8 things to do in South West London with children over the bank holiday
Since we have friends with a four-year-old visiting this bank holiday, I’ve tried planning a fun schedule to make their London experience truly magical, and here are some of the activities I would suggest for anyone staying in London this weekend:
Sammy Duder
Welcoming Battersea pottery studio Sammy Duder stands out because of the variety of keepsakes customers can make, and I want to take our friends there because of the friendly-atmosphere and unique writing service. Customers can make everything from silver jewellery to framed clay handprints, or paint their own pottery and use the writing service to ensure each piece becomes truly special.
Toy Kingdom at Harrods
When I asked another mum for advice on top activities for children in London, she suggested Toy Kingdom at Harrods. It must be one of the most impressive toy shops in the city, featuring an enchanted forest, science lab and sweet emporium, and for young visitors it can be fun just seeing the huge cuddly animals on display. The Toy Kingdom can easily be combined with a visit to The Disney Store on the floor above.
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
To stay close to Chelsea and avoid queues, I’ve suggested visiting Battersea Park Children’s Zoo since our friends don’t have much time in the city and this zoo is ideal for families with young children who will also enjoy the large play area. In Battersea Park Zoo, we can time our visit with one of the feeding sessions, and the rabbit and guinea pig feeding at noon or the pigs feeding at 3.30pm tend to be particularly interactive, with children sometimes being able to help feed the animals.
Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Harrods
I also suggested Disney Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Harrods to my friends, as this sounds fantastic for over 3s who like princesses. The experience takes around 45-60 minutes and includes a princess transformation. When I called mid-week there were still some slots available over the bank holiday weekend. Prices range from £100 to £1000, with the least expensive being the Courtyard experience (£100), which includes a tutu and a pink t-shirt, and the Crown experience (£200), which includes a deluxe princess dress.
Biscuiteers
For another fun one-hour activity, I like Biscuiteers in Notting Hill and Battersea. The Icing Café (£15), avaialbe every day, is ideal for children who love decorating cakes, and it means parents can relax with a coffee while children are busy putting icing on three biscuits of their choice and colouring their biscuit box and bag.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
I’ve also suggested London Aquarium to our friends, and I would estimate this activity to take a couple of hours. I never thought an aquarium could be as exciting as it was when we last visited, and I think a trip to London Aquarium is enjoyable for the entire family. The penguins are adorable, and the glass tunnels are impressive. I would buy tickets in advance online if we go this weekend.
Sofa.com
For families looking to spend the weekend upgrading their home, the Sofa.com showroom in Chelsea can be the perfect place to take the family. Sofa.com, which has activities for children on weekends and is a very child-friendly interiors shop, is organising spring treasure hunts in-store between 11am and 3pm every day over the bank holiday weekend.
Alice in Wonderland at Battersea Library
As part of Wandsworth Fringe Festival, Blackshaw Theatre presents a new adaptation of Alice in Wonderland at Battersea Library, starting on Saturday 2 May. The show is suitable for ages four and over, and the running time is 45 minutes.
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