Before Berlin, there was London. M lived there for 6 years and I for 3.5. There were highs and there were lows; we were a Postdoc and PhD student living in London! There was only so much we could do but what we did was a lot of fun! Going back now with kids has shown me a whole other side to this city!
Since S was born we have visited England 5 times… Having family and friends that we can stay with helps too! Although we did spend one night in The cavanagh hotel, to break up our journey, and that was great.
We tend to do kids friendly things, esp in the recent trip with K!
This is what we have done, over the years, that was a hit
- The second floor has lots of interactive exhibits that the kids enjoyed playing with
- We watched a show on Rockets in one of the studios
- There is an entire hall dedicated to space with engines and rockets on display, hanging from ceilings. It was quite cool!
- There is a play area in the basement and a picnic area as well.
My old stomping ground, what can I say, it’s my favourite place in London.
- Animatronic T-Rex is a must see. S was quite scared though, she asked if T-rex could eat her…
- My favourite hall is the mammals and the Blue whale! Although, the Blue whale may be in the main hall soon… not sure when, but from what my friend was saying, it will be an interactive exhibit.
- The dinosaur hall is also great, often crowded as it is the main attraction.
- The Earth galleries is my second favourite spot.
- In Darwin Centre 2, there are stations aloowing you to watch the scientists at work.
- If you can, try to get on the tour through the alcohol (Spirit) collection, if it is still on, you will get to see Archie. S was so impressed by that..
- Last but not least, my favourite special exhibit: The Wildlife Photographer of the Year- pictures are Ah-May-Zing!
Diana Memorial Playground in Hyde park close to Kensington Palace
Places to eat
Grand Imperial China – Believe it or not S LOVES the Peking Duck! I do too actually, it is really good.
The Wolesley– we went there for brunch, S and K liked the sausage sandwich and they made a special kinder cappucino for S.
Union street cafe– The kids got to go into the kitchen and make their own ice cream dessert!
Theatre
The Kids (S and my friend’s kids) watched a play at the Unicorn theatre and S thoroughly enjoyed it! M and my friend’s husband took the kids, apparently it was about an old man and his trains…
You can’t forget Hamley’s as well as the carousel on the South Bank!
Lagibess 