Entertainment For Lively Minds
London Advice
Posted by David Sutherland on 12 April 2011 - 9:27am.
Some help from the Massive please.
I am heading down to London for a long weekend this weekend coming with Mrs S. and young Junior.
Junior is 2 years old so any advice on what we can do to keep him amused while we are there.
We are staying in Kew, so we are aware of Kew Gardens, we are meeting friends there on Sunday.
Thanks
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Syon Park Butterfly House
Seem to remember taking ours there when they were small. Just across the river from Kew. Butterflies obligingly land on their shoulders. Nothing wrong with that.
and there's a tiny steam train
to ride which our little one's enjoyed.
Sadly the butterfly house closed in 2007*
Big shame, I have happy memories of visiting when I was a nipper.
However, they do have something called the Tropical Forest, with reptiles, bird and fish. And the steam train is still there.
*the Duke of Northumberland ordered it to be demolished so he could get a hotel built in that area. Boo, hiss.
Natural History Museum
Not too long on the Tube from that end of the world. 2 might be a little young for it, but you also don't want to be travelling too long either.
That's free, but failing that Syon House is almost on top of Kew on the other side of the river. I think that might be about £20 for a family ticket.
That might be a little boring for a two year old mind, especially if you're doing Kew Gardens as well.
Seconded
My two year old LOVED the Natural History Museum by the way. Two years later, she's still convinced that the animatronic T-Rex is the only live dinosaur left on Earth.
Mainly because I told her. But still
if you're going to the Natural History Museum
Then go next door to the Science Museum. There is a water play area in the basement with waterproof aprons provided. 2 might be a little young but if you are there anyway you may as well check it out.
Richmond Park
to see the deer, with lunch at Petersham Nurseries, which is a lovely setting.
And you might see Mick or Pete.
trip on the river
bit small for a rowing boat at richmond but trip down the thames always good. Amd there's a good sit down chippy in richmond.
London
Depends on weather and willingness to travel..............but, breaking up your trip with a stint atop a London bus,
Museum of Childhood - Bethnal Green,
Broadway Market Hackney on Saturday,
Hyde Park - boats, outdoor swimmming, ice cream
http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/diana_playground.c... -
the Peter Pan playground in Kensington Gardens.
Could do Portobello rd on Saturday then hit the park - sand, Pirate ships etc what could be better ?
The first part of this might
sound a little daft.
Take the Docklands Light Railway from either Tower Hill or Bank, heading towards Lewisham and sit at the front so you and kids have the feeling that you're driving the train - I have been with kids and they love going through Canary Wharf and then get out at Greenwich. If it's a nice day, muck around in the park or go up to the Royal Observatory and look out over London. Enjoy your stay.
Talking of which.....
I'm taking the kids to Coram Feilds next weekend, it's supposed to be really nice there.
Anyone know a good family friendly place to eat in the clerkenwell area?
Yes
The Crown Tavern on Clerkenwell Green is nice, especially if it's sunny and you can sit outside. There's a nice grassy area around the church if the kids get bored of sitting around
Coram fields
If you get a nice day there's no better place for the kids to run about than Corams fields. Water fountains, sand pits, adventure playground and a small petting zoo. Oh and plenty of benches for the grown ups. We've spent many happy afternoons there.
Thanks chimney and Andy
Pub sounds good, might have a walk up there as love clerkenwell green, in f t I love that whole area sort of bordered by the city road to the north bishopsgate to the east and kings cross road to the west still feels a bit forgotten in parts with dusty old streets unusual shops, good caffs etc
There's a very nice ma and
There's a very nice ma and pa Italian place just south of Coram Fields either on Lambs Conduit Street or on the road which becomes LCS. Other than that, there's the Brunswick Centre just round the corner which has Giraffe, Carluccio, Strada etc.
If you're an HJH fan, and let's face it, who isn't...
... you won't be very far from Strand-On-The-Green, where I grew up, if you're in Kew. You could have a pint in the City Barge, the pub where Ringo fell into the basement in Help!
On Kew Road there's the Maids of Honour shop. Maids of Honour are these delicious cakes that have been made since Henry VIII's time (they're probably a bit stale now). Seriously though, try one. I used to get them as a special treat when I was a nipper.
I don't know if it's still there, but there used to be the Tiddy Oggie Shop in Richmond, near the station, which makes (or made) delicious Cornish pasties. Why do all my childhood memories involve food?
Is there still a funfair right beside Kew Bridge?
Watch the London Marathon this Sunday....
...at the very least be aware it's on if you're planning on hitting the sights