Whether you have visited London a few times and want to see more than the usual tourist attractions, or you just like to travel on the ‘hidden path’, I have a few things today that are very London and fun for families. And the locals will be there too!
Personally, I always love to discover things hidden behind the usual stuff. See more of a city than the famous attractions and queues. And, especially with children, I find it more relaxing to explore the less crowded areas.
Therefore, today we will discover a different side of London. Take note and start working on this list over the upcoming week:
1. Barbican Conservatory: It is an estate and such a discovery. It is one of London’s principal examples of concrete brutalist architecture and is considered a landmark. And it is home to a glass-roofed, leafy sanctuary that features tropical plants and trees, bird life, and exotic fish. The tropics in the heart of London. Free entrance! The Barbican is also an arts centre and the largest of its kind in Europe. You can enjoy performances, exhibitions, movies, or visit one of the cool shops. Of course, you can find great places to eat and drink too. And you can live there. The residential complex consists of about 2,000 flats.
2. Mayfield Lavender Farm: 25 acres of Lavender fields that open to the public during their beautiful, purple summer months. Picturesque and Instagram perfect!
3. Simple and ‘oh so English’… A Sunday roast at the pub: A Sunday roast “with all the trimmings” at a friendly locals’ pub. Enjoy!
4. City farm: Take your kids to one of London’s city farms and visit sheep, goats, pigs and rabbits. Nobody really knows that the city has quite a lot of farms and you can surely find one in your borough too!
5. Stand on the Meridian Line: GMT= Greenwich Mean Time. Stand on the historic Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Extra: Its path is illuminated overhead at night! From the top of the hill in Greenwich Park towards the London Skyline.
Barbican Centre
How did you enjoy the first five ideas? Already making plans?
6. Football match: The Gunners, the Blues, Spurs… there are quite a few big football clubs in the capital, and you surely have a fan in your family too! Try and get tickets or watch a game in a local pub or sports bar. Otherwise, you can also go on an official tour of one of the stadiums and take a peek behind the scenes. For tickets: If you are not local and not a member of a club, it is nearly (miracles happen sometimes) impossible to get hold of tickets. If you plan a visit, you can be lucky. Check as much as possible ahead of time!
7. Ride the Kennington Loop: Leave Kennington tube station on a tube train (do not leave the train at the ,ast stop!) and re-enter the same station a couple of minutes later. Kids love it!
8. Have a picnic on Primrose Hill: With that view it would be a shame to miss out on this one. Maybe the first thing of this list to tick? One you can do this week end with the beautiful weather ahead! You can even get your picnic from one of the local shops…
9. Museum lates: Did you know that you can visit the fabulous museums after hours? And avoid the crowds? Even have a drink, listen to talks or enjoy a film screening.
10. Visit a lido: Heated lidos, outdoor pools or natural ponds. Who says London is missing a beach? Here is a good list of places.
Tip: Go and see the popular attractions first thing in the morning or early evening, avoiding peak hours and crowds!
More Paul & Paula travel:
Have a great week everyone!
