Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Theydon Bois

"One of London's largest Royal Parks, Hyde Park is home to the vast Serpentine Lake (which you can swim in), the majestic Wellington Arch and even a hidden pet cemetery. With 350 acres to explore, you're spoilt for choice when it comes to picnic spots, and there are three cafes (including a stingray-shaped one) where you can replenish your supplies. Other points of interest include the Diana Memorial Fountain, the Hyde Park Rose Garden, and the Achilles statue, which actor Laurence Olivier once called "the best arse in London"."

"It would be wrong to omit Hyde Park from a list of London’s most beautiful and prominent green spaces. The Grade I listed 350-acre royal park is the biggest in London, renowned as the city’s ‘green lung’, and hosts an array of major annual events, from Winter Wonderland to music festivals such as British Summer Time Hyde Park. Visit the memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales, picnic in the prepossessing Rose Garden (post lockdown), or go swimming in the Serpentine Lido, which opens from June to early September."

"The place where the Great Exhibition of 1851 was situated, Hyde Park represents a traditional natural landmark of London. The largest from the continuous series of parks that form the so-called London’s green lung, Hyde Park was created in 1536 by Henry VII and it was originally intended to serve for hunting activities. Even today, the park remains full of history and cultural symbols."

"Standing proudly next to the Westminster Houses of Parliament, the home of British politics, is the beautiful and hugely significant Westminster Abbey. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site back in 1987, this church is one of the most important in the UK and dates back to around 800AD. Westminster Abbey is steeped in history and has been the scene of royalty since William the Conqueror in the 1000s."

"From the Houses of Parliament, walk around Parliament Square, head south on Abingdon Street for literally no more than 3 minutes, and find yourself face-to-face with Westminster Abbey. Over 1,000 years old (founded 960), Westminster Abbey is, besides being beautifully preserved, famous as the traditional site of the British monarchy’s coronations and funerals."

"The Westminster Abbey Museum, or The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries, sits 52 feet above the abbey floor in the 13th century triforium. Guests will take in incredible views of the abbey as they climb the Weston Tower to the museum. The secret space that houses the galleries was hidden for more than 700 years."

"Since it opened in 2012, The Shard has taken its place as one of the most-recognizable and most-visited landmarks in London. Standing 1,016 feet tall and encompassing some 95 stories, this remarkable structure — so-named for its resemblance to a shard of glass — dominates the skyline yet, thanks to its pleasing design, doesn't seem at all out of place when seen next to neighbors such as Tower Bridge. In addition to its office space on the lower levels, The Shard is home to a stunning Shangri-La Hotel and three superb restaurants, all boasting some of the most incredible views over London."

"The United Kingdom’s tallest building dominates the London skyline, and offers incredible views from its three-storey viewing platform, The View at the Shard. Book your ticket online, or perhaps grab some cocktails in one of their charming bars. Read Next: Using the London Pass – The Most Cost-Effective Way to See London’s Biggest Sights"

"While visiting the historically important Tower of London does require a paid entrance ticket, the daily Ceremony of the Keys – the traditional ‘locking up’ of the Tower – is completely free to watch. At exactly 21:53 each evening, the Chief Yeoman Warder (or ‘Beefeater’) marches through the Tower carrying the Queen’s Keys. Escorted by four armed guards, he performs a series of specific rituals as he locks the gates to the Tower for the night before returning the keys to the Queen’s House at 10pm."

"Tower of London and Traitors’ Gate on the bank of the River Thames, London|© jax10289 / Alamy Stock Photo. With nearly a thousand years of history, the Tower of London is the oldest intact building in the capital. The White Tower was the first part to be constructed, at the behest of William the Conqueror, who wanted a formidable Norman fortress as the ultimate power symbol."

"Over 900 years old, this great castle is located in the centre of the city. It has been used for a wide range of purposes over the years including holding the crown jewels and housing various prisoners. It is for this reason that tourists hardly ever miss a chance to take a trip back in time and explore this medieval masterpiece."

"Some people thought I was being brave when I posted shots like this on Instagram, but this composition is actually taken from an island in the middle of the road (so it’s totally safe). Try using a tripod, long exposure and taking pictures at night for a similar result to below. Best time for pics: Blue hour/nightCost: FreeLocation:Link on Google Maps"

"The best view of Tower Bridge (in my opinion) is from the water; however, not everyone has a chance to do a Thames River Cruise. If that’s not on your itinerary, try to get a photo of Tower Bridge from afar, featuring something else iconic – perhaps City Hall?. Alternatively, a head on shot crossing the bridge is pretty incredible, too!"

"Tower Bridge has to be THE most Instagrammable place in London. It is possibly the most defining landmark in London, and as such demands a place on your Instagram feed. Tower Bridge is photogenic from each and every angle, so go crazy and get creative here!"

"However, today visitors can still see one remaining section of the palace complex, the Banqueting Hall (fee*) designed by famous architect Inigo Jones with a ceiling painted by Peter Paul Reubens. Today Whitehall is the center of the Government of the United Kingdom and you’ll pass a number of buildings home to various departments and ministries, including the Ministry of Defense and the Cabinet Office. Along this street you’ll also find The Household Calvary Museum (fee*), located in the 18th century stables of the Horse Guards, which gives information on the history of the Household Cavalry and displays a small collection of uniforms and weapons."

"If you know, you know – and a lot of south Londoners know about Milk. Balham’s neighbourhood brunch hero has built up a cult following over the years, with the resulting queues resulting in its diminutive, rustic quarters needing to spill out onto al fresco tables. Go green with the Gaia, which tops toast with avocado and bay carrot puree, along with pickled courgettes and pumpkin seed pesto, or get the full morning-after treatment with the Convict muffin, which comes topped with a Gloucester Old Spot pork patty, bacon, egg, Lincolnshire poacher cheese and “hangover sauce”."

"Proving that aesthetic food can be delicious too, Milk Train specialise in creative offerings that have delicious flavour combinations to match. Set in a light and airy interior with hanging flowers, this Covent Garden spot is a real treat for the senses. While their ‘normal’ ice creams are fairly luxe themselves, if you’re looking for extra wow factor we recommend taking on their specials menu."

"Well Milk has given them a 2021 update with a two-pack of French kiwi & pineapple with black lime & coconut icing and rhubarb compote & lavender with treacle."

"Not only is it a visually stunning example of ingenious 11th Century architecture comprising of spectacular stained glass windows and magnificent medieval features, the Cathedral also marks the place where Britain’s first Saint was buried over a thousand years ago. Join a daily guided tour, attend a special service or event, such as the Fireworks Spectacular on 2nd November, and conclude with a delightful cup of tea in the Abbot’s Kitchen Café. From carol concerts to an impressive son-et-lumiere instillation, there is plenty of fun to be had for all the family."

"If you’re trying to decide what to do in St Albans first, a guided walking tour is a great option. Not only will you gain historical insight about this fascinating city, but you’ll also become more familiar with the layout, which is sure to come in handy. St Albans Tour Guides offers a nice variety of themed walks throughout the year."

"Address:St Albans AL1 1BYSave on Google Maps | Save on Tripadvisor* | Visit Website. The jewel in St Albans’ crown is its magnificent Cathedral. It is one of the most remarkable buildings in the whole of England."

"Unsurprisingly, Crêpeaffaire know a thing or two about flippin' good pancakes. Whether you have a sweet tooth or fancy something savoury, you won't be disappointed with Crêpeaffaire's vast menu (including no-gluten options, winning!). From eggs Benedict to smoked salmon with cream cheese, channel your favourite brunch flavours in crêpe form with their winning savoury breakfast-inspired menu."

"Crepeaffaire is a popular chain for a reason, as it serves up delicious desserts that never disappoint. Whether you fancy a classic Nutella crepe or want to push the boat out with something more outlandish, you won’t find a better crepe in London. This is definitely one of the best desserts in London!"

"Let’s start with the obvious: if you’re a science enthusiast and haven’t been to the Science Museum, you’re doing London all wrong. This South Kensington spot is one of the biggest museums in the capital, attracting millions of visitors a year. Inside, you’ll find flabbergasting attractions ranging from the actual Apollo 10 capsule to Stephenson’s Rocket, with tons of interactive exhibits in the Wonderlab for kids, and stunning science documentaries on-screen at its own IMAX cinema."

"A futuristic museum that is spread across seven floors of interactive and entertaining exhibits and explores everything from space travel to the Industrial Revolution. There’s something here for kids of all ages, including toddlers. Highlights include the giant telescope in the Exploring Space section, flying machines in the Flight Gallery – from hot air balloons to vintage planes, and the IMAX cinema shows on deep space and the underwater world."

"The Science Museum proves that science doesn’t need to be dull. Attracting over 3 million visitors each year, the museum has exhibits for every age group, including galleries for kids under five and the Pattern Pod for kids up to eight."

": Row upon row of glass jars, with everything from tiny organisms, to strange two-headed beasts, to examples of gross diseases, this museum can be very creepy at times, especially when it’s quiet. However, it’s so much more than the freakshow that it is sometimes made out to be, offering a unique insight into the history of surgery and advances in modern medicine. The next few months are your last chance to see the museum before it closes in 2017 for refurbishment, so get going!"

"Alvaro's Restaurant started life in the year 1977 and is a popular fine dining destination in Essex. The menus showcase a wide array of Portuguese flavours such as Pacific prawns sautéed in spicy Portuguese piri-piri sauce and medallions of pork."

"‘Chay’ means ‘vegetarian’ in Vietnamese, but these guys actually give your street-food favourites a totally vegan twist – thanks to seitan, walnut and mushroom pâté, lemongrass soya, sriracha ‘mayo’, seaweed ‘crunch’ and other goodies. Here you’ll find plant-based versions of bánh mì, bibimbap, noodle salads, steamed bao buns (filled with kimchi, Korean fried tofu and even fake ‘char siu’) as well as excellent lunchtime bento boxes with a choice of bao and noodle salad. Don’t miss: Soya ‘chick’n’ noodle salad with vegan fish sauce (£7.50)"