We have been blessed with a mild winter thus far so it’s lovely to be able to plan both indoor and outdoor activities for the coming weeks. Here are some family-friendly things happening in London which have particularly captured our attention:
The Nutcracker at The Coliseum (until 8 January)
The English National Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, featuring one hundred dancers and with the most stunning set, is an absolute treat for music and dance lovers alike. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the beautiful tale of Clara and her gift of a Nutcracker, set in Edwardian London. Do bring little ones as it’s a fabulous introduction to the delights of ballet and live music!
Winter Lights at Kew Gardens (until 9 January)
Kew’s spectacular display of lights in their beautiful grounds is always such a treat. Wander around the grounds after dusk to see trees bathed in jewel colours, sparkling light tunnels and the panoramic light display at the Palm House.
Hidden Stories of Hyde Park (21 January)
Learn the fascinating history of our local Royal park on this brilliant guided walk, where you will see The Serpentine (which provided inspiration for JM Barrie’s Peter Pan adventures), hear about the Tyburn Tree’s grisly history and visit the Victorian Pet Cemetery.
Nabucco at the Royal Opera House (until 23 January)
Nabucco is a firm favourite of ours so we were delighted to learn that the Royal Opera House have included it this season. Tickets are understandably selling very fast, so be sure to secure yours as soon as you can!
Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace Exhibition, The Queen’s Gallery (Buckingham Palace) (until 13 February)
Hailed by The Guardian as “an unmissable event” (★★★★★), this exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to view some of the most important pieces of art from the Queen’s collection including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyck, Titian, Lorrain and Canaletto.
Titanic: The Exhibition, Rotherhithe (until tbc)
Located in an area of London which is steeped in maritime history, this fabulous narrated experience explores both the lives of the passengers (through over 200 artefacts) and the story of the ship itself through breathtaking recreations of its interior.
It’s well worth exploring Rotherhithe whilst you are there – Russia Dock Woodland is a wonderful place to walk (be sure to climb Stave Hill for the most breathtaking views of the capital) and the beautiful historic Mayflower pub (so named as the Mayflower sailed from Rotherhithe on the first stage of its journey to America) is very highly recommended for a cosy, fireside meal.
Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly
We are so fortunate to have Fortnum & Mason so nearby. Perhaps if you are exploring the shops along Piccadilly, you may want to take a refreshment break of a traditional British Afternoon Tea at Fortnum’s fabulous Diamond Jubilee Tea Room.