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From CS Lewis’s The Magician’s Nephew to Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, London is a fictional powerhouse for excitement and mystery.
But the thing about London is that the reality is even better. So, this October discover what the capital’s magic has to offer (it’s more than pumpkins and airborne broomsticks).
From the fact–based wonders of the Science Museum to the eye–popping stagecraft of The Ocean at the end of the Lane (Neil Gaiman’s children’s hit show), London has enough to make a lifetime of memories for every family, whatever the age range.
And beyond the cultural life of the city there are vibrant street markets – great hunting grounds for any teenager in Borough, Camden Town, Covent Garden, the South Bank and Greenwich; Autumn ice rinks; themed afternoon teas at plush central London hotels; even a guided tour of the tunnels and architectural marvels deep within London Underground (for ages 10+).
So whether you want old favourites or the unexpected, here are some October 2021 half term activities with the kids. Most events require pre booking, check first.
London Zoo
As well as big cats and mini beasts, there are free story time sessions for pre-schoolers with TV favourites Bing and Flop. There’s also an autumn trail where children can help the TV duo complete a zookeeper’s daily checklist. Book in advance. Masks indoors. The zoo borders on Regent’s Park and is close to Camden Market which offers great shopping and food opportunities after a visit.
October 23–31, Regent’s Park NW1 4RY
Madame Tussauds
Also relatively close to London Zoo, this historic gallery of famous names lets you have your picture taken with your favourite (wax) celeb. And there’s always Alien: Escape for the fearless. Immersive nightmares anyone? Marylebone Road NW1 5LR
Horrible Histories Tour Boat from Tower Bridge Quay
All of London’s gory riverside history told by the Terrible Histories team –on a boat. Entertaining, quick-fire and bloodthirsty. Lots of jokes and singing for children. Sailing times vary.
terriblethames.com @TerribleThames
If you are tempted by Tower Bridge, why not make a real holiday of it: Tower Suites London overlooks both that iconic bridge and the Tower of London, offers family friendly, fully equipped boutique accommodation, close by the Tower, Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and St Paul’s Cathedral; easy access to the West End and historic Greenwich too.
The Ocean at the end of the Lane
Neil Gaiman’s National Theatre hit transfers to the West End in time for half term. A grown man is plunged back in time to his 12th birthday, to face ancient forces. Spectacular stage effects and thrills.
Duke of Yorks Theatre, St Martin’s Lane. For ages 12 +
Telling Tales at Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside
Sword fighting, costume demonstrations, and workshops for the whole family as well as storytelling/interactive adventures for children aged 5-12. Workshops for 5-12 year-olds and for 15+ held on the Globe’s stage (themes from Macbeth, Othello and Hamlet). October 24-30; prices and times vary; 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT
Wonderlab at the Science Museum
We hear that the Wonderlab exhibit is the show to book: seven interactive zones, from ‘friction slides’ to ‘glowing orbits in space.’ Plus a ‘chemistry bar.’ Best for ages 8 +.
Natural History Museum (and Ice Skating Rink!)
2021 is the last year for the museum’s delightful ice rink, where you can skate outside the most beautiful of all the London museum buildings. The recommended exhibition is Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature. Cryptozoology gives way to the (often stranger) real thing. Best for: ages four+. Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, SW7 5BD
And if you do visit, take the kids to the museums via the tunnel from South Ken Station – sets the scene and children love it.
Illuminature at London Wetland Centre, Barnes
Discover giant light sculptures of wetland wildlife and magical light tunnels on this after-dark trail. The illuminated walk includes huge, glowing models of floating swans, otters, flamingos and Winifred the owl, all set among the reed beds and lagoons. Also home to real birds, water voles, bats and amphibians. October 22 to January 9, 2022. Pre book. Queen Elizabeth Walk, SW13 9WT
Gruffalo’s Child Trail at Kew Gardens, Richmond
The Gruffalo’s Child trail weaves through Kew Gardens, encountering the characters from the book (Fox, Owl, Snake, The Gruffalo, Gruffalo’s Child and the Big Bad Mouse). Kids collect clues and explore the gardens. October 16 to October 31; 10am-5pm; trail starts near Brentford Gate, price included with entry; Richmond, TW9 3AE kew.org
London Underground Tours
Deep under the streets of London, Piccadilly Station opens its secret doors and tunnels with a Hidden London guided tour. “An engineering marvel (that) boasts one of the finest examples of subterranean architecture.” Best for ages 10+
Stick Man
‘Touching, funny and utterly original’ this adaptation of the much loved Stick Man classic is back. When Stick Man goes for a jog, a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds him into a nest, and he even ends up on a fire. Will he get back to the family tree? Award-winning production. ‘All ages welcome.’ 23 Oct 21 to 3 Jan 22.
Leicester Square Theatre
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