Girly day in London for DD’s birthday

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Looking for some ideas for DD’s birthday next week. I wanted to plan a day in London as a birthday treat I was thinking maybe the Jellycat cafe at Selfridges (it’s a shame the jellycat brunch at Harrods doesn’t open till November). Would love some ideas please. She’ll be turning 8

you go for it an enjoy a day doing things you both like!

now, what do you both like so we can make suggestions?

for example my mum and I would enjoy paddle-boarding /swim and sauna, then a show and dinner and dancing, but that might not be what you like.

I spy London

https://www.amazon.co.uk/i-SPY-London-Collins-Michelin-Guides/dp/0008431825/ref=asc_df_0008431825?mcid=12fb360cc9493b50894d1a0a27e5f087&th=1&psc=1&tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=696450770345&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14023815377349776775&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9214256&hvtargid=pla-1620521583761&psc=1&hvocijid=14023815377349776775-0008431825-&hvexpln=0&gad_source=1

😐

Why can't you just LET them have fun?

If they like girly, they like girly.

I like being a girl.

There’s a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed afternoon tea on at One Alwych, and a Peter Pan themed one at the Shard.

But what is ‘girly’? Any activity done by girls and women? An activity that can only be done by girls and women?

OP, Matilda is brilliant.

Yes she loves going to art galleries! We recently visited the Queen's House in Greenwich which she loved but she’s already got a birthday trip to the National Theatre planned with her grandparents.

I agree, the price of shows is extortionate these days! I did look at Paddington, but the tickets were eye-wateringly expensive!

I have never simpered in my life. But I do enjoy shopping for women's clothes which my mum and my sister and best girlfriends enjoy more than my DH.

I also like afternoon tea and a gossip. DH would prefer to have a full meal.

It's ok to like and enjoy female company. Doesn't mean I don't love dinner and a movie with my DH or father.

Great if you haven't had your 18th birthday yet.
It's so strange how people used to want to be adults but now so many just want to live their lives as children. J M. Barrie has a lot to answer for.

Yes, Matilda is brilliant OP.

If there was a chance of cheap returns for Paddington, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Also Laduree can be fun for afternoon tea.

I agree, the price of shows is extortionate these days! I did look at Paddington, but the tickets were eye-wateringly expensive!

So expensive!

Why? Because for centuries women were told that was all they could and should be. They were not given the vote because they were too light and frivolous and soft.

So understandable that girls and women now rail against the assumption that all women want to be "girly"/ that girly means those things.

Drop it now. Do as you said and stop commenting. It’s unbelievably rude to think you should challenge how the OP wants to describe a birthday day out with her young daughter. Scroll on by.

have you been to the V&A?

Oh I loved the V&A at that age, great suggestion!

@Mulledjuiceno she hasn’t actually, only the young v&a. That’s a great shout as I think she’d really enjoy that. Thank you

Wallace and Grommet hands-on exhibition at the young V and A? Friends took their grandchildren and everyone had a great time.

Daunts bookshop in Marylebone- gorgeous old bookshop with galleried area etc. she could choose a new book there..

Hop on hop off clipper up and down the Thames.

Mooch round Spitalfields market (independent jewellery/clothes unusual craft stuff stalls plus international food pop ups) and sample all the different foods on offer (free tasters from most food stalls and an amazing variety) then have a fabulous pudding from Humble Crumble which is in the market.
….

And so easy to visit the Natural History Museum at the same time which would pair brilliantly with a Paddington performance!

No-one labours under those expectations now. Most people have moved on and are having fun being as girly or as non-girly as they like.

People always say calling adult women girls is demeaning, but men go on lads’ holidays or boys’ night outs.

On things to do in London, the cafe/restaurant on the first floor at Fortnums is very child friendly and has amazing ice cream sundaes (as well as nice light savoury meals), the National Gallery is free and accessible, and I would third (I think) Matilda.

Matilda is fantastic!
When we take our girls to London we basically fall in to every tourist trap imaginable - Leicester Square for the m&m and Lego stores, and to have a look at the film related statues.
a trip to Hamleys, walk down the mall to have a look at the palace and then go see the pelicans. Natural history/science museum.
borough market for chocolate sauce and strawberries, after we’ve remortgaged of course 🤣
we walked up the monument last time we were there, which they both enjoyed. Also, an Uber boat down to Battersea power station.

It's funny how men are allowed to like frivolous things (like football) without people assuming that frivolity is all they are capable of. Some people on this thread are so keen to prove their feminist credentials that they've swung all the way round to misogyny.

OP, enjoy your girly day. For art galleries, try the Wallace Collection- https://www.wallacecollection.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20397156847&gbraid=0AAAAAC_2Tn6wNRxVvwEz9rqJbFl4J3SHW&gclid=CjwKCAjw88HWBhA3EiwAo2Zd6Gz3gdYFmIPzhVIHt2X4Wgd9PT_8cVLOvtEzw0ftennb5_BED7wAZRoC8LMQAvD_BwE
It's very convenient for Selfridges and one of the best galleries in the world for Rococo art- lots of Boucher, Fragonard, Watteau etc.

Some people on this thread are so keen to prove their feminist credentials that they've swung all the way round to misogyny.

Exactly my feelings.

I have further qualifications in a traditionally male field but I do enjoy a girl's day out - and I even LOVE J M Barrie!

Never stopped me being grown up or working with the boys.

World politics would suggest not!

This is a MN thread about an 8 year old's birthday treat.

You could try just lightening up?