Half term London avoiding crowds

[scrappydappydoo]

Just that really - want a day out in London but hate crowds - any suggestions of hidden gems? Two dc - 12 & 10. We’ll be taking the first off peak train so arriving in Waterloo around 10am at the earliest. Free or cheap activities if possible.

Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park
The Kyoto Japanese Garden is a hidden gem wrapped in another hidden gem: Holland Park. The beautiful park is tucked away in smart Kensington and has plenty of its own hidden corners, with winding paths, statues, peacocks, an opera house and an orangery, alongside the tranquil Kyoto Gardens.

^^taken from visitlondon.com :)

The Horniman Museum in Forest Hill is free but there are extra bits to pay for such as the Aquarium, Butterfly House and crazy golf.

Holland Park is beautiful but might be more of a summer thing.

What are your DC interested in?

If you’re trying to minimise crowds, don’t go to the big museums. Eg If you would have gone to the science museum, go to the welcome instead, or the Courtauld Gallery for art or sir John soanes rather than the British museum.

Do whatever is likely to be the busiest first - we went to the Tate Britain pretty much at opening time one half term and it was relatively peaceful.

Is there anything they are really into? Specialist museums may be the way to go.

Kew has the glasshouses, which are warm.

Eg. The museum of fashion is tucked away in Bermondsey if you have a child interested in fashion.

The Geffrye museum in east London is fascinating. And Denis Severs House is a great experience (no talking allowed!)

Actually Denis severs not free

Bank of England museum
Skygarden (you need to book)

I keep meaning to visit the muesem of brands, packaging and marketing. It looks fab. It might be worth a trip.

www.museumofbrands.com