In London for DC Xmas present but it's been cancelled. Please help

[whachatalkinaboutwillis]

I have brought DC to London to see Matilda as a major part of their Xmas gift. I knew it was a risk, but had we not come, and it had been on, we would have lost £300 for the 4 tickets and the train/hotel costs.
Ideas for nice things to do to take the sting out of it would be very much appreciated. Thank you

So glad you've found an alternative. Cadbury selection boxes give you 2 for 1 on the london eye, which isn't that far from the West End if you're there.

Globe has cancelled too. Frozen experience at Covent Garden ? Southbank for streetfood?

@whachatalkinaboutwillis

&Juliet??

Back to the Future is crazy prices, understandably!

&Juliet is spectacular. It's a modern take on Romeo and Juliet but not Shakespearean. His wife decides original ending is pants so helps rewrite with some women power and amazing songs.

Other ideas - lots of nice restaurants around Kings X eg Coal office isn't far if you can't walk long distance. What about an open air bus tour nearer 4 when the lights are all on. Bounce in Holborn might be good though I'm not sure if they allow under 18s.

London Dungeons. By the London eye. We loved it.

@TinselTroels

London Dungeons. By the London eye. We loved it.

Good call! And there are nice little shops/markets along the south bank with not too much walking involved.

If you’ve traveled in by train, that can also sometimes give you half off London Eye prices.

You should get to go to whatever you want (if it’s still running) as so many people have cancelled. Have a great time!

Take the River taxi to see all the lights; get a bus to see those you've missed in the boat.

Let the DC be in charge of the route and tick off all the things you have seen.

Lots of hot chocolate, the theatre and a really big tea before home time!

You can make this such an amazing day!

Hyde winter wonderland maybe?

Harry Potter world. It's a very short train ride from euston Station. Euston is very close to King's cross- take a bus as it's only one stop on the tube.

Camden Market is a great idea, pp.

Christmas market between London Bridge and Tower Bridge is nice.

Covent Garden is lovely this time of year. Loads of teen friendly shops. Soho is also great.

Get on a bus. My favourite is the 11. Especially after dark, with the Christmas lights.

I just saw an ad for a french toast cafe - hang on I will find the link
Also what about those cafes with cats?

www.cromelondon.com/

How about Tate Modern? Lots of free exhibitions to see in there and lovely views across London.

I managed to get a list min cancelation at a restaurant they'll love too :)
Thanks so much for all your help. Off for a wander around F&M now.....

If they would like to see West Side Story the posh Everyman cinema in Belsize Park are showing it. A coupe of tube stops from Kings Cross and Camden.

skyline and boat on thames both doable on oysters I think. If you get boat from the tower to Greenwich you can have a look round the market and out to the Museum or the cutty sark if open or if they are good walkers up to the observatory if open

Open Top Bus Tours - mine loved those even as teenagers especially if we were lucky enough to get a comedic commentator. We always sit near them if we can and have a joke with them. Usually get extra snippets of history too!

I love the design museum in Kensington hopefully they will too?

@RicStar

I dont know if you can still book it but ice skating at Somerset House or National History Museum or even at winter wonderland. Cinema to see West Side Story... lots of lovely lights around Oxford Street/ covent garden etc afternoon tea - would think hotels have some availability.

Natural History Museum has shut because of staff shortage due to Covid.

OP, lots of other outdoorsy stuff you can do – Emirates cable car, open-top tourist bus to see attractions, Princess Diana Memorial playground (depending on age) in Kensington Park, Southbank funfair, London Eye, London Zoo, ice skating at Somerset House.

There were Loads of tickets for Matthew Bourne Nutcracker At Sadler’s Wells at the weekend. So I’d check there.

It is fabulous.

Do NOT be put off if you aren’t a natural ballet goer.

@MauveMavis

There were Loads of tickets for Matthew Bourne Nutcracker At Sadler’s Wells at the weekend. So I’d check there.

It is fabulous.

Do NOT be put off if you aren’t a natural ballet goer.

We live in Manchester and saw this a few weeks ago at the Lowry - it was BRILLIANT!

Don't know how long you are in London for but there is an amazing outdoors art installation at Guildhall Yard by Dan Archer - he recreates the Northern Lights. It's on from 5.30 PM to 10 PM (last entry 9.30 PM) and the last day is tomorrow.

city-guide.london/events/?p=46464

What about A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic? I've heard it's great and it stars Stephen Mangan.

If you can get to Crystal Palace Park (South London, Zone 3, Southern Trains from Victoria or London Bridge) there is an amazing art/light display in the park after dark. Tickets are quite expensive but there are various deals out there on sites like Groupon apparently.
It's called Lightopia.