What to see in London with kids to learn about the Great Fire

Over the October half-term, I planned a day for the kids that was themed around the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Here are three of the places we visited:

1. Museum of London
The best way to learn more about the Great Fire of London for us was visiting Museum of London in the City, where we headed straight to the gallery titled War, Plague and Fire, which is located on the same level as the museum entrance. We first learnt more about what London life was like at the time, and then explored exhibits like a baker’s oven and 17th century firefighting equipment, including a fire hook. There was also a short screening, which added to the experience – and while we were there we also made sure we stopped by the Playtime area to explore some retro toys and visited the People’s City gallery with an old taxi and shop walk on the lower ground floor.

2. The Monument
We had brought our scooters on our Great Fire-themed day, making it easy to explore both Museum of London and the area where the Great Fire started on the same day. The Monument, which was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London and celebrate the rebuilding of the city, is a tall column with a viewing platform at the top. For us, it was all about taking a photo on the ground, as I wasn’t going to attempt climbing the 311 steps to the viewing platform with my youngest in tow, but there is the option to spend more time at The Monument too.

3. Pudding Lane
The Great Fire started on Pudding Lane in City of London and this little street is near The Monument. I think it was interesting to stop by there too while we were in the area, and have a quick chat about the baker, the oven and the narrow street.

Tags: City of London, Family day out, Great Fire of London, London, Museum of London, The Monument