the home of science, arts and inspiration

Some things to do today

Learning resources at the Science Museum

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Science Museum
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This site brings together learning resources from their four Museums, including activities, games and videos. Browse all the resources and discover activities to support a range of curriculum topics for use in the classroom, in museum galleries and beyond.

The Vault

Daily
Natural History Museum
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Some of nature's most unique and valuable treasures are on display in the Vault gallery. See the world's largest collection of coloured diamonds, discover gems that glow in the dark, and marvel at rare meteorites from out of this world.

V&A Secret Seekers

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V&A South Kensington
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Set off on a treasure hunt to unlock the secrets of the museum hidden in its walls. Meet a cast of characters, collect gems and reveal the museum's secrets!

The Sunken Garden

Wed - Sun
9.30-17.45
Kensington Palace
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The beautiful Sunken Garden was planted in 1908, transforming part of the gardens previously occupied by potting sheds into a tranquil ornamental garden. Today, the garden continues the tradition of rotational flower displays in the spring and summer.

The Italian Gardens

Daily
Kensington Gardens
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The Italian Gardens is a 150-year-old ornamental water garden located on the north side of Kensington Gardens near Lancaster Gate. It is believed to have been created as a gift from Prince Albert to his beloved Queen Victoria.

Boating on the Serpentine

Daily except Nov- March (Wed - Sun)
From 10am (closing times vary)
Hyde Park
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Head to the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen to hire a boat over the summer. Recognised as one of the most famous boating spots in London, Hyde Park is the perfect place to take in the scenery, enjoy an ice cream and float down the Serpentine in the middle of the park.

Dinosaurs

Natural History Museum
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Explore the different time periods dinosaurs lived, sort the facts from the myths about why they died out, and find out what our scientific research has taught us about these prehistoric giants.

Dinosaur Trail

Daily
Natural History Museum
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Are you big on museums, but short on time? NHM's knowledgeable visitor assistants have designed just the dinosaurs tour for you. It will introduce you to some of the Museum's most famous and imposing specimens. One hour

Serpentine Sackler Gallery & Magazine Restaurant

Tue - Sun
10am - 6.30pm
Serpentine
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The Serpentine Sackler Gallery & adjoining Magazine Restaurant, opened in 2013, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The Serpentine is now two contemporary art galleries in the heart of the Royal Park of Kensington Gardens in central London.

Mathematics: The Winton Gallery

Daily
10am-6pm (last entry 5:15pm)
Science Museum
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Mathematics is too often perceived as dry and complex, but this new gallery will tell stories that place the subject at the heart of our lives, exploring how mathematicians, their tools and ideas have helped to shape the modern world.

A Beautiful Planet 3D (U)

Dates & Times vary
Science Museum
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Experience Earth like never before in a breath-taking portrait of the planet captured from the International Space Station on the biggest screen in Europe. See fantastic images of the Earth from the Space Station and gain a new understanding of how wonderful and unique our planet is.

Fashion

Daily
V&A South Kensington
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Spanning five centuries, the Fashion collection is the largest and most comprehensive collection of dresses in the world.

Discovering Britain: Albertopolis Walk

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Take a self-guided tour and explore how London’s quarter for the arts and sciences was created. Discover more about it's great institutions and magnificent buildings.

The Garden

Daily
Open 10am- 3:40pm term time, 10am-5:40pm weekends and school holidays
Science Museum
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The Garden is an exciting interactive space, created especially for children aged 3–6 and their parents and carers in the basement of the Museum.

London's secret gardens

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
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A suggested route where you can enjoy a ride through some of London's hidden gardens and get a glimpse of some of the Parks including Hyde Park along your way.

Hop on a Santander bike

Santander Bikes
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Why not hop on a Santander bike and explore South Kensington - take a ride through the Parks, pass Kensington Palace, around the Serpentine and arrive at the Museums.

Kensington Garden cafes

Daily
Kensington Gardens
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The Broadwalk Cafe and Playcafe serves a great range of pizza, salads, wraps and sweet treats as well as a children's menu.

Hyde Park cafes and restaurant

Daily
Hyde Park
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A range of cafes, restaurants and kiosks offering everything from ice creams, sandwiches to three course meals.

Royal Albert Hall Food & Drink

Daily
Royal Albert Hall
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The Italian Verdi restaurant and Café Bar are open all day to everyone. All other bars open 2 hours before concerts.

Science Museum cafes

Daily
Science Museum
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Worked up an appetite exploring the museum? The Science Museum has several cafes open every day. You can also bring your own food to eat in our designated picnic spaces.

NHM Cafe and Restaurants

Daily
Natural History Museum
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Family friendly cafes and restaurant with tasty, freshly prepared food. You can find vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options too.

RCM Sparks

Various - term time
Royal College of Music
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From babies to teens, RCM Sparks run a variety of inspiring events for a range of abilities, including family workshops, concerts and courses

Kensington Palace Pavilion

Daily
10am - 6pm
Kensington Palace
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One of the most elegant venues in London, with an outdoor terrace for fine days and beautiful views of the palace and its gardens.

The Magazine Restaurant

Tue - Sun
10.30am - 6.30pm
Serpentine
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The restaurant was designed by award-winning architect Zaha Hadid. The Magazine restaurant offers a contemporary all-day menu, a kids menu, homemade ice creams and cocktails. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.