Please recommend me some hidden gems for half-term in London

[Labradabradorable]

We are looking forward to a couple of days in London this half term (fingers crossed, fully vaccinated, all being well etc.)

We have booked tickets for the science museum but apart from that we are free. We know the city well, but would love some recommendations for different places to visit, great little restaurants, activities, parks etc. Children are aged 9 and 12.

We will be staying centrally, probably around Holborn or County Hall.

Thank you!

Check out the bank of England, they sometimes put stuff on for kids during half term, including lifting up a gold bar which is in a glass case. There's always the monument and Sky garden. They V& A sometimes do activities. I remember my kids were able to make a template and print a tee shirt for free. Just a wander round Covent Garden to see the street artists, or China Town to explore the interesting shops.

If it's hot, take a picnic to Hyde Park, specifically the Diana Fountain. The 9yo will love it, and the 12yo will probably end up dipping their toes too (I wanted to climb straight in).

It's our Must Do next time we go to London.

If they like pasta, Emilias just past Tower Bridge (St Katherine Docks) - its teeny. You can eat at the counter and watch the chefs making the fresh pasta and cooking all the meals.

I was going to say the Bank of England Museum too! We found it one year during a heatwave, (only went in to get out the sun!) and wasn't expecting much but it was brilliant! Loads of kids stuff to do and lots of interesting bits for adults too :)

Museum of London then stroll past st Paul's onto other side of river

At that age you might not need organised child specific activities.
Walk along the Southbank (Blackfriars, Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Waterloo).
There are street entertainers, second hand book market, Tate modern, etc. as well as cafes and street food.

Changing of Guards at Buckingham palace - check on website for times etc,

Museum of London
museum of london

Science museum, Natural history museum and V and A are all near each other.

I-Spy books - always a bit of fun

Harrods - especially the food hall

Covent Garden - nice to wander around plus street entertainers

Clipper boat from Westminster down to the O2, and then go across the Thames by cable car 🚠

The Old Operating Theatre on St Thomas Street SE1 is open from 21st May, it's up some steep stairs but if they like Horrible Histories etc they'll enjoy it!

Head to Covent Garden, lots of free things to see. Boat trip down to Greenwich

It’s going to be an amazing time to go as not too crowded. So now is the time to do Madame Tussaud’s etc!

Carnaby St has new tables and lots is street food if you are near there.

The Golden Hinde on the South Bank. Great fun for children.

Institute of civil engineers - a surprising discovery. It's actually their offices / HQ BUT They have a children's section on the 1st or 2nd floor and a cafe in the basement. Quite a bit of virtual reality computers and a mega tonne of Lego to "discover engineering"

Some great ideas- thanks so much.
DS would love the old operating theatre I thin. DH might have to sit it out!

Postal museum, especially if you're in Holborn. It's much more interesting and fun than it sounds and has the Mail Rail

The tour of Wembley Stadium was surprisingly good even if you're only vaguely interested in football

Also Kings X, St Pancras, British Library, Welcome institute, Crick, Kings Place. All the same area

Harry Potter walking tour. Actually if London Walks are on again, there's bound to be something theyd enjoy. Jack the Ripper in May won't be dark so not as scary.
Mini golf at the Horniman - the 176 goes direct and you can pick it up at Cambridge circus, Waterloo etc.

Museum of zoology was wonderful. Very small, one room, but very interesting and we stayed to do some sketching to pass more time. Highly enjoyed that afternoon.

Have a look on the treasure trails website for a £10 treasure hunt. I’m a massive geek and love them. Loads in London

@Procrastatron

Have a look on the treasure trails website for a £10 treasure hunt. I’m a massive geek and love them. Loads in London

Oh they're fantastic! Yes, definitely.

The Conservatory at the Barbican Centre. And worth checking if there's anything on you want to see/do there as they have stuff for kids. Can be combined with taking a peek at the original Roman city wall and maybe the Museum of London