Teenagers love the 3D thrill of IMAX, kids never forget a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, and toddlers adore the free space of Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall and the Millennium Bridge, but the stretch south of the Thames running between Lambeth and London Bridges has so much more to offer under-18s – and that’s before you even get on to the river itself… From theatre workshops for teenagers to the chance for three-year-olds to sample their first dim sum, from free live music to interactive outdoor art, the whole family can enjoy the ever-changing programme of entertainment that South Bank and Bankside have to offer throughout the year. Welcome to South Bank and Bankside Use this guide to plan an unforgettable family weekend by the Thames OUTSIDE SPACES Children love playing on the sculptures at Gabriel’s Wharf (Upper Ground, SE1 9PP), there’s a playground for younger kids at grassy Jubilee Gardens (South Bank, SE1 7XZ) and there’s lots of skateboarding and free running action at QEH Undercroft, just off the Thames Path underneath Queen Elizabeth Hall (Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX). For a more restful time, there are lawns at Bernie Spain Gardens by Oxo Tower Wharf (Upper Ground, SE1 9EH), at Southwark Cathedral Garden (London Bridge, SE1 9DA) and at Tate Modern North Landscape (Bankside, SE1 9TG). Gabriel’s Wharf SCOTT WISHART, ANDREW BRACKENBURY
Transcript
Teenagers love the 3D thrill of IMAX, kids neverforget a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, and toddlersadore the free space of Tate Modern’s Turbine Halland the Millennium Bridge, but the stretch south ofthe Thames running between Lambeth and LondonBridges has so much more to offer under-18s – andthat’s before you even get on to the river itself…From theatre workshops for teenagers to the chancefor three-year-olds to sample their first dim sum,from free live music to interactive outdoor art,the whole family can enjoy the ever-changingprogramme of entertainment that South Bank and Bankside have to offer throughout the year.
Welcome to South Bankand BanksideUse this guide to plan an unforgettablefamily weekend by the Thames
E
OUTSIDESPACES
Children love playingon the sculptures atGabriel’s Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19PP), there’s aplayground foryounger kids at grassyJubilee Gardens(South Bank, SE17XZ) and there’s lotsof skateboarding andfree running action atQEH Undercroft,just off the ThamesPath underneathQueen Elizabeth Hall(Southbank Centre,SE1 8XX). For a morerestful time, there arelawns at BernieSpain Gardens byOxo Tower Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19EH), at SouthwarkCathedral Garden(London Bridge, SE19DA) and at TateModern NorthLandscape(Bankside, SE1 9TG).
9am Borough Market.10am Spot the art: lookfor works curated byyoung people (workingwith the Street Geniusproject). Find ‘In Situ’outside the JerwoodSpace at 171 UnionStreet, and then walk tothe ‘Smarties’ lightsculpture under the bridge
Explore BanksideA day of funky art, gory history and greatfood in London’s Elizabethan quarter
The Globe’s celebration offounder Sam Wanamaker’sbirthday, with free events.(020 7902 1400)
July 1-September 27National Theatre:Watch This SpaceAll ages
Family-friendly alfrescotheatre, circus, dance and music, all free.(020 7452 3400)
on Southwark Street.12noon Lunch break:buy takeaway sarnies,salads, pasta or sushifrom the many places atBankside Mix (on andbehind Southwark Street)and eat them on thestone benches there. 1pm In Sumner Street,by the Blue Fin Building,check out animatronicstatue ‘Monument to theUnknown Artist’, which
Bank, or bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.2.15pm Take the LondonEye River Cruise from theMillennium Pier down theThames, for 40 minutes of relaxation and a livecommentary taking inLondon sights including
‘I’ve come with my parents to take photos for my A-level inPhotography’ Lottie (16) and her parents
‘We’ve come down for the weekend. We enjoy a walk down theriver – the atmosphere is just great’ The Roule family
‘Walking in my Mind’Street Genius
Light sculpture
Win fab prizes!Visit www.southbanklondon.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a twonight family getaway at Park Plaza CountyHall, plus tickets to the SEA LIFELondon Aquarium,Dan Zane gig ticketsand lots more.
Win fab prizes!Visit www.visitbankside.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a onenight family stay at Novotel LondonCity South, GoldenHinde Pirate Fun Daytickets, a Wagamamalunch and cookbookand lots more.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Big Ben and St Paul’s.Or take a stroll among thefish through the amazingnew glass walkway at theSEA LIFE London Aquarium.4pm A ride on the GoldenCarousel (by the GoldenJubilee Bridges) and anice cream to end the day.
mimics your movements.1.30pm Find theFerryman’s Seat in BearGardens, where ferrymenonce waited for fares.2pm Kids who like gorewill enjoy the LondonBridge Experience.Under-8s can play pirateson the Golden Hinde.4pm See funky new art atthe Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre (73Southwark Bridge Rd,SE1 0NQ, 020 74038495) or check out TateModern’s art activities.5pm End with a sweettreat from SouthwarkCathedral Refectory.
Explore South BankPack in a full day’s entertainment for thekids on and around the river
10am Take the first‘flight’ of the day on theLondon Eye, before theriverside gets really busy.10.45am Juice on theFestival Terrace in front ofthe Royal Festival Hall.11am Explore thegigantic installations of The Hayward’s ‘Walkingin my Mind’ exhibition (June 23-Sept 9). In thesummer months getsoaked in the fountains ofJeppe Hein’s ‘AppearingRooms’ water sculptureon Riverside Terrace atthe Royal Festival Hall.12.30pm Lunch at one of the many cafés andrestaurants on the South
The artsBargehouse 22Dali Universe 4gallery@oxo 22The Hayward,Southbank Centre 11National Theatre 18The Old Vic 16Queen Elizabeth Hall/Purcell Room, SouthbankCentre 12Royal Festival Hall,Southbank Centre 10Topolski Century 9Young Vic 17 CinemasBFI IMAX 15BFI Southbank 19
AttractionsBernie Spain Gardens 21Florence NightingaleMuseum 2Gabriel’s Wharf 20 Golden Carousel 8Jubilee Gardens 6 London Eye 5London Eye River Cruises 7 London RIB Voyages 7Oxo Tower Wharf 22QEH Undercroft 13SEA LIFE London Aquarium 4Shops & restaurantsbenugo@BFI 19 Caffè Alba 22Canteen 10
Ganesha 20Giraffe 10The Gourmet Pizza Co 20House of Crepes 20 j-me 22Locomocean 22OXO Tower Restaurant 22 Ping Pong 14Riviera 20Southbank Centre Shop 10Strada 10 The Cut Restaurant,Young Vic 17HotelsMarriott County Hall 4Park Plaza County Hall 3 Park Plaza Riverbank 1 Premier Inn County Hall 4
The artsIn Situ, Jerwood Space 40Light Sculpture 42 Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre 41Tate Modern 27 AttractionsFerryman’s Seat 30 Golden Hinde 35 London Bridge Experience 38London Walks’ Bankside Walk Start (Fish Street Hill) 39 Shakespeare’s Globe 28Southwark Cathedral 36
Shops, markets & restaurantsBankside Mix 26Borough Market 37Café2 at Tate Modern 27 Leon 26Nando’s 34Oliver Bonas 26Pizza Express 29 Southwark CathedralRefectory 36The Table 24Tate Modern Shop 27Wagamama 34HotelsExpress by Holiday InnLondon Southwark 23
Mercure London City Bankside 25Novotel London City South 32Premier Inn LondonSouthwark 33 Southwark Rose Hotel 31
This is a product of Time Out Brand Solutions, Contact 020 7813 6008.
Teenagers love the 3D thrill of IMAX, kids neverforget a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, and toddlersadore the free space of Tate Modern’s Turbine Halland the Millennium Bridge, but the stretch south ofthe Thames running between Lambeth and LondonBridges has so much more to offer under-18s – andthat’s before you even get on to the river itself…From theatre workshops for teenagers to the chancefor three-year-olds to sample their first dim sum,from free live music to interactive outdoor art,the whole family can enjoy the ever-changingprogramme of entertainment that South Bank and Bankside have to offer throughout the year.
Welcome to South Bankand BanksideUse this guide to plan an unforgettablefamily weekend by the Thames
Enjoy Festivals andspecial events
OUTSIDESPACES
Children love playingon the sculptures atGabriel’s Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19PP), there’s aplayground foryounger kids at grassyJubilee Gardens(South Bank, SE17XZ) and there’s lotsof skateboarding andfree running action atQEH Undercroft,just off the ThamesPath underneathQueen Elizabeth Hall(Southbank Centre,SE1 8XX). For a morerestful time, there arelawns at BernieSpain Gardens byOxo Tower Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19EH), at SouthwarkCathedral Garden(London Bridge, SE19DA) and at TateModern NorthLandscape(Bankside, SE1 9TG).
9am Borough Market.10am Spot the art: lookfor works curated byyoung people (workingwith the Street Geniusproject). Find ‘In Situ’outside the JerwoodSpace at 171 UnionStreet, and then walk tothe ‘Smarties’ lightsculpture under the bridge
Explore BanksideA day of funky art, gory history and greatfood in London’s Elizabethan quarter
The Globe’s celebration offounder Sam Wanamaker’sbirthday, with free events.(020 7902 1400)
July 1-September 27National Theatre:Watch This SpaceAll ages
Family-friendly alfrescotheatre, circus, dance and music, all free.(020 7452 3400)
on Southwark Street.12noon Lunch break:buy takeaway sarnies,salads, pasta or sushifrom the many places atBankside Mix (on andbehind Southwark Street)and eat them on thestone benches there. 1pm In Sumner Street,by the Blue Fin Building,check out animatronicstatue ‘Monument to theUnknown Artist’, which
Bank, or bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.2.15pm Take the LondonEye River Cruise from theMillennium Pier down theThames, for 40 minutes of relaxation and a livecommentary taking inLondon sights including
‘I’ve come with my parents to take photos for my A-level inPhotography’ Lottie (16) and her parents
‘We’ve come down for the weekend. We enjoy a walk down theriver – the atmosphere is just great’ The Roule family
‘Walking in my Mind’Street Genius
Light sculpture
Win fab prizes!Visit www.southbanklondon.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a twonight family getaway at Park Plaza CountyHall, plus tickets to the SEA LIFELondon Aquarium,Dan Zane gig ticketsand lots more.
Win fab prizes!Visit www.visitbankside.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a onenight family stay at Novotel LondonCity South, GoldenHinde Pirate Fun Daytickets, a Wagamamalunch and cookbookand lots more.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Big Ben and St Paul’s.Or take a stroll among thefish through the amazingnew glass walkway at theSEA LIFE London Aquarium.4pm A ride on the GoldenCarousel (by the GoldenJubilee Bridges) and anice cream to end the day.
mimics your movements.1.30pm Find theFerryman’s Seat in BearGardens, where ferrymenonce waited for fares.2pm Kids who like gorewill enjoy the LondonBridge Experience.Under-8s can play pirateson the Golden Hinde.4pm See funky new art atthe Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre (73Southwark Bridge Rd,SE1 0NQ, 020 74038495) or check out TateModern’s art activities.5pm End with a sweettreat from SouthwarkCathedral Refectory.
Explore South BankPack in a full day’s entertainment for thekids on and around the river
10am Take the first‘flight’ of the day on theLondon Eye, before theriverside gets really busy.10.45am Juice on theFestival Terrace in front ofthe Royal Festival Hall.11am Explore thegigantic installations of The Hayward’s ‘Walkingin my Mind’ exhibition (June 23-Sept 9). In thesummer months getsoaked in the fountains ofJeppe Hein’s ‘AppearingRooms’ water sculptureon Riverside Terrace atthe Royal Festival Hall.12.30pm Lunch at one of the many cafés andrestaurants on the South
The artsBargehouse 22Dali Universe 4gallery@oxo 22The Hayward,Southbank Centre 11National Theatre 18The Old Vic 16Queen Elizabeth Hall/Purcell Room, SouthbankCentre 12Royal Festival Hall,Southbank Centre 10Topolski Century 9Young Vic 17 CinemasBFI IMAX 15BFI Southbank 19
AttractionsBernie Spain Gardens 21Florence NightingaleMuseum 2Gabriel’s Wharf 20 Golden Carousel 8Jubilee Gardens 6 London Eye 5London Eye River Cruises 7 London RIB Voyages 7Oxo Tower Wharf 22QEH Undercroft 13SEA LIFE London Aquarium 4Shops & restaurantsbenugo@BFI 19 Caffè Alba 22Canteen 10
Ganesha 20Giraffe 10The Gourmet Pizza Co 20House of Crepes 20 j-me 22Locomocean 22OXO Tower Restaurant 22 Ping Pong 14Riviera 20Southbank Centre Shop 10Strada 10 The Cut Restaurant,Young Vic 17HotelsMarriott County Hall 4Park Plaza County Hall 3 Park Plaza Riverbank 1 Premier Inn County Hall 4
The artsIn Situ, Jerwood Space 40Light Sculpture 42 Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre 41Tate Modern 27 AttractionsFerryman’s Seat 30 Golden Hinde 35 London Bridge Experience 38London Walks’ Bankside Walk Start (Fish Street Hill) 39 Shakespeare’s Globe 28Southwark Cathedral 36
Shops, markets & restaurantsBankside Mix 26Borough Market 37Café2 at Tate Modern 27 Leon 26Nando’s 34Oliver Bonas 26Pizza Express 29 Southwark CathedralRefectory 36The Table 24Tate Modern Shop 27Wagamama 34HotelsExpress by Holiday InnLondon Southwark 23
Mercure London City Bankside 25Novotel London City South 32Premier Inn LondonSouthwark 33 Southwark Rose Hotel 31
This is a product of Time Out Brand Solutions, Contact 020 7813 6008.
Teenagers love the 3D thrill of IMAX, kids neverforget a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, and toddlersadore the free space of Tate Modern’s Turbine Halland the Millennium Bridge, but the stretch south ofthe Thames running between Lambeth and LondonBridges has so much more to offer under-18s – andthat’s before you even get on to the river itself…From theatre workshops for teenagers to the chancefor three-year-olds to sample their first dim sum,from free live music to interactive outdoor art,the whole family can enjoy the ever-changingprogramme of entertainment that South Bank and Bankside have to offer throughout the year.
Welcome to South Bankand BanksideUse this guide to plan an unforgettablefamily weekend by the Thames
Enjoy Festivals andspecial events
OUTSIDESPACES
Children love playingon the sculptures atGabriel’s Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19PP), there’s aplayground foryounger kids at grassyJubilee Gardens(South Bank, SE17XZ) and there’s lotsof skateboarding andfree running action atQEH Undercroft,just off the ThamesPath underneathQueen Elizabeth Hall(Southbank Centre,SE1 8XX). For a morerestful time, there arelawns at BernieSpain Gardens byOxo Tower Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19EH), at SouthwarkCathedral Garden(London Bridge, SE19DA) and at TateModern NorthLandscape(Bankside, SE1 9TG).
9am Borough Market.10am Spot the art: lookfor works curated byyoung people (workingwith the Street Geniusproject). Find ‘In Situ’outside the JerwoodSpace at 171 UnionStreet, and then walk tothe ‘Smarties’ lightsculpture under the bridge
Explore BanksideA day of funky art, gory history and greatfood in London’s Elizabethan quarter
The Globe’s celebration offounder Sam Wanamaker’sbirthday, with free events.(020 7902 1400)
July 1-September 27National Theatre:Watch This SpaceAll ages
Family-friendly alfrescotheatre, circus, dance and music, all free.(020 7452 3400)
on Southwark Street.12noon Lunch break:buy takeaway sarnies,salads, pasta or sushifrom the many places atBankside Mix (on andbehind Southwark Street)and eat them on thestone benches there. 1pm In Sumner Street,by the Blue Fin Building,check out animatronicstatue ‘Monument to theUnknown Artist’, which
Bank, or bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.2.15pm Take the LondonEye River Cruise from theMillennium Pier down theThames, for 40 minutes of relaxation and a livecommentary taking inLondon sights including
‘I’ve come with my parents to take photos for my A-level inPhotography’ Lottie (16) and her parents
‘We’ve come down for the weekend. We enjoy a walk down theriver – the atmosphere is just great’ The Roule family
‘Walking in my Mind’Street Genius
Light sculpture
Win fab prizes!Visit www.southbanklondon.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a twonight family getaway at Park Plaza CountyHall, plus tickets to the SEA LIFELondon Aquarium,Dan Zane gig ticketsand lots more.
Win fab prizes!Visit www.visitbankside.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a onenight family stay at Novotel LondonCity South, GoldenHinde Pirate Fun Daytickets, a Wagamamalunch and cookbookand lots more.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Big Ben and St Paul’s.Or take a stroll among thefish through the amazingnew glass walkway at theSEA LIFE London Aquarium.4pm A ride on the GoldenCarousel (by the GoldenJubilee Bridges) and anice cream to end the day.
Watch the latestHollywood movies insuper-size and 3D – thescreen is a whopping 20metres high! Summerhighlights include‘Monsters vs Aliens 3D’(April); ‘Star Trek’ (fromMay 8); ‘Transformers’(from June 26); and ‘HarryPotter and the Half-BloodPrince’ (late summer).1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,SE1 8XR (0870 7872525). Times, prices vary.
BeachAll ages
When the tide is out,there are spots whereyou can get on to the ‘beach’ and evenmake sand sculptures!The best stretch is infront of Gabriel’s Wharfand Oxo Tower Wharf,but check tide timesfirst (www.pla.co.uk).
London RIB VoyagesAll ages
Great for teens, thishigh-speed 50-minuteround trip from the Eye to Canary Wharf is an exciting zip downthe river in true JamesBond style. London Eye MillenniumPier, SE1 7PB (0207928 8933). £32.50,under-16s £19.50.Booking essential.
Places to visitSouth BankStroll along the river to encounter a hostof delights that will enchant all ages
Take a break Pit stopsA host of family-friendly eating optionshave sprung up in the area recently
Shop South Bank
Shop Bankside
BFI SouthbankAge 5+
Monthly Family Fun Daysand special Parent &Toddler/Baby screenings.Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT(020 7928 3232). Timesand prices vary.
The Dali UniverseAge 5+
Sculptures, etchings and watercolours by theSpanish surrealist. County Hall, SE1 7PB(020 7620 2720). Daily10am-5.30pm. £14,concs £12, children from£7, under-sevens free.
Old VicAge 11+
Persuade teens to enjoyShakespeare with EthanHawke in ‘The Winter’sTale’ (from May 23).The Cut, SE1 8NB (0870 060 6628).
London BridgeExperience and The London TombsAge 7+ (11+ London Tombs)
Visitors take a tourthrough numerous sets,meeting various charactersand helping them searchfor their misplaced heads.Each has their own creepystory; help them teardown the old Vikingbridge, and apply to be‘Keeper of the Heads’. This Easter’s specialactivity, The Easter HeadHunt, will amuse the kids.2-4 Tooley St, SE1 2PF
‘In the Far Off Time: TheLondon of Shakespeareand Co’ is a guided walk that leaves fromMonument tube (FishStreet Hill exit). Suitablefor families, especially teenagers who are doingShakespeare at school.Fish Street Hill, EC3R 6BR (020 7624 3978).Mon 10am. £7, under-15s with adult free.
Shakespeare’s GlobeAge 8+
Learn about the Bard’slife – including thecostumes and music ofthe time – in a guidedtour and exhibition. Thisyear’s season (April toOctober) features‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘AsYou Like It’, ‘Troilus andCressida’ and ‘Love’sLabour’s Lost’, withspecial Child’s Playsessions (£12.50) wherechildren aged eight to 11can join workshopsthemed around the playsand even sneak in as‘groundlings’ for part of a matinee performance.21 New Globe Walk,SE1 9DT (020 79021400). Daily 10am-5pm(Oct-Apr), 9am-5pm (May-early Oct); £10.50, concs£8.50, children £6.50.
Golden HindeAge 5-11
This replica of Sir FrancisDrake’s 16th-century shipis a delight. There’s plentyof nautical fun to be had;for an unforgettableexperience, book thefamily on a summersleepover (£39.99 perperson) or have a partythere. See box above fordetails of workshops oroverleaf for its FamilyPirate Fun Festival.St Mary Overie Dock,Cathedral St, SE1 9DE(020 7403 0123). Daily 10am-5pm; £6,concs/children £4.50.
MudlarkingAge 5+ (with an adult)
All manner ofcenturies-old findshave been made onthe muddy banks ofthe Thames. If youwant to explore theforeshore check thetide times at the Portof London Authority(www.pla.co.uk).Steps just belowShakespeare’s Globe.
River tripsAll ages
Regular boat servicesrun daily. From LondonEye Millennium Pierhead east towardsGreenwich andbeyond. Services atBankside Pier link you with piers east toWoolwich Arsenal andwest to Tate Britain. www.tfl.gov.uk.
THE RIVER
South BankThere are lots of places toeat here. Canteen(Southbank Centre Square,Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX,0845 686 1122) servesBritish fare, while theterrace in front of theRoyal Festival Hall hasGiraffe (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 79282004) with global foodand a kids’ menu, andStrada (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 7401 9126)for pasta and pizza. Trydim sum at Ping Pong
(Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX,020 7960 4160) or enjoyhot food or sarnies atbenugo@BFI (BelvedereRd, SE1 8XT, 020 74019000), with a kids’ menu.
Tate ModernAll ages
The old power stationwith its huge turbine hall is geared up forfamilies. Start (Sat &Sun, plus schoolholidays exceptMondays, 11am-5pm)provides a pack ofgames for the over-fives,and the UBS OpeningsFamily Zone on Level 3includes art games forchildren. The exhibitionsalso have kids’ audiotours; the summer showis ‘Futurism’, featuringwork by Picasso andDuchamp. Bankside, SE1 9TG,020 7887 8888. Mon-Thur, Sun 10am-6pm. Fri, Sat10am- 10pm. Freeexcept for majorexhibitions.
Places to visitBanksideBig in Elizabethan times, experience themodern buzz of this ancient area
At Gabriel’s Wharf (56Upper Ground, SE1 9PP),there’s The GourmetPizza Co (020 79283188), House of Crepes(020 7401 9816) andMediterranean restaurantRiviera (020 7401 7314).In the Oxo Tower itself(Barge House St, SE19PH), you have CaffèAlba with panini and icecreams or, for a real treat, the OXO TowerRestaurant (020 78033888) with its river views.The Young Vic does goodfood, too (66 The Cut, SE18LZ, 020 7928 4400).
BanksideFoodie heaven BoroughMarket has become a toptourist destination. OnSaturdays it gets toocrammed to negotiate by11am, but if you arrive at9am when stalls open youcan pick up some tastytreats. There are family-friendly options in the area
National TheatreAge 10+
Older kids will enjoy thehour-plus backstage tour.Teenagers can claim freetickets with Entry Pass.Upper Ground, SE1 9PX(020 7452 3000). Toursdaily, times vary. £5.90,children/concs £4.90.
SEA LIFE LondonAquariumAll ages
The new-look aquariumhas a glass tunnel tropicalwalkway, feeding talks anda scary shark finale…County Hall, Queen’s Walk,SE1 7PB (020 7967 8000).Daily 10am-5pm (6pmweekends, school hols);£15.25, children £11.25.
Southbank CentreAge 5+
The complex comprisesthe Royal Festival Hall,Queen Elizabeth Hall,Purcell Room and The
if you want to sit down:Wagamama noodle bar(1 Clink St, SE1 9BU,020 7403 3659),Nando’s (215-217 ClinkSt, SE1 9DG, 020 73578662) and a PizzaExpress on the river(Bankside, SE1 9DS,020 7401 3977). If youhave fidgety children, trythe speedy and informalLeon (7 Canvey St, SE19AN, 020 7620 0035),or The Table (88Southwark St, SE1 0HX,020 7401 2760) forsoups and risottos. Thesuperb Café 2 at TateModern (Bankside, SE19TG, 020 7401 5014),has a junior menu andcrayons (look out for‘kids eat free’ deals atthe Tate’s restaurants).Or Southwark CathedralRefectory (LondonBridge, SE1 9DA, 0207407 5740) has soups,sandwiches and cakes.
Family days‘We’ve come for awalk down the riverand to see the sights.Then we’re going toget ice cream’ Fredrik (5) and his parents
Florence NightingaleMuseumAge 5+
A small museum aboutthe Crimean War nurse.There are free trails forkids over five and plenty of hands-on activities.St Thomas’ Hospital, 2Lambeth Palace Rd, SE17EW (020 7620 0374).Daily 10am-5pm; £5.80,concs and children £4.80.
gallery@oxoAll ages
Exhibitions at this riversidegallery are free, so it’salways worth a look: kidswill enjoy shows such asRoger Hooper’s animalphotos (12-28 June). Oxo Tower Wharf, BargeHouse St, SE1 9PH (020 7021 1686). Daily11am-6pm; free.
London Eye Age 5+
Take a trip on a 30-minute‘flight’ and get a bird’s-eyeview of London – on a clearday you can see 40km.Beside Westminster BridgeRd, SE1 7PB (0870 5000600). Open daily, timesvary. £15.50, children£7.75, under-4s free.
Family days‘We’ve been to TateModern. We also lovewalking over thebridge and looking atthe river’ AminaBegum with Nasima(4), Halima (3) andMomena (6)
HOTELS
South BankAt County Hall, thePremier Inn (0870990 6402) has good-value rooms; at theMarriott there (0207928 5200), a familypackage costs from£309. Under-12sstay free in the studiorooms at Park PlazaCounty Hall (0207034 4835) with‘Mini VIP’ treatmentincluding tea partiesand dressing up.Park Plaza Riverbank(020 7958 8000) isa little further south.
BanksideIn Southwark,Express by HolidayInn London (0871423 4931) andPremier Inn London(0870 990 6402) aresolid budget options.Novotel London CitySouth (020 70890400) has familyB&B rates and at the Southwark RoseHotel (020 70151480) a family roomis £150. At MercureLondon CityBankside (020 79020800) under-15s stay free.
HOLIDAYWORKSHOPSAND COURSES
At the FlorenceNightingale Museum(right) find out how touse chocolate as acure at Easter holidaydrop-in sessions (untilApril 10; free withentry). During half-term (May 23-31) kidscan create a familyportrait here. AtTopolski Century(right) kids of all agescan join Easter Animal Hunt drawingworkshops, April 7-19.Tate Modern (below)runs a free fortnightlyworkshop on Fridayscalled ‘We Are AllExperts’ for ages 15-23 (5-7pm, June 5-July 31, meet on Level3 concourse). TheGolden Hinde (below)has holiday workshopsfor 5-11s, such as atwo-hour MaritimeWorkshop (Apr 7 & 14,May 26 & 28, £8.50)about Drake and lifeon board the galleon.Also look out for theCreative Learningprojects for 8-25s atthe Old Vic (right).
‘The Scribble Book’by Herve Tullet,£7.99; Art Collectorgame, £7.34, both TateModern (020 74015167). WilliamShakespeare actionfigure, £10,Shakespeare’s Globe(020 7902 1400).Cheeky cutlery, £10(set of 4); Rainbownecklace, £14; bothOliver Bonas (0207928 6419).‘Pirateology’ byDugald Steer (includes model ship),£12.99, Golden Hinde(020 7403 0123).
Hayward. Family eventsinclude kids’ rock groupDan Zanes & Friends(Apr 10-13), the SimónBolívar Youth Orchestraof Venezuela (Apr 14-18)and ‘Peter and the Wolf’(May 8).Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX(0871 663 2500).
Topolski CenturyAge 13+
Under the railway archesis Polish artist FeliksTopolski’s huge mural. 150-152 HungerfordBridge Arch, SE1 8XU(020 7620 1275). Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun12noon-6pm; free.
Young VicAge 3-5
Fevered Sleep presents‘Brilliant’ on July 15-18. 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ(020 7922 2922).
SEA LIFELondon Aquarium
National Theatre
based on a novel by Michael Morpurgoadapted by Nick Stafford
in association with Handspring Puppet Company
National Theatre020 7452 3000warhorselondon.comNo booking fee
0844 412 4654seetickets.comBooking fee
Suitable for 10yrs+
New LondonTheatreDrury Lane WC2
WarHorse���������Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday,Sunday Express, SundayTimes, The Times, Time Out
‘Exhilarating!It makes yourejoice to be alive.’The Times
‘Pure animalmagic.’Daily Mail
‘Astonishing.’Time Out
National Theatre’s family smash hitarrives in the West End
Presented by the NationalTheatre and National Angels
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SBBS09 Side2 7/4/09 14:58 Page 2
BFI IMAXAge 5+
Watch the latestHollywood movies insuper-size and 3D – thescreen is a whopping 20metres high! Summerhighlights include‘Monsters vs Aliens 3D’(April); ‘Star Trek’ (fromMay 8); ‘Transformers’(from June 26); and ‘HarryPotter and the Half-BloodPrince’ (late summer).1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,SE1 8XR (0870 7872525). Times, prices vary.
BeachAll ages
When the tide is out,there are spots whereyou can get on to the ‘beach’ and evenmake sand sculptures!The best stretch is infront of Gabriel’s Wharfand Oxo Tower Wharf,but check tide timesfirst (www.pla.co.uk).
London RIB VoyagesAll ages
Great for teens, thishigh-speed 50-minuteround trip from the Eye to Canary Wharf is an exciting zip downthe river in true JamesBond style. London Eye MillenniumPier, SE1 7PB (0207928 8933). £32.50,under-16s £19.50.Booking essential.
Places to visitSouth BankStroll along the river to encounter a hostof delights that will enchant all ages
Take a break Pit stopsA host of family-friendly eating optionshave sprung up in the area recently
Shop South Bank
Shop Bankside
BFI SouthbankAge 5+
Monthly Family Fun Daysand special Parent &Toddler/Baby screenings.Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT(020 7928 3232). Timesand prices vary.
The Dali UniverseAge 5+
Sculptures, etchings and watercolours by theSpanish surrealist. County Hall, SE1 7PB(020 7620 2720). Daily10am-5.30pm. £14,concs £12, children from£7, under-sevens free.
Old VicAge 11+
Persuade teens to enjoyShakespeare with EthanHawke in ‘The Winter’sTale’ (from May 23).The Cut, SE1 8NB (0870 060 6628).
London BridgeExperience and The London TombsAge 7+ (11+ London Tombs)
Visitors take a tourthrough numerous sets,meeting various charactersand helping them searchfor their misplaced heads.Each has their own creepystory; help them teardown the old Vikingbridge, and apply to be‘Keeper of the Heads’. This Easter’s specialactivity, The Easter HeadHunt, will amuse the kids.2-4 Tooley St, SE1 2PF
‘In the Far Off Time: TheLondon of Shakespeareand Co’ is a guided walk that leaves fromMonument tube (FishStreet Hill exit). Suitablefor families, especially teenagers who are doingShakespeare at school.Fish Street Hill, EC3R 6BR (020 7624 3978).Mon 10am. £7, under-15s with adult free.
Shakespeare’s GlobeAge 8+
Learn about the Bard’slife – including thecostumes and music ofthe time – in a guidedtour and exhibition. Thisyear’s season (April toOctober) features‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘AsYou Like It’, ‘Troilus andCressida’ and ‘Love’sLabour’s Lost’, withspecial Child’s Playsessions (£12.50) wherechildren aged eight to 11can join workshopsthemed around the playsand even sneak in as‘groundlings’ for part of a matinee performance.21 New Globe Walk,SE1 9DT (020 79021400). Daily 10am-5pm(Oct-Apr), 9am-5pm (May-early Oct); £10.50, concs£8.50, children £6.50.
Golden HindeAge 5-11
This replica of Sir FrancisDrake’s 16th-century shipis a delight. There’s plentyof nautical fun to be had;for an unforgettableexperience, book thefamily on a summersleepover (£39.99 perperson) or have a partythere. See box above fordetails of workshops oroverleaf for its FamilyPirate Fun Festival.St Mary Overie Dock,Cathedral St, SE1 9DE(020 7403 0123). Daily 10am-5pm; £6,concs/children £4.50.
MudlarkingAge 5+ (with an adult)
All manner ofcenturies-old findshave been made onthe muddy banks ofthe Thames. If youwant to explore theforeshore check thetide times at the Portof London Authority(www.pla.co.uk).Steps just belowShakespeare’s Globe.
River tripsAll ages
Regular boat servicesrun daily. From LondonEye Millennium Pierhead east towardsGreenwich andbeyond. Services atBankside Pier link you with piers east toWoolwich Arsenal andwest to Tate Britain. www.tfl.gov.uk.
THE RIVER
South BankThere are lots of places toeat here. Canteen(Southbank Centre Square,Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX,0845 686 1122) servesBritish fare, while theterrace in front of theRoyal Festival Hall hasGiraffe (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 79282004) with global foodand a kids’ menu, andStrada (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 7401 9126)for pasta and pizza. Trydim sum at Ping Pong
(Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX,020 7960 4160) or enjoyhot food or sarnies atbenugo@BFI (BelvedereRd, SE1 8XT, 020 74019000), with a kids’ menu.
Tate ModernAll ages
The old power stationwith its huge turbine hall is geared up forfamilies. Start (Sat &Sun, plus schoolholidays exceptMondays, 11am-5pm)provides a pack ofgames for the over-fives,and the UBS OpeningsFamily Zone on Level 3includes art games forchildren. The exhibitionsalso have kids’ audiotours; the summer showis ‘Futurism’, featuringwork by Picasso andDuchamp. Bankside, SE1 9TG,020 7887 8888. Mon-Thur, Sun 10am-6pm. Fri, Sat10am- 10pm. Freeexcept for majorexhibitions.
Places to visitBanksideBig in Elizabethan times, experience themodern buzz of this ancient area
At Gabriel’s Wharf (56Upper Ground, SE1 9PP),there’s The GourmetPizza Co (020 79283188), House of Crepes(020 7401 9816) andMediterranean restaurantRiviera (020 7401 7314).In the Oxo Tower itself(Barge House St, SE19PH), you have CaffèAlba with panini and icecreams or, for a real treat, the OXO TowerRestaurant (020 78033888) with its river views.The Young Vic does goodfood, too (66 The Cut, SE18LZ, 020 7928 4400).
BanksideFoodie heaven BoroughMarket has become a toptourist destination. OnSaturdays it gets toocrammed to negotiate by11am, but if you arrive at9am when stalls open youcan pick up some tastytreats. There are family-friendly options in the area
National TheatreAge 10+
Older kids will enjoy thehour-plus backstage tour.Teenagers can claim freetickets with Entry Pass.Upper Ground, SE1 9PX(020 7452 3000). Toursdaily, times vary. £5.90,children/concs £4.90.
SEA LIFE LondonAquariumAll ages
The new-look aquariumhas a glass tunnel tropicalwalkway, feeding talks anda scary shark finale…County Hall, Queen’s Walk,SE1 7PB (020 7967 8000).Daily 10am-5pm (6pmweekends, school hols);£15.25, children £11.25.
Southbank CentreAge 5+
The complex comprisesthe Royal Festival Hall,Queen Elizabeth Hall,Purcell Room and The
if you want to sit down:Wagamama noodle bar(1 Clink St, SE1 9BU,020 7403 3659),Nando’s (215-217 ClinkSt, SE1 9DG, 020 73578662) and a PizzaExpress on the river(Bankside, SE1 9DS,020 7401 3977). If youhave fidgety children, trythe speedy and informalLeon (7 Canvey St, SE19AN, 020 7620 0035),or The Table (88Southwark St, SE1 0HX,020 7401 2760) forsoups and risottos. Thesuperb Café 2 at TateModern (Bankside, SE19TG, 020 7401 5014),has a junior menu andcrayons (look out for‘kids eat free’ deals atthe Tate’s restaurants).Or Southwark CathedralRefectory (LondonBridge, SE1 9DA, 0207407 5740) has soups,sandwiches and cakes.
Family days‘We’ve come for awalk down the riverand to see the sights.Then we’re going toget ice cream’ Fredrik (5) and his parents
Florence NightingaleMuseumAge 5+
A small museum aboutthe Crimean War nurse.There are free trails forkids over five and plenty of hands-on activities.St Thomas’ Hospital, 2Lambeth Palace Rd, SE17EW (020 7620 0374).Daily 10am-5pm; £5.80,concs and children £4.80.
gallery@oxoAll ages
Exhibitions at this riversidegallery are free, so it’salways worth a look: kidswill enjoy shows such asRoger Hooper’s animalphotos (12-28 June). Oxo Tower Wharf, BargeHouse St, SE1 9PH (020 7021 1686). Daily11am-6pm; free.
London Eye Age 5+
Take a trip on a 30-minute‘flight’ and get a bird’s-eyeview of London – on a clearday you can see 40km.Beside Westminster BridgeRd, SE1 7PB (0870 5000600). Open daily, timesvary. £15.50, children£7.75, under-4s free.
Family days‘We’ve been to TateModern. We also lovewalking over thebridge and looking atthe river’ AminaBegum with Nasima(4), Halima (3) andMomena (6)
HOTELS
South BankAt County Hall, thePremier Inn (0870990 6402) has good-value rooms; at theMarriott there (0207928 5200), a familypackage costs from£309. Under-12sstay free in the studiorooms at Park PlazaCounty Hall (0207034 4835) with‘Mini VIP’ treatmentincluding tea partiesand dressing up.Park Plaza Riverbank(020 7958 8000) isa little further south.
BanksideIn Southwark,Express by HolidayInn London (0871423 4931) andPremier Inn London(0870 990 6402) aresolid budget options.Novotel London CitySouth (020 70890400) has familyB&B rates and at the Southwark RoseHotel (020 70151480) a family roomis £150. At MercureLondon CityBankside (020 79020800) under-15s stay free.
HOLIDAYWORKSHOPSAND COURSES
At the FlorenceNightingale Museum(right) find out how touse chocolate as acure at Easter holidaydrop-in sessions (untilApril 10; free withentry). During half-term (May 23-31) kidscan create a familyportrait here. AtTopolski Century(right) kids of all agescan join Easter Animal Hunt drawingworkshops, April 7-19.Tate Modern (below)runs a free fortnightlyworkshop on Fridayscalled ‘We Are AllExperts’ for ages 15-23 (5-7pm, June 5-July 31, meet on Level3 concourse). TheGolden Hinde (below)has holiday workshopsfor 5-11s, such as atwo-hour MaritimeWorkshop (Apr 7 & 14,May 26 & 28, £8.50)about Drake and lifeon board the galleon.Also look out for theCreative Learningprojects for 8-25s atthe Old Vic (right).
‘The Scribble Book’by Herve Tullet,£7.99; Art Collectorgame, £7.34, both TateModern (020 74015167). WilliamShakespeare actionfigure, £10,Shakespeare’s Globe(020 7902 1400).Cheeky cutlery, £10(set of 4); Rainbownecklace, £14; bothOliver Bonas (0207928 6419).‘Pirateology’ byDugald Steer (includes model ship),£12.99, Golden Hinde(020 7403 0123).
Hayward. Family eventsinclude kids’ rock groupDan Zanes & Friends(Apr 10-13), the SimónBolívar Youth Orchestraof Venezuela (Apr 14-18)and ‘Peter and the Wolf’(May 8).Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX(0871 663 2500).
Topolski CenturyAge 13+
Under the railway archesis Polish artist FeliksTopolski’s huge mural. 150-152 HungerfordBridge Arch, SE1 8XU(020 7620 1275). Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun12noon-6pm; free.
Young VicAge 3-5
Fevered Sleep presents‘Brilliant’ on July 15-18. 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ(020 7922 2922).
SEA LIFELondon Aquarium
National Theatre
based on a novel by Michael Morpurgoadapted by Nick Stafford
in association with Handspring Puppet Company
National Theatre020 7452 3000warhorselondon.comNo booking fee
0844 412 4654seetickets.comBooking fee
Suitable for 10yrs+
New LondonTheatreDrury Lane WC2
WarHorse���������Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday,Sunday Express, SundayTimes, The Times, Time Out
‘Exhilarating!It makes yourejoice to be alive.’The Times
‘Pure animalmagic.’Daily Mail
‘Astonishing.’Time Out
National Theatre’s family smash hitarrives in the West End
Presented by the NationalTheatre and National Angels
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SBBS09 Side2 7/4/09 14:58 Page 2
BFI IMAXAge 5+
Watch the latestHollywood movies insuper-size and 3D – thescreen is a whopping 20metres high! Summerhighlights include‘Monsters vs Aliens 3D’(April); ‘Star Trek’ (fromMay 8); ‘Transformers’(from June 26); and ‘HarryPotter and the Half-BloodPrince’ (late summer).1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,SE1 8XR (0870 7872525). Times, prices vary.
BeachAll ages
When the tide is out,there are spots whereyou can get on to the ‘beach’ and evenmake sand sculptures!The best stretch is infront of Gabriel’s Wharfand Oxo Tower Wharf,but check tide timesfirst (www.pla.co.uk).
London RIB VoyagesAll ages
Great for teens, thishigh-speed 50-minuteround trip from the Eye to Canary Wharf is an exciting zip downthe river in true JamesBond style. London Eye MillenniumPier, SE1 7PB (0207928 8933). £32.50,under-16s £19.50.Booking essential.
Places to visitSouth BankStroll along the river to encounter a hostof delights that will enchant all ages
Take a break Pit stopsA host of family-friendly eating optionshave sprung up in the area recently
Shop South Bank
Shop Bankside
BFI SouthbankAge 5+
Monthly Family Fun Daysand special Parent &Toddler/Baby screenings.Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT(020 7928 3232). Timesand prices vary.
The Dali UniverseAge 5+
Sculptures, etchings and watercolours by theSpanish surrealist. County Hall, SE1 7PB(020 7620 2720). Daily10am-5.30pm. £14,concs £12, children from£7, under-sevens free.
Old VicAge 11+
Persuade teens to enjoyShakespeare with EthanHawke in ‘The Winter’sTale’ (from May 23).The Cut, SE1 8NB (0870 060 6628).
London BridgeExperience and The London TombsAge 7+ (11+ London Tombs)
Visitors take a tourthrough numerous sets,meeting various charactersand helping them searchfor their misplaced heads.Each has their own creepystory; help them teardown the old Vikingbridge, and apply to be‘Keeper of the Heads’. This Easter’s specialactivity, The Easter HeadHunt, will amuse the kids.2-4 Tooley St, SE1 2PF
‘In the Far Off Time: TheLondon of Shakespeareand Co’ is a guided walk that leaves fromMonument tube (FishStreet Hill exit). Suitablefor families, especially teenagers who are doingShakespeare at school.Fish Street Hill, EC3R 6BR (020 7624 3978).Mon 10am. £7, under-15s with adult free.
Shakespeare’s GlobeAge 8+
Learn about the Bard’slife – including thecostumes and music ofthe time – in a guidedtour and exhibition. Thisyear’s season (April toOctober) features‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘AsYou Like It’, ‘Troilus andCressida’ and ‘Love’sLabour’s Lost’, withspecial Child’s Playsessions (£12.50) wherechildren aged eight to 11can join workshopsthemed around the playsand even sneak in as‘groundlings’ for part of a matinee performance.21 New Globe Walk,SE1 9DT (020 79021400). Daily 10am-5pm(Oct-Apr), 9am-5pm (May-early Oct); £10.50, concs£8.50, children £6.50.
Golden HindeAge 5-11
This replica of Sir FrancisDrake’s 16th-century shipis a delight. There’s plentyof nautical fun to be had;for an unforgettableexperience, book thefamily on a summersleepover (£39.99 perperson) or have a partythere. See box above fordetails of workshops oroverleaf for its FamilyPirate Fun Festival.St Mary Overie Dock,Cathedral St, SE1 9DE(020 7403 0123). Daily 10am-5pm; £6,concs/children £4.50.
MudlarkingAge 5+ (with an adult)
All manner ofcenturies-old findshave been made onthe muddy banks ofthe Thames. If youwant to explore theforeshore check thetide times at the Portof London Authority(www.pla.co.uk).Steps just belowShakespeare’s Globe.
River tripsAll ages
Regular boat servicesrun daily. From LondonEye Millennium Pierhead east towardsGreenwich andbeyond. Services atBankside Pier link you with piers east toWoolwich Arsenal andwest to Tate Britain. www.tfl.gov.uk.
THE RIVER
South BankThere are lots of places toeat here. Canteen(Southbank Centre Square,Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX,0845 686 1122) servesBritish fare, while theterrace in front of theRoyal Festival Hall hasGiraffe (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 79282004) with global foodand a kids’ menu, andStrada (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 7401 9126)for pasta and pizza. Trydim sum at Ping Pong
(Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX,020 7960 4160) or enjoyhot food or sarnies atbenugo@BFI (BelvedereRd, SE1 8XT, 020 74019000), with a kids’ menu.
Tate ModernAll ages
The old power stationwith its huge turbine hall is geared up forfamilies. Start (Sat &Sun, plus schoolholidays exceptMondays, 11am-5pm)provides a pack ofgames for the over-fives,and the UBS OpeningsFamily Zone on Level 3includes art games forchildren. The exhibitionsalso have kids’ audiotours; the summer showis ‘Futurism’, featuringwork by Picasso andDuchamp. Bankside, SE1 9TG,020 7887 8888. Mon-Thur, Sun 10am-6pm. Fri, Sat10am- 10pm. Freeexcept for majorexhibitions.
Places to visitBanksideBig in Elizabethan times, experience themodern buzz of this ancient area
At Gabriel’s Wharf (56Upper Ground, SE1 9PP),there’s The GourmetPizza Co (020 79283188), House of Crepes(020 7401 9816) andMediterranean restaurantRiviera (020 7401 7314).In the Oxo Tower itself(Barge House St, SE19PH), you have CaffèAlba with panini and icecreams or, for a real treat, the OXO TowerRestaurant (020 78033888) with its river views.The Young Vic does goodfood, too (66 The Cut, SE18LZ, 020 7928 4400).
BanksideFoodie heaven BoroughMarket has become a toptourist destination. OnSaturdays it gets toocrammed to negotiate by11am, but if you arrive at9am when stalls open youcan pick up some tastytreats. There are family-friendly options in the area
National TheatreAge 10+
Older kids will enjoy thehour-plus backstage tour.Teenagers can claim freetickets with Entry Pass.Upper Ground, SE1 9PX(020 7452 3000). Toursdaily, times vary. £5.90,children/concs £4.90.
SEA LIFE LondonAquariumAll ages
The new-look aquariumhas a glass tunnel tropicalwalkway, feeding talks anda scary shark finale…County Hall, Queen’s Walk,SE1 7PB (020 7967 8000).Daily 10am-5pm (6pmweekends, school hols);£15.25, children £11.25.
Southbank CentreAge 5+
The complex comprisesthe Royal Festival Hall,Queen Elizabeth Hall,Purcell Room and The
if you want to sit down:Wagamama noodle bar(1 Clink St, SE1 9BU,020 7403 3659),Nando’s (215-217 ClinkSt, SE1 9DG, 020 73578662) and a PizzaExpress on the river(Bankside, SE1 9DS,020 7401 3977). If youhave fidgety children, trythe speedy and informalLeon (7 Canvey St, SE19AN, 020 7620 0035),or The Table (88Southwark St, SE1 0HX,020 7401 2760) forsoups and risottos. Thesuperb Café 2 at TateModern (Bankside, SE19TG, 020 7401 5014),has a junior menu andcrayons (look out for‘kids eat free’ deals atthe Tate’s restaurants).Or Southwark CathedralRefectory (LondonBridge, SE1 9DA, 0207407 5740) has soups,sandwiches and cakes.
Family days‘We’ve come for awalk down the riverand to see the sights.Then we’re going toget ice cream’ Fredrik (5) and his parents
Florence NightingaleMuseumAge 5+
A small museum aboutthe Crimean War nurse.There are free trails forkids over five and plenty of hands-on activities.St Thomas’ Hospital, 2Lambeth Palace Rd, SE17EW (020 7620 0374).Daily 10am-5pm; £5.80,concs and children £4.80.
gallery@oxoAll ages
Exhibitions at this riversidegallery are free, so it’salways worth a look: kidswill enjoy shows such asRoger Hooper’s animalphotos (12-28 June). Oxo Tower Wharf, BargeHouse St, SE1 9PH (020 7021 1686). Daily11am-6pm; free.
London Eye Age 5+
Take a trip on a 30-minute‘flight’ and get a bird’s-eyeview of London – on a clearday you can see 40km.Beside Westminster BridgeRd, SE1 7PB (0870 5000600). Open daily, timesvary. £15.50, children£7.75, under-4s free.
Family days‘We’ve been to TateModern. We also lovewalking over thebridge and looking atthe river’ AminaBegum with Nasima(4), Halima (3) andMomena (6)
HOTELS
South BankAt County Hall, thePremier Inn (0870990 6402) has good-value rooms; at theMarriott there (0207928 5200), a familypackage costs from£309. Under-12sstay free in the studiorooms at Park PlazaCounty Hall (0207034 4835) with‘Mini VIP’ treatmentincluding tea partiesand dressing up.Park Plaza Riverbank(020 7958 8000) isa little further south.
BanksideIn Southwark,Express by HolidayInn London (0871423 4931) andPremier Inn London(0870 990 6402) aresolid budget options.Novotel London CitySouth (020 70890400) has familyB&B rates and at the Southwark RoseHotel (020 70151480) a family roomis £150. At MercureLondon CityBankside (020 79020800) under-15s stay free.
HOLIDAYWORKSHOPSAND COURSES
At the FlorenceNightingale Museum(right) find out how touse chocolate as acure at Easter holidaydrop-in sessions (untilApril 10; free withentry). During half-term (May 23-31) kidscan create a familyportrait here. AtTopolski Century(right) kids of all agescan join Easter Animal Hunt drawingworkshops, April 7-19.Tate Modern (below)runs a free fortnightlyworkshop on Fridayscalled ‘We Are AllExperts’ for ages 15-23 (5-7pm, June 5-July 31, meet on Level3 concourse). TheGolden Hinde (below)has holiday workshopsfor 5-11s, such as atwo-hour MaritimeWorkshop (Apr 7 & 14,May 26 & 28, £8.50)about Drake and lifeon board the galleon.Also look out for theCreative Learningprojects for 8-25s atthe Old Vic (right).
‘The Scribble Book’by Herve Tullet,£7.99; Art Collectorgame, £7.34, both TateModern (020 74015167). WilliamShakespeare actionfigure, £10,Shakespeare’s Globe(020 7902 1400).Cheeky cutlery, £10(set of 4); Rainbownecklace, £14; bothOliver Bonas (0207928 6419).‘Pirateology’ byDugald Steer (includes model ship),£12.99, Golden Hinde(020 7403 0123).
Hayward. Family eventsinclude kids’ rock groupDan Zanes & Friends(Apr 10-13), the SimónBolívar Youth Orchestraof Venezuela (Apr 14-18)and ‘Peter and the Wolf’(May 8).Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX(0871 663 2500).
Topolski CenturyAge 13+
Under the railway archesis Polish artist FeliksTopolski’s huge mural. 150-152 HungerfordBridge Arch, SE1 8XU(020 7620 1275). Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun12noon-6pm; free.
Young VicAge 3-5
Fevered Sleep presents‘Brilliant’ on July 15-18. 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ(020 7922 2922).
SEA LIFELondon Aquarium
National Theatre
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SBBS09 Side2 7/4/09 14:58 Page 2
BFI IMAXAge 5+
Watch the latestHollywood movies insuper-size and 3D – thescreen is a whopping 20metres high! Summerhighlights include‘Monsters vs Aliens 3D’(April); ‘Star Trek’ (fromMay 8); ‘Transformers’(from June 26); and ‘HarryPotter and the Half-BloodPrince’ (late summer).1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,SE1 8XR (0870 7872525). Times, prices vary.
BeachAll ages
When the tide is out,there are spots whereyou can get on to the ‘beach’ and evenmake sand sculptures!The best stretch is infront of Gabriel’s Wharfand Oxo Tower Wharf,but check tide timesfirst (www.pla.co.uk).
London RIB VoyagesAll ages
Great for teens, thishigh-speed 50-minuteround trip from the Eye to Canary Wharf is an exciting zip downthe river in true JamesBond style. London Eye MillenniumPier, SE1 7PB (0207928 8933). £32.50,under-16s £19.50.Booking essential.
Places to visitSouth BankStroll along the river to encounter a hostof delights that will enchant all ages
Take a break Pit stopsA host of family-friendly eating optionshave sprung up in the area recently
Shop South Bank
Shop Bankside
BFI SouthbankAge 5+
Monthly Family Fun Daysand special Parent &Toddler/Baby screenings.Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT(020 7928 3232). Timesand prices vary.
The Dali UniverseAge 5+
Sculptures, etchings and watercolours by theSpanish surrealist. County Hall, SE1 7PB(020 7620 2720). Daily10am-5.30pm. £14,concs £12, children from£7, under-sevens free.
Old VicAge 11+
Persuade teens to enjoyShakespeare with EthanHawke in ‘The Winter’sTale’ (from May 23).The Cut, SE1 8NB (0870 060 6628).
London BridgeExperience and The London TombsAge 7+ (11+ London Tombs)
Visitors take a tourthrough numerous sets,meeting various charactersand helping them searchfor their misplaced heads.Each has their own creepystory; help them teardown the old Vikingbridge, and apply to be‘Keeper of the Heads’. This Easter’s specialactivity, The Easter HeadHunt, will amuse the kids.2-4 Tooley St, SE1 2PF
‘In the Far Off Time: TheLondon of Shakespeareand Co’ is a guided walk that leaves fromMonument tube (FishStreet Hill exit). Suitablefor families, especially teenagers who are doingShakespeare at school.Fish Street Hill, EC3R 6BR (020 7624 3978).Mon 10am. £7, under-15s with adult free.
Shakespeare’s GlobeAge 8+
Learn about the Bard’slife – including thecostumes and music ofthe time – in a guidedtour and exhibition. Thisyear’s season (April toOctober) features‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘AsYou Like It’, ‘Troilus andCressida’ and ‘Love’sLabour’s Lost’, withspecial Child’s Playsessions (£12.50) wherechildren aged eight to 11can join workshopsthemed around the playsand even sneak in as‘groundlings’ for part of a matinee performance.21 New Globe Walk,SE1 9DT (020 79021400). Daily 10am-5pm(Oct-Apr), 9am-5pm (May-early Oct); £10.50, concs£8.50, children £6.50.
Golden HindeAge 5-11
This replica of Sir FrancisDrake’s 16th-century shipis a delight. There’s plentyof nautical fun to be had;for an unforgettableexperience, book thefamily on a summersleepover (£39.99 perperson) or have a partythere. See box above fordetails of workshops oroverleaf for its FamilyPirate Fun Festival.St Mary Overie Dock,Cathedral St, SE1 9DE(020 7403 0123). Daily 10am-5pm; £6,concs/children £4.50.
MudlarkingAge 5+ (with an adult)
All manner ofcenturies-old findshave been made onthe muddy banks ofthe Thames. If youwant to explore theforeshore check thetide times at the Portof London Authority(www.pla.co.uk).Steps just belowShakespeare’s Globe.
River tripsAll ages
Regular boat servicesrun daily. From LondonEye Millennium Pierhead east towardsGreenwich andbeyond. Services atBankside Pier link you with piers east toWoolwich Arsenal andwest to Tate Britain. www.tfl.gov.uk.
THE RIVER
South BankThere are lots of places toeat here. Canteen(Southbank Centre Square,Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX,0845 686 1122) servesBritish fare, while theterrace in front of theRoyal Festival Hall hasGiraffe (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 79282004) with global foodand a kids’ menu, andStrada (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 7401 9126)for pasta and pizza. Trydim sum at Ping Pong
(Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX,020 7960 4160) or enjoyhot food or sarnies atbenugo@BFI (BelvedereRd, SE1 8XT, 020 74019000), with a kids’ menu.
Tate ModernAll ages
The old power stationwith its huge turbine hall is geared up forfamilies. Start (Sat &Sun, plus schoolholidays exceptMondays, 11am-5pm)provides a pack ofgames for the over-fives,and the UBS OpeningsFamily Zone on Level 3includes art games forchildren. The exhibitionsalso have kids’ audiotours; the summer showis ‘Futurism’, featuringwork by Picasso andDuchamp. Bankside, SE1 9TG,020 7887 8888. Mon-Thur, Sun 10am-6pm. Fri, Sat10am- 10pm. Freeexcept for majorexhibitions.
Places to visitBanksideBig in Elizabethan times, experience themodern buzz of this ancient area
At Gabriel’s Wharf (56Upper Ground, SE1 9PP),there’s The GourmetPizza Co (020 79283188), House of Crepes(020 7401 9816) andMediterranean restaurantRiviera (020 7401 7314).In the Oxo Tower itself(Barge House St, SE19PH), you have CaffèAlba with panini and icecreams or, for a real treat, the OXO TowerRestaurant (020 78033888) with its river views.The Young Vic does goodfood, too (66 The Cut, SE18LZ, 020 7928 4400).
BanksideFoodie heaven BoroughMarket has become a toptourist destination. OnSaturdays it gets toocrammed to negotiate by11am, but if you arrive at9am when stalls open youcan pick up some tastytreats. There are family-friendly options in the area
National TheatreAge 10+
Older kids will enjoy thehour-plus backstage tour.Teenagers can claim freetickets with Entry Pass.Upper Ground, SE1 9PX(020 7452 3000). Toursdaily, times vary. £5.90,children/concs £4.90.
SEA LIFE LondonAquariumAll ages
The new-look aquariumhas a glass tunnel tropicalwalkway, feeding talks anda scary shark finale…County Hall, Queen’s Walk,SE1 7PB (020 7967 8000).Daily 10am-5pm (6pmweekends, school hols);£15.25, children £11.25.
Southbank CentreAge 5+
The complex comprisesthe Royal Festival Hall,Queen Elizabeth Hall,Purcell Room and The
if you want to sit down:Wagamama noodle bar(1 Clink St, SE1 9BU,020 7403 3659),Nando’s (215-217 ClinkSt, SE1 9DG, 020 73578662) and a PizzaExpress on the river(Bankside, SE1 9DS,020 7401 3977). If youhave fidgety children, trythe speedy and informalLeon (7 Canvey St, SE19AN, 020 7620 0035),or The Table (88Southwark St, SE1 0HX,020 7401 2760) forsoups and risottos. Thesuperb Café 2 at TateModern (Bankside, SE19TG, 020 7401 5014),has a junior menu andcrayons (look out for‘kids eat free’ deals atthe Tate’s restaurants).Or Southwark CathedralRefectory (LondonBridge, SE1 9DA, 0207407 5740) has soups,sandwiches and cakes.
Family days‘We’ve come for awalk down the riverand to see the sights.Then we’re going toget ice cream’ Fredrik (5) and his parents
Florence NightingaleMuseumAge 5+
A small museum aboutthe Crimean War nurse.There are free trails forkids over five and plenty of hands-on activities.St Thomas’ Hospital, 2Lambeth Palace Rd, SE17EW (020 7620 0374).Daily 10am-5pm; £5.80,concs and children £4.80.
gallery@oxoAll ages
Exhibitions at this riversidegallery are free, so it’salways worth a look: kidswill enjoy shows such asRoger Hooper’s animalphotos (12-28 June). Oxo Tower Wharf, BargeHouse St, SE1 9PH (020 7021 1686). Daily11am-6pm; free.
London Eye Age 5+
Take a trip on a 30-minute‘flight’ and get a bird’s-eyeview of London – on a clearday you can see 40km.Beside Westminster BridgeRd, SE1 7PB (0870 5000600). Open daily, timesvary. £15.50, children£7.75, under-4s free.
Family days‘We’ve been to TateModern. We also lovewalking over thebridge and looking atthe river’ AminaBegum with Nasima(4), Halima (3) andMomena (6)
HOTELS
South BankAt County Hall, thePremier Inn (0870990 6402) has good-value rooms; at theMarriott there (0207928 5200), a familypackage costs from£309. Under-12sstay free in the studiorooms at Park PlazaCounty Hall (0207034 4835) with‘Mini VIP’ treatmentincluding tea partiesand dressing up.Park Plaza Riverbank(020 7958 8000) isa little further south.
BanksideIn Southwark,Express by HolidayInn London (0871423 4931) andPremier Inn London(0870 990 6402) aresolid budget options.Novotel London CitySouth (020 70890400) has familyB&B rates and at the Southwark RoseHotel (020 70151480) a family roomis £150. At MercureLondon CityBankside (020 79020800) under-15s stay free.
HOLIDAYWORKSHOPSAND COURSES
At the FlorenceNightingale Museum(right) find out how touse chocolate as acure at Easter holidaydrop-in sessions (untilApril 10; free withentry). During half-term (May 23-31) kidscan create a familyportrait here. AtTopolski Century(right) kids of all agescan join Easter Animal Hunt drawingworkshops, April 7-19.Tate Modern (below)runs a free fortnightlyworkshop on Fridayscalled ‘We Are AllExperts’ for ages 15-23 (5-7pm, June 5-July 31, meet on Level3 concourse). TheGolden Hinde (below)has holiday workshopsfor 5-11s, such as atwo-hour MaritimeWorkshop (Apr 7 & 14,May 26 & 28, £8.50)about Drake and lifeon board the galleon.Also look out for theCreative Learningprojects for 8-25s atthe Old Vic (right).
‘The Scribble Book’by Herve Tullet,£7.99; Art Collectorgame, £7.34, both TateModern (020 74015167). WilliamShakespeare actionfigure, £10,Shakespeare’s Globe(020 7902 1400).Cheeky cutlery, £10(set of 4); Rainbownecklace, £14; bothOliver Bonas (0207928 6419).‘Pirateology’ byDugald Steer (includes model ship),£12.99, Golden Hinde(020 7403 0123).
Hayward. Family eventsinclude kids’ rock groupDan Zanes & Friends(Apr 10-13), the SimónBolívar Youth Orchestraof Venezuela (Apr 14-18)and ‘Peter and the Wolf’(May 8).Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX(0871 663 2500).
Topolski CenturyAge 13+
Under the railway archesis Polish artist FeliksTopolski’s huge mural. 150-152 HungerfordBridge Arch, SE1 8XU(020 7620 1275). Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun12noon-6pm; free.
Young VicAge 3-5
Fevered Sleep presents‘Brilliant’ on July 15-18. 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ(020 7922 2922).
SEA LIFELondon Aquarium
National Theatre
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mimics your movements.1.30pm Find theFerryman’s Seat in BearGardens, where ferrymenonce waited for fares.2pm Kids who like gorewill enjoy the LondonBridge Experience.Under-8s can play pirateson the Golden Hinde.4pm See funky new art atthe Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre (73Southwark Bridge Rd,SE1 0NQ, 020 74038495) or check out TateModern’s art activities.5pm End with a sweettreat from SouthwarkCathedral Refectory.
Explore South BankPack in a full day’s entertainment for thekids on and around the river
10am Take the first‘flight’ of the day on theLondon Eye, before theriverside gets really busy.10.45am Juice on theFestival Terrace in front ofthe Royal Festival Hall.11am Explore thegigantic installations of The Hayward’s ‘Walkingin my Mind’ exhibition (June 23-Sept 9). In thesummer months getsoaked in the fountains ofJeppe Hein’s ‘AppearingRooms’ water sculptureon Riverside Terrace atthe Royal Festival Hall.12.30pm Lunch at one of the many cafés andrestaurants on the South
The artsBargehouse 22Dali Universe 4gallery@oxo 22The Hayward,Southbank Centre 11National Theatre 18The Old Vic 16Queen Elizabeth Hall/Purcell Room, SouthbankCentre 12Royal Festival Hall,Southbank Centre 10Topolski Century 9Young Vic 17 CinemasBFI IMAX 15BFI Southbank 19
AttractionsBernie Spain Gardens 21Florence NightingaleMuseum 2Gabriel’s Wharf 20 Golden Carousel 8Jubilee Gardens 6 London Eye 5London Eye River Cruises 7 London RIB Voyages 7Oxo Tower Wharf 22QEH Undercroft 13SEA LIFE London Aquarium 4Shops & restaurantsbenugo@BFI 19 Caffè Alba 22Canteen 10
Ganesha 20Giraffe 10The Gourmet Pizza Co 20House of Crepes 20 j-me 22Locomocean 22OXO Tower Restaurant 22 Ping Pong 14Riviera 20Southbank Centre Shop 10Strada 10 The Cut Restaurant,Young Vic 17HotelsMarriott County Hall 4Park Plaza County Hall 3 Park Plaza Riverbank 1 Premier Inn County Hall 4
The artsIn Situ, Jerwood Space 40Light Sculpture 42 Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre 41Tate Modern 27 AttractionsFerryman’s Seat 30 Golden Hinde 35 London Bridge Experience 38London Walks’ Bankside Walk Start (Fish Street Hill) 39 Shakespeare’s Globe 28Southwark Cathedral 36
Shops, markets & restaurantsBankside Mix 26Borough Market 37Café2 at Tate Modern 27 Leon 26Nando’s 34Oliver Bonas 26Pizza Express 29 Southwark CathedralRefectory 36The Table 24Tate Modern Shop 27Wagamama 34HotelsExpress by Holiday InnLondon Southwark 23
Mercure London City Bankside 25Novotel London City South 32Premier Inn LondonSouthwark 33 Southwark Rose Hotel 31
This is a product of Time Out Brand Solutions, Contact 020 7813 6008.
Teenagers love the 3D thrill of IMAX, kids neverforget a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, and toddlersadore the free space of Tate Modern’s Turbine Halland the Millennium Bridge, but the stretch south ofthe Thames running between Lambeth and LondonBridges has so much more to offer under-18s – andthat’s before you even get on to the river itself…From theatre workshops for teenagers to the chancefor three-year-olds to sample their first dim sum,from free live music to interactive outdoor art,the whole family can enjoy the ever-changingprogramme of entertainment that South Bank and Bankside have to offer throughout the year.
Welcome to South Bankand BanksideUse this guide to plan an unforgettablefamily weekend by the Thames
Enjoy Festivals andspecial events
OUTSIDESPACES
Children love playingon the sculptures atGabriel’s Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19PP), there’s aplayground foryounger kids at grassyJubilee Gardens(South Bank, SE17XZ) and there’s lotsof skateboarding andfree running action atQEH Undercroft,just off the ThamesPath underneathQueen Elizabeth Hall(Southbank Centre,SE1 8XX). For a morerestful time, there arelawns at BernieSpain Gardens byOxo Tower Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19EH), at SouthwarkCathedral Garden(London Bridge, SE19DA) and at TateModern NorthLandscape(Bankside, SE1 9TG).
9am Borough Market.10am Spot the art: lookfor works curated byyoung people (workingwith the Street Geniusproject). Find ‘In Situ’outside the JerwoodSpace at 171 UnionStreet, and then walk tothe ‘Smarties’ lightsculpture under the bridge
Explore BanksideA day of funky art, gory history and greatfood in London’s Elizabethan quarter
The Globe’s celebration offounder Sam Wanamaker’sbirthday, with free events.(020 7902 1400)
July 1-September 27National Theatre:Watch This SpaceAll ages
Family-friendly alfrescotheatre, circus, dance and music, all free.(020 7452 3400)
on Southwark Street.12noon Lunch break:buy takeaway sarnies,salads, pasta or sushifrom the many places atBankside Mix (on andbehind Southwark Street)and eat them on thestone benches there. 1pm In Sumner Street,by the Blue Fin Building,check out animatronicstatue ‘Monument to theUnknown Artist’, which
Bank, or bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.2.15pm Take the LondonEye River Cruise from theMillennium Pier down theThames, for 40 minutes of relaxation and a livecommentary taking inLondon sights including
‘I’ve come with my parents to take photos for my A-level inPhotography’ Lottie (16) and her parents
‘We’ve come down for the weekend. We enjoy a walk down theriver – the atmosphere is just great’ The Roule family
‘Walking in my Mind’Street Genius
Light sculpture
Win fab prizes!Visit www.southbanklondon.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a twonight family getaway at Park Plaza CountyHall, plus tickets to the SEA LIFELondon Aquarium,Dan Zane gig ticketsand lots more.
Win fab prizes!Visit www.visitbankside.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a onenight family stay at Novotel LondonCity South, GoldenHinde Pirate Fun Daytickets, a Wagamamalunch and cookbookand lots more.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Big Ben and St Paul’s.Or take a stroll among thefish through the amazingnew glass walkway at theSEA LIFE London Aquarium.4pm A ride on the GoldenCarousel (by the GoldenJubilee Bridges) and anice cream to end the day.
mimics your movements.1.30pm Find theFerryman’s Seat in BearGardens, where ferrymenonce waited for fares.2pm Kids who like gorewill enjoy the LondonBridge Experience.Under-8s can play pirateson the Golden Hinde.4pm See funky new art atthe Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre (73Southwark Bridge Rd,SE1 0NQ, 020 74038495) or check out TateModern’s art activities.5pm End with a sweettreat from SouthwarkCathedral Refectory.
Explore South BankPack in a full day’s entertainment for thekids on and around the river
10am Take the first‘flight’ of the day on theLondon Eye, before theriverside gets really busy.10.45am Juice on theFestival Terrace in front ofthe Royal Festival Hall.11am Explore thegigantic installations of The Hayward’s ‘Walkingin my Mind’ exhibition (June 23-Sept 9). In thesummer months getsoaked in the fountains ofJeppe Hein’s ‘AppearingRooms’ water sculptureon Riverside Terrace atthe Royal Festival Hall.12.30pm Lunch at one of the many cafés andrestaurants on the South
The artsBargehouse 22Dali Universe 4gallery@oxo 22The Hayward,Southbank Centre 11National Theatre 18The Old Vic 16Queen Elizabeth Hall/Purcell Room, SouthbankCentre 12Royal Festival Hall,Southbank Centre 10Topolski Century 9Young Vic 17 CinemasBFI IMAX 15BFI Southbank 19
AttractionsBernie Spain Gardens 21Florence NightingaleMuseum 2Gabriel’s Wharf 20 Golden Carousel 8Jubilee Gardens 6 London Eye 5London Eye River Cruises 7 London RIB Voyages 7Oxo Tower Wharf 22QEH Undercroft 13SEA LIFE London Aquarium 4Shops & restaurantsbenugo@BFI 19 Caffè Alba 22Canteen 10
Ganesha 20Giraffe 10The Gourmet Pizza Co 20House of Crepes 20 j-me 22Locomocean 22OXO Tower Restaurant 22 Ping Pong 14Riviera 20Southbank Centre Shop 10Strada 10 The Cut Restaurant,Young Vic 17HotelsMarriott County Hall 4Park Plaza County Hall 3 Park Plaza Riverbank 1 Premier Inn County Hall 4
The artsIn Situ, Jerwood Space 40Light Sculpture 42 Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre 41Tate Modern 27 AttractionsFerryman’s Seat 30 Golden Hinde 35 London Bridge Experience 38London Walks’ Bankside Walk Start (Fish Street Hill) 39 Shakespeare’s Globe 28Southwark Cathedral 36
Shops, markets & restaurantsBankside Mix 26Borough Market 37Café2 at Tate Modern 27 Leon 26Nando’s 34Oliver Bonas 26Pizza Express 29 Southwark CathedralRefectory 36The Table 24Tate Modern Shop 27Wagamama 34HotelsExpress by Holiday InnLondon Southwark 23
Mercure London City Bankside 25Novotel London City South 32Premier Inn LondonSouthwark 33 Southwark Rose Hotel 31
This is a product of Time Out Brand Solutions, Contact 020 7813 6008.
Teenagers love the 3D thrill of IMAX, kids neverforget a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, and toddlersadore the free space of Tate Modern’s Turbine Halland the Millennium Bridge, but the stretch south ofthe Thames running between Lambeth and LondonBridges has so much more to offer under-18s – andthat’s before you even get on to the river itself…From theatre workshops for teenagers to the chancefor three-year-olds to sample their first dim sum,from free live music to interactive outdoor art,the whole family can enjoy the ever-changingprogramme of entertainment that South Bank and Bankside have to offer throughout the year.
Welcome to South Bankand BanksideUse this guide to plan an unforgettablefamily weekend by the Thames
Enjoy Festivals andspecial events
OUTSIDESPACES
Children love playingon the sculptures atGabriel’s Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19PP), there’s aplayground foryounger kids at grassyJubilee Gardens(South Bank, SE17XZ) and there’s lotsof skateboarding andfree running action atQEH Undercroft,just off the ThamesPath underneathQueen Elizabeth Hall(Southbank Centre,SE1 8XX). For a morerestful time, there arelawns at BernieSpain Gardens byOxo Tower Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19EH), at SouthwarkCathedral Garden(London Bridge, SE19DA) and at TateModern NorthLandscape(Bankside, SE1 9TG).
9am Borough Market.10am Spot the art: lookfor works curated byyoung people (workingwith the Street Geniusproject). Find ‘In Situ’outside the JerwoodSpace at 171 UnionStreet, and then walk tothe ‘Smarties’ lightsculpture under the bridge
Explore BanksideA day of funky art, gory history and greatfood in London’s Elizabethan quarter
The Globe’s celebration offounder Sam Wanamaker’sbirthday, with free events.(020 7902 1400)
July 1-September 27National Theatre:Watch This SpaceAll ages
Family-friendly alfrescotheatre, circus, dance and music, all free.(020 7452 3400)
on Southwark Street.12noon Lunch break:buy takeaway sarnies,salads, pasta or sushifrom the many places atBankside Mix (on andbehind Southwark Street)and eat them on thestone benches there. 1pm In Sumner Street,by the Blue Fin Building,check out animatronicstatue ‘Monument to theUnknown Artist’, which
Bank, or bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.2.15pm Take the LondonEye River Cruise from theMillennium Pier down theThames, for 40 minutes of relaxation and a livecommentary taking inLondon sights including
‘I’ve come with my parents to take photos for my A-level inPhotography’ Lottie (16) and her parents
‘We’ve come down for the weekend. We enjoy a walk down theriver – the atmosphere is just great’ The Roule family
‘Walking in my Mind’Street Genius
Light sculpture
Win fab prizes!Visit www.southbanklondon.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a twonight family getaway at Park Plaza CountyHall, plus tickets to the SEA LIFELondon Aquarium,Dan Zane gig ticketsand lots more.
Win fab prizes!Visit www.visitbankside.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a onenight family stay at Novotel LondonCity South, GoldenHinde Pirate Fun Daytickets, a Wagamamalunch and cookbookand lots more.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Big Ben and St Paul’s.Or take a stroll among thefish through the amazingnew glass walkway at theSEA LIFE London Aquarium.4pm A ride on the GoldenCarousel (by the GoldenJubilee Bridges) and anice cream to end the day.
mimics your movements.1.30pm Find theFerryman’s Seat in BearGardens, where ferrymenonce waited for fares.2pm Kids who like gorewill enjoy the LondonBridge Experience.Under-8s can play pirateson the Golden Hinde.4pm See funky new art atthe Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre (73Southwark Bridge Rd,SE1 0NQ, 020 74038495) or check out TateModern’s art activities.5pm End with a sweettreat from SouthwarkCathedral Refectory.
Explore South BankPack in a full day’s entertainment for thekids on and around the river
10am Take the first‘flight’ of the day on theLondon Eye, before theriverside gets really busy.10.45am Juice on theFestival Terrace in front ofthe Royal Festival Hall.11am Explore thegigantic installations of The Hayward’s ‘Walkingin my Mind’ exhibition (June 23-Sept 9). In thesummer months getsoaked in the fountains ofJeppe Hein’s ‘AppearingRooms’ water sculptureon Riverside Terrace atthe Royal Festival Hall.12.30pm Lunch at one of the many cafés andrestaurants on the South
StoneyStreet
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ark
Brid
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Upper Ground
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ross
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Cornwall Road
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umB
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London EyeMillennium
Pier
Gre
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Southwark Street
Union Street
LondonBridge
The artsBargehouse 22Dali Universe 4gallery@oxo 22The Hayward,Southbank Centre 11National Theatre 18The Old Vic 16Queen Elizabeth Hall/Purcell Room, SouthbankCentre 12Royal Festival Hall,Southbank Centre 10Topolski Century 9Young Vic 17 CinemasBFI IMAX 15BFI Southbank 19
AttractionsBernie Spain Gardens 21Florence NightingaleMuseum 2Gabriel’s Wharf 20 Golden Carousel 8Jubilee Gardens 6 London Eye 5London Eye River Cruises 7 London RIB Voyages 7Oxo Tower Wharf 22QEH Undercroft 13SEA LIFE London Aquarium 4Shops & restaurantsbenugo@BFI 19 Caffè Alba 22Canteen 10
Ganesha 20Giraffe 10The Gourmet Pizza Co 20House of Crepes 20 j-me 22Locomocean 22OXO Tower Restaurant 22 Ping Pong 14Riviera 20Southbank Centre Shop 10Strada 10 The Cut Restaurant,Young Vic 17HotelsMarriott County Hall 4Park Plaza County Hall 3 Park Plaza Riverbank 1 Premier Inn County Hall 4
The artsIn Situ, Jerwood Space 40Light Sculpture 42 Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre 41Tate Modern 27 AttractionsFerryman’s Seat 30 Golden Hinde 35 London Bridge Experience 38London Walks’ Bankside Walk Start (Fish Street Hill) 39 Shakespeare’s Globe 28Southwark Cathedral 36
Shops, markets & restaurantsBankside Mix 26Borough Market 37Café2 at Tate Modern 27 Leon 26Nando’s 34Oliver Bonas 26Pizza Express 29 Southwark CathedralRefectory 36The Table 24Tate Modern Shop 27Wagamama 34HotelsExpress by Holiday InnLondon Southwark 23
Mercure London City Bankside 25Novotel London City South 32Premier Inn LondonSouthwark 33 Southwark Rose Hotel 31
This is a product of Time Out Brand Solutions, Contact 020 7813 6008.
Teenagers love the 3D thrill of IMAX, kids neverforget a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, and toddlersadore the free space of Tate Modern’s Turbine Halland the Millennium Bridge, but the stretch south ofthe Thames running between Lambeth and LondonBridges has so much more to offer under-18s – andthat’s before you even get on to the river itself…From theatre workshops for teenagers to the chancefor three-year-olds to sample their first dim sum,from free live music to interactive outdoor art,the whole family can enjoy the ever-changingprogramme of entertainment that South Bank and Bankside have to offer throughout the year.
Welcome to South Bankand BanksideUse this guide to plan an unforgettablefamily weekend by the Thames
Enjoy Festivals andspecial events
OUTSIDESPACES
Children love playingon the sculptures atGabriel’s Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19PP), there’s aplayground foryounger kids at grassyJubilee Gardens(South Bank, SE17XZ) and there’s lotsof skateboarding andfree running action atQEH Undercroft,just off the ThamesPath underneathQueen Elizabeth Hall(Southbank Centre,SE1 8XX). For a morerestful time, there arelawns at BernieSpain Gardens byOxo Tower Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19EH), at SouthwarkCathedral Garden(London Bridge, SE19DA) and at TateModern NorthLandscape(Bankside, SE1 9TG).
9am Borough Market.10am Spot the art: lookfor works curated byyoung people (workingwith the Street Geniusproject). Find ‘In Situ’outside the JerwoodSpace at 171 UnionStreet, and then walk tothe ‘Smarties’ lightsculpture under the bridge
Explore BanksideA day of funky art, gory history and greatfood in London’s Elizabethan quarter
The Globe’s celebration offounder Sam Wanamaker’sbirthday, with free events.(020 7902 1400)
July 1-September 27National Theatre:Watch This SpaceAll ages
Family-friendly alfrescotheatre, circus, dance and music, all free.(020 7452 3400)
on Southwark Street.12noon Lunch break:buy takeaway sarnies,salads, pasta or sushifrom the many places atBankside Mix (on andbehind Southwark Street)and eat them on thestone benches there. 1pm In Sumner Street,by the Blue Fin Building,check out animatronicstatue ‘Monument to theUnknown Artist’, which
Bank, or bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.2.15pm Take the LondonEye River Cruise from theMillennium Pier down theThames, for 40 minutes of relaxation and a livecommentary taking inLondon sights including
‘I’ve come with my parents to take photos for my A-level inPhotography’ Lottie (16) and her parents
‘We’ve come down for the weekend. We enjoy a walk down theriver – the atmosphere is just great’ The Roule family
‘Walking in my Mind’Street Genius
Light sculpture
Win fab prizes!Visit www.southbanklondon.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a twonight family getaway at Park Plaza CountyHall, plus tickets to the SEA LIFELondon Aquarium,Dan Zane gig ticketsand lots more.
Win fab prizes!Visit www.visitbankside.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a onenight family stay at Novotel LondonCity South, GoldenHinde Pirate Fun Daytickets, a Wagamamalunch and cookbookand lots more.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Big Ben and St Paul’s.Or take a stroll among thefish through the amazingnew glass walkway at theSEA LIFE London Aquarium.4pm A ride on the GoldenCarousel (by the GoldenJubilee Bridges) and anice cream to end the day.
mimics your movements.1.30pm Find theFerryman’s Seat in BearGardens, where ferrymenonce waited for fares.2pm Kids who like gorewill enjoy the LondonBridge Experience.Under-8s can play pirateson the Golden Hinde.4pm See funky new art atthe Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre (73Southwark Bridge Rd,SE1 0NQ, 020 74038495) or check out TateModern’s art activities.5pm End with a sweettreat from SouthwarkCathedral Refectory.
Explore South BankPack in a full day’s entertainment for thekids on and around the river
10am Take the first‘flight’ of the day on theLondon Eye, before theriverside gets really busy.10.45am Juice on theFestival Terrace in front ofthe Royal Festival Hall.11am Explore thegigantic installations of The Hayward’s ‘Walkingin my Mind’ exhibition (June 23-Sept 9). In thesummer months getsoaked in the fountains ofJeppe Hein’s ‘AppearingRooms’ water sculptureon Riverside Terrace atthe Royal Festival Hall.12.30pm Lunch at one of the many cafés andrestaurants on the South
The artsBargehouse 22Dali Universe 4gallery@oxo 22The Hayward,Southbank Centre 11National Theatre 18The Old Vic 16Queen Elizabeth Hall/Purcell Room, SouthbankCentre 12Royal Festival Hall,Southbank Centre 10Topolski Century 9Young Vic 17 CinemasBFI IMAX 15BFI Southbank 19
AttractionsBernie Spain Gardens 21Florence NightingaleMuseum 2Gabriel’s Wharf 20 Golden Carousel 8Jubilee Gardens 6 London Eye 5London Eye River Cruises 7 London RIB Voyages 7Oxo Tower Wharf 22QEH Undercroft 13SEA LIFE London Aquarium 4Shops & restaurantsbenugo@BFI 19 Caffè Alba 22Canteen 10
Ganesha 20Giraffe 10The Gourmet Pizza Co 20House of Crepes 20 j-me 22Locomocean 22OXO Tower Restaurant 22 Ping Pong 14Riviera 20Southbank Centre Shop 10Strada 10 The Cut Restaurant,Young Vic 17HotelsMarriott County Hall 4Park Plaza County Hall 3 Park Plaza Riverbank 1 Premier Inn County Hall 4
The artsIn Situ, Jerwood Space 40Light Sculpture 42 Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre 41Tate Modern 27 AttractionsFerryman’s Seat 30 Golden Hinde 35 London Bridge Experience 38London Walks’ Bankside Walk Start (Fish Street Hill) 39 Shakespeare’s Globe 28Southwark Cathedral 36
Shops, markets & restaurantsBankside Mix 26Borough Market 37Café2 at Tate Modern 27 Leon 26Nando’s 34Oliver Bonas 26Pizza Express 29 Southwark CathedralRefectory 36The Table 24Tate Modern Shop 27Wagamama 34HotelsExpress by Holiday InnLondon Southwark 23
Mercure London City Bankside 25Novotel London City South 32Premier Inn LondonSouthwark 33 Southwark Rose Hotel 31
This is a product of Time Out Brand Solutions, Contact 020 7813 6008.
Teenagers love the 3D thrill of IMAX, kids neverforget a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, and toddlersadore the free space of Tate Modern’s Turbine Halland the Millennium Bridge, but the stretch south ofthe Thames running between Lambeth and LondonBridges has so much more to offer under-18s – andthat’s before you even get on to the river itself…From theatre workshops for teenagers to the chancefor three-year-olds to sample their first dim sum,from free live music to interactive outdoor art,the whole family can enjoy the ever-changingprogramme of entertainment that South Bank and Bankside have to offer throughout the year.
Welcome to South Bankand BanksideUse this guide to plan an unforgettablefamily weekend by the Thames
Enjoy Festivals andspecial events
OUTSIDESPACES
Children love playingon the sculptures atGabriel’s Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19PP), there’s aplayground foryounger kids at grassyJubilee Gardens(South Bank, SE17XZ) and there’s lotsof skateboarding andfree running action atQEH Undercroft,just off the ThamesPath underneathQueen Elizabeth Hall(Southbank Centre,SE1 8XX). For a morerestful time, there arelawns at BernieSpain Gardens byOxo Tower Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19EH), at SouthwarkCathedral Garden(London Bridge, SE19DA) and at TateModern NorthLandscape(Bankside, SE1 9TG).
9am Borough Market.10am Spot the art: lookfor works curated byyoung people (workingwith the Street Geniusproject). Find ‘In Situ’outside the JerwoodSpace at 171 UnionStreet, and then walk tothe ‘Smarties’ lightsculpture under the bridge
Explore BanksideA day of funky art, gory history and greatfood in London’s Elizabethan quarter
The Globe’s celebration offounder Sam Wanamaker’sbirthday, with free events.(020 7902 1400)
July 1-September 27National Theatre:Watch This SpaceAll ages
Family-friendly alfrescotheatre, circus, dance and music, all free.(020 7452 3400)
on Southwark Street.12noon Lunch break:buy takeaway sarnies,salads, pasta or sushifrom the many places atBankside Mix (on andbehind Southwark Street)and eat them on thestone benches there. 1pm In Sumner Street,by the Blue Fin Building,check out animatronicstatue ‘Monument to theUnknown Artist’, which
Bank, or bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.2.15pm Take the LondonEye River Cruise from theMillennium Pier down theThames, for 40 minutes of relaxation and a livecommentary taking inLondon sights including
‘I’ve come with my parents to take photos for my A-level inPhotography’ Lottie (16) and her parents
‘We’ve come down for the weekend. We enjoy a walk down theriver – the atmosphere is just great’ The Roule family
‘Walking in my Mind’Street Genius
Light sculpture
Win fab prizes!Visit www.southbanklondon.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a twonight family getaway at Park Plaza CountyHall, plus tickets to the SEA LIFELondon Aquarium,Dan Zane gig ticketsand lots more.
Win fab prizes!Visit www.visitbankside.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a onenight family stay at Novotel LondonCity South, GoldenHinde Pirate Fun Daytickets, a Wagamamalunch and cookbookand lots more.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Big Ben and St Paul’s.Or take a stroll among thefish through the amazingnew glass walkway at theSEA LIFE London Aquarium.4pm A ride on the GoldenCarousel (by the GoldenJubilee Bridges) and anice cream to end the day.
mimics your movements.1.30pm Find theFerryman’s Seat in BearGardens, where ferrymenonce waited for fares.2pm Kids who like gorewill enjoy the LondonBridge Experience.Under-8s can play pirateson the Golden Hinde.4pm See funky new art atthe Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre (73Southwark Bridge Rd,SE1 0NQ, 020 74038495) or check out TateModern’s art activities.5pm End with a sweettreat from SouthwarkCathedral Refectory.
Explore South BankPack in a full day’s entertainment for thekids on and around the river
10am Take the first‘flight’ of the day on theLondon Eye, before theriverside gets really busy.10.45am Juice on theFestival Terrace in front ofthe Royal Festival Hall.11am Explore thegigantic installations of The Hayward’s ‘Walkingin my Mind’ exhibition (June 23-Sept 9). In thesummer months getsoaked in the fountains ofJeppe Hein’s ‘AppearingRooms’ water sculptureon Riverside Terrace atthe Royal Festival Hall.12.30pm Lunch at one of the many cafés andrestaurants on the South
The artsBargehouse 22Dali Universe 4gallery@oxo 22The Hayward,Southbank Centre 11National Theatre 18The Old Vic 16Queen Elizabeth Hall/Purcell Room, SouthbankCentre 12Royal Festival Hall,Southbank Centre 10Topolski Century 9Young Vic 17 CinemasBFI IMAX 15BFI Southbank 19
AttractionsBernie Spain Gardens 21Florence NightingaleMuseum 2Gabriel’s Wharf 20 Golden Carousel 8Jubilee Gardens 6 London Eye 5London Eye River Cruises 7 London RIB Voyages 7Oxo Tower Wharf 22QEH Undercroft 13SEA LIFE London Aquarium 4Shops & restaurantsbenugo@BFI 19 Caffè Alba 22Canteen 10
Ganesha 20Giraffe 10The Gourmet Pizza Co 20House of Crepes 20 j-me 22Locomocean 22OXO Tower Restaurant 22 Ping Pong 14Riviera 20Southbank Centre Shop 10Strada 10 The Cut Restaurant,Young Vic 17HotelsMarriott County Hall 4Park Plaza County Hall 3 Park Plaza Riverbank 1 Premier Inn County Hall 4
The artsIn Situ, Jerwood Space 40Light Sculpture 42 Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre 41Tate Modern 27 AttractionsFerryman’s Seat 30 Golden Hinde 35 London Bridge Experience 38London Walks’ Bankside Walk Start (Fish Street Hill) 39 Shakespeare’s Globe 28Southwark Cathedral 36
Shops, markets & restaurantsBankside Mix 26Borough Market 37Café2 at Tate Modern 27 Leon 26Nando’s 34Oliver Bonas 26Pizza Express 29 Southwark CathedralRefectory 36The Table 24Tate Modern Shop 27Wagamama 34HotelsExpress by Holiday InnLondon Southwark 23
Mercure London City Bankside 25Novotel London City South 32Premier Inn LondonSouthwark 33 Southwark Rose Hotel 31
This is a product of Time Out Brand Solutions, Contact 020 7813 6008.
Teenagers love the 3D thrill of IMAX, kids neverforget a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, and toddlersadore the free space of Tate Modern’s Turbine Halland the Millennium Bridge, but the stretch south ofthe Thames running between Lambeth and LondonBridges has so much more to offer under-18s – andthat’s before you even get on to the river itself…From theatre workshops for teenagers to the chancefor three-year-olds to sample their first dim sum,from free live music to interactive outdoor art,the whole family can enjoy the ever-changingprogramme of entertainment that South Bank and Bankside have to offer throughout the year.
Welcome to South Bankand BanksideUse this guide to plan an unforgettablefamily weekend by the Thames
Enjoy Festivals andspecial events
OUTSIDESPACES
Children love playingon the sculptures atGabriel’s Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19PP), there’s aplayground foryounger kids at grassyJubilee Gardens(South Bank, SE17XZ) and there’s lotsof skateboarding andfree running action atQEH Undercroft,just off the ThamesPath underneathQueen Elizabeth Hall(Southbank Centre,SE1 8XX). For a morerestful time, there arelawns at BernieSpain Gardens byOxo Tower Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19EH), at SouthwarkCathedral Garden(London Bridge, SE19DA) and at TateModern NorthLandscape(Bankside, SE1 9TG).
9am Borough Market.10am Spot the art: lookfor works curated byyoung people (workingwith the Street Geniusproject). Find ‘In Situ’outside the JerwoodSpace at 171 UnionStreet, and then walk tothe ‘Smarties’ lightsculpture under the bridge
Explore BanksideA day of funky art, gory history and greatfood in London’s Elizabethan quarter
The Globe’s celebration offounder Sam Wanamaker’sbirthday, with free events.(020 7902 1400)
July 1-September 27National Theatre:Watch This SpaceAll ages
Family-friendly alfrescotheatre, circus, dance and music, all free.(020 7452 3400)
on Southwark Street.12noon Lunch break:buy takeaway sarnies,salads, pasta or sushifrom the many places atBankside Mix (on andbehind Southwark Street)and eat them on thestone benches there. 1pm In Sumner Street,by the Blue Fin Building,check out animatronicstatue ‘Monument to theUnknown Artist’, which
Bank, or bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.2.15pm Take the LondonEye River Cruise from theMillennium Pier down theThames, for 40 minutes of relaxation and a livecommentary taking inLondon sights including
‘I’ve come with my parents to take photos for my A-level inPhotography’ Lottie (16) and her parents
‘We’ve come down for the weekend. We enjoy a walk down theriver – the atmosphere is just great’ The Roule family
‘Walking in my Mind’Street Genius
Light sculpture
Win fab prizes!Visit www.southbanklondon.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a twonight family getaway at Park Plaza CountyHall, plus tickets to the SEA LIFELondon Aquarium,Dan Zane gig ticketsand lots more.
Win fab prizes!Visit www.visitbankside.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a onenight family stay at Novotel LondonCity South, GoldenHinde Pirate Fun Daytickets, a Wagamamalunch and cookbookand lots more.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Big Ben and St Paul’s.Or take a stroll among thefish through the amazingnew glass walkway at theSEA LIFE London Aquarium.4pm A ride on the GoldenCarousel (by the GoldenJubilee Bridges) and anice cream to end the day.
mimics your movements.1.30pm Find theFerryman’s Seat in BearGardens, where ferrymenonce waited for fares.2pm Kids who like gorewill enjoy the LondonBridge Experience.Under-8s can play pirateson the Golden Hinde.4pm See funky new art atthe Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre (73Southwark Bridge Rd,SE1 0NQ, 020 74038495) or check out TateModern’s art activities.5pm End with a sweettreat from SouthwarkCathedral Refectory.
Explore South BankPack in a full day’s entertainment for thekids on and around the river
10am Take the first‘flight’ of the day on theLondon Eye, before theriverside gets really busy.10.45am Juice on theFestival Terrace in front ofthe Royal Festival Hall.11am Explore thegigantic installations of The Hayward’s ‘Walkingin my Mind’ exhibition (June 23-Sept 9). In thesummer months getsoaked in the fountains ofJeppe Hein’s ‘AppearingRooms’ water sculptureon Riverside Terrace atthe Royal Festival Hall.12.30pm Lunch at one of the many cafés andrestaurants on the South
The artsBargehouse 22Dali Universe 4gallery@oxo 22The Hayward,Southbank Centre 11National Theatre 18The Old Vic 16Queen Elizabeth Hall/Purcell Room, SouthbankCentre 12Royal Festival Hall,Southbank Centre 10Topolski Century 9Young Vic 17 CinemasBFI IMAX 15BFI Southbank 19
AttractionsBernie Spain Gardens 21Florence NightingaleMuseum 2Gabriel’s Wharf 20 Golden Carousel 8Jubilee Gardens 6 London Eye 5London Eye River Cruises 7 London RIB Voyages 7Oxo Tower Wharf 22QEH Undercroft 13SEA LIFE London Aquarium 4Shops & restaurantsbenugo@BFI 19 Caffè Alba 22Canteen 10
Ganesha 20Giraffe 10The Gourmet Pizza Co 20House of Crepes 20 j-me 22Locomocean 22OXO Tower Restaurant 22 Ping Pong 14Riviera 20Southbank Centre Shop 10Strada 10 The Cut Restaurant,Young Vic 17HotelsMarriott County Hall 4Park Plaza County Hall 3 Park Plaza Riverbank 1 Premier Inn County Hall 4
The artsIn Situ, Jerwood Space 40Light Sculpture 42 Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre 41Tate Modern 27 AttractionsFerryman’s Seat 30 Golden Hinde 35 London Bridge Experience 38London Walks’ Bankside Walk Start (Fish Street Hill) 39 Shakespeare’s Globe 28Southwark Cathedral 36
Shops, markets & restaurantsBankside Mix 26Borough Market 37Café2 at Tate Modern 27 Leon 26Nando’s 34Oliver Bonas 26Pizza Express 29 Southwark CathedralRefectory 36The Table 24Tate Modern Shop 27Wagamama 34HotelsExpress by Holiday InnLondon Southwark 23
Mercure London City Bankside 25Novotel London City South 32Premier Inn LondonSouthwark 33 Southwark Rose Hotel 31
This is a product of Time Out Brand Solutions, Contact 020 7813 6008.
Teenagers love the 3D thrill of IMAX, kids neverforget a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, and toddlersadore the free space of Tate Modern’s Turbine Halland the Millennium Bridge, but the stretch south ofthe Thames running between Lambeth and LondonBridges has so much more to offer under-18s – andthat’s before you even get on to the river itself…From theatre workshops for teenagers to the chancefor three-year-olds to sample their first dim sum,from free live music to interactive outdoor art,the whole family can enjoy the ever-changingprogramme of entertainment that South Bank and Bankside have to offer throughout the year.
Welcome to South Bankand BanksideUse this guide to plan an unforgettablefamily weekend by the Thames
Enjoy Festivals andspecial events
OUTSIDESPACES
Children love playingon the sculptures atGabriel’s Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19PP), there’s aplayground foryounger kids at grassyJubilee Gardens(South Bank, SE17XZ) and there’s lotsof skateboarding andfree running action atQEH Undercroft,just off the ThamesPath underneathQueen Elizabeth Hall(Southbank Centre,SE1 8XX). For a morerestful time, there arelawns at BernieSpain Gardens byOxo Tower Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19EH), at SouthwarkCathedral Garden(London Bridge, SE19DA) and at TateModern NorthLandscape(Bankside, SE1 9TG).
9am Borough Market.10am Spot the art: lookfor works curated byyoung people (workingwith the Street Geniusproject). Find ‘In Situ’outside the JerwoodSpace at 171 UnionStreet, and then walk tothe ‘Smarties’ lightsculpture under the bridge
Explore BanksideA day of funky art, gory history and greatfood in London’s Elizabethan quarter
The Globe’s celebration offounder Sam Wanamaker’sbirthday, with free events.(020 7902 1400)
July 1-September 27National Theatre:Watch This SpaceAll ages
Family-friendly alfrescotheatre, circus, dance and music, all free.(020 7452 3400)
on Southwark Street.12noon Lunch break:buy takeaway sarnies,salads, pasta or sushifrom the many places atBankside Mix (on andbehind Southwark Street)and eat them on thestone benches there. 1pm In Sumner Street,by the Blue Fin Building,check out animatronicstatue ‘Monument to theUnknown Artist’, which
Bank, or bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.2.15pm Take the LondonEye River Cruise from theMillennium Pier down theThames, for 40 minutes of relaxation and a livecommentary taking inLondon sights including
‘I’ve come with my parents to take photos for my A-level inPhotography’ Lottie (16) and her parents
‘We’ve come down for the weekend. We enjoy a walk down theriver – the atmosphere is just great’ The Roule family
‘Walking in my Mind’Street Genius
Light sculpture
Win fab prizes!Visit www.southbanklondon.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a twonight family getaway at Park Plaza CountyHall, plus tickets to the SEA LIFELondon Aquarium,Dan Zane gig ticketsand lots more.
Win fab prizes!Visit www.visitbankside.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a onenight family stay at Novotel LondonCity South, GoldenHinde Pirate Fun Daytickets, a Wagamamalunch and cookbookand lots more.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Big Ben and St Paul’s.Or take a stroll among thefish through the amazingnew glass walkway at theSEA LIFE London Aquarium.4pm A ride on the GoldenCarousel (by the GoldenJubilee Bridges) and anice cream to end the day.
Watch the latestHollywood movies insuper-size and 3D – thescreen is a whopping 20metres high! Summerhighlights include‘Monsters vs Aliens 3D’(April); ‘Star Trek’ (fromMay 8); ‘Transformers’(from June 26); and ‘HarryPotter and the Half-BloodPrince’ (late summer).1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,SE1 8XR (0870 7872525). Times, prices vary.
BeachAll ages
When the tide is out,there are spots whereyou can get on to the ‘beach’ and evenmake sand sculptures!The best stretch is infront of Gabriel’s Wharfand Oxo Tower Wharf,but check tide timesfirst (www.pla.co.uk).
London RIB VoyagesAll ages
Great for teens, thishigh-speed 50-minuteround trip from the Eye to Canary Wharf is an exciting zip downthe river in true JamesBond style. London Eye MillenniumPier, SE1 7PB (0207928 8933). £32.50,under-16s £19.50.Booking essential.
Places to visitSouth BankStroll along the river to encounter a hostof delights that will enchant all ages
Take a break Pit stopsA host of family-friendly eating optionshave sprung up in the area recently
Shop South Bank
Shop Bankside
BFI SouthbankAge 5+
Monthly Family Fun Daysand special Parent &Toddler/Baby screenings.Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT(020 7928 3232). Timesand prices vary.
The Dali UniverseAge 5+
Sculptures, etchings and watercolours by theSpanish surrealist. County Hall, SE1 7PB(020 7620 2720). Daily10am-5.30pm. £14,concs £12, children from£7, under-sevens free.
Old VicAge 11+
Persuade teens to enjoyShakespeare with EthanHawke in ‘The Winter’sTale’ (from May 23).The Cut, SE1 8NB (0870 060 6628).
London BridgeExperience and The London TombsAge 7+ (11+ London Tombs)
Visitors take a tourthrough numerous sets,meeting various charactersand helping them searchfor their misplaced heads.Each has their own creepystory; help them teardown the old Vikingbridge, and apply to be‘Keeper of the Heads’. This Easter’s specialactivity, The Easter HeadHunt, will amuse the kids.2-4 Tooley St, SE1 2PF
‘In the Far Off Time: TheLondon of Shakespeareand Co’ is a guided walk that leaves fromMonument tube (FishStreet Hill exit). Suitablefor families, especially teenagers who are doingShakespeare at school.Fish Street Hill, EC3R 6BR (020 7624 3978).Mon 10am. £7, under-15s with adult free.
Shakespeare’s GlobeAge 8+
Learn about the Bard’slife – including thecostumes and music ofthe time – in a guidedtour and exhibition. Thisyear’s season (April toOctober) features‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘AsYou Like It’, ‘Troilus andCressida’ and ‘Love’sLabour’s Lost’, withspecial Child’s Playsessions (£12.50) wherechildren aged eight to 11can join workshopsthemed around the playsand even sneak in as‘groundlings’ for part of a matinee performance.21 New Globe Walk,SE1 9DT (020 79021400). Daily 10am-5pm(Oct-Apr), 9am-5pm (May-early Oct); £10.50, concs£8.50, children £6.50.
Golden HindeAge 5-11
This replica of Sir FrancisDrake’s 16th-century shipis a delight. There’s plentyof nautical fun to be had;for an unforgettableexperience, book thefamily on a summersleepover (£39.99 perperson) or have a partythere. See box above fordetails of workshops oroverleaf for its FamilyPirate Fun Festival.St Mary Overie Dock,Cathedral St, SE1 9DE(020 7403 0123). Daily 10am-5pm; £6,concs/children £4.50.
MudlarkingAge 5+ (with an adult)
All manner ofcenturies-old findshave been made onthe muddy banks ofthe Thames. If youwant to explore theforeshore check thetide times at the Portof London Authority(www.pla.co.uk).Steps just belowShakespeare’s Globe.
River tripsAll ages
Regular boat servicesrun daily. From LondonEye Millennium Pierhead east towardsGreenwich andbeyond. Services atBankside Pier link you with piers east toWoolwich Arsenal andwest to Tate Britain. www.tfl.gov.uk.
THE RIVER
South BankThere are lots of places toeat here. Canteen(Southbank Centre Square,Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX,0845 686 1122) servesBritish fare, while theterrace in front of theRoyal Festival Hall hasGiraffe (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 79282004) with global foodand a kids’ menu, andStrada (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 7401 9126)for pasta and pizza. Trydim sum at Ping Pong
(Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX,020 7960 4160) or enjoyhot food or sarnies atbenugo@BFI (BelvedereRd, SE1 8XT, 020 74019000), with a kids’ menu.
Tate ModernAll ages
The old power stationwith its huge turbine hall is geared up forfamilies. Start (Sat &Sun, plus schoolholidays exceptMondays, 11am-5pm)provides a pack ofgames for the over-fives,and the UBS OpeningsFamily Zone on Level 3includes art games forchildren. The exhibitionsalso have kids’ audiotours; the summer showis ‘Futurism’, featuringwork by Picasso andDuchamp. Bankside, SE1 9TG,020 7887 8888. Mon-Thur, Sun 10am-6pm. Fri, Sat10am- 10pm. Freeexcept for majorexhibitions.
Places to visitBanksideBig in Elizabethan times, experience themodern buzz of this ancient area
At Gabriel’s Wharf (56Upper Ground, SE1 9PP),there’s The GourmetPizza Co (020 79283188), House of Crepes(020 7401 9816) andMediterranean restaurantRiviera (020 7401 7314).In the Oxo Tower itself(Barge House St, SE19PH), you have CaffèAlba with panini and icecreams or, for a real treat, the OXO TowerRestaurant (020 78033888) with its river views.The Young Vic does goodfood, too (66 The Cut, SE18LZ, 020 7928 4400).
BanksideFoodie heaven BoroughMarket has become a toptourist destination. OnSaturdays it gets toocrammed to negotiate by11am, but if you arrive at9am when stalls open youcan pick up some tastytreats. There are family-friendly options in the area
National TheatreAge 10+
Older kids will enjoy thehour-plus backstage tour.Teenagers can claim freetickets with Entry Pass.Upper Ground, SE1 9PX(020 7452 3000). Toursdaily, times vary. £5.90,children/concs £4.90.
SEA LIFE LondonAquariumAll ages
The new-look aquariumhas a glass tunnel tropicalwalkway, feeding talks anda scary shark finale…County Hall, Queen’s Walk,SE1 7PB (020 7967 8000).Daily 10am-5pm (6pmweekends, school hols);£15.25, children £11.25.
Southbank CentreAge 5+
The complex comprisesthe Royal Festival Hall,Queen Elizabeth Hall,Purcell Room and The
if you want to sit down:Wagamama noodle bar(1 Clink St, SE1 9BU,020 7403 3659),Nando’s (215-217 ClinkSt, SE1 9DG, 020 73578662) and a PizzaExpress on the river(Bankside, SE1 9DS,020 7401 3977). If youhave fidgety children, trythe speedy and informalLeon (7 Canvey St, SE19AN, 020 7620 0035),or The Table (88Southwark St, SE1 0HX,020 7401 2760) forsoups and risottos. Thesuperb Café 2 at TateModern (Bankside, SE19TG, 020 7401 5014),has a junior menu andcrayons (look out for‘kids eat free’ deals atthe Tate’s restaurants).Or Southwark CathedralRefectory (LondonBridge, SE1 9DA, 0207407 5740) has soups,sandwiches and cakes.
Family days‘We’ve come for awalk down the riverand to see the sights.Then we’re going toget ice cream’ Fredrik (5) and his parents
Florence NightingaleMuseumAge 5+
A small museum aboutthe Crimean War nurse.There are free trails forkids over five and plenty of hands-on activities.St Thomas’ Hospital, 2Lambeth Palace Rd, SE17EW (020 7620 0374).Daily 10am-5pm; £5.80,concs and children £4.80.
gallery@oxoAll ages
Exhibitions at this riversidegallery are free, so it’salways worth a look: kidswill enjoy shows such asRoger Hooper’s animalphotos (12-28 June). Oxo Tower Wharf, BargeHouse St, SE1 9PH (020 7021 1686). Daily11am-6pm; free.
London Eye Age 5+
Take a trip on a 30-minute‘flight’ and get a bird’s-eyeview of London – on a clearday you can see 40km.Beside Westminster BridgeRd, SE1 7PB (0870 5000600). Open daily, timesvary. £15.50, children£7.75, under-4s free.
Family days‘We’ve been to TateModern. We also lovewalking over thebridge and looking atthe river’ AminaBegum with Nasima(4), Halima (3) andMomena (6)
HOTELS
South BankAt County Hall, thePremier Inn (0870990 6402) has good-value rooms; at theMarriott there (0207928 5200), a familypackage costs from£309. Under-12sstay free in the studiorooms at Park PlazaCounty Hall (0207034 4835) with‘Mini VIP’ treatmentincluding tea partiesand dressing up.Park Plaza Riverbank(020 7958 8000) isa little further south.
BanksideIn Southwark,Express by HolidayInn London (0871423 4931) andPremier Inn London(0870 990 6402) aresolid budget options.Novotel London CitySouth (020 70890400) has familyB&B rates and at the Southwark RoseHotel (020 70151480) a family roomis £150. At MercureLondon CityBankside (020 79020800) under-15s stay free.
HOLIDAYWORKSHOPSAND COURSES
At the FlorenceNightingale Museum(right) find out how touse chocolate as acure at Easter holidaydrop-in sessions (untilApril 10; free withentry). During half-term (May 23-31) kidscan create a familyportrait here. AtTopolski Century(right) kids of all agescan join Easter Animal Hunt drawingworkshops, April 7-19.Tate Modern (below)runs a free fortnightlyworkshop on Fridayscalled ‘We Are AllExperts’ for ages 15-23 (5-7pm, June 5-July 31, meet on Level3 concourse). TheGolden Hinde (below)has holiday workshopsfor 5-11s, such as atwo-hour MaritimeWorkshop (Apr 7 & 14,May 26 & 28, £8.50)about Drake and lifeon board the galleon.Also look out for theCreative Learningprojects for 8-25s atthe Old Vic (right).
‘The Scribble Book’by Herve Tullet,£7.99; Art Collectorgame, £7.34, both TateModern (020 74015167). WilliamShakespeare actionfigure, £10,Shakespeare’s Globe(020 7902 1400).Cheeky cutlery, £10(set of 4); Rainbownecklace, £14; bothOliver Bonas (0207928 6419).‘Pirateology’ byDugald Steer (includes model ship),£12.99, Golden Hinde(020 7403 0123).
Hayward. Family eventsinclude kids’ rock groupDan Zanes & Friends(Apr 10-13), the SimónBolívar Youth Orchestraof Venezuela (Apr 14-18)and ‘Peter and the Wolf’(May 8).Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX(0871 663 2500).
Topolski CenturyAge 13+
Under the railway archesis Polish artist FeliksTopolski’s huge mural. 150-152 HungerfordBridge Arch, SE1 8XU(020 7620 1275). Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun12noon-6pm; free.
Young VicAge 3-5
Fevered Sleep presents‘Brilliant’ on July 15-18. 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ(020 7922 2922).
SEA LIFELondon Aquarium
National Theatre
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SBBS09 Side2 7/4/09 14:58 Page 2
BFI IMAXAge 5+
Watch the latestHollywood movies insuper-size and 3D – thescreen is a whopping 20metres high! Summerhighlights include‘Monsters vs Aliens 3D’(April); ‘Star Trek’ (fromMay 8); ‘Transformers’(from June 26); and ‘HarryPotter and the Half-BloodPrince’ (late summer).1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,SE1 8XR (0870 7872525). Times, prices vary.
BeachAll ages
When the tide is out,there are spots whereyou can get on to the ‘beach’ and evenmake sand sculptures!The best stretch is infront of Gabriel’s Wharfand Oxo Tower Wharf,but check tide timesfirst (www.pla.co.uk).
London RIB VoyagesAll ages
Great for teens, thishigh-speed 50-minuteround trip from the Eye to Canary Wharf is an exciting zip downthe river in true JamesBond style. London Eye MillenniumPier, SE1 7PB (0207928 8933). £32.50,under-16s £19.50.Booking essential.
Places to visitSouth BankStroll along the river to encounter a hostof delights that will enchant all ages
Take a break Pit stopsA host of family-friendly eating optionshave sprung up in the area recently
Shop South Bank
Shop Bankside
BFI SouthbankAge 5+
Monthly Family Fun Daysand special Parent &Toddler/Baby screenings.Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT(020 7928 3232). Timesand prices vary.
The Dali UniverseAge 5+
Sculptures, etchings and watercolours by theSpanish surrealist. County Hall, SE1 7PB(020 7620 2720). Daily10am-5.30pm. £14,concs £12, children from£7, under-sevens free.
Old VicAge 11+
Persuade teens to enjoyShakespeare with EthanHawke in ‘The Winter’sTale’ (from May 23).The Cut, SE1 8NB (0870 060 6628).
London BridgeExperience and The London TombsAge 7+ (11+ London Tombs)
Visitors take a tourthrough numerous sets,meeting various charactersand helping them searchfor their misplaced heads.Each has their own creepystory; help them teardown the old Vikingbridge, and apply to be‘Keeper of the Heads’. This Easter’s specialactivity, The Easter HeadHunt, will amuse the kids.2-4 Tooley St, SE1 2PF
‘In the Far Off Time: TheLondon of Shakespeareand Co’ is a guided walk that leaves fromMonument tube (FishStreet Hill exit). Suitablefor families, especially teenagers who are doingShakespeare at school.Fish Street Hill, EC3R 6BR (020 7624 3978).Mon 10am. £7, under-15s with adult free.
Shakespeare’s GlobeAge 8+
Learn about the Bard’slife – including thecostumes and music ofthe time – in a guidedtour and exhibition. Thisyear’s season (April toOctober) features‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘AsYou Like It’, ‘Troilus andCressida’ and ‘Love’sLabour’s Lost’, withspecial Child’s Playsessions (£12.50) wherechildren aged eight to 11can join workshopsthemed around the playsand even sneak in as‘groundlings’ for part of a matinee performance.21 New Globe Walk,SE1 9DT (020 79021400). Daily 10am-5pm(Oct-Apr), 9am-5pm (May-early Oct); £10.50, concs£8.50, children £6.50.
Golden HindeAge 5-11
This replica of Sir FrancisDrake’s 16th-century shipis a delight. There’s plentyof nautical fun to be had;for an unforgettableexperience, book thefamily on a summersleepover (£39.99 perperson) or have a partythere. See box above fordetails of workshops oroverleaf for its FamilyPirate Fun Festival.St Mary Overie Dock,Cathedral St, SE1 9DE(020 7403 0123). Daily 10am-5pm; £6,concs/children £4.50.
MudlarkingAge 5+ (with an adult)
All manner ofcenturies-old findshave been made onthe muddy banks ofthe Thames. If youwant to explore theforeshore check thetide times at the Portof London Authority(www.pla.co.uk).Steps just belowShakespeare’s Globe.
River tripsAll ages
Regular boat servicesrun daily. From LondonEye Millennium Pierhead east towardsGreenwich andbeyond. Services atBankside Pier link you with piers east toWoolwich Arsenal andwest to Tate Britain. www.tfl.gov.uk.
THE RIVER
South BankThere are lots of places toeat here. Canteen(Southbank Centre Square,Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX,0845 686 1122) servesBritish fare, while theterrace in front of theRoyal Festival Hall hasGiraffe (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 79282004) with global foodand a kids’ menu, andStrada (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 7401 9126)for pasta and pizza. Trydim sum at Ping Pong
(Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX,020 7960 4160) or enjoyhot food or sarnies atbenugo@BFI (BelvedereRd, SE1 8XT, 020 74019000), with a kids’ menu.
Tate ModernAll ages
The old power stationwith its huge turbine hall is geared up forfamilies. Start (Sat &Sun, plus schoolholidays exceptMondays, 11am-5pm)provides a pack ofgames for the over-fives,and the UBS OpeningsFamily Zone on Level 3includes art games forchildren. The exhibitionsalso have kids’ audiotours; the summer showis ‘Futurism’, featuringwork by Picasso andDuchamp. Bankside, SE1 9TG,020 7887 8888. Mon-Thur, Sun 10am-6pm. Fri, Sat10am- 10pm. Freeexcept for majorexhibitions.
Places to visitBanksideBig in Elizabethan times, experience themodern buzz of this ancient area
At Gabriel’s Wharf (56Upper Ground, SE1 9PP),there’s The GourmetPizza Co (020 79283188), House of Crepes(020 7401 9816) andMediterranean restaurantRiviera (020 7401 7314).In the Oxo Tower itself(Barge House St, SE19PH), you have CaffèAlba with panini and icecreams or, for a real treat, the OXO TowerRestaurant (020 78033888) with its river views.The Young Vic does goodfood, too (66 The Cut, SE18LZ, 020 7928 4400).
BanksideFoodie heaven BoroughMarket has become a toptourist destination. OnSaturdays it gets toocrammed to negotiate by11am, but if you arrive at9am when stalls open youcan pick up some tastytreats. There are family-friendly options in the area
National TheatreAge 10+
Older kids will enjoy thehour-plus backstage tour.Teenagers can claim freetickets with Entry Pass.Upper Ground, SE1 9PX(020 7452 3000). Toursdaily, times vary. £5.90,children/concs £4.90.
SEA LIFE LondonAquariumAll ages
The new-look aquariumhas a glass tunnel tropicalwalkway, feeding talks anda scary shark finale…County Hall, Queen’s Walk,SE1 7PB (020 7967 8000).Daily 10am-5pm (6pmweekends, school hols);£15.25, children £11.25.
Southbank CentreAge 5+
The complex comprisesthe Royal Festival Hall,Queen Elizabeth Hall,Purcell Room and The
if you want to sit down:Wagamama noodle bar(1 Clink St, SE1 9BU,020 7403 3659),Nando’s (215-217 ClinkSt, SE1 9DG, 020 73578662) and a PizzaExpress on the river(Bankside, SE1 9DS,020 7401 3977). If youhave fidgety children, trythe speedy and informalLeon (7 Canvey St, SE19AN, 020 7620 0035),or The Table (88Southwark St, SE1 0HX,020 7401 2760) forsoups and risottos. Thesuperb Café 2 at TateModern (Bankside, SE19TG, 020 7401 5014),has a junior menu andcrayons (look out for‘kids eat free’ deals atthe Tate’s restaurants).Or Southwark CathedralRefectory (LondonBridge, SE1 9DA, 0207407 5740) has soups,sandwiches and cakes.
Family days‘We’ve come for awalk down the riverand to see the sights.Then we’re going toget ice cream’ Fredrik (5) and his parents
Florence NightingaleMuseumAge 5+
A small museum aboutthe Crimean War nurse.There are free trails forkids over five and plenty of hands-on activities.St Thomas’ Hospital, 2Lambeth Palace Rd, SE17EW (020 7620 0374).Daily 10am-5pm; £5.80,concs and children £4.80.
gallery@oxoAll ages
Exhibitions at this riversidegallery are free, so it’salways worth a look: kidswill enjoy shows such asRoger Hooper’s animalphotos (12-28 June). Oxo Tower Wharf, BargeHouse St, SE1 9PH (020 7021 1686). Daily11am-6pm; free.
London Eye Age 5+
Take a trip on a 30-minute‘flight’ and get a bird’s-eyeview of London – on a clearday you can see 40km.Beside Westminster BridgeRd, SE1 7PB (0870 5000600). Open daily, timesvary. £15.50, children£7.75, under-4s free.
Family days‘We’ve been to TateModern. We also lovewalking over thebridge and looking atthe river’ AminaBegum with Nasima(4), Halima (3) andMomena (6)
HOTELS
South BankAt County Hall, thePremier Inn (0870990 6402) has good-value rooms; at theMarriott there (0207928 5200), a familypackage costs from£309. Under-12sstay free in the studiorooms at Park PlazaCounty Hall (0207034 4835) with‘Mini VIP’ treatmentincluding tea partiesand dressing up.Park Plaza Riverbank(020 7958 8000) isa little further south.
BanksideIn Southwark,Express by HolidayInn London (0871423 4931) andPremier Inn London(0870 990 6402) aresolid budget options.Novotel London CitySouth (020 70890400) has familyB&B rates and at the Southwark RoseHotel (020 70151480) a family roomis £150. At MercureLondon CityBankside (020 79020800) under-15s stay free.
HOLIDAYWORKSHOPSAND COURSES
At the FlorenceNightingale Museum(right) find out how touse chocolate as acure at Easter holidaydrop-in sessions (untilApril 10; free withentry). During half-term (May 23-31) kidscan create a familyportrait here. AtTopolski Century(right) kids of all agescan join Easter Animal Hunt drawingworkshops, April 7-19.Tate Modern (below)runs a free fortnightlyworkshop on Fridayscalled ‘We Are AllExperts’ for ages 15-23 (5-7pm, June 5-July 31, meet on Level3 concourse). TheGolden Hinde (below)has holiday workshopsfor 5-11s, such as atwo-hour MaritimeWorkshop (Apr 7 & 14,May 26 & 28, £8.50)about Drake and lifeon board the galleon.Also look out for theCreative Learningprojects for 8-25s atthe Old Vic (right).
‘The Scribble Book’by Herve Tullet,£7.99; Art Collectorgame, £7.34, both TateModern (020 74015167). WilliamShakespeare actionfigure, £10,Shakespeare’s Globe(020 7902 1400).Cheeky cutlery, £10(set of 4); Rainbownecklace, £14; bothOliver Bonas (0207928 6419).‘Pirateology’ byDugald Steer (includes model ship),£12.99, Golden Hinde(020 7403 0123).
Hayward. Family eventsinclude kids’ rock groupDan Zanes & Friends(Apr 10-13), the SimónBolívar Youth Orchestraof Venezuela (Apr 14-18)and ‘Peter and the Wolf’(May 8).Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX(0871 663 2500).
Topolski CenturyAge 13+
Under the railway archesis Polish artist FeliksTopolski’s huge mural. 150-152 HungerfordBridge Arch, SE1 8XU(020 7620 1275). Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun12noon-6pm; free.
Young VicAge 3-5
Fevered Sleep presents‘Brilliant’ on July 15-18. 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ(020 7922 2922).
SEA LIFELondon Aquarium
National Theatre
BR
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SBBS09 Side2 7/4/09 14:58 Page 2
BFI IMAXAge 5+
Watch the latestHollywood movies insuper-size and 3D – thescreen is a whopping 20metres high! Summerhighlights include‘Monsters vs Aliens 3D’(April); ‘Star Trek’ (fromMay 8); ‘Transformers’(from June 26); and ‘HarryPotter and the Half-BloodPrince’ (late summer).1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,SE1 8XR (0870 7872525). Times, prices vary.
BeachAll ages
When the tide is out,there are spots whereyou can get on to the ‘beach’ and evenmake sand sculptures!The best stretch is infront of Gabriel’s Wharfand Oxo Tower Wharf,but check tide timesfirst (www.pla.co.uk).
London RIB VoyagesAll ages
Great for teens, thishigh-speed 50-minuteround trip from the Eye to Canary Wharf is an exciting zip downthe river in true JamesBond style. London Eye MillenniumPier, SE1 7PB (0207928 8933). £32.50,under-16s £19.50.Booking essential.
Places to visitSouth BankStroll along the river to encounter a hostof delights that will enchant all ages
Take a break Pit stopsA host of family-friendly eating optionshave sprung up in the area recently
Shop South Bank
Shop Bankside
BFI SouthbankAge 5+
Monthly Family Fun Daysand special Parent &Toddler/Baby screenings.Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT(020 7928 3232). Timesand prices vary.
The Dali UniverseAge 5+
Sculptures, etchings and watercolours by theSpanish surrealist. County Hall, SE1 7PB(020 7620 2720). Daily10am-5.30pm. £14,concs £12, children from£7, under-sevens free.
Old VicAge 11+
Persuade teens to enjoyShakespeare with EthanHawke in ‘The Winter’sTale’ (from May 23).The Cut, SE1 8NB (0870 060 6628).
London BridgeExperience and The London TombsAge 7+ (11+ London Tombs)
Visitors take a tourthrough numerous sets,meeting various charactersand helping them searchfor their misplaced heads.Each has their own creepystory; help them teardown the old Vikingbridge, and apply to be‘Keeper of the Heads’. This Easter’s specialactivity, The Easter HeadHunt, will amuse the kids.2-4 Tooley St, SE1 2PF
‘In the Far Off Time: TheLondon of Shakespeareand Co’ is a guided walk that leaves fromMonument tube (FishStreet Hill exit). Suitablefor families, especially teenagers who are doingShakespeare at school.Fish Street Hill, EC3R 6BR (020 7624 3978).Mon 10am. £7, under-15s with adult free.
Shakespeare’s GlobeAge 8+
Learn about the Bard’slife – including thecostumes and music ofthe time – in a guidedtour and exhibition. Thisyear’s season (April toOctober) features‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘AsYou Like It’, ‘Troilus andCressida’ and ‘Love’sLabour’s Lost’, withspecial Child’s Playsessions (£12.50) wherechildren aged eight to 11can join workshopsthemed around the playsand even sneak in as‘groundlings’ for part of a matinee performance.21 New Globe Walk,SE1 9DT (020 79021400). Daily 10am-5pm(Oct-Apr), 9am-5pm (May-early Oct); £10.50, concs£8.50, children £6.50.
Golden HindeAge 5-11
This replica of Sir FrancisDrake’s 16th-century shipis a delight. There’s plentyof nautical fun to be had;for an unforgettableexperience, book thefamily on a summersleepover (£39.99 perperson) or have a partythere. See box above fordetails of workshops oroverleaf for its FamilyPirate Fun Festival.St Mary Overie Dock,Cathedral St, SE1 9DE(020 7403 0123). Daily 10am-5pm; £6,concs/children £4.50.
MudlarkingAge 5+ (with an adult)
All manner ofcenturies-old findshave been made onthe muddy banks ofthe Thames. If youwant to explore theforeshore check thetide times at the Portof London Authority(www.pla.co.uk).Steps just belowShakespeare’s Globe.
River tripsAll ages
Regular boat servicesrun daily. From LondonEye Millennium Pierhead east towardsGreenwich andbeyond. Services atBankside Pier link you with piers east toWoolwich Arsenal andwest to Tate Britain. www.tfl.gov.uk.
THE RIVER
South BankThere are lots of places toeat here. Canteen(Southbank Centre Square,Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX,0845 686 1122) servesBritish fare, while theterrace in front of theRoyal Festival Hall hasGiraffe (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 79282004) with global foodand a kids’ menu, andStrada (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 7401 9126)for pasta and pizza. Trydim sum at Ping Pong
(Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX,020 7960 4160) or enjoyhot food or sarnies atbenugo@BFI (BelvedereRd, SE1 8XT, 020 74019000), with a kids’ menu.
Tate ModernAll ages
The old power stationwith its huge turbine hall is geared up forfamilies. Start (Sat &Sun, plus schoolholidays exceptMondays, 11am-5pm)provides a pack ofgames for the over-fives,and the UBS OpeningsFamily Zone on Level 3includes art games forchildren. The exhibitionsalso have kids’ audiotours; the summer showis ‘Futurism’, featuringwork by Picasso andDuchamp. Bankside, SE1 9TG,020 7887 8888. Mon-Thur, Sun 10am-6pm. Fri, Sat10am- 10pm. Freeexcept for majorexhibitions.
Places to visitBanksideBig in Elizabethan times, experience themodern buzz of this ancient area
At Gabriel’s Wharf (56Upper Ground, SE1 9PP),there’s The GourmetPizza Co (020 79283188), House of Crepes(020 7401 9816) andMediterranean restaurantRiviera (020 7401 7314).In the Oxo Tower itself(Barge House St, SE19PH), you have CaffèAlba with panini and icecreams or, for a real treat, the OXO TowerRestaurant (020 78033888) with its river views.The Young Vic does goodfood, too (66 The Cut, SE18LZ, 020 7928 4400).
BanksideFoodie heaven BoroughMarket has become a toptourist destination. OnSaturdays it gets toocrammed to negotiate by11am, but if you arrive at9am when stalls open youcan pick up some tastytreats. There are family-friendly options in the area
National TheatreAge 10+
Older kids will enjoy thehour-plus backstage tour.Teenagers can claim freetickets with Entry Pass.Upper Ground, SE1 9PX(020 7452 3000). Toursdaily, times vary. £5.90,children/concs £4.90.
SEA LIFE LondonAquariumAll ages
The new-look aquariumhas a glass tunnel tropicalwalkway, feeding talks anda scary shark finale…County Hall, Queen’s Walk,SE1 7PB (020 7967 8000).Daily 10am-5pm (6pmweekends, school hols);£15.25, children £11.25.
Southbank CentreAge 5+
The complex comprisesthe Royal Festival Hall,Queen Elizabeth Hall,Purcell Room and The
if you want to sit down:Wagamama noodle bar(1 Clink St, SE1 9BU,020 7403 3659),Nando’s (215-217 ClinkSt, SE1 9DG, 020 73578662) and a PizzaExpress on the river(Bankside, SE1 9DS,020 7401 3977). If youhave fidgety children, trythe speedy and informalLeon (7 Canvey St, SE19AN, 020 7620 0035),or The Table (88Southwark St, SE1 0HX,020 7401 2760) forsoups and risottos. Thesuperb Café 2 at TateModern (Bankside, SE19TG, 020 7401 5014),has a junior menu andcrayons (look out for‘kids eat free’ deals atthe Tate’s restaurants).Or Southwark CathedralRefectory (LondonBridge, SE1 9DA, 0207407 5740) has soups,sandwiches and cakes.
Family days‘We’ve come for awalk down the riverand to see the sights.Then we’re going toget ice cream’ Fredrik (5) and his parents
Florence NightingaleMuseumAge 5+
A small museum aboutthe Crimean War nurse.There are free trails forkids over five and plenty of hands-on activities.St Thomas’ Hospital, 2Lambeth Palace Rd, SE17EW (020 7620 0374).Daily 10am-5pm; £5.80,concs and children £4.80.
gallery@oxoAll ages
Exhibitions at this riversidegallery are free, so it’salways worth a look: kidswill enjoy shows such asRoger Hooper’s animalphotos (12-28 June). Oxo Tower Wharf, BargeHouse St, SE1 9PH (020 7021 1686). Daily11am-6pm; free.
London Eye Age 5+
Take a trip on a 30-minute‘flight’ and get a bird’s-eyeview of London – on a clearday you can see 40km.Beside Westminster BridgeRd, SE1 7PB (0870 5000600). Open daily, timesvary. £15.50, children£7.75, under-4s free.
Family days‘We’ve been to TateModern. We also lovewalking over thebridge and looking atthe river’ AminaBegum with Nasima(4), Halima (3) andMomena (6)
HOTELS
South BankAt County Hall, thePremier Inn (0870990 6402) has good-value rooms; at theMarriott there (0207928 5200), a familypackage costs from£309. Under-12sstay free in the studiorooms at Park PlazaCounty Hall (0207034 4835) with‘Mini VIP’ treatmentincluding tea partiesand dressing up.Park Plaza Riverbank(020 7958 8000) isa little further south.
BanksideIn Southwark,Express by HolidayInn London (0871423 4931) andPremier Inn London(0870 990 6402) aresolid budget options.Novotel London CitySouth (020 70890400) has familyB&B rates and at the Southwark RoseHotel (020 70151480) a family roomis £150. At MercureLondon CityBankside (020 79020800) under-15s stay free.
HOLIDAYWORKSHOPSAND COURSES
At the FlorenceNightingale Museum(right) find out how touse chocolate as acure at Easter holidaydrop-in sessions (untilApril 10; free withentry). During half-term (May 23-31) kidscan create a familyportrait here. AtTopolski Century(right) kids of all agescan join Easter Animal Hunt drawingworkshops, April 7-19.Tate Modern (below)runs a free fortnightlyworkshop on Fridayscalled ‘We Are AllExperts’ for ages 15-23 (5-7pm, June 5-July 31, meet on Level3 concourse). TheGolden Hinde (below)has holiday workshopsfor 5-11s, such as atwo-hour MaritimeWorkshop (Apr 7 & 14,May 26 & 28, £8.50)about Drake and lifeon board the galleon.Also look out for theCreative Learningprojects for 8-25s atthe Old Vic (right).
‘The Scribble Book’by Herve Tullet,£7.99; Art Collectorgame, £7.34, both TateModern (020 74015167). WilliamShakespeare actionfigure, £10,Shakespeare’s Globe(020 7902 1400).Cheeky cutlery, £10(set of 4); Rainbownecklace, £14; bothOliver Bonas (0207928 6419).‘Pirateology’ byDugald Steer (includes model ship),£12.99, Golden Hinde(020 7403 0123).
Hayward. Family eventsinclude kids’ rock groupDan Zanes & Friends(Apr 10-13), the SimónBolívar Youth Orchestraof Venezuela (Apr 14-18)and ‘Peter and the Wolf’(May 8).Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX(0871 663 2500).
Topolski CenturyAge 13+
Under the railway archesis Polish artist FeliksTopolski’s huge mural. 150-152 HungerfordBridge Arch, SE1 8XU(020 7620 1275). Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun12noon-6pm; free.
Young VicAge 3-5
Fevered Sleep presents‘Brilliant’ on July 15-18. 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ(020 7922 2922).
SEA LIFELondon Aquarium
National Theatre
BR
ITTA
JAS
CH
INS
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VIZ
UALE
YEZ
LTD
, JO
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SBBS09 Side2 7/4/09 14:58 Page 2
BFI IMAXAge 5+
Watch the latestHollywood movies insuper-size and 3D – thescreen is a whopping 20metres high! Summerhighlights include‘Monsters vs Aliens 3D’(April); ‘Star Trek’ (fromMay 8); ‘Transformers’(from June 26); and ‘HarryPotter and the Half-BloodPrince’ (late summer).1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,SE1 8XR (0870 7872525). Times, prices vary.
BeachAll ages
When the tide is out,there are spots whereyou can get on to the ‘beach’ and evenmake sand sculptures!The best stretch is infront of Gabriel’s Wharfand Oxo Tower Wharf,but check tide timesfirst (www.pla.co.uk).
London RIB VoyagesAll ages
Great for teens, thishigh-speed 50-minuteround trip from the Eye to Canary Wharf is an exciting zip downthe river in true JamesBond style. London Eye MillenniumPier, SE1 7PB (0207928 8933). £32.50,under-16s £19.50.Booking essential.
Places to visitSouth BankStroll along the river to encounter a hostof delights that will enchant all ages
Take a break Pit stopsA host of family-friendly eating optionshave sprung up in the area recently
Shop South Bank
Shop Bankside
BFI SouthbankAge 5+
Monthly Family Fun Daysand special Parent &Toddler/Baby screenings.Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT(020 7928 3232). Timesand prices vary.
The Dali UniverseAge 5+
Sculptures, etchings and watercolours by theSpanish surrealist. County Hall, SE1 7PB(020 7620 2720). Daily10am-5.30pm. £14,concs £12, children from£7, under-sevens free.
Old VicAge 11+
Persuade teens to enjoyShakespeare with EthanHawke in ‘The Winter’sTale’ (from May 23).The Cut, SE1 8NB (0870 060 6628).
London BridgeExperience and The London TombsAge 7+ (11+ London Tombs)
Visitors take a tourthrough numerous sets,meeting various charactersand helping them searchfor their misplaced heads.Each has their own creepystory; help them teardown the old Vikingbridge, and apply to be‘Keeper of the Heads’. This Easter’s specialactivity, The Easter HeadHunt, will amuse the kids.2-4 Tooley St, SE1 2PF
‘In the Far Off Time: TheLondon of Shakespeareand Co’ is a guided walk that leaves fromMonument tube (FishStreet Hill exit). Suitablefor families, especially teenagers who are doingShakespeare at school.Fish Street Hill, EC3R 6BR (020 7624 3978).Mon 10am. £7, under-15s with adult free.
Shakespeare’s GlobeAge 8+
Learn about the Bard’slife – including thecostumes and music ofthe time – in a guidedtour and exhibition. Thisyear’s season (April toOctober) features‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘AsYou Like It’, ‘Troilus andCressida’ and ‘Love’sLabour’s Lost’, withspecial Child’s Playsessions (£12.50) wherechildren aged eight to 11can join workshopsthemed around the playsand even sneak in as‘groundlings’ for part of a matinee performance.21 New Globe Walk,SE1 9DT (020 79021400). Daily 10am-5pm(Oct-Apr), 9am-5pm (May-early Oct); £10.50, concs£8.50, children £6.50.
Golden HindeAge 5-11
This replica of Sir FrancisDrake’s 16th-century shipis a delight. There’s plentyof nautical fun to be had;for an unforgettableexperience, book thefamily on a summersleepover (£39.99 perperson) or have a partythere. See box above fordetails of workshops oroverleaf for its FamilyPirate Fun Festival.St Mary Overie Dock,Cathedral St, SE1 9DE(020 7403 0123). Daily 10am-5pm; £6,concs/children £4.50.
MudlarkingAge 5+ (with an adult)
All manner ofcenturies-old findshave been made onthe muddy banks ofthe Thames. If youwant to explore theforeshore check thetide times at the Portof London Authority(www.pla.co.uk).Steps just belowShakespeare’s Globe.
River tripsAll ages
Regular boat servicesrun daily. From LondonEye Millennium Pierhead east towardsGreenwich andbeyond. Services atBankside Pier link you with piers east toWoolwich Arsenal andwest to Tate Britain. www.tfl.gov.uk.
THE RIVER
South BankThere are lots of places toeat here. Canteen(Southbank Centre Square,Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX,0845 686 1122) servesBritish fare, while theterrace in front of theRoyal Festival Hall hasGiraffe (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 79282004) with global foodand a kids’ menu, andStrada (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 7401 9126)for pasta and pizza. Trydim sum at Ping Pong
(Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX,020 7960 4160) or enjoyhot food or sarnies atbenugo@BFI (BelvedereRd, SE1 8XT, 020 74019000), with a kids’ menu.
Tate ModernAll ages
The old power stationwith its huge turbine hall is geared up forfamilies. Start (Sat &Sun, plus schoolholidays exceptMondays, 11am-5pm)provides a pack ofgames for the over-fives,and the UBS OpeningsFamily Zone on Level 3includes art games forchildren. The exhibitionsalso have kids’ audiotours; the summer showis ‘Futurism’, featuringwork by Picasso andDuchamp. Bankside, SE1 9TG,020 7887 8888. Mon-Thur, Sun 10am-6pm. Fri, Sat10am- 10pm. Freeexcept for majorexhibitions.
Places to visitBanksideBig in Elizabethan times, experience themodern buzz of this ancient area
At Gabriel’s Wharf (56Upper Ground, SE1 9PP),there’s The GourmetPizza Co (020 79283188), House of Crepes(020 7401 9816) andMediterranean restaurantRiviera (020 7401 7314).In the Oxo Tower itself(Barge House St, SE19PH), you have CaffèAlba with panini and icecreams or, for a real treat, the OXO TowerRestaurant (020 78033888) with its river views.The Young Vic does goodfood, too (66 The Cut, SE18LZ, 020 7928 4400).
BanksideFoodie heaven BoroughMarket has become a toptourist destination. OnSaturdays it gets toocrammed to negotiate by11am, but if you arrive at9am when stalls open youcan pick up some tastytreats. There are family-friendly options in the area
National TheatreAge 10+
Older kids will enjoy thehour-plus backstage tour.Teenagers can claim freetickets with Entry Pass.Upper Ground, SE1 9PX(020 7452 3000). Toursdaily, times vary. £5.90,children/concs £4.90.
SEA LIFE LondonAquariumAll ages
The new-look aquariumhas a glass tunnel tropicalwalkway, feeding talks anda scary shark finale…County Hall, Queen’s Walk,SE1 7PB (020 7967 8000).Daily 10am-5pm (6pmweekends, school hols);£15.25, children £11.25.
Southbank CentreAge 5+
The complex comprisesthe Royal Festival Hall,Queen Elizabeth Hall,Purcell Room and The
if you want to sit down:Wagamama noodle bar(1 Clink St, SE1 9BU,020 7403 3659),Nando’s (215-217 ClinkSt, SE1 9DG, 020 73578662) and a PizzaExpress on the river(Bankside, SE1 9DS,020 7401 3977). If youhave fidgety children, trythe speedy and informalLeon (7 Canvey St, SE19AN, 020 7620 0035),or The Table (88Southwark St, SE1 0HX,020 7401 2760) forsoups and risottos. Thesuperb Café 2 at TateModern (Bankside, SE19TG, 020 7401 5014),has a junior menu andcrayons (look out for‘kids eat free’ deals atthe Tate’s restaurants).Or Southwark CathedralRefectory (LondonBridge, SE1 9DA, 0207407 5740) has soups,sandwiches and cakes.
Family days‘We’ve come for awalk down the riverand to see the sights.Then we’re going toget ice cream’ Fredrik (5) and his parents
Florence NightingaleMuseumAge 5+
A small museum aboutthe Crimean War nurse.There are free trails forkids over five and plenty of hands-on activities.St Thomas’ Hospital, 2Lambeth Palace Rd, SE17EW (020 7620 0374).Daily 10am-5pm; £5.80,concs and children £4.80.
gallery@oxoAll ages
Exhibitions at this riversidegallery are free, so it’salways worth a look: kidswill enjoy shows such asRoger Hooper’s animalphotos (12-28 June). Oxo Tower Wharf, BargeHouse St, SE1 9PH (020 7021 1686). Daily11am-6pm; free.
London Eye Age 5+
Take a trip on a 30-minute‘flight’ and get a bird’s-eyeview of London – on a clearday you can see 40km.Beside Westminster BridgeRd, SE1 7PB (0870 5000600). Open daily, timesvary. £15.50, children£7.75, under-4s free.
Family days‘We’ve been to TateModern. We also lovewalking over thebridge and looking atthe river’ AminaBegum with Nasima(4), Halima (3) andMomena (6)
HOTELS
South BankAt County Hall, thePremier Inn (0870990 6402) has good-value rooms; at theMarriott there (0207928 5200), a familypackage costs from£309. Under-12sstay free in the studiorooms at Park PlazaCounty Hall (0207034 4835) with‘Mini VIP’ treatmentincluding tea partiesand dressing up.Park Plaza Riverbank(020 7958 8000) isa little further south.
BanksideIn Southwark,Express by HolidayInn London (0871423 4931) andPremier Inn London(0870 990 6402) aresolid budget options.Novotel London CitySouth (020 70890400) has familyB&B rates and at the Southwark RoseHotel (020 70151480) a family roomis £150. At MercureLondon CityBankside (020 79020800) under-15s stay free.
HOLIDAYWORKSHOPSAND COURSES
At the FlorenceNightingale Museum(right) find out how touse chocolate as acure at Easter holidaydrop-in sessions (untilApril 10; free withentry). During half-term (May 23-31) kidscan create a familyportrait here. AtTopolski Century(right) kids of all agescan join Easter Animal Hunt drawingworkshops, April 7-19.Tate Modern (below)runs a free fortnightlyworkshop on Fridayscalled ‘We Are AllExperts’ for ages 15-23 (5-7pm, June 5-July 31, meet on Level3 concourse). TheGolden Hinde (below)has holiday workshopsfor 5-11s, such as atwo-hour MaritimeWorkshop (Apr 7 & 14,May 26 & 28, £8.50)about Drake and lifeon board the galleon.Also look out for theCreative Learningprojects for 8-25s atthe Old Vic (right).
‘The Scribble Book’by Herve Tullet,£7.99; Art Collectorgame, £7.34, both TateModern (020 74015167). WilliamShakespeare actionfigure, £10,Shakespeare’s Globe(020 7902 1400).Cheeky cutlery, £10(set of 4); Rainbownecklace, £14; bothOliver Bonas (0207928 6419).‘Pirateology’ byDugald Steer (includes model ship),£12.99, Golden Hinde(020 7403 0123).
Hayward. Family eventsinclude kids’ rock groupDan Zanes & Friends(Apr 10-13), the SimónBolívar Youth Orchestraof Venezuela (Apr 14-18)and ‘Peter and the Wolf’(May 8).Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX(0871 663 2500).
Topolski CenturyAge 13+
Under the railway archesis Polish artist FeliksTopolski’s huge mural. 150-152 HungerfordBridge Arch, SE1 8XU(020 7620 1275). Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun12noon-6pm; free.
Young VicAge 3-5
Fevered Sleep presents‘Brilliant’ on July 15-18. 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ(020 7922 2922).
SEA LIFELondon Aquarium
National Theatre
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mimics your movements.1.30pm Find theFerryman’s Seat in BearGardens, where ferrymenonce waited for fares.2pm Kids who like gorewill enjoy the LondonBridge Experience.Under-8s can play pirateson the Golden Hinde.4pm See funky new art atthe Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre (73Southwark Bridge Rd,SE1 0NQ, 020 74038495) or check out TateModern’s art activities.5pm End with a sweettreat from SouthwarkCathedral Refectory.
Explore South BankPack in a full day’s entertainment for thekids on and around the river
10am Take the first‘flight’ of the day on theLondon Eye, before theriverside gets really busy.10.45am Juice on theFestival Terrace in front ofthe Royal Festival Hall.11am Explore thegigantic installations of The Hayward’s ‘Walkingin my Mind’ exhibition (June 23-Sept 9). In thesummer months getsoaked in the fountains ofJeppe Hein’s ‘AppearingRooms’ water sculptureon Riverside Terrace atthe Royal Festival Hall.12.30pm Lunch at one of the many cafés andrestaurants on the South
The artsBargehouse 22Dali Universe 4gallery@oxo 22The Hayward,Southbank Centre 11National Theatre 18The Old Vic 16Queen Elizabeth Hall/Purcell Room, SouthbankCentre 12Royal Festival Hall,Southbank Centre 10Topolski Century 9Young Vic 17 CinemasBFI IMAX 15BFI Southbank 19
AttractionsBernie Spain Gardens 21Florence NightingaleMuseum 2Gabriel’s Wharf 20 Golden Carousel 8Jubilee Gardens 6 London Eye 5London Eye River Cruises 7 London RIB Voyages 7Oxo Tower Wharf 22QEH Undercroft 13SEA LIFE London Aquarium 4Shops & restaurantsbenugo@BFI 19 Caffè Alba 22Canteen 10
Ganesha 20Giraffe 10The Gourmet Pizza Co 20House of Crepes 20 j-me 22Locomocean 22OXO Tower Restaurant 22 Ping Pong 14Riviera 20Southbank Centre Shop 10Strada 10 The Cut Restaurant,Young Vic 17HotelsMarriott County Hall 4Park Plaza County Hall 3 Park Plaza Riverbank 1 Premier Inn County Hall 4
The artsIn Situ, Jerwood Space 40Light Sculpture 42 Novas ContemporaryUrban Centre 41Tate Modern 27 AttractionsFerryman’s Seat 30 Golden Hinde 35 London Bridge Experience 38London Walks’ Bankside Walk Start (Fish Street Hill) 39 Shakespeare’s Globe 28Southwark Cathedral 36
Shops, markets & restaurantsBankside Mix 26Borough Market 37Café2 at Tate Modern 27 Leon 26Nando’s 34Oliver Bonas 26Pizza Express 29 Southwark CathedralRefectory 36The Table 24Tate Modern Shop 27Wagamama 34HotelsExpress by Holiday InnLondon Southwark 23
Mercure London City Bankside 25Novotel London City South 32Premier Inn LondonSouthwark 33 Southwark Rose Hotel 31
This is a product of Time Out Brand Solutions, Contact 020 7813 6008.
Teenagers love the 3D thrill of IMAX, kids neverforget a ‘flight’ on the London Eye, and toddlersadore the free space of Tate Modern’s Turbine Halland the Millennium Bridge, but the stretch south ofthe Thames running between Lambeth and LondonBridges has so much more to offer under-18s – andthat’s before you even get on to the river itself…From theatre workshops for teenagers to the chancefor three-year-olds to sample their first dim sum,from free live music to interactive outdoor art,the whole family can enjoy the ever-changingprogramme of entertainment that South Bank and Bankside have to offer throughout the year.
Welcome to South Bankand BanksideUse this guide to plan an unforgettablefamily weekend by the Thames
Enjoy Festivals andspecial events
OUTSIDESPACES
Children love playingon the sculptures atGabriel’s Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19PP), there’s aplayground foryounger kids at grassyJubilee Gardens(South Bank, SE17XZ) and there’s lotsof skateboarding andfree running action atQEH Undercroft,just off the ThamesPath underneathQueen Elizabeth Hall(Southbank Centre,SE1 8XX). For a morerestful time, there arelawns at BernieSpain Gardens byOxo Tower Wharf(Upper Ground, SE19EH), at SouthwarkCathedral Garden(London Bridge, SE19DA) and at TateModern NorthLandscape(Bankside, SE1 9TG).
ArtCultureCake
9am Borough Market.10am Spot the art: lookfor works curated byyoung people (workingwith the Street Geniusproject). Find ‘In Situ’outside the JerwoodSpace at 171 UnionStreet, and then walk tothe ‘Smarties’ lightsculpture under the bridge
Explore BanksideA day of funky art, gory history and greatfood in London’s Elizabethan quarter
The Globe’s celebration offounder Sam Wanamaker’sbirthday, with free events.(020 7902 1400)
July 1-September 27National Theatre:Watch This SpaceAll ages
Family-friendly alfrescotheatre, circus, dance and music, all free.(020 7452 3400)
on Southwark Street.12noon Lunch break:buy takeaway sarnies,salads, pasta or sushifrom the many places atBankside Mix (on andbehind Southwark Street)and eat them on thestone benches there. 1pm In Sumner Street,by the Blue Fin Building,check out animatronicstatue ‘Monument to theUnknown Artist’, which
Bank, or bring a picnic to enjoy by the river.2.15pm Take the LondonEye River Cruise from theMillennium Pier down theThames, for 40 minutes of relaxation and a livecommentary taking inLondon sights including
‘I’ve come with my parents to take photos for my A-level inPhotography’ Lottie (16) and her parents
‘We’ve come down for the weekend. We enjoy a walk down theriver – the atmosphere is just great’ The Roule family
‘Walking in my Mind’Street Genius
Light sculpture
Win fab prizes!Visit www.southbanklondon.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a twonight family getaway at Park Plaza CountyHall, plus tickets to the SEA LIFELondon Aquarium,Dan Zane gig ticketsand lots more.
Win fab prizes!Visit www.visitbankside.com to winfamily-friendly prizesand sign up for greatoffers. Enter now andyou could win a onenight family stay at Novotel LondonCity South, GoldenHinde Pirate Fun Daytickets, a Wagamamalunch and cookbookand lots more.
Gabriel’s Wharf
Big Ben and St Paul’s.Or take a stroll among thefish through the amazingnew glass walkway at theSEA LIFE London Aquarium.4pm A ride on the GoldenCarousel (by the GoldenJubilee Bridges) and anice cream to end the day.
Watch the latestHollywood movies insuper-size and 3D – thescreen is a whopping 20metres high! Summerhighlights include‘Monsters vs Aliens 3D’(April); ‘Star Trek’ (fromMay 8); ‘Transformers’(from June 26); and ‘HarryPotter and the Half-BloodPrince’ (late summer).1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,SE1 8XR (0870 7872525). Times, prices vary.
BeachAll ages
When the tide is out,there are spots whereyou can get on to the ‘beach’ and evenmake sand sculptures!The best stretch is infront of Gabriel’s Wharfand Oxo Tower Wharf,but check tide timesfirst (www.pla.co.uk).
London RIB VoyagesAll ages
Great for teens, thishigh-speed 50-minuteround trip from the Eye to Canary Wharf is an exciting zip downthe river in true JamesBond style. London Eye MillenniumPier, SE1 7PB (0207928 8933). £32.50,under-16s £19.50.Booking essential.
Places to visitSouth BankStroll along the river to encounter a hostof delights that will enchant all ages
Take a break Pit stopsA host of family-friendly eating optionshave sprung up in the area recently
Shop South Bank
Shop Bankside
BFI SouthbankAge 5+
Monthly Family Fun Daysand special Parent &Toddler/Baby screenings.Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT(020 7928 3232). Timesand prices vary.
The Dali UniverseAge 5+
Sculptures, etchings and watercolours by theSpanish surrealist. County Hall, SE1 7PB(020 7620 2720). Daily10am-5.30pm. £14,concs £12, children from£7, under-sevens free.
Old VicAge 11+
Persuade teens to enjoyShakespeare with EthanHawke in ‘The Winter’sTale’ (from May 23).The Cut, SE1 8NB (0870 060 6628).
London BridgeExperience and The London TombsAge 7+ (11+ London Tombs)
Visitors take a tourthrough numerous sets,meeting various charactersand helping them searchfor their misplaced heads.Each has their own creepystory; help them teardown the old Vikingbridge, and apply to be‘Keeper of the Heads’. This Easter’s specialactivity, The Easter HeadHunt, will amuse the kids.2-4 Tooley St, SE1 2PF
‘In the Far Off Time: TheLondon of Shakespeareand Co’ is a guided walk that leaves fromMonument tube (FishStreet Hill exit). Suitablefor families, especially teenagers who are doingShakespeare at school.Fish Street Hill, EC3R 6BR (020 7624 3978).Mon 10am. £7, under-15s with adult free.
Shakespeare’s GlobeAge 8+
Learn about the Bard’slife – including thecostumes and music ofthe time – in a guidedtour and exhibition. Thisyear’s season (April toOctober) features‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘AsYou Like It’, ‘Troilus andCressida’ and ‘Love’sLabour’s Lost’, withspecial Child’s Playsessions (£12.50) wherechildren aged eight to 11can join workshopsthemed around the playsand even sneak in as‘groundlings’ for part of a matinee performance.21 New Globe Walk,SE1 9DT (020 79021400). Daily 10am-5pm(Oct-Apr), 9am-5pm (May-early Oct); £10.50, concs£8.50, children £6.50.
Golden HindeAge 5-11
This replica of Sir FrancisDrake’s 16th-century shipis a delight. There’s plentyof nautical fun to be had;for an unforgettableexperience, book thefamily on a summersleepover (£39.99 perperson) or have a partythere. See box above fordetails of workshops oroverleaf for its FamilyPirate Fun Festival.St Mary Overie Dock,Cathedral St, SE1 9DE(020 7403 0123). Daily 10am-5pm; £6,concs/children £4.50.
MudlarkingAge 5+ (with an adult)
All manner ofcenturies-old findshave been made onthe muddy banks ofthe Thames. If youwant to explore theforeshore check thetide times at the Portof London Authority(www.pla.co.uk).Steps just belowShakespeare’s Globe.
River tripsAll ages
Regular boat servicesrun daily. From LondonEye Millennium Pierhead east towardsGreenwich andbeyond. Services atBankside Pier link you with piers east toWoolwich Arsenal andwest to Tate Britain. www.tfl.gov.uk.
THE RIVER
South BankThere are lots of places toeat here. Canteen(Southbank Centre Square,Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX,0845 686 1122) servesBritish fare, while theterrace in front of theRoyal Festival Hall hasGiraffe (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 79282004) with global foodand a kids’ menu, andStrada (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 7401 9126)for pasta and pizza. Trydim sum at Ping Pong
(Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX,020 7960 4160) or enjoyhot food or sarnies atbenugo@BFI (BelvedereRd, SE1 8XT, 020 74019000), with a kids’ menu.
Tate ModernAll ages
The old power stationwith its huge turbine hall is geared up forfamilies. Start (Sat &Sun, plus schoolholidays exceptMondays, 11am-5pm)provides a pack ofgames for the over-fives,and the UBS OpeningsFamily Zone on Level 3includes art games forchildren. The exhibitionsalso have kids’ audiotours; the summer showis ‘Futurism’, featuringwork by Picasso andDuchamp. Bankside, SE1 9TG,020 7887 8888. Mon-Thur, Sun 10am-6pm. Fri, Sat10am- 10pm. Freeexcept for majorexhibitions.
Places to visitBanksideBig in Elizabethan times, experience themodern buzz of this ancient area
At Gabriel’s Wharf (56Upper Ground, SE1 9PP),there’s The GourmetPizza Co (020 79283188), House of Crepes(020 7401 9816) andMediterranean restaurantRiviera (020 7401 7314).In the Oxo Tower itself(Barge House St, SE19PH), you have CaffèAlba with panini and icecreams or, for a real treat, the OXO TowerRestaurant (020 78033888) with its river views.The Young Vic does goodfood, too (66 The Cut, SE18LZ, 020 7928 4400).
BanksideFoodie heaven BoroughMarket has become a toptourist destination. OnSaturdays it gets toocrammed to negotiate by11am, but if you arrive at9am when stalls open youcan pick up some tastytreats. There are family-friendly options in the area
National TheatreAge 10+
Older kids will enjoy thehour-plus backstage tour.Teenagers can claim freetickets with Entry Pass.Upper Ground, SE1 9PX(020 7452 3000). Toursdaily, times vary. £5.90,children/concs £4.90.
SEA LIFE LondonAquariumAll ages
The new-look aquariumhas a glass tunnel tropicalwalkway, feeding talks anda scary shark finale…County Hall, Queen’s Walk,SE1 7PB (020 7967 8000).Daily 10am-5pm (6pmweekends, school hols);£15.25, children £11.25.
Southbank CentreAge 5+
The complex comprisesthe Royal Festival Hall,Queen Elizabeth Hall,Purcell Room and The
if you want to sit down:Wagamama noodle bar(1 Clink St, SE1 9BU,020 7403 3659),Nando’s (215-217 ClinkSt, SE1 9DG, 020 73578662) and a PizzaExpress on the river(Bankside, SE1 9DS,020 7401 3977). If youhave fidgety children, trythe speedy and informalLeon (7 Canvey St, SE19AN, 020 7620 0035),or The Table (88Southwark St, SE1 0HX,020 7401 2760) forsoups and risottos. Thesuperb Café 2 at TateModern (Bankside, SE19TG, 020 7401 5014),has a junior menu andcrayons (look out for‘kids eat free’ deals atthe Tate’s restaurants).Or Southwark CathedralRefectory (LondonBridge, SE1 9DA, 0207407 5740) has soups,sandwiches and cakes.
Family days‘We’ve come for awalk down the riverand to see the sights.Then we’re going toget ice cream’ Fredrik (5) and his parents
Florence NightingaleMuseumAge 5+
A small museum aboutthe Crimean War nurse.There are free trails forkids over five and plenty of hands-on activities.St Thomas’ Hospital, 2Lambeth Palace Rd, SE17EW (020 7620 0374).Daily 10am-5pm; £5.80,concs and children £4.80.
gallery@oxoAll ages
Exhibitions at this riversidegallery are free, so it’salways worth a look: kidswill enjoy shows such asRoger Hooper’s animalphotos (12-28 June). Oxo Tower Wharf, BargeHouse St, SE1 9PH (020 7021 1686). Daily11am-6pm; free.
London Eye Age 5+
Take a trip on a 30-minute‘flight’ and get a bird’s-eyeview of London – on a clearday you can see 40km.Beside Westminster BridgeRd, SE1 7PB (0870 5000600). Open daily, timesvary. £15.50, children£7.75, under-4s free.
Family days‘We’ve been to TateModern. We also lovewalking over thebridge and looking atthe river’ AminaBegum with Nasima(4), Halima (3) andMomena (6)
HOTELS
South BankAt County Hall, thePremier Inn (0870990 6402) has good-value rooms; at theMarriott there (0207928 5200), a familypackage costs from£309. Under-12sstay free in the studiorooms at Park PlazaCounty Hall (0207034 4835) with‘Mini VIP’ treatmentincluding tea partiesand dressing up.Park Plaza Riverbank(020 7958 8000) isa little further south.
BanksideIn Southwark,Express by HolidayInn London (0871423 4931) andPremier Inn London(0870 990 6402) aresolid budget options.Novotel London CitySouth (020 70890400) has familyB&B rates and at the Southwark RoseHotel (020 70151480) a family roomis £150. At MercureLondon CityBankside (020 79020800) under-15s stay free.
HOLIDAYWORKSHOPSAND COURSES
At the FlorenceNightingale Museum(right) find out how touse chocolate as acure at Easter holidaydrop-in sessions (untilApril 10; free withentry). During half-term (May 23-31) kidscan create a familyportrait here. AtTopolski Century(right) kids of all agescan join Easter Animal Hunt drawingworkshops, April 7-19.Tate Modern (below)runs a free fortnightlyworkshop on Fridayscalled ‘We Are AllExperts’ for ages 15-23 (5-7pm, June 5-July 31, meet on Level3 concourse). TheGolden Hinde (below)has holiday workshopsfor 5-11s, such as atwo-hour MaritimeWorkshop (Apr 7 & 14,May 26 & 28, £8.50)about Drake and lifeon board the galleon.Also look out for theCreative Learningprojects for 8-25s atthe Old Vic (right).
‘The Scribble Book’by Herve Tullet,£7.99; Art Collectorgame, £7.34, both TateModern (020 74015167). WilliamShakespeare actionfigure, £10,Shakespeare’s Globe(020 7902 1400).Cheeky cutlery, £10(set of 4); Rainbownecklace, £14; bothOliver Bonas (0207928 6419).‘Pirateology’ byDugald Steer (includes model ship),£12.99, Golden Hinde(020 7403 0123).
Hayward. Family eventsinclude kids’ rock groupDan Zanes & Friends(Apr 10-13), the SimónBolívar Youth Orchestraof Venezuela (Apr 14-18)and ‘Peter and the Wolf’(May 8).Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX(0871 663 2500).
Topolski CenturyAge 13+
Under the railway archesis Polish artist FeliksTopolski’s huge mural. 150-152 HungerfordBridge Arch, SE1 8XU(020 7620 1275). Mon-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun12noon-6pm; free.
Young VicAge 3-5
Fevered Sleep presents‘Brilliant’ on July 15-18. 66 The Cut, SE1 8LZ(020 7922 2922).
SEA LIFELondon Aquarium
National Theatre
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SBBS09 Side2 7/4/09 14:58 Page 2
BFI IMAXAge 5+
Watch the latestHollywood movies insuper-size and 3D – thescreen is a whopping 20metres high! Summerhighlights include‘Monsters vs Aliens 3D’(April); ‘Star Trek’ (fromMay 8); ‘Transformers’(from June 26); and ‘HarryPotter and the Half-BloodPrince’ (late summer).1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,SE1 8XR (0870 7872525). Times, prices vary.
BeachAll ages
When the tide is out,there are spots whereyou can get on to the ‘beach’ and evenmake sand sculptures!The best stretch is infront of Gabriel’s Wharfand Oxo Tower Wharf,but check tide timesfirst (www.pla.co.uk).
London RIB VoyagesAll ages
Great for teens, thishigh-speed 50-minuteround trip from the Eye to Canary Wharf is an exciting zip downthe river in true JamesBond style. London Eye MillenniumPier, SE1 7PB (0207928 8933). £32.50,under-16s £19.50.Booking essential.
Places to visitSouth BankStroll along the river to encounter a hostof delights that will enchant all ages
Take a break Pit stopsA host of family-friendly eating optionshave sprung up in the area recently
Shop South Bank
Shop Bankside
BFI SouthbankAge 5+
Monthly Family Fun Daysand special Parent &Toddler/Baby screenings.Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT(020 7928 3232). Timesand prices vary.
The Dali UniverseAge 5+
Sculptures, etchings and watercolours by theSpanish surrealist. County Hall, SE1 7PB(020 7620 2720). Daily10am-5.30pm. £14,concs £12, children from£7, under-sevens free.
Old VicAge 11+
Persuade teens to enjoyShakespeare with EthanHawke in ‘The Winter’sTale’ (from May 23).The Cut, SE1 8NB (0870 060 6628).
London BridgeExperience and The London TombsAge 7+ (11+ London Tombs)
Visitors take a tourthrough numerous sets,meeting various charactersand helping them searchfor their misplaced heads.Each has their own creepystory; help them teardown the old Vikingbridge, and apply to be‘Keeper of the Heads’. This Easter’s specialactivity, The Easter HeadHunt, will amuse the kids.2-4 Tooley St, SE1 2PF
‘In the Far Off Time: TheLondon of Shakespeareand Co’ is a guided walk that leaves fromMonument tube (FishStreet Hill exit). Suitablefor families, especially teenagers who are doingShakespeare at school.Fish Street Hill, EC3R 6BR (020 7624 3978).Mon 10am. £7, under-15s with adult free.
Shakespeare’s GlobeAge 8+
Learn about the Bard’slife – including thecostumes and music ofthe time – in a guidedtour and exhibition. Thisyear’s season (April toOctober) features‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘AsYou Like It’, ‘Troilus andCressida’ and ‘Love’sLabour’s Lost’, withspecial Child’s Playsessions (£12.50) wherechildren aged eight to 11can join workshopsthemed around the playsand even sneak in as‘groundlings’ for part of a matinee performance.21 New Globe Walk,SE1 9DT (020 79021400). Daily 10am-5pm(Oct-Apr), 9am-5pm (May-early Oct); £10.50, concs£8.50, children £6.50.
Golden HindeAge 5-11
This replica of Sir FrancisDrake’s 16th-century shipis a delight. There’s plentyof nautical fun to be had;for an unforgettableexperience, book thefamily on a summersleepover (£39.99 perperson) or have a partythere. See box above fordetails of workshops oroverleaf for its FamilyPirate Fun Festival.St Mary Overie Dock,Cathedral St, SE1 9DE(020 7403 0123). Daily 10am-5pm; £6,concs/children £4.50.
MudlarkingAge 5+ (with an adult)
All manner ofcenturies-old findshave been made onthe muddy banks ofthe Thames. If youwant to explore theforeshore check thetide times at the Portof London Authority(www.pla.co.uk).Steps just belowShakespeare’s Globe.
River tripsAll ages
Regular boat servicesrun daily. From LondonEye Millennium Pierhead east towardsGreenwich andbeyond. Services atBankside Pier link you with piers east toWoolwich Arsenal andwest to Tate Britain. www.tfl.gov.uk.
THE RIVER
South BankThere are lots of places toeat here. Canteen(Southbank Centre Square,Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX,0845 686 1122) servesBritish fare, while theterrace in front of theRoyal Festival Hall hasGiraffe (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 79282004) with global foodand a kids’ menu, andStrada (Festival Riverside,SE1 8XX, 020 7401 9126)for pasta and pizza. Trydim sum at Ping Pong
(Festival Terrace, SE1 8XX,020 7960 4160) or enjoyhot food or sarnies atbenugo@BFI (BelvedereRd, SE1 8XT, 020 74019000), with a kids’ menu.
Tate ModernAll ages
The old power stationwith its huge turbine hall is geared up forfamilies. Start (Sat &Sun, plus schoolholidays exceptMondays, 11am-5pm)provides a pack ofgames for the over-fives,and the UBS OpeningsFamily Zone on Level 3includes art games forchildren. The exhibitionsalso have kids’ audiotours; the summer showis ‘Futurism’, featuringwork by Picasso andDuchamp. Bankside, SE1 9TG,020 7887 8888. Mon-Thur, Sun 10am-6pm. Fri, Sat10am- 10pm. Freeexcept for majorexhibitions.
Places to visitBanksideBig in Elizabethan times, experience themodern buzz of this ancient area
At Gabriel’s Wharf (56Upper Ground, SE1 9PP),there’s The GourmetPizza Co (020 79283188), House of Crepes(020 7401 9816) andMediterranean restaurantRiviera (020 7401 7314).In the Oxo Tower itself(Barge House St, SE19PH), you have CaffèAlba with panini and icecreams or, for a real treat, the OXO TowerRestaurant (020 78033888) with its river views.The Young Vic does goodfood, too (66 The Cut, SE18LZ, 020 7928 4400).
BanksideFoodie heaven BoroughMarket has become a toptourist destination. OnSaturdays it gets toocrammed to negotiate by11am, but if you arrive at9am when stalls open youcan pick up some tastytreats. There are family-friendly options in the area
National TheatreAge 10+
Older kids will enjoy thehour-plus backstage tour.Teenagers can claim freetickets with Entry Pass.Upper Ground, SE1 9PX(020 7452 3000). Toursdaily, times vary. £5.90,children/concs £4.90.
SEA LIFE LondonAquariumAll ages
The new-look aquariumhas a glass tunnel tropicalwalkway, feeding talks anda scary shark finale…County Hall, Queen’s Walk,SE1 7PB (020 7967 8000).Daily 10am-5pm (6pmweekends, school hols);£15.25, children £11.25.
Southbank CentreAge 5+
The complex comprisesthe Royal Festival Hall,Queen Elizabeth Hall,Purcell Room and The
if you want to sit down:Wagamama noodle bar(1 Clink St, SE1 9BU,020 7403 3659),Nando’s (215-217 ClinkSt, SE1 9DG, 020 73578662) and a PizzaExpress on the river(Bankside, SE1 9DS,020 7401 3977). If youhave fidgety children, trythe speedy and informalLeon (7 Canvey St, SE19AN, 020 7620 0035),or The Table (88Southwark St, SE1 0HX,020 7401 2760) forsoups and risottos. Thesuperb Café 2 at TateModern (Bankside, SE19TG, 020 7401 5014),has a junior menu andcrayons (look out for‘kids eat free’ deals atthe Tate’s restaurants).Or Southwark CathedralRefectory (LondonBridge, SE1 9DA, 0207407 5740) has soups,sandwiches and cakes.
Family days‘We’ve come for awalk down the riverand to see the sights.Then we’re going toget ice cream’ Fredrik (5) and his parents
Florence NightingaleMuseumAge 5+
A small museum aboutthe Crimean War nurse.There are free trails forkids over five and plenty of hands-on activities.St Thomas’ Hospital, 2Lambeth Palace Rd, SE17EW (020 7620 0374).Daily 10am-5pm; £5.80,concs and children £4.80.
gallery@oxoAll ages
Exhibitions at this riversidegallery are free, so it’salways worth a look: kidswill enjoy shows such asRoger Hooper’s animalphotos (12-28 June). Oxo Tower Wharf, BargeHouse St, SE1 9PH (020 7021 1686). Daily11am-6pm; free.
London Eye Age 5+
Take a trip on a 30-minute‘flight’ and get a bird’s-eyeview of London – on a clearday you can see 40km.Beside Westminster BridgeRd, SE1 7PB (0870 5000600). Open daily, timesvary. £15.50, children£7.75, under-4s free.
Family days‘We’ve been to TateModern. We also lovewalking over thebridge and looking atthe river’ AminaBegum with Nasima(4), Halima (3) andMomena (6)
HOTELS
South BankAt County Hall, thePremier Inn (0870990 6402) has good-value rooms; at theMarriott there (0207928 5200), a familypackage costs from£309. Under-12sstay free in the studiorooms at Park PlazaCounty Hall (0207034 4835) with‘Mini VIP’ treatmentincluding tea partiesand dressing up.Park Plaza Riverbank(020 7958 8000) isa little further south.
BanksideIn Southwark,Express by HolidayInn London (0871423 4931) andPremier Inn London(0870 990 6402) aresolid budget options.Novotel London CitySouth (020 70890400) has familyB&B rates and at the Southwark RoseHotel (020 70151480) a family roomis £150. At MercureLondon CityBankside (020 79020800) under-15s stay free.
HOLIDAYWORKSHOPSAND COURSES
At the FlorenceNightingale Museum(right) find out how touse chocolate as acure at Easter holidaydrop-in sessions (untilApril 10; free withentry). During half-term (May 23-31) kidscan create a familyportrait here. AtTopolski Century(right) kids of all agescan join Easter Animal Hunt drawingworkshops, April 7-19.Tate Modern (below)runs a free fortnightlyworkshop on Fridayscalled ‘We Are AllExperts’ for ages 15-23 (5-7pm, June 5-July 31, meet on Level3 concourse). TheGolden Hinde (below)has holiday workshopsfor 5-11s, such as atwo-hour MaritimeWorkshop (Apr 7 & 14,May 26 & 28, £8.50)about Drake and lifeon board the galleon.Also look out for theCreative Learningprojects for 8-25s atthe Old Vic (right).
