The perfect family day out in central London
October 4, 2024
We’ve put together a list of exciting things to do in London over the holiday break that will keep both kids and grown-ups entertained. It’s all walkable and very easy to get around, even with young children, and there’s so much variety there’s no risk of the little ones getting bored.
Morning
Breakfast at Borough Market
Try to resist having the usual breakfast at home and instead start the day at Borough Market, where you’ll find a huge range of international food stalls. Grab a pastry and a coffee, or smoothies for the kids. While you’re there, keep an eye out for lunch options – there’s a good chance you’ll be back, with a choice of world cuisines including Taiwanese, Greek, Middle Eastern, Italian, Japanese, Indian and more.
Hello, Delight!
After breakfast, you’ll find our Korean immersive art exhibition Hello, Delight! less than five minutes walk away. Hidden in London’s Victorian tunnels, just around the corner from the market, Hello, Delight! is an interactive experience combining light projections and sensory experiences. You’ll explore a colourful and vibrant virtual Korean city and become a K-drama star across 12 unique themed zones. Afterwards, you can explore the shops of Borough Yards.
Get your tickets for Hello, Delight! here.
Golden Hinde
If there’s time before lunch, you can ignite the imagination of your little ones with a visit to the Golden Hinde, a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous Elizabethan galleon, used to circumnavigate the world in the 16th century. The fully-functioning replica has sailed over 100,000 miles and is now in dry dock at Southwark Park, where it serves as a museum and a prime example of maritime history.
Afternoon
Tour Shakespeare’s Globe
Continuing the 16th century theme, moving along the bank of the Thames, you can’t miss stumbling upon Shakespeare’s Globe theatre. Even if you don’t have time for a show, the regular tours are a great way to explore the authentic theatre, or you can book the kids onto a workshop activity. There’s a restaurant for lunch, unless you’re tempted to head back to Borough Market.
Tate Modern
A little further upriver is the huge Tate Modern, its Turbine Hall and chimney overlooking the Thames. Free to enter, you’ll find a large collection of modern art from around the world and famous artists including Picasso, Warhol and Pollock. Sufficiently quirky to engage younger visitors, it’s perfect for teenagers in the middle of studying art.
Evening
Immersive Gamebox
If the family still has some energy, drop by the Immersive Gamebox for an interactive cinema adventure, designed for players of all ages 3 and up. From Tetris to Paw Patrol, there’s something for everyone and you can choose from six games designed for families. Grown-ups can sneak off to try the Black Mirror and Squid Game activities.
Grab some dinner at Southbank
To finish the day, head along the south bank of the Thames towards the Southbank Centre. There you’ll find the London Eye for night-time views of London and a selection of burger, pizza, Italian and Mexican restaurants.
"Hello, Delight!" is an interactive exhibition that offers a unique cultural journey. Visitors can experience personalized poetry, become a K-drama protagonist, and explore Moon Song shaped by their voice while discovering virtual cityscapes. The exhibition seamlessly combines creativity and technology to create an immersive experience.
