The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
In Shakespeare’s day, theatres were considered disreputable and therefore banned from the City. So, many took up residence in Southwark which was only separated from London by the River Thames. This became both the centre of culture and debauchery in the sixteenth and seventeenth century. Thankfully it’s a bit nicer now.
The Globe Theatre
Start by making a beeline for the Globe. Take a tour or, if it’s summer, book in advance for a play. Standing tickets are only £5. £5 – so it’s not recommended for very young kids, ! £5.
The Anchor Bankside
A short walk from the Globe is the family friendly Anchor Bankside, one of the oldest pubs in London. On sunny days, it’s a great place to sit and watch the world and the river go by.
Back in the day, it was frequented by actors and, very possibly Shakespeare himself and rumour has it he lost a fiver on the fruit machine in the corner.
The Clink Museum
Just round the corner is the site of the notorious Clink – a medieval prison that was here from 600 years and survived The Peasants Revolt of 1381. Visitors will get a glimpse of scandalous Old Bankside as well as seeing and torture instruments. Not recommended for the very young or easily scared.
The Golden Hinde
Next door to The Clink is a replica of The Golden Hinde – the ship belonging to the legendary Elizabethan sailor, Sir Francis Drake. Not only do they do guided tours with re-enactments, it’s also available to book for birthday parties and sleepovers.
Southwark Cathedral
Shakespeare’s old parish church now has a monument to the great man inside. The cathedral is a fascinating part of historic London having been a place of worship for over 1000 years. Meaning that even in Shakespeare’s day it was pretty old. Many writers from Chaucer to Dickens have been associated with this church, possibly making it a good place to pray if you have writer’s block.
Borough Market
In the middle of Borough Market is a pub called the Globe. A tenuous link, but the Market is next to Southwark Cathedral so an ideal place to grab some lunch. As one of the oldest markets in Britain, Shakespeare may well have visited to pick up some lunch, though we doubt he would have had paella or dim sum. Take time walking around and trying samples before settling on what to eat otherwise you will get food envy, we know from experience.
The Shard
Throughout the day you will have been in the shadow of the Shard. Obviously this wouldn’t have been around in Shakespeare’s day but if you have time, why not go up to the viewing gallery. The telescopes allow you to look back in time so you can look down at London and see just how much it’s changed since old Bill lived here?
Nip down to Southwark and follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous playwright – William Shakespeare.
Our handy guide includes information about The Globe, The Anchor Pub and Southwark Cathedral which now features a memorial to the great man.
Along the way you can nip into The Clink Prison Museum, grab some lunch in Borough Market and see a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Golden Hinde.
Take a camera because whatever the weather you’re guaranteed some great views. Especially if you visit The Shard at the end of the day where their time travelling telescopes can transport you back to Tudor England.
In Shakespeare’s day, theatres were considered disreputable and therefore banned from the City. So, many took up residence in Southwark which was only separated from London by the River Thames. This became both the centre of culture and debauchery in the sixteenth and seventeenth century. Thankfully it’s a bit nicer now.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Start by making a beeline for the Globe. Take a tour or, if it’s summer, book in advance for a play. Standing tickets are only £5. £5 – so it’s not recommended for very young kids, ! £5.
The Globe Theatre, founded by Sam Wanamaker, is a faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse (that Shakespeare himself actually never set foot in!)
It’s ideal for supporting both schoolwork plus curious and poetical minds, this dose of hearty antique culture can provide a charming day for families with older children. Open throughout the year, Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition is one of the most exciting ways to discover and rediscover the Globe Theatre.
Anchor Bankside
A short walk from the Globe is the family-friendly Anchor Bankside, one of the oldest pubs in London. On sunny days, it’s a great place to sit and watch the world and the river go by. Order some juice or fizzy drinks (if you dare) for the kids and a packet of crisps.
The Anchor Bankside, rebuilt in 1676 after the great fire of London, is the sole survivor of the river taverns of Shakespeare’s time. They were then the epicentre of the theatre district and the favoured inn for the local river pirates, our Friday nights were hopping!
Back in the day, it was frequented by actors and, very possibly Shakespeare himself and rumour has it that he lost a fiver on the fruit machine in the corner.
Lucas, aged 9, gives the Clink a K-Rating of 10
Just round the corner is the site of the notorious Clink – a medieval prison that was here from 600 years and survived The Peasants Revolt of 1381. Visitors will get a glimpse of scandalous Old Bankside as well as seeing and torture instruments. Not recommended for the very young or easily scared.
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. Sadly this site isn’t wheelchair accessible.
The Golden Hinde
Next door to The Clink is a replica of The Golden Hinde – the ship belonging to the legendary Elizabethan sailor, Sir Francis Drake. Not only do they do guided tours with re-enactments, but it’s also available to book for birthday parties and sleepovers.
The kids can experience the life of a 16th-century explorer aboard the Golden Hinde. Start your voyage by delving into the decks for hidden treasures and pretend to be a sailor navigating the high seas for a day. Whether you want to have a go at hauling up the ship’s anchor or just simply soak up the atmosphere of an Elizabethan expedition on the open ocean, a visit to this magical ship has something for everyone!
Southwark Cathedral
Shakespeare’s old parish church now has a monument to the great man inside. The cathedral is a fascinating part of historic London having been a place of worship for over 1000 years. Meaning that even in Shakespeare’s day it was pretty old. Many writers from Chaucer to Dickens have been associated with this church, possibly making it a good place to pray if you have writer’s block.
Southwark Cathedral is a vibrant place of worship, prayer and reflection with a busy programme of events which includes music recitals, concerts, heritage talks and family activities. They also have a cafe in case the little ones start to complain of hunger. Swing by for a quick bite.
Elliot, 13, gives Borough Market a K-Rating of 8!
In the middle of Borough Market is a pub called the Globe. A tenuous link, but the Market is next to Southwark Cathedral so an ideal place to grab some lunch. As one of the oldest markets in Britain, Shakespeare may well have visited to pick up some lunch, though we doubt he would have had paella or dim sum.
Take time walking around and trying samples before settling on what to eat otherwise you will get food envy, we know from experience.
From British fruits and vegetables to international delicacies, handmade chocolate truffles, Indian street food and raclette, there’s plenty to peruse and tuck into from the many traders and restaurants at one of London’s oldest food markets.
Beautiful views of the Shard from Tower Bridge, both official K-Rated attractions
Throughout the day you will have been in the shadow of the Shard. Obviously this wouldn’t have been around in Shakespeare’s day but if you have time, why not go up to the viewing gallery. The telescopes allow you to look back in time so you can look down at London and see just how much it’s changed since old Bill lived here?
Take a guided tour where you’ll learn about 1000 years of London’s history and have your tour guide bring to life the city and landmarks below. You’ll also be given access to the Skydeck on level 72 where you’ll experience the sights and sounds of the city below and be able to purchase drinks and snacks.
Clink Prison Museum
Matilda the Musical
