Day Out at Docklands Museum

On a particularly grim and wet day over the summer holidays, I decided to bundle the babes up and check out the Museum of London Docklands.

The hubby practically yawned in my face when I mentioned my plans. It may not sound very exciting but the MOL Docklands is actually a fun day out.

Getting there is half the adventure, as you have to board the Docklands Light Railway or as Ezra calls it, the ‘cool train’. The DLR is a sleek, driver-less train that zips along at a brisk pace. You can sit right in front or back and see the tracks through the window.

Arriving at West India Quay station, the museum is a pleasant two minute walk along the waterfront.

The Museum of London Docklands covers the period of Docklands restoration from Roman times to present day. Inside you’ll find five floors of artefacts, models of river craft (the kids loved the old sailing boats) and archives.

The museum collections are organised into 12 permanent galleries that tell the story of the River Thames and the communities that have developed around it. Don’t miss the interactive exhibit on London, Sugar & Slavery.

Back on the first floor is the main attraction for little ones, the Mudlarks Children’s Gallery.

This interactive zone features a soft play area (only for kids under 1m tall) and a range of objects and props that help bring the docks to life for younger visitors. Ezra and Jed both enjoyed ‘loading cargo’ and playing with the vessels on the water.

You get an hour-long ticket to spend in Mudlarks which is just about enough. If you want more, come back for Mini Mudlarks groups for babies and Little Mudlarks sessions for toddlers held Mondays during term time as well as various workshops in the holidays.

Visit Museum of London Docklands and Mudlarks page for full details.