London Families: Plan The Best School Holiday Ever

Make the most of those holiday weeks

I remember well my daughter’s first school holiday – we’d completed the activities I’d planned for the entire day by 9.30am! I wished I had a list of great ideas to turn to – so here is one for you 🙂 The places we loved, and some places recent clients have recommended. Pop some of these in your diary and you’ll have a holiday to remember!

There’s something here for everyone: child-friendly exhibitions and galleries; indoor and outdoor play centres; art classes and creative activities; sport; kids theatre; water play; suggestions for downtime – and recommendations for some places to book holidays through if you’ve still got weeks to fill!

Best of all, I’ve arranged some exclusive discounts with these companies – enjoy!

SLEEP IN A CASTLE

Windsor Castle

One of the most memorable overnight stays I’ve had with my daughter. We loved the tapestries on the wall, and jousting at dinner. Most children are dressed as kings and queens! Heaps of activities throughout the day.

EXHIBITIONS & ART

Twist Museum

A really fun day out for both adults and kids! And yes, photo opportunities galore 🙂

Young V&A

The museum especially designed for children, young people and families. Definitely worth a trip!

Science Museum

You won’t be the only ones there 😉 Book ahead and dodge the queue. The Science Museum has so much to keep little ones entertained. I dragged my daughter home after 4 hours straight!

PLAY CENTRES

Little Street Roleplay, Sevenoaks & Wallington

Ridiculously cute indoor play town for little ones. Including a theatre, vet and building site – something for everyone!

SPECIAL OFFER

10% discount when you book online, at the Sevenoaks or Wallington centre. Use code LOUISE10 at checkout – one use per customer, until 31/8/2025.

Hobbledown Heath, Hounslow

With an enormous indoor playbarn for wet days! Four different villages to explore, with towers, tunnels and all sorts of animals.

ART CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

Brood Family Studios

Balham’s favourite creative activities for little ones! Holiday camps run in every half term and school holiday. A great opportunity for your little ones to get involved in arts, baking, pottery, drama and dance – and even mindfulness!

Art-K

I have a soft spot for Art-K because my daughter did their art classes for years, she loved them! Well worth checking out for their school holiday programmes.

SPORT

Go Ape

Nothing beats a day traversing the treetops! With a range of routes appropriate for different ages from 4+.

KIDS THEATRE

Unicorn Theatre

I have such fond memories of seeing shows here myself as a child, I absolutely loved taking my daughter here too!

Puppet Theatre Barge

The UK’s only floating puppet barge – what’s not to love! Little Venice’s star attraction.

WATER PLAY

South Bank fountains

A Summer soaking is waiting for you!

Granary Square fountains

1,080 jets just waiting to get you wet! Brilliant on a hot day.

HELP WITH HOLIDAY PLANNING

Feather Down Farm

My favourite glamping experience

Farm stays across the UK – in super cute cabins. There are some dog-friendly sites too. We stayed in Norfolk, and absolutely loved it!

Turquoise Holidays

Northcote Road's jewel in the crown

The helpful team can help you plan a family trip to elegant, chic locations – working within your budget. Perfect!

Crabtree & Crabtree

North of England and South of Scotland

I love the concept of this business – specialised in unique stays in a fairly specific location. There’s a lot to be said for a team who really know one are well. Having spent many family holidays in Scotland myself, I can highly recommend one!

Club Med

All-inclusive holidays with kids

One of my favourite ever holidays was a Club Med inter-generation trip to Cyrus – thank you for the memories! We loved that there are sports, relaxation, kids’ clubs – the works

Mark Warner

For sporty families

If your kids have energy to burn, Mark Warner’s for you. With beach locations as well as mountains, you’re spoilt for choice – and I love that some of the resorts even offer padel now, and standup paddle boarding.

DOWN TIME

The Week Junior

Confession: I get most of my news from the Week Junior. We subscribed when Zoe was 5, and here we are 8 years later still enjoying it!

Foyles

The children’s level at Foyles is mind-blowing. Sooooo many books!

Children's Bookshop, Muswell Hill

A bookshop entirely for kids – what’s not to love!

Family photography

Taking photographs parents will love by giving children the morning they want. Mischief and surprises are welcome here!

Thank you so, so, so much! We are OBSESSED with the photos. Turns out that a rainy, grey day with a fabulous photographer can yield some pretty epic photos.”

Maggie

A little freebie

Free PDF: How To Take Great Photos Of Your Kids

Super simple tips you can put to use no matter if you’re using a DSLR or a smartphone. No skills or experience required!