So it was heartbreak for England, but the team made us proud and gave us an amazing experience. What a fantastic World Cup it’s been! Scroll further down to find out where you can catch the World Cup Finals on a big screen, as well as Wimbledon Finals. It’s a big weekend in London, with street parties, festivals, ice cream museum, Tudor joust and a tribute to Banksy. Check it out!
Brilliant Ideas for the Weekend in London
Thu-Sun Scoop: Pop Up Ice Cream Museum by Bompas & Parr at Gasholders 1, King’s Cross N1C (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Experimental foodies Bompas & Parr present a show celebrating the past, present and future of one of the world’s favourite desserts. This immersive experience lets you explore the lighter (and darker) side of ice cream, understand the neuroscience behind it and more. Taste glow-in-the-dark ice cream… and expect ice cream weather. All ages. (until Sep 30)
Thu-Sun: Banksy’s Greatest Hits (2002-2008), Lazinc Sackville, 29 Sackville Street, Mayfair, W1S 3DX (Piccadilly Circus tube)
In Islington, we have Pegasus making our walls pop. But when you mention ‘graffiti art’, the name Banksy is foremost. From his girl with the heart-shaped balloon (voted the nation’s favourite in 2017), Banksy’s iconic images continue to challenge and fascinate. Don’t miss this collection of his ’noughties greatest, curated at the gallery co-founded by Banksy’s former gallerist and photographer. All ages (parental advisory for some more adult content). From 10am-6pm (Tue-Sat), FREE (Jul 12-Aug 25)
Fri-Sat: Lovebox Weekender, Gunnersbury Park, London W3 8LQ (Acton Town tube/Gunnersbury Park overground)
Moving to Gunnersbury Park for 2018, the annual music festival sees headliners like Childish Gambino and Skepta joined by a crazy amount of acts including Diplo, NERD, Wu-Tang Clan, Annie Mac, CamelPhat + more. It’s pretty packed and on the wild side, so only take your kids if you think they can handle the havoc. 2pm-10.30pm (Fri) & 12pm-10.30pm; from £59.50/weekend tickets from £125/under 12s FREE (Jul 13-14)
Fri-Sun: Life in the Dark at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Put on your imaginary night goggles for this fascinating tour of what different species get up to, once the sun goes down. Follow the adventures of deep sea fish, foxes on the hunt, crocodiles and other nocturnal creatures. All ages. 10am-5.50pm daily; child 16 and under FREE (Jul 13-Dec 31)
Sat: East Village Summer Fete, East Village, Stratford E15 2ER (Stratford tube/DLR/rail/overground)
Celebrate the neighbourhood’s 5th birthday this weekend in London with 25+ crafts and food stalls, glitter ball fancy dress disco, traditional funfair games, tennis champs, live DJ, penalty shoot-out, music stage and Firezza giving away 200 slices of pizza! All ages. 11am-4pm, FREE (Jul 14)
Sat-Sun: The Golden Hinde Night Voyage (Family Sleepover), at The Golden Hinde, St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Strett, SE1 9DE (London Bridge tube)
Fancy bedding down on the historic ship? Travel back in time as part of the Golden Hinde night voyage crew, and experience life as an Elizabethan sailor. Ward off the Spanish attack, then bunk down in authentic quarters. You’ll take to a Tudor breakfast before returning to the 21st century. For ages 6-11 (must have adult accompanying), bring own sleeping gear. 5pm (Sat)-9am (Sun); £45 per person, pre-booking essential (Jul 14-15)
Sat-Sun: Walthamstow Garden Party at Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 5JW (Walthamstow tube)
The free annual shebang brings thousands to Lloyd Park for a weekend in London of live music, street theatre, delicious street food and more. There’s a Mini Garden Party just for under 5s, along with Barbican pop-up cinema, circus, and more. On stage, you can catch Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, London African Gospel Choir and loads of other acts.
All ages. 12pm-9.30pm (Sat) & 12pm-8pm (Sun); FREE (Jul 14-15)
Sat-Sun: Tudor Joust Weekend at Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Palace, East Molesley KT8 9AU (Hampton Court rail)
Knights on horseback go head to head at this thrilling display of power and skill, taking you back to the era of Henry VIII, Katherine Parr, Lady Mary and other members of the King’s inner circle. Watch the popular Tudor sport come alive, hear Henry’s court musicians play, and then let the kids run riot in the Magic Garden. All ages. 11am-4.30pm;included in regular admission – adult £19.20/child £9.60/concs. £15.30 (Jul 14-15)
Sun: Tom Brace: Brace Yourself (It’s Magic Time) – Edinburgh Fringe Preview, Pleasance Theatre, Carpenters Mews, North Road, N7 9EF (Caledonian Rd tube)
Hang onto your raincoats, chaps and dames. Magician Tom Brace is set to bamboozle you with a flood of talent in a show that will make your eyes spring out of their sockets. There’s something for everyone in this jam-packed hour of comedy and magic, suitable for all ages. 2pm; £5 (Jul 15)
Sun: Citadel Festival, Gunnersbury Park, London W3 8LQ (Acton Town tube/Gunnersbury Park overground)
The sister festival to Lovebox has a laid-back, summer vibe and a more family friendly feel. Catch a Nick Cope Sing-along, Picasso in the Park, Superhero Academy, Kids’ Camp, sports and games tournaments and more action. Live gigs from Tame Impala, CHVRCHES, Leon Bridges, Hawkwind, Old Dirty Brasstards and others. 12pm-10.30pm; adult or child age 12+ from £49.50/child 6-11 £5/under 5s FREE – juniors must buy ticket (Jul 15)
Sun: Whitecross Street Party, Whitecross St and Fortune St, EC1Y 8QJ (Barbican/Old St Tube)
Enjoy a brilliant, free day out at one of London’s best-kept secrets. The one-day annual street festival is a mish mash of community art, guerrilla politics, live music and interactive fun. 2018 celebrates the 100th year since UK women won the right to vote. Come for live music stage, spoken word and a family room hosting African dance drumming, archery, science experiments and other creative activities. 12pm-6pm; FREE (Jul 15)
Sun: Northcote Rd Summer Fete, Battersea, SW11 6QB (Clapham Junction rail)
Nappy Valley is getting its groove on once again at the annual summer fete this weekend in London. This fabulous family event features more than 170 stalls selling clothes, jewellery, toys, homewards, accessories and more. There’s a dedicated kids zone, plus global street food court, along with local bars and restaurants going alfresco. See live bands on the music stages, and catch all the action from Wimbledon on a big screen. 11am-6pm, FREE (Jul 15)
We also like
This Friday River Stage Festival launches at National Theatre Square for 5 weekends of live arts and performances, workshops (Jul 13-Aug 12); free Sat-Sun: Shadow Theatre at John Lewis all summer long (until Aug 26); at Polka Theatre, the Everywhere Bear follows a small bear’s big adventure, for ages 3-6 (Fri-Sun, to Aug 26);
make the most of traffic-free shopping and entertainment on Summer Streets at Regent Street (Suns until Jul 22)
London Kids Cinema
A selection of movies from some of our favourite family friendly cinemas in London.
Electric Cinema Kids Club, 191 Portobello Rd, W11 2ED (Notting Hill tube)
Show Dogs at 9.30am; adult/child £5 (Jul 14)
Clapham Picturehouse, 76 Venn St, London SW4 0AT (Clapham Common tube)
Everything’s Rosie (Toddler Time) at 11am; adult £0/child £3 (Jul 14)
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water at 11.45am; adult/child £2 (Jul 14)
Crouch End Picturehouse, Crouch End Picturehouse, 65 Tottenham Lane,cr Crouch End, N8 9BY (Hornsey/Harringay/Crouch Hill rail)
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water at 4.10pm; adult/child £2 (Jul 13)
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water at 11am; adult/child £2 (Jul 14)
East Dulwich Picturehouse, 116A Lordship Lane, SE22 8HD (East Dulwich rail)
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 14)
Gate Picturehouse, 87 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3JZ (Notting Hill tube)
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 14)
Greenwich Picturehouse, 180 Greenwich High Road, Greenwich SE10 8NN (Greenwich Rail)
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 14)
Hackney Picturehouse, 270 Mare Street, E8 1HE (Hackney Central overground)
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 14)
Odeon Kids, at Odeon Holloway and multiple locations (some films may vary by venue)
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 14)
Phoenix Cinema Kids Club, 52 High Rd, East Finchley N2 9PJ (East Finchley tube)
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water at 12pm; adult/child £2 (Jul 14)
Regent St Cinema Kids Kino Club, 309 Regent St, W1B 2UW (Oxford Circus tube)
Maya the Bee: The Honey Games at 11.30am; £1.75 (Jul 14)
Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, SW2 1JG (Brixton tube)
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 14)
Stratford Picturehouse, Stratford Picturehouse, Salway Road, London E15 1BX (Stratford tube/DLR/overground/rail)
The Spongebob Movie: Sponge out of Water at 10.30am; adult/child £2 (Jul 14)
Vue: Mini Mornings, at Vue Islington and other locations (some films may vary by venue)
Flying the Nest at 10am; adult/kid £2 (Jul 14-15)
Show Dogs at 10am; adult/kid £2 (Jul 21-22)
BFI Southbank: BFI Families, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XT (Waterloo/Embankment tube)
The Little Mermaid at 1pm; adult £8/child £4 (Jul 15)
Prince Charles Cinema: Studio Ghibli Forever, 7 Leicester Pl, WC2H 7BY (Leicester Square tube)
Kiki’s Delivery Service at 12.35pm; non-member£8.50/member £6/child £4 (Jul 15)
Coming Soon
Soho Hotel Children’s Film Club, 4 Richmond Mews, W1D 3DH (Piccadilly Circus tube)
Tad the Lost Explorer & the Secret of King Midas at 10.30am (10am brunch); £10 (film only), or £20 (includes buffet brunch at 10am + popcorn and drinks for film) (Jul 29)
Watch the World Cup Finals on a Big Screen
Central London
Play snooker, table football or table tennis between games at Rileys Sports Bar in Victoria; at Bounce in Farringdon, the kids can exhaust themselves on ping pong and pizza, while you’re glued to the games (also at Bounce in Old St); or why not try Frankie’s Sports Bar and Diner in Fulham.
North London
Head to Cafe Kick in Exmouth Market for all games + foosball fun; it’s a chilled out vibe at family-friendly The Cuckoo in Barnsbury; kid-friendly pub The Regent on Liverpool Rd, N1 offers lunchtime pizza deals and all the games.
South London
Catch all the action on a big screen in Flat Iron Square, Bankside SE1; the Devonshire in Balham is family friendly and will be screening every game; grab munchies and great vibes at Pop Brixton screenings
East London
Grab a bite to eat and watch the World Cup at Cafe Football at Westfield Stratford; The Last Days of Shoreditch are showing all the games on London’s largest screen in their Enchanted Garden (check ahead, not all events are kid-friendly); Skylight in Tobacco Dock offers petanque, rooftop views, plus World Cup on a large screen; or see the whole tournament on a rooftop at Pitch in Stratford
West London
There’s deck chairs and a big screen at Merchant Square in Paddington; or soak it all up at the Ealing Park Tavern
Watch Wimbledon Tennis on a Giant Outdoor Screen
Thu-Sun: Everyman Summer Love: Wimbledon Screenings
at Granary Square, King’s Cross, N1C 4BH (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
Watch Wimbledon on a big screen in Granary Square. It’s a great atmosphere to catch all the action from centre court and beyond. Weekday lunchtimes you can grab a bite from KERB’s rotating street food traders. When it gets too hot, let the kids splash in the fountains. In the evenings, stay to catch a flick as part of the Everyman Summer Love movie screenings. All ages. Daily, FREE (daily until Jul 15)
Where else to watch the tennis in London: Great British Summer at One New Change in EC4 (St. Paul’s tube, daily until Jul 15); Wimbledon Finals at Regent’s Place, W1 (daily until Jul 15); Great British Summer Wimbledon on the Rooftop at Cardinal Place in Victoria (daily until Jul 15); Summer By the River: Wimbledon at London Bridge City, SE1 (daily until Jul 15); Great British Summer in New Street Square, Chancery Lane (daily until Jul 15); and Strawberries & Screen: Wimbledon Finals at Duke of York Square in Chelsea (Jul 13-15)
COMPETITION TIME: WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO THE SCARECROW’S WEDDING
Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay are great at being scarecrows. All’s going well with their wedding plans, until Reginald Rake cuts in. Can Harry come back in time to save the day? Based on the bestselling Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler picture book, this production is from the brilliant Scamp Theatre (Stick Man) and features live music and lots of laughter. Babes in arms go FREE! Terms and Conditions: Prize includes 4 tickets to see A Scarecrows’ Wedding at Leicester Square Theatre (Jul 21-Sep 2). Tickets are valid for any 11am weekday performance. Subject to availability. Tickets are non transferable and travel is not included.
NB: This competition is only open to Babes about Town subscribers.
How to Enter
Email info@babesabouttown.com with your answer to this question: What is the name of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book about a bear who encounters a strange beast in the woods?
London Kids Weekend Scoop (Jul 6-8, 2018)
