so it’s usually price getting there early, or be ready to attend slightly on sunny days.
For extra nice playgrounds in London, try my high picks
Hyde Park
Subsequent door to Kensington Gardens, you may stroll straight into the neighbouring royal park, Hyde Park – the second greatest of the royal parks in central London with 350 acres to discover.
In addition to its personal playground, you may also discover the Diana Memorial Fountain right here. Benefit from the views of the water from any of the three bridges which cross it, in addition to dipping your ft on the edge on a scorching day.
There are additionally deckchairs to rent across the Serpentine, the lake which snakes by the park, or check out Rotten Row. As soon as the hang-out of highwaymen, till the lengthy sandy bridleway was lined with streetlamps, you may nonetheless rent horses to trip by the park.
Within the north-east nook close to Marble Arch, you may also discover Speaker’s Nook, historically the positioning the place anybody could make public speeches and debate, in addition to being the place to begin for protest marches and demonstrations.
Royal Albert Corridor
Greatest often called the house for the Proms (formally the Promenade Concert events), which happen throughout the summer season, the Royal Albert Corridor is without doubt one of the most spectacular live performance venues in London.
Opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, you’ll additionally discover a lot for households, from performances geared toward youngsters, together with the CBeebies Proms for youthful ones, to household movies with a dwell orchestra taking part in the soundtrack, to not point out circus performances inside, together with dance, comedy, pop, rock, opera and classical music.
If you wish to do greater than peek on the exterior, there are guided excursions of the Royal Albert Corridor, plus a music-inspired afternoon tea.
Spot the Albert Memorial
Set on the southern fringe of Kensington Gardens, the Albert Memorial is certainly one of London’s most ornate monuments, devoted to Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert who died in 1861.
Unveiled 11 years after his loss of life, the spectacular gothic creation was impressed partly by the thirteenth century Eleanor Crosses (a reconstruction of 1 stands exterior Charing Cross station), in addition to different Victorian gothic extravaganzas.
It’s designed to rejoice each Prince Albert’s pursuits in addition to Victorian achievements, from the Nice Exhibition to figures representing manufacture, commerce, agriculture and engineering.
Kensington Excessive Avenue
Stretching from the south-west nook of Kensington Gardens in direction of Holland Park, Kensington Excessive Avenue has a mixture of retailers (each excessive road and better finish) and cafes to tempt teenagers particularly.
Higher recognized by its nickname of Excessive Avenue Ken (after the tube station Excessive Avenue Kensington which sits half-way alongside), you’ll discover retailers like City Outfitters, Zara and Cos in addition to extra discount choices together with H&M and TK Maxx and the Japan Centre for all issues kawaii.
There’s additionally a department of Entire Meals should you’re feeling wholesome, or a number of the greatest scorching chocolate in London at Knoops, with an enormous selection of twenty-two totally different cocoa ranges – from creamy white proper as much as 100% darkish chocolate.
Harrods
Realistically, most Londoners not often (if ever) set foot inside Harrods – however there’s no query the division retailer, with its blingy night-time illuminations containing 12,000 bulbs, is a London landmark in its personal proper.
Lower than a 15-minute stroll from the South Kensington Museums, the shop’s Latin motto is ‘Omnia Omnibus Distinctive’ – or ‘All Issues For All Individuals’. In apply, that often means all issues for individuals who have numerous spare money.
Allegedly you should buy something your coronary heart needs at Harrods (so long as you’re able to pay the invoice), from tremendous artwork to a gold bars, a yacht and a £1,000 steadiness bike.
After all, you don’t need to lay our a fortune, there are souvenirs for £20 or much less, together with comfortable toys if you’d like a memento with out breaking the financial institution.
Dopamine Land
Hold an eye fixed out for a number of the pop-up London sights in South Kensington for teenagers too should you’re in search of extra concepts of enjoyable issues to do.
For instance, try Dopamine Land – presently open to Could 19 (though dates have been repeatedly prolonged, so it might but run for longer).
The multisensory expertise combines media, expertise and play, with a collection of vibrant installations to assist all ages get in contact with their internal baby – and all designed to boost a smile on a gray day.
Take a look at some extra of the newest occasions happening on the Fever website.
By chance Wes Anderson
South Kensington can also be presently house to the By chance Wes Anderson exhibition based mostly on the best-selling e-book real-life areas for all seven continents which appear to be they may have stepped out of certainly one of Wes Anderson’s movies.
You’ll be able to create your personal By chance Wes Anderson moments too, in addition to having fun with the photographs on show, studying tales behind the areas and snapping up some souvenirs. Nice for teenagers particularly. Runs to June 30 on Outdated Brompton Highway.
Fulham Picturehouse
Should you’re visiting London within the rain with youngsters and fancy one other indoor choice to complete your loved ones time out in South Kensington, head south to the Fulham Highway – round quarter-hour’ stroll from the Pure Historical past Museum – for a film on the Fulham Highway Picturehouse cinema,
The six screens have common household movies, together with autism-friendly screenings, all tucked away contained in the Artwork Deco-style constructing.
Undoubtedly a world away from the typical sticky-floored multiplex, the Artwork Deco theme continues past the foyer and into the cafe, the place there’s some nice pizza on the menu.
Have afternoon tea
One other nice strategy to end a day in South Kensington with youngsters is with afternoon tea, with loads of decisions which can be excellent for households.
Together with the music-themed afternoon tea on the Royal Albert Corridor (scroll up for particulars), probably the greatest is definitely the themed afternoon teas on the Ampersand Lodge, together with the Science afternoon tea and Jurassic Afternoon Tea – excellent to mix with a go to to the Pure Historical past Museum.
The latter has the whole lot from a volcanic eruption to dinosaur egg baskets (and a Dino Bitter cocktail on supply for fogeys), whereas the science themed tea, impressed by the Science Museum, comes with jam served in petri dishes, clouds of dry ice, dinosaur cookies and a mini science experiment as you combine up drinks.
There are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free variations, in addition to the child’s menu and normal grownup menu for every.
Extra issues to do close to South Kensington with youngsters
When you received’t battle to fill a day in South Kensington with youngsters, should you stroll one other 5-10 minutes (or hop on a bus), you’ll discover much more issues to do close to the Pure Historical past Museum – or close to sufficient to incorporate them simply.
Design Museum
The award-winning Design Museum, close to Holland Park, focuses on up to date design in each type, from graphic and architectural to style and industrial design.
And whereas it’s higher for older youngsters with an curiosity in design, there are family-friendly methods to discover too, together with a free Explorer path geared toward youngsters aged 5-11, together with drawing actions plus inventive trying and methods to get youngsters pondering.
Holland Park
One other pretty park to discover with youngsters, there’s an amazing journey playground right here – one other of the highest playgrounds in London – plus loads of pure sights.
Hold an eye fixed out for the peacocks which strut across the grounds, usually to be discovered close to the Japanese backyard, which can also be a stunning tranquil spot to discover.
Leighton Home
Residence to the Victorian artist Frederic Leighton and a paintbrush’s throw from Holland Park, Leighton Home reopened in 2022 after a protracted multi-million pound renovation.
The home now has been returned to the best way it might have appeared when Leighton lived there – all opulent vibrant colors, lovely furnishings and a few great Arab and Islamic influences from his travels, within the Arab Room particularly.
There’s additionally new exhibition house below the home and studio, a carry making all of it newly accessible, plus trails for teenagers.
Brompton Cemetery
A visit to a cemetery would possibly seem to be an odd factor to do in London with youngsters, but it surely’s truly an enchanting strategy to spend just a few hours – particularly if it’s one of many Magnificent Seven, the ring of seven personal graveyards constructed within the nineteenth century and impressed by the Père Lachaise in Paris.
Some of the attention-grabbing cemeteries to go to in London with youngsters is Brompton Cemetery. Beatrix Potter used to dwell in close by South Kensington and supposedly the names on a number of the tombstones impressed characters in her tales.
Whereas strolling round, hold an eye fixed out for the graves of Peter Rabbett, Jeremiah Fisher, Mr Nutkins, Mr Brock and Mr McGregor.
Saatchi Gallery
The Saatchi Gallery on the King’s Highway in Chelsea is another choice that’s good for teenagers who get pleasure from artwork, internet hosting principally up to date artwork exhibitions – together with road artwork.
Earlier exhibitions have additionally included one specializing in Tutankhamun, so it’s price trying out the record of what’s on to take a look at the family-friendly choices.
Royal Court docket Theatre, Sloane Sq.
The Royal Court docket Theatre‘s goal is to advertise rising and undiscovered writers in addition to extra established voices, so should you’re in search of one thing totally different to the standard West Finish reveals, there’s usually thought-provoking vary of performances.
One other uncommon choice should you’re visiting London with teenagers, together with writing workout routines on their web site when you’ve got a budding playwright.
The place to eat in South Kensington with youngsters
You’re spoiled for selection in the case of locations to eat in South Kensington with youngsters – you’ll discover chains galore should you’re in search of one thing fast and straightforward close to the Pure Historical past Museum, in addition to just a few different family-friendly eating places and cafes.
Anticipate the standard espresso retailers, plus sandwiches at Pret close to South Kensington tube, Le Ache Quotidien and Paul. Or Leon has wraps, rice containers, and different wholesome mild bites on the menu (plus seating upstairs although it could get busy).
Nando’s – nonetheless a lot spice you want, there’s rooster for everybody at this family-friendly chain, with a department close to Gloucester Highway and one other on Kensington Excessive Avenue close to Holland Park.
Center Jap – Comptoir Libanais on Exhibition Highway has some pretty al fresco tables if the solar shines, or CERU, simply off Outdated Brompton Highway on Bute Avenue additionally has some mild lunch choices that are good for households.
Burgers – there are branches of each Sincere Burgers (certainly one of my daughter’s favourites) and 5 Guys at South Kensington and Byron Burger on Outdated Brompton Highway, a brief stroll away.
Pizza/Italian – in addition to branches of Pizza Specific and ASK Italian close to Gloucester Highway tube, there’s additionally Franco Manca on Outdated Brompton Highway and Pappa Roma for a non-chain choice.
Should you’re chasing pasta reasonably than pizza, discover child-friendly menus at Bella Italia and Carluccio’s on Outdated Brompton Highway (or Spaghetti Home on the japanese finish of Kensington Excessive Avenue).
Indian – share a number of the nice Indian dishes on the Kensington department of Dishoom, on the japanese finish of Kensington Excessive Avenue. It’s price figuring out you may solely reserve tables till 5.45pm (apart from teams of 6 or extra) and in any other case there could also be a watch for walk-ins.
Pancakes – there are savoury and candy pancakes on the menu at The Kensington Creperie, on Exhibition Highway, all conventional French crepes. Or head to Kensington Church Avenue, simply off the japanese finish of Kensington Excessive Avenue, for a fair larger vary of savoury flavours (and dessert choices) at My Outdated Dutch.
Dessert – for a fast sugar hit, the cupcakes on the Hummingbird Bakery are a brief stroll from South Kensington tube or head to The Knot Churros on Bute Avenue, simply off Outdated Brompton Highway, for Instagrammable scorching chocolate topped with candyfloss and churros.
For extra concepts of the very best desserts in London with youngsters, try my high picks
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Whale/Kensington Palace/Leighton Home/Brompton Cemetery copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy of Depositphotos
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