Days out with Kids in Central London

This is the fifth cathedral to be built on the site. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren after its predecessor was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. St Paul's has been the setting for many historic occasions, including the marriage of the late Diana, Princess of Wales to HRH the Prince of Wales.

It has become a symbol of national endurance, particularly since it survived World War II bombing while many surrounding buildings were destroyed. The nave, transepts and choir are in the shape of a cross, as in a medieval cathedral, but the majestic interior reflects the Baroque movement in architecture.

The Museum is free to all visitors. It is open daily 10.00–17.30, and late on Fridays. There is always something free for families to do together, see the link below for the latest events.

Web: www.britishmuseum.org

Get inside London's most famous bridge.

Facilities: play area, baby/disabled.

The Cathedral was designed in the Early Christian Byzantine style by the Victorian architect John Francis Bentley. The first stone was laid in 1895 and the building was completed eight years later. Log onto the website for full history details.

The front entrance to the Cathedral is off the Piazza. Access is from Victoria Street, Ashley Place, or Ambrosden Avenue. The entrance to Clergy House is on Francis Street.Great for kids days out in Central London.

Service Times: (020) 7798 9097

Built in 1700, it was a home and workplace for Samuel Johnson from 1748-1759and it was here that he compiled the first comprehensive English Dictionary.

Restored to its original condition it features a collection of period furniture, prints and portraits.

Web: www.drjohnsonshouse.org

Visit this world famous landmark and take in the hundreds of years of its colourful history. After a catastrophic fire in 1834 destroyed most of the ancient buildings, the present magnificent building was built using designs by Charles Barry who was assisted by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin.

You can see parliament at work from visitors' galleries in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Tours of the building are only available by prior arrangement by contacting your local MP. If you should want to attend question time in the strangers gallery at the House of Commons please either contact your MP to ensure entrance or queue at St. Stephens entrance.

Web: www.parliament.uk

On a tour of London\'s BBC Television Centre, you will see behind the scenes of the most famous Television Centre in the world. You may experience areas such as the News Centre, Weather Centre, dressing rooms and studios, but due to the operational nature of the building, guarantees cannot be made. However this does mean we can plan your exact itinerary around what is happening on the day so no two tours are ever the same.

Please note that visitors must be 10 years and over and tours must be pre-booked. Television Centre is a large complex and tours involve a lot of walking.

Kids days out in West London

Booking Line: 0870 603 0304

Web: www.bbc.co.uk/tours

OPENED in 1996, this working reconstruction of the Globe Theatre was founded by Sam Wannamaker.
Situated on the South Bank of the River Thames adjacent to Bankside Powerstation.
The open air theatre runs from spring to autumn. The museum is open daily 10:00-17:00. Admission £5.

Web: www.shakespearesglobe.com

This is a full sized reconstruction of the 16th Century warship in which Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the world between 1577-1580, Drake was a sea captain who became history's most successful privateer. Crew members are in period dress, there are five decks of exhibits and artefacts. Give your child a birthday party or special occasion they will never forget!

A labyrinth of 21 underground rooms, preserved as they were in the 1940s, from where Churchill and his War Cabinet planned the military campaigns of World War II.

Web: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms

Walk along the Thames taking in the historical views of the Houses of Parliament and many famous bridges and monuments. Take a trip on one of the many boats which offer lots of different destinations.

See this link for details: www.london-footprints.co.uk/wkembankmentroute.htm

Visit their web site for the latest news items and the opportunity to e-mail your questions to the Prime Minister.

Web: www.number10.gov.uk

Discover the history of this famous bank. Admission is free. Opening times are 10am-5pm Mon-Fri. Open on the day of the Lord Mayors Show.

Kids days out in Central London

Explore Europe's only surviving big gun armoured war ship from WWII. Seven days a week. Treat your child to a wonderful birthday party aboard ship. Call for futher details. 10am-6pm summer. 10am-5pm November until the end of Feb.

Web: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast

Views of the barrier, slide shows and exhibitions. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm.

Facilities: parking, play area, picnic, cafe/restaurant, baby/disabled.

Madame Tussaud's has attracted and amazed people the world over, after all, where else can you mingle with movie stars, be counted amongst world leaders or line up along side your sporting heroes?

Web: www.madametussauds.com/London

Visit this enchanting place full of history. Wonderful daily market and street entertainers. Surrounded by museums, lots of pavement cafes and restaurants giving a continental feel. Just soak up the atmosphere and enjoy.

Kids days out in Central London. Westminster Pier, The Old Pump House, London

London's road & river adventure. See London's famous sights as never before from historical amphibious DUKWs! Your adventure includes a splash down as you drive into the Thames.

Web: www.londonducktours.co.uk