Best Zoo in Barbican

"The London Zoo is a fantastic place for toddlers, as it’s centrally located in Regent’s Park so it’s easy to get to and the number of animals who live here is astounding for a city zoo. Get up close to the giraffes, watch the meerkats run back and forth, head into the sloth exhibit or visit the tigers. There are child-friendly activities held at the zoo on a daily basis, and particularly when schools are out, you can always find something to do at the London Zoo with a small child."

"The famous London Zoo offers daily events including a free nature trail for children to tick off animals on their way around. There is daily feeding of birds, meercats, penguins at the beach, magnificent tigers, lemurs and even a giraffe high tea!. Animals show off their skills in live demonstrations; there are bug encounters and much more!"

"Nestled in Battersea Park, this Children’s Zoo may not exactly be big, but that’s part of its charm. They house a range of mammals, reptiles and birds, from farm to smaller exotics animals. With various feeding times, picnic and play areas and children’s rides, this zoo is especially good for the little ones."

"Battersea Park Children's Zoo is home to a host of farmyard animals, flamingos, otters and monkeys. Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ. Tube: Sloane Square Station"

"Flat Iron Square is a hub for drinking, dining and dancing in the shadow of The Shard. The outdoor space is host to a flea market at weekends and various events throughout the year, as well as home to a winter ski chalet, Apres, designed for hot cocktails and cosy times. Under the arches you’ll find street food stalls spanning world cuisines, while next door is live music venue Omeara, its sister tequila bar Cantina and slightly-hidden-away wine bar Tap & Bottle."

"This snazzy food court/bar/venue, sprawled through some Borough railway arches, may look a tad shiny, but don’t be fooled: this is keenly curated stuff. Fab fare – from manti dumplings to ramen, Levantine bits and tip-top toasties – can be scoffed at outdoor tables under heaters (there are a couple of sit-in restaurants too). There’s also brand-new sister venue St Felix Place open now too."

"I have to admit that I only found this cool little street food market in London Bridge a couple of months ago, but it’s really quite brilliant. Sitting in the railway arches between Southwark and London Bridge, the market offers pretty much every cuisine imaginable, great wines at Tap & Bottle and a live music venue Omeara. That’s Saturday night sorted then."

"It’s perhaps a tad misleading to call this a casino, given that it’s actually located above a casino and is famous for its poker. Yet there are other things you can do here such as play roulette and slot machines, so it deserves to be on the list. If there’s something you want to play that you can’t then you can always pop down to the Grosvenor Casino below."

"This inventively redesigned museum vibrantly relates the history of the British Army, from the perspective of its servicemen and servicewomen. The museum reopened with a big bang in 2017, with five brand-new state-of-the-art galleries, including the Soldier Gallery, the Army Gallery, the Society Gallery (exploring society's relationship with the army), the Battle Gallery (the army at war) and the Insight Gallery (on the impact of the British Army through the world). Free talks, workshops and tours are also hosted: see the website for details."

"Alternatives: There are many other things to see in the area (mostly in Chelsea), including the Chelsea Physic Garden (fee*), Leighton House Museum (fee), Design Museum, Portobello Road Market, Chelsea Football Club Stadium Tour & Museum (fee*), and the recently renovated National Army Museum. London Itinerary Day 6 – Greenwich or Free Day"

"Fronted by a pair of intimidating 15in naval guns and a piece of the Berlin Wall, this riveting museum is housed in what was the Bethlem Royal Hospital, a psychiatric hospital also known as Bedlam. Although the museum’s focus is on military action involving British or Commonwealth troops largely during the 20th century, it covers war in the wider sense. Must-see exhibits include the state-of-the-art First World War Galleries and Witnesses to War in the forecourt and atrium above."

"This historic warship, operated today by Imperial War Museums, will definitely be of interest to military buffs, or anyone with an interest in boats. Launched just before the outbreak of World War 2, this Royal Navy Light Cruiser saw action in both World War 2 and the Korean War, before being decommissioned in 1963."

"Despite its name, the cultural venue formerly known as the Imperial War Museum (one of five IWM branches around the country) does not…"

"The Family Cake Company is a premier cake shop that offers bespoke cake designs that are beautifully handcrafted to the delight of all their customers. Offering different cakes for all occasions like birthdays, weddings, engagement, christening, communion, baby shower, Christmas and Halloween, you would certainly have the perfect cake that will complete your special event and make it more luxurious and fancy. Using the best and finest ingredients and following your allergen advise, they guarantee that you will enjoy the flavourful creations that they have."

"Address: 49-50 Camden Lock, Camden Town, London NW1 8AF and 54 Greek Street, London W1D 3DS. Whether you're a science buff or not, you have to head here just for the experience - you get to watch as your dessert is frozen to order using liquid nitrogen. Toppings and sauces are kept in beakers to complete the science lab vibe, and flavours are outlandish - think pandan leaf and black sesame cake."

"Coffee ice cream, a dusting of cocoa powder and the fluffiest, softest cloud of whipped mascarpone cream, the base of this brilliant tiramisu mash-up is a thick, super rich, brownie-like cookie that is soaked in espresso for an extra gooey texture. The Chin Chin team have truly outdone themselves here. Address: 54 Greek St, London W1D 3DS or 49-50 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF"

"I remember my first Chin Chin ice cream years ago back in Camden Market. At that point the brand was pretty new and out there, making ice cream sundaes using liquid nitrogen. It was theatrical and fun, but also really sweet and delicious."