the home of science, arts and inspiration

Some things to do today

The Royal College of Music Museum & Guided Tours

10:15am–5:45pm
Royal College of Music
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The Royal College of Music's Museum offers a unique opportunity to interact with over 500 years of musical history. Items include the world’s oldest guitar and earliest keyboard instrument with strings. Enjoy a tour of the Museum, led by their knowledgeable team on Wednesdays at 12:30pm.

Royal Geographical Society Membership

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Spark inspiration and curiosity with a gift that lasts all year. Through a range of talks, exhibitions, events, magazines and resources, Society members can explore the incredible stories of our planet’s people, places and environments.

Membership to Institut français

Institut français
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A wonderful gift is a membership to the Institut français. Amongst their benefits are invitations to exclusive events, movies in their sumptuous Ciné Lumière, activities for younger members, access to their Art Deco listed library, superb food and drink and so much more!

Historic Royal Palaces Membership

Kensington Palace
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With seasonal sparkle and Christmas activities for all, now's the perfect time to become a member of Historic Royal Palaces and start sharing uplifting experiences and days out with loved ones at some of the UK's most iconic palaces.

Join the Friends of Leighton House Museum

Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum
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A wonderful way to support Leighton House Museum is a Christmas gift for Join the Friends and enjoy free, unlimited access to their historic house and invitations to private views..

Leighton House Gift Shop

Online
Online
Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum
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Leighton House museum's online shop has some of the best in contemporary design and artisan craft, their curated edit is inspired by the homes, work and collections of Frederic Leighton and Linley Sambourne.

Give the Gift of Music

Royal College of Music
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A perfect gift for any music lover is the Membership of the Royal College of Music Friends scheme. In addition to priority booking and access to an exclusive programme of Friends events, they will receive regular advance info about RCM events while showing support for young musical talent.

The Shop at Japan House London

Mon to Sat
10am-8pm
Japan House London
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Recognised as the cultural home of Japan in London, be inspired by the beautifully displayed cabinets that blur the lines between a gallery and a store. From crafts rooted in Japanese traditions to one-of-a-kind pieces by artists, each product has a story to tell and will make a wonderful gift this Christmas.

Inspiring Artistry at the Serpentine Shop

Tuesday - Sunday
10am - 6pm
Serpentine
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The shop at the Serpentine is the place if you're looking for a unique piece of art. Hervé Télémaque: Le chant du coq, James Barnor: Accra / London - A Retrospective, Jennifer Packer: The Eye Is Not Satisfied With Seeing, and so many more to inspire and possess.

Behind the Scenes Tour: Spirit Collection

Daily
11am, 3pm
Natural History Museum
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Go behind the scenes with our knowledgeable science educators for a look at the Museum's fascinating zoology collection preserved in spirit.

Imperial College Podcasts: The effects of climate change

Online
Imperial College London
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Imperial College's latest podcasts centre around climate change anxiety, quantum computing and climate injustice. Discover more about their priorities for the upcoming COP26 climate change summit.

Serpentine Lido

Mid-May to mid-Sept
10am-6pm
The Royal Parks
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The Serpentine Lido is, arguably, London's most iconic 'open water' swimming location. The Lido is open for public swimming on weekends from mid-May, and every day between June and Mid-September.

The Serpentine Lido Cafe

Daily
The Royal Parks
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What better location to host a celebration this summer than overlooking the Serpentine in London’s largest Royal Park. Choose from a variety of hot and cold food options including a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Serves a selection of teas, specialty coffees and is licensed for alcohol.

Mission: Invertebrate

The Royal Parks
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Download Mission: Invertebrate's free activities and information sheets to see London’s green spaces in a whole new way. Whether you’re at home, in your local park or one of the incredible Royal Parks, these resources will help you and your family discover fascinating nature on your doorstep.

How to Make A Bee Hotel

Online
Natural History Museum
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This simple bee hotel will provide a home for a variety of solitary bees, including red mason bees and leafcutter bees.

Make a Balcony Allotment - Hanging Pots

Online
The Royal Parks
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Save floor space in your balcony or window allotment with these pretty hanging plant pot.

Planting for Pollinators

Online
The Royal Parks
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Whether you have a garden, porch or windowsill, find out how you can choose plants that not only look fabulous but are loved by invertebrates.

How To Make Seed Balls

Online
The Royal Parks
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Follow the Royal Park's guide to make your own seed balls. Add a pop of wildflower colour to your outdoor space and help pollinators at the same time!

Beetle-mania

Online
The Royal Parks
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Learn about insect body parts by looking at the uk’s largest invertebrate: the stag beetle! Rebuild the beetle by drawing its pieces in the correct places. Suitable for ages 5-11.

How to create a wildlife friendly garden

Online
Natural History Museum
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Seven simple ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden. The amount of wildlife on our doorsteps is astounding but is increasingly being lost to hard surfacing and paving. Wildlife needs a helping hand. and even small changes can help. Here are seven easy ways to make your garden a haven for wildlife.

How to press flowers

Online
Natural History Museum
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Why not embark on a craft project and decorate special cards for family and friends, create beautiful art, or make a collection of herbarium sheets recording the plants growing in your garden?

Magical mystery nature tour

Online and outside
Natural History Museum
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Boost your family's wellbeing with a magical mystery nature tour. Time in nature is essential for keeping us healthy and happy, even through winter's colder, darker months. Explore some of the key reasons why and venture out for some nature therapy.

Dino Snores for Kids

Various Dates
6:45pm - 10am
Natural History Museum
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Have you ever wanted to have a sleepover with a giraffe? Or spend the night camped beneath a blue whale? This unique sleepover gives kids aged 7 to 11 the chance to explore the Museum after dark while taking part in fun and educational activities.

Hyde Park

Daily
Hyde Park
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One of the greatest city parks in the world covering 142 hectares with over 4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow and further ornamental flower gardens, all here in the home of London’s arts and science district.