London weekend ideas for my family

[Marlinspike]

Hi Mumsnetters! I would like to pick your collective brains please! My family (DH, DS (16) and DD(13) are spending a long weekend in London over half term. We've booked on a film location tour and the cabinet war rooms - any other ideas that might keep us all entertained?

many thanks for your input!

The Tower of London is fun. The castle itself is interesting and you can see the crown jewels inside.
Taking an open-topped bus tour is an excellent way to see all the major sights. You can also hop on and off at places you want to see close up.
Your children are old enough to appreciate Madame Tussaud's. That's quite a laugh.
The London Eye also gives you a good view over the city and the river.
Do you have a Tesco card? You can get money off Day out vouchers that can be used at some of these venues which could save you a lot of money.

The great thing is you can think about what everyone is into and take it from there.

If you're movie buffs see what's on at the BFI on the Southbank. Things can sell out very quickly so worth booking in advance.

Tate Modern is a fab place - not just for the art, the actual space is great too. But there are loads of great art galleries so you can decide whether Tate Britain floats your boat, or the National, or the National Portrait Gallery - you get the idea.

Also taking it that you're doing the War Rooms you might also be interested in the Imperial War Museum - also just off the South Bank.

The Science Museum/Natural History Museum and V&A are all good too - and are all right beside each other.

If the weather's on your side it's cool to just wander around - e.g. Hyde Park, St James' Park or (again) the Southbank.

It's also worth checking out if you are interested in any of the concerts/plays currently being staged - try the Time Out website www.timeout.com/london/ to get an idea of what's on.

HTH and have a lovely break! x

Thank you all for your suggestions - I fancy the Tate Modern and the museums.

Now...can anyone promise me sunshine and no tube strikes!

Tate Modern is lovely and walking along the south bank is always an experience with the views you get and the street performers. Try walking through Soho too, it's not all sex shops honest! There are lots of nice little places to eat, or buy weird and wonderful cupcakes and people watch. The Tower of London is my favourite sight seeing thing to do, also a trip down the thames on a guided boat is fun, especially if theguides know their history.
Have a wonderful weekend