Top 10 family things to do in London

Toys galore at V&A Museum of Childhood

There are exhibits to excite all ages, from 17th-century dolls’ houses to 1950s Scalextric racing cars. Little ones can frolic in the sandpit and ride rocking horses, while older kids make pictures from magnetic filings. Bring your own picnic and dine in the café.

Cambridge Heath Rd, E2 9PA

Brass rubbings at St Martin-in-the-Fields

Create a medieval knight in bronze, or a multicoloured St George and the Dragon to take home. There are replica brasses of all sizes and levels, and different colours of metallic wax. Keep your ears open for free lunchtime concerts in the church hall.

Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ

Traditional toys at Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop

Hand-made Jack-in-the-boxes and string puppets fill this tiny specialist store, with traditional theatres made from card which make a handy souvenir to take home. It’s in the lively Covent Garden market, with street theatre, buskers and cafés.

44 The Market, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF

World’s a stage at Unicorn Theatre

This purpose-built theatre has a year-round programme of performances for a wide range of ages. Daytime storytelling, Shakespeare for teenagers and puppet shows with a twist mark this family-friendly London venue.

147 Tooley St, SE1 2HZ

Go rowing on the Serpentine

The Serpentine lake at the vast Hyde Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with rowing boats and pedal boats for hire. In summer months you can enjoy a dip at the Serpentine Swimming Club, and there’s a paddling pool for little ones.

Hyde Park, W2 2UH

Get lost at Hampton Court Palace

Book a London hotel to explore the palace’s grounds, with labyrinthine green corridors made for getting lost. Bringing the experience to life is a gentle audio installation with sounds of furtive conversations, snatches of medieval music and giggling, just like in Henry VIII’s days.

Surrey, KT8 9AU