Best family days out in London

Revel in the buzz of one of the most exciting and diverse cities in the world. From urban art trails to family treasure hunts and adrenalin-pumping climbs, see a different side to the capital.

Ramp up the Fun with Sharky & George

Water fun with Sharky & George

Sebastian Engert Photography

The team at Sharky & George are experts in curating awesome experiences that let little ones’ imaginations run wild. Some of our favourite trips include Sharky & George’s British Museum Quest – a mystery detective trail held around the British Museum’s incredible exhibits. Or head to the Natural History Museum, where Sharky & George set teams off on a hunt around the museum’s inspirational displays – featuring dinosaurs, creepy crawlies, and even outer space, as kids complete Charles Darwin’s series of brain-tickling tasks. For budding scientists, look no further than Sharky’s adventure trail held at the capital’s Science Museum. With all tasks designed to get children interacting with the exhibitions, these exuberant days out will educate, inspire and entertain kids of all ages.

Climb the Cutty Sark

Climbing the Cutty Sark

For those with a head for heights, the world’s most famous tea clipper has launched a new rig-climbing experience. For the first time since the ship's arrival in Greenwich in 1954, visitors can scale the rigging of the Cutty Sark and get a taste of what life was like for Victorian sailors onboard this historic ship. Wannabee shipmates will first tackle the clipper’s 'ratlines' (rope ladders) before climbing the rigging to the top platform for a unique bird's-eye view. With the adrenlin pumping, there is an option to climb slightly higher, traversing onto the lower topsail yard. After savouring the spectacular panoramic views, take a controlled descent down to the main deck. Round off the day by exploring the rest of this historic ship – visit the crew's cabins, take the helm and come face to face with the world's largest merchant navy figurehead collection.

See London Through the Lens

Take a bespoke photography tour of London with a British fine-art photographer who has specialised in capturing images of London and Londoners for over 20 years. She'll offer Dream Escape clients her expert eye, and budding photographers will learn to capture the city like never before. A great option for teens, the tailormade excursions can focus on different areas of the capital. A ‘Royal London’ tour takes in sights including The Mall, Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park, while a Bankside experience will have you snapping The Globe, Tate Modern, Millenium Bridge and life on the Thames. Learn how colour, shadows, reflections, and angles can make all the difference, and see the city in a new light.

Ready, Set, Bake!

Biscuiteers' little royal chocolates

Don an apron and head to a specialist culinary experience where your little chefs will learn the art of icing and piping. For those with a sweet tooth, this unique company specialises in hand-iced biscuit gift and treats, and has icing cafes located in Notting Hill and Belgravia. Join the fun and friendly school and let the expert icers help your family master the art of divine biscuit design – from line and flood icing to piping and feathering. Let your creativity run riot, choose your own theme and create your very own masterpiece to take home.

Become a London Little Ranger

Little rangers at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park not only has one of the most enviable locations in the capital – set footsteps from Hyde Park’s green expanses – but its new Little Ranger activity is perfect for sightseeing families. Your mini tourists can become city rangers and opt to be Park Rangers, Sloane Rangers and even a Royal Ranger for their stay. Upon arrival, each little ranger will be given a bespoke treasurehunt map to accompany them on a dedicated trail, colour-coded depending on the chosen interest – red for Royal Ranger, blue for the Sloane Ranger and green for the Park Ranger. The fun treasure hunts will take in famous sites, such as Buckingham Palace, Harvey Nichols and the Peter Pan Statue.

Be Like Banksy

East London’s urban art scene

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See an alternative side to the capital on a private tour of East London’s urban art scene with an active street artist. A great option for arty teens and creatives, it uncovers the many layers of urban art, introduces the key players, and takes in famous works by the likes of Banksy, Eine, and Stik. It's a unique way to see the heart of East London and discover modern urban art, and you will be sure to find our guide's insider knowledge and passion for creativity is infectious.

Tour a Vintage Market Like a Local

Not only will our vintage tour of trendy Notting Hill give you the inside track on where to shop for retro gems, you’ll also meet and tour with one of Britain’s top milliners and creatives who has designed for hit films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones and Strictly Come Dancing and whose work is showcased at the V&A Museum. Your fabulous guide will regale groups with tales from the fashion world and share her top fashion and vintage shopping tips. Kick off with tea at the home of your guide, where you can explore her envy inducing collection of hats and vintage fashion before heading out to some of her favourite shopping haunts. A must for retro fashion lovers, this experience will give you a true taste for the area. Curate your perfect vintage look with a personal shopping experience, or if you’d rather just mooch around the charming streets with the best local tour guide in town, you’ll be in for a great day.

Spend an Afternoon as a Mini Milliner

Need a break from sightseeing? Try a mini milliner class and let the fun come to you. Perfect for your little ones, the Mini Milliner team are brilliant at encouraging youngsters to get creative and channel their design prowess. Children can try sewing, feather trimming and will make their very own headpiece (fascinator) during these engaging private classes. Mini Milliner’s founder Michelle Stroud comes armed with colourful fabrics, feathers, trim and headwear to try out, and the classes are a great way to have fun and fuel little imaginations.

WORDS | CHANTAL HAINES