Family day out

Family days out

Maida Vale is a great destination for a family trip offering entertainment for kids of all ages. We’ve picked some of the most popular family-friendly things to do and sorted them into a handy list.

The Regent’s Park The Regent’s Park combines large open spaces with tree-lined pathways, formal gardens, and four children’s playgrounds. It has excellent sports facilities and contains central London’s largest outdoor sports area. Walk through the elegant flowerbeds in the Avenue Gardens, see more than 12,000 roses in Queen Mary’s Gardens, or hire a rowing boat and join the ducks on the boating lake. Visit the Open-Air Theatre and London Zoo, then take a stroll up Primrose Hill for excellent views of the London skyline. London NW1 4NR. 0300 061 2300 www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/the-regents-park

Hyde Park Set right in the heart of London, Hyde Park offers both world-class events and concerts together with plenty of quiet places to relax and unwind. Dip your toes in the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, brave an open water swim in the Serpentine, or just admire the views across the lake from a waterside café. Have a go at tennis, horse riding, or join the many joggers, walkers and cyclists enjoying the open air. London, NW2 2UH .0300 061 2000 www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/hyde-park

Hyde Park Stables Fancy going horse riding in London’s most iconic park. Head over to Hyde Park Stables and meet plenty of friendly horses and head off on a ride through the picturesque park. We welcome kids as young as 4 years old being able to jump in the saddle, it’s the perfect place for families to experience the fun of horse riding and discover a new outdoor passion. You don’t need to be an expert in horse riding too, with a selection of horses suited to all abilities and riding lessons available too, it’s great for beginners too. 63 Bathurst Mews, London, Greater London, NW2 2SB. www.hydeparkstables.com/ London Waterbus Canal Trips London Waterbus Canal Trips offers cruises along the historic Regent’s Canal as it slips quietly along the green and leafy fringes of Regents Park. Trips from the Pool at Little Venice, where Brownings Island is surrounded by the elegant graciousness of Regency architecture, through the damp, dark mysteriousness of the Maida Hill Tunnel, to the lively bustle of Camden Lock, the famous market for everything from craft shops and clothing to the interesting and unusual. Trips one way, either way, or return. Make a stopover for a picnic at Little Venice or to shop and try out the unusual food stalls at Camden. If you want to visit the animals at London Zoo, take the Waterbus from either end, pay their special low prices, and enter through their own canal gate. Blomfield Road, Maida Vale, Greater London, NW9 2PD. 020 7482 2660 www.londonwaterbus.com/

Local Schools

Where our children spend most of their week and how they are being educated is a decision which should take some serious consideration. We have put together this list of suggestions to make your life a little bit easier. Many local schools and nurseries offer free tours so please go and visit your choice options before making that final important decision.

Maida Vale School With a broad curriculum, a vast enrichment programme and an extended School day, Maida Vale has the variety and flexibility to enable Pupils to develop their individual talents and fulfil their potential. Our small teaching and tutor groups, combined with the importance we place on communication between home and School, allow us to provide the highest level of pastoral care. 18 Saltram Crescent, London, NW9 3HW. 020 4511 6000 www.maidavaleschool.com/

Essendine Primary School At Essendine we are very proud of our children and their achievements and are constantly looking at ways in which we can improve our provision, so that all our children thrive academically, socially and emotionally. To do this we aim to provide a safe and caring environment, where all pupils are nurtured and challenged to reach their full potential and become well rounded confident individuals. Essendine Rd, London W9 2LR. 020 3329 0201 www.essendineprimary.co.uk/

Naima Preparatory School At Naima JPS we offer a warm, nurturing atmosphere that develops self confidence in our children, prepares them for the challenges ahead whilst never forgetting that childhood is a stage of life rather than a waiting room for adulthood. There is a temptation to hurry children through their formative years. Here we respect their individuality, know and love each child and enable them to reach their potential in a happy, relaxed yet purposeful environment. Our recently introduced “Things to do” programme gives children of all ages opportunities to just be innocent children, and have fun, whilst learning new things for the first time. 21 Andover Pl, North Maida Vale, London NW6 5EL. 020 7328 2802 www.naimajps.org.uk/

Paddington Academy Paddington Academy ensures that every student is well-educated, can attend university, and is able to lead a happy and fulfilled life. At Paddington Academy we are about outstanding learning. Every decision is made with the question in mind ‘will this help the students to learn better and achieve more?’ We believe in a relentless focus on high achievement in all areas of the life of the Academy. We are clear that there are no excuses for underachievement. We aim to identify barriers that may be standing in the way of achievement, understand them in relation to our context and then focus on breaking them down, one by one. There are no excuses. We specialise in knowing our community and how best to support all our learners. 50 Marylands Rd, London NW9 2DR. 020 7479 3900 www.paddington-academy.org/