For families

1 Science Museum

Packed with exciting hands-on exhibits, this huge museum explores the fascinating world of science through centuries of scientific and technological development. It shows British inventiveness leading the world in the Industrial Revolution, with spinning looms and steam engines, navigation and early flight. It also has displays on contemporary science and cutting-edge technologies, with numerous interactive exhibits in the hi-tech Welcome Wing.

Address: Exhibition Road SW7
Phone: 087 0870 4868
Opening info: Open 10am–6pm daily
Admission charge: Free (separate charge for SimEx Sim Rides and IMAX cinema)
www.sciencemuseum.org.uk

2 Natural History Museum

There are some 70 million specimens in the Natural History Museum’s fascinating collection. Originally the repository for items brought home by Charles Darwin and Captain Cook’s botanist, Joseph Banks, the museum combines traditional displays with many innovative, hands-on exhibits. With numerous kid-pleasers, such as the impressive dinosaur collection, it remains one of London’s most popular museums. Still a hot-house of research, the museum employs 300 scientists and librarians.

Address: Cromwell Road SW7
Phone: 020 7942 5000
Opening info: Open 10am–5:50pm daily. Last admission 5:30pm
Admission charge: Free
www.nhm.ac.uk

3 Madame Tussaud’s

One of London’s most popular attractions, this is where you can see everyone from Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Queen. A Spirit of London ride takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the city’s history. The famous Chamber of Horrors puts you face-to-face with London’s most infamous criminals and has the very guillotine that beheaded Queen Marie Antoinette in the French Revolution. The next-door Planetarium has a 30-minute star show and two interactive exhibits unravelling the mysteries of space. Get there early to avoid waiting in long lines.

Address: Marylebone Road NW1
Opening info: Open 9:30am–5:30pm daily
www.madametussauds.com/London/

4 London Zoo

There’s a full day out to be had in this 36-acre zoo. Home of the Zoological Society of London, the zoo emphasizes its important international role in conservation and research work. Its cages and enclosures have won awards, such as the aviary designed by Lord Snowdon. The children’s zoo is full of things to do, with a pet care centre, Animals in Action and Predatory Birds displays.

Address: Regent’s Park NW1
Opening info: Open 10am–4pm daily
www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo/

5 London Aquarium

Seven watery environments are spread across two floors in this engaging display. They range from freshwater ponds to coral reefs, mangrove swamps to deep mysterious oceans. Sit and watch the sharks and piranhas being fed, or pick up a crab or starfish in the hands-on tidal-pool exhibit.

Address: County Hall SE1
Opening info: Open 10am–6pm daily
www.londonaquarium.co.uk

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