The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
We realise not all kids like soft toys, cuddly animals and the cute things in life. Some are only really happy when they’re being scared, visiting gory places or looking at the more disgusting things in life.
Well luckily for them we’ve pulled together a quick and handy guide of FIVE places that should keep their yukky little minds thoroughly entertained.
Lucy gives the Clink a K-Rating of 10
It’s not a very big museum, but it certainly packs a punch with its gory instruments of torture – many of which you can handle. It’s a medieval prison that was here from 600 years and survived The Peasants Revolt of 1381. The emphasis in here is very much on the history of, both The Clink Prison and the period in which it existed as such.
Some say the moniker, ‘The Clink’, came from the sound of the blacksmith closing the irons on prisoners’ wrists. Now if that wasn’t spooky enough, this Southwark relic is famous for paranormal activity. Nightly vigils are held allowing visitors to make contact with the long-gone residents, using ouija boards and glass divination.
You can even team up with the UK’s biggest ghost hunting company to search for spooks; just don’t forget to prove you braved the hunt with a free downloadable photo. So, if your kids love history, they’ll leave slightly disturbed, but with their heads swimming with facts.
The London Dungeons K-Rated by Elliot & Fin
Still very much the best in its class. Genuinely creepy and unsettling, with boat rides, narrow corridors, strange noises and lifelike exhibits. The best things were the actors, whose performances are guaranteed to make you laugh and shriek in equal measure.
If your stomachs feel settled enough after that experience you have loads of mid-price restaurants to choose from – as it’s situated down on the Southbank-, along with the Southbank Centre, the BFI Imax and two other huge attractions with the London Eye and London Aquarium.
Definitely book online through our offers page. But also think about escaping on a Thames Clipper from the jetty under the London Eye and taking the teens on little cruise down to the shops and restaurants of The O2 centre where they can roam around without you for a while.
Oscars gives the Tower of London a K-Rating of 10
This former prison has seen its fair share of murders and executions. Take a trip to the Bloody Tower and listen to the Beefeaters as they recount its gory history. Visit the Royal Beasts exhibit where you’ll learn all about the exotic animals which were held captive in the Tower for more than 600 years.
Bedazzled by the 23,578 gems that make up the Crown Jewels in the Jewel House. Just don’t try and pinch any or you might find yourself up on the executioner’s block!
Prepare for the queues but trust us it’s worth it. Kids will also enjoy the FREE Yeoman’s Tour where you can learn about the Tower’s incredible history. Look out for reenactments of famous tower residents too. It’s also the most haunted place in London – apparently…
Issy gives the Horniman Museum 10/10
This is a surprising addition to the list but kids tell us they love the taxidermy and strange exhibits kept in formaldehyde. Look out for the mermaid skeleton – it’s very creepy!
It’s a real treat for curious kids, particularly the 4,000 items Hands-On zone, with some really unusual things to explore with wild textures and amazing oddities. Plus, you can all learn how to easily identify city wildlife, and the Animal Walk lets visitors walk through the centre of the new enclosures for a close encounter with its furry and feathered residents. A delightfully immersive way to enjoy nature that will really capture kids’ imaginations as it’s like walking through a jungle.
The London Bridge Experience, an official K-Rated attraction
A two for the price of one attraction. Take a trip into the Bridge’s history and spooky haunted tunnels, as you encounter different characters, tear down the old Viking bridge and meet the Keeper of the Heads! The truly terrifying scare maze in London Tombs is next – creep around the haunted catacombs as zombies and other unspeakable creatures leap at you from the darkness.
Winner of the Worlds best scare attraction 2017 and holder of the UK’s best scare attraction for the past nine years.
This adrenaline-pumping experience takes you through the Bone Yard, the hall of the living dead and past the Bloody Butcher, while you look out for the ghost of ‘Emily!’ – not our Emily, we swear!
Matilda The Musical
Finally, an honourable mention to Matilda the Musical – because a list for revolting kids would, of course, be incomplete without something by the great Roald Dahl.
It’s a cast of wildly talented kids who are sure to inspire your own! It’s a heart-warming show packed full of wonder, magic, rebellion and fun that’ll keep every member of the family entertained. Matilda The Musical is suitable for children aged 6 and up. Unfortunately, babes-in-arms will not be admitted into the theatre.
We’ve yet to have a kid give this a bad review. Tickets for the West End are expensive but look for offers, returns or sell a kidney. This is a definite must-see.
Clink Prison Museum
Matilda the Musical
