Thanks to the scale of the city, London is one of the most diverse tourist destinations in the world. Visitors of all ages and tastes will find something to tickle their fancy during their stay at the Montcalm Marble Arch. Whether on the West End or exploring the outer boroughs, the entertainment, menus and general options for holidaymakers in the city are second to none. London is especially savvy with mass-draw attractions, those that adults and children alike will enjoy tremendously.
A great example of London attractions that cater to all ages is the many free-to-visit museums across its 32 boroughs. Whether on a rainy day or an educational trip, the city’s museum scene thrills both young and old, offering a broad variety of wonders developed not only in the city, but from across the world as well. Here are some of the best examples of London museums that all ages will enjoy.
Horniman Museum
Founded by the heir to a tea magnate, Dulwich’s Horniman Museum is an Arts and Crafts style building that was opened at the turn of the 20th century. Its vast collection of diverse artefacts are the result of Frederick Horniman’s travels around the world, during which he collected ancient musical instruments, exotic animal taxidermy and one of a kind artefacts. The museum comes equipped with a beautiful botanic garden and playground, as well as child-focused temporary exhibitions exploring everything from the inner life of pets to Lego dinosaur sculptures!
Natural History Museum
Whether you just nip in before your Montcalm afternoon tea reservation or you get lost in its many galleries over a whole day, South Kensington’s famous Natural History Museum is a must-visit for children obsessed with dinosaurs. Let’s be honest, most children have a dinosaur phase and the Natural History Museum’s vast fossil collection more than delivers. Other galleries include geological specimens from meteorites and the moon and taxidermy of long-extinct animals. The vast selection on display here will educate not only children, but adults too.
Science Museum
The next door neighbour to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum is the second of three South Kensington museums dubbed Museum Row. The Science Museum is especially attractive to family visits thanks to its interactive “Kids Zones”, where children can learn the fundamentals of scientific principles through exploration and play.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Another southeast London gem, the Dulwich Picture Gallery is often overlooked for its child-friendliness due to the more prominent Horniman Museum close by. Dulwich Picture Gallery is the oldest public art gallery in the country, dating back to 1817, and contains Old Master paintings from French, Italian and Spanish Baroque style painters. On a Sunday each month, the gallery becomes a community-focused activity workshop space for 7 to 12 year old’s, whilst its “Family Fridays” see art activities suitable for all ages, often facilitated by professional artists. Holiday season is especially ripe for child-friendly activities too, meaning there is much more than you might first think for family guests of hotels near Central London to engage younger children.
