Things to do in London this October half-term

It won’t be long until the October half-term holidays are here, so we’ve put together some ideas to help you get a head start on planning your family-friendly trip to London. And with our current seasonal offer giving you 20% off all stays until 30th November 2023, it’s the perfect time to book your serviced accommodation!

Autumnal walks in London’s pretty parks

Regent’s Park is a beautiful verdant parkland easily reached from our Camden, Fitzrovia and Marylebone serviced apartments. Admire the turning of the season in the Avenue Gardens or if it’s a fair-weather day you might like to hire a boat and join the ducks on the boating lake. If you venture further on to Primrose Hill, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent city vista!

Younger travellers will love Boo at the Zoo, taking place 21st to 31st October at London Zoo, located inside Regent’s Park. Events include an extinct species graveyard, a bubble boogie party, various crafts, and animals talks. Afterwards, head to Purezza Camden, an easy-going eatery offering plant-based pizzas, pastas, and desserts.

If you’re staying in our North Kensington – Portobello serviced apartments, check out the beautiful scenery at Holland Park, just 20 minutes away by bus. The Kyoto Gardens are particularly stunning, featuring traditional ornaments and a carp pond. Take the kids to the newly reopened Holland Park Adventure Playground, which includes a zip-line, a 10-person see-saw and a dragon swinger. The Grand Union Canal path is also found near our North Kensington apartments; you can follow the Paddington Arm all the way to picturesque Little Venice, then enjoy lunch in a waterfront restaurant such as The Summerhouse.

Explore two million years of human history

There’s so much to explore at the British Museum – it’s the perfect place for a family-friendly day out, just 1 minute from our Bloomsbury apartments and 12 minutes from our Holborn apartments. The Egyptian artefacts are always popular, but there’s also a trove of remarkable objects from the Americas, China, and Africa to discover.

From 14th to 28th October, the museum is running a free drop-in event suitable for those aged 5+ years, where children can learn about Aztec masks and then try their hand at designing their own. Afterwards, stop in at nearby Honey and Co, a husband-and-wife run café serving delicious Middle Eastern lunch options and mouthwatering cakes.

Learn about our natural world

Our Hammersmith serviced apartments are just 20 minutes’ away from the BBC Earth Experience in nearby Earl’s Court, easily reached via tube or bus. This popular interactive show enables the whole family to explore the extraordinary biodiversity of our planet on an epic scale, with narration from David Attenborough. Afterwards, take a breather at La Pappardella, an Italian restaurant and terrace known for its generous portions and warm welcome. While staying in Hammersmith, check out the programme of family-friendly theatre available at the Lyric, a short walk away from our apartments – half-term week includes The Museum of Marvellous Things, Lily and Bear and Grooving With Pirates.

An autumn adventure through Kew Gardens

If you’re staying in our Brentford serviced apartments, head across Kew Bridge to the beautiful expanse of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kew Gardens. From 21st to 29th October, intrepid youngsters can take part in an interactive sensory trail winding around the arboretum and lake, based on the beloved animation and picture-book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Better still, this event is included with your entry ticket to the main gardens. Afterwards, head to the Treetop Walkway to get a bird’s-eye view of the beauty of autumn, then warm up and explore tropical plants in the Palm House. A great way to round off your trip to Kew Gardens is by booking a visit to The Original Maids of Honour, a tea room keeping traditional baking skills alive for over 150 years – try their eponymous melt-in-the-mouth pastries, a fantastic treat after a day’s adventuring!

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