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DANDELION DISCOVERIES
What Made Us Smile This Week
Sacred Treasures from Kyiv
🏆 A collection of golden sacred, religious art from Ukraine has gone on display at the V&A for the very first time. Highlights include this beautiful gospel book.
Rooms 84 & 85
Free from 14 Sept
Rooms 84 & 85
Free from 14 Sept
Baa-Ewe Tapestry
🐑 No tickets for the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum ?
Head to the Natural History Museum for Shaun the Sheep’s slightly Halloween-y version. Knitting creds to the lovely Tom Daley for Shaun’s jumper. On display in the Darwin Centre until 1 Nov. Free. New movie opens 18 Sept. 🐑 🧶 🎃
Head to the Natural History Museum for Shaun the Sheep’s slightly Halloween-y version. Knitting creds to the lovely Tom Daley for Shaun’s jumper. On display in the Darwin Centre until 1 Nov. Free. New movie opens 18 Sept. 🐑 🧶 🎃
Lady in Blue
🩵 Little bit in love with this fantastic new swaggeringly curvaceous statue striding off the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square.
Crafted by the brilliant Tschabalala Self we think she is an excellent addition to this iconic square.
Crafted by the brilliant Tschabalala Self we think she is an excellent addition to this iconic square.
17th Classic Boat Festival
⛵️ The glorious annual Classic Boat Festival returns once again this weekend to St Katherine Docks. Over 40 beautiful vintage classic boats will assemble including war heroes, the Dunkirk Little Ships 🚤 Live music 🎶 kids fun and yummy food ashore.
London's only Marina will be buzzing all weekend.
⛵️⛵️⛵️
Opening Time
Saturday 9 11-6pm
Sunday 10 11-5pm
12/13 September
London's only Marina will be buzzing all weekend.
⛵️⛵️⛵️
Opening Time
Saturday 9 11-6pm
Sunday 10 11-5pm
12/13 September
The Great Thames River Race
🛶 London's most EPIC river race returns once again as part of the month long Thames Festival.
This spectacular watery race stretches 21.6 miles from Millwall in the East to Richmond in the West, travelling under all of London’s iconic bridges (28 in total) !
Expect to see over 300 crews, mostly in fancy dress
A super fun day out for the whole family.
12 Sept, all day
This spectacular watery race stretches 21.6 miles from Millwall in the East to Richmond in the West, travelling under all of London’s iconic bridges (28 in total) !
Expect to see over 300 crews, mostly in fancy dress
A super fun day out for the whole family.
12 Sept, all day
Walk the Bard
📚 Mini Shakespeare fans should flock to the hidden gardens of Middle Temple this August bank holiday weekend.
Bringing together six curated scenes from Shakespeares most treasured plays this live immersive theatrical adventure promises to be a treat for older book loving children.
Exploring love, laughter and heartbreak the theatrical scenes, set across the decades, are lead by a playful Elizabethan fool!
Ticket includes a welcome drink in the Fountain Court and a tour of the iconic Great Hall. Recommended for ages 12+
£39.50 pp
29-31 August. Five daily performances, 60 mins.
Directed by Amanda Redman
Bringing together six curated scenes from Shakespeares most treasured plays this live immersive theatrical adventure promises to be a treat for older book loving children.
Exploring love, laughter and heartbreak the theatrical scenes, set across the decades, are lead by a playful Elizabethan fool!
Ticket includes a welcome drink in the Fountain Court and a tour of the iconic Great Hall. Recommended for ages 12+
£39.50 pp
29-31 August. Five daily performances, 60 mins.
Directed by Amanda Redman
Horrible Science at ZSL! 🦁
Gruesome experiments and time-travelling scientists have arrived at London Zoo to keep your little ones entertained this summer.
Bringing two centuries of scientific discovery to life join for an immersive trail, live sketch shows and hands-on science experiences inspired by extraordinary characters who helped shape ZSL's 200 year history and based on the books of Horrible Science author, Nick Arnold and illustrator, Tony De Saulles.
All included in zoo entry.
18 July-2 Sept.
Bringing two centuries of scientific discovery to life join for an immersive trail, live sketch shows and hands-on science experiences inspired by extraordinary characters who helped shape ZSL's 200 year history and based on the books of Horrible Science author, Nick Arnold and illustrator, Tony De Saulles.
All included in zoo entry.
18 July-2 Sept.
Everyman on the Canal 🍿
Free movies are back in Kings Cross!
Running until 16 August grab some popcorn and pull up a bean bag. Full programme below. We are planning to pop along to Lady and the Tramp this Saturday (25th July).
Running until 16 August grab some popcorn and pull up a bean bag. Full programme below. We are planning to pop along to Lady and the Tramp this Saturday (25th July).
Caribbean Takeover 🌴
Join for a family friendly vibrant day at the National Maritime Museum this Saturday. Honouring the 60th anniversary of the carnival highlights include Calypso, Soca and Reggae dancing, African drumming, Steel pan performances, magicians and HEAPS of arts and crafts workshops and talks.
25 July
10am-5pm
FREE
25 July
10am-5pm
FREE
Bekonscot Circus 🎪
Those clever students at the National Film and Television Centre will once again display their hand made puppets at this charming model village.
This year's theme is 1930's circus. Step inside the big top and meet the characters yourself.
1 June - 31 Aug
This year's theme is 1930's circus. Step inside the big top and meet the characters yourself.
1 June - 31 Aug
Historic Animals 🦉
We were very excited to hear that extraordinary creatures will once again return to the Tower of London this summer.
For two weeks this August 'Imagining Animals' - a spectacular new event where extraordinary creatures roam the Tower through breathtaking puppetry, live music and vibrant dance performances.
Included in ticket price.
19-31 Aug.
For two weeks this August 'Imagining Animals' - a spectacular new event where extraordinary creatures roam the Tower through breathtaking puppetry, live music and vibrant dance performances.
Included in ticket price.
19-31 Aug.
Great Exhibition Rd Festival
🧪 Get ready for a jam-packed weekend of family fun in and around South Kensington.
Explore tons of zones, themed areas, workshops, interactive exhibits, creative classes, and live demonstrations! We always love heading to the Family Fun Zone in Ken Gardens.
Good wholesome free outdoor fun. ENJOY!
Explore tons of zones, themed areas, workshops, interactive exhibits, creative classes, and live demonstrations! We always love heading to the Family Fun Zone in Ken Gardens.
Good wholesome free outdoor fun. ENJOY!
Open Square Gardens
🌸 Don't miss London Open Gardens this weekend. Your chance to roam around so many hidden secret London green spaces. The classic London Square Gardens are always our favourite. Over 120 to explore!
£10 adults, U12s free.
6-7 June.
£10 adults, U12s free.
6-7 June.
Summer Pavilion 26'
🧱 A new red bricked wobbly walled wonder has arrived in Kensington Gardens just in time for the summer season. Designed by LANZA atelier 'A Serpentine', this year's Summer Pavilion, has very unusual crinkle-crankle walls which apparently take up less bricks than a straight wall - who knew.
Family Days; 7 June, 19 July, 23 Aug.
Free, drop-in outdoor play, artist-led workshops throughout the day. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the Serpentine lawn.
Open for all to enjoy from 6 June to 25 October.
Free.
Family Days; 7 June, 19 July, 23 Aug.
Free, drop-in outdoor play, artist-led workshops throughout the day. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the Serpentine lawn.
Open for all to enjoy from 6 June to 25 October.
Free.
Kusuma Nature Play Area
🤸🏼♂️ A brand new nature-themed play area is opening at dandelion favourite the Horniman Museum just in time for half term.
All the play equipment is themed around species local to the Horniman – look out for the timber rocker, nest hedge, and eggs in the robin-themed area. After the kids have let off some steam refuel at the Garden Cafe before heading off to find 3D animated creatures on the Animals Everywhere AR trail.
Opening daily from 21 May.
Free for all to enjoy.
All the play equipment is themed around species local to the Horniman – look out for the timber rocker, nest hedge, and eggs in the robin-themed area. After the kids have let off some steam refuel at the Garden Cafe before heading off to find 3D animated creatures on the Animals Everywhere AR trail.
Opening daily from 21 May.
Free for all to enjoy.
David Bowie: You're Not Alone
🎤 You've visited his archive at the shiny new V&A East Storehouse but from the 22 April you can now totally immerse yourself in the many worlds of pop legend David Bowie at the London Lightrooms.
Tickets are selling fast.
£25 adult, £15 child
Tickets are selling fast.
£25 adult, £15 child
Orchid Festival at Kew
🌸 Bursting open to help us get through this gloomy February the 30th Orchid Festival returns to Kew Gardens.
Inspired by China's biodiversity seek out the fluffy panda's the cheeky monkeys and the spiralling koi carp. The giant dragon is magnificent.
Open for one month only do not miss this one.
Entry included in garden admission but you need to book a slot.
7 Feb-8 March
Inspired by China's biodiversity seek out the fluffy panda's the cheeky monkeys and the spiralling koi carp. The giant dragon is magnificent.
Open for one month only do not miss this one.
Entry included in garden admission but you need to book a slot.
7 Feb-8 March
Summit Ally Pally
🧗♂️Be one of the very first to scale the highest walkway in the UK. Opening on the 14 Feb we can't wait to try it. Three climbs to choose from. Tickets from £22.
Nailing it!
⛏ We went on a wintery day trip to Canterbury last weekend. Whilst visiting their epic Cathedral (highly recommend) we came across this floating Gormley in the crypt. Made from nails recovered from the cathedral he was mesmerising. In situ since 2011 we can't believe we missed him on our last visit there. Kids go free. Bit penny for adults but worth it we think. £18
Severndroog Castle
🕍 We are a little bit in love with this gothic tower. Built as a memorial of love by Lady James (in memory of Sir William) it stands loud and proud at the top of Shooters Hill. Used as a look out tower in WW2 this historic 18th folly is nestled in ancient woodland. Can't wait to revisit when the bluebells bloom.
Rooftop viewing platform and castle reopen on the 1 Feb. Lovely Hexagonal cafe.
Rooftop viewing platform and castle reopen on the 1 Feb. Lovely Hexagonal cafe.
Grant Museum of Zoology
🦇 We have wanted to visit this small but perfectly formed hidden gem for a while. We were not disappointed. Housed in an Edwardian library and racked and stacked with pickled creatures, critters and bones little zoologist will be in anatomical heaven. The infamous jar of moles is quite something. Free to visit but varying opening hours. Check website.
Canary Wharf Lights
💫 Now in its tenth year the Winter Light Festival returns once again to Canary Wharf. With 16 installations to discover the trail does wonders to brighten gloomy January nights. We loved it.
Running to 31 Jan. Free
Running to 31 Jan. Free
Good enough to eat
🎄A new venue for The Gingerbread City Exhibition this year as it comes to Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross from 29 Nov–4 Jan. Brainchild of the Museum of Architecture, see how young architects create extraordinarily intricate cityscapes from gingerbread. This year, there will be a gingerbread rendition of the new-look Olympia created with Bake Off contestant, Pui Man. We are going on Wednesday (27th) so check back here (and on instagram) to see what we thought.
Exhibition tickets are £13.50 for ages 12+, £8.50 ages 3–12, U3s free.
Family gingerbread cookie decorating workshops are £30. Or, we like the sound of the Gingerbread House Making Workshop. Tickets are £79.50 but that covers 2–4 people decorating one house. Fun family outing.
Exhibition tickets are £13.50 for ages 12+, £8.50 ages 3–12, U3s free.
Family gingerbread cookie decorating workshops are £30. Or, we like the sound of the Gingerbread House Making Workshop. Tickets are £79.50 but that covers 2–4 people decorating one house. Fun family outing.
New at the zoo
🦓 The arrival of ZooTown at London Zoo, an immersive play/learning experience for ages 3–8, is simply brilliant. Click on the link to read our full review and book your £1 tickets (Zoo entry extra)
Delicious words
🔤 We dropped into the Clore Ballroom in the Royal Festival Hall today (29 Oct) to find heaps of happy kids and their families making fabulous recipes with words. Alphabet Soup is the brainchild of A Line Art, creative drop in workshops as part of the London Literature Festival at Southbank. Free. 11am–3.30pm. To 30 Oct.
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