October half term is here. That came around fast. I know I saw this every year, but is time actually shrinking? The half term guide features outdoor fun, West End and family theatre, museums and attractions, Black History activities, Halloween horrors and more to entertain you and your minions. Enjoy.
**FEATURED REVIEW
The Lion King (21st Anniversary) at Lyceum Theatre, 21 Wellington Street, WC2E 7RQ (Charing Cross tube/rail, Covent Garden tube)
Jed and I were offered **press tickets to watch The Lion King, a show I’d last seen with his older brother when he was around 6 years old. The production roared back onto the stage after a long break (the pandemic) and it’s as vibrant as ever. It’s hard to describe the feeling as the cast of humans in animal form strut, stomp and fly into the theatre. My heart soared and I felt like bursting into tears at the same time. The costumes are absolutely stunning, bringing the story into a new dimension, with a mostly Black/African cast.
The two and a half hours are packed with drama, comedy (mostly from Pumbaa and Timon) and some spellbinding moments. Both young and older Simba create suitably leonine performances and Nala’s solo vocals will raise the hairs at the back of your neck. Shaun Escoffery commands the stage as Mufasa and George Asprey is an enjoyably sardonic Scar. Ultimately, it’s the wise (and wisecracking) Rafiki (Thenjiwe Thendiva Nofemele) who steals the show. Now in its 21st year, The Lion King remains the pride of the West End. 7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 2.30pm & 7.30pm (select Weds & Sat), 2.30pm (Sun); tickets from £20 (ongoing)
40 Family Friendly Things to Do this October Half Term
BABES CHOICE
Dino Snores at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Fancy a night at the museum? Set up camp in one of the amazing galleries and spend the evening exploring the museum by torchlight. Watch an educational show, get creative with a dinosaur t-shirt and test your natural history knowledge. You’ll kip at midnight and was up to an early breakfast and a trail around the galleries, before the general public are let in. Ages 7-11 and accompanying grown-up. 6.45pm (last admission 8pm)-10am; from £65 per person (member discount available) — hurry last remaining tickets! (Oct 23)
#Merky Superheroes: Stories of Secret Strength at Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8EX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
What do you dream of becoming when you grow up? Get inspired at the launch event for Superheroes: Inspiring Stories of Secret Strength by performance poet Sophia Thakur, Stormzy and the #Merky Books team. Meet the author and a host of superheroes including dancer Princess K, illustrator Denzell Dankwah, the Chineke! Orchestra and playwright Theresa Ikoko. Enjoy a day of music, performances, poetry and workshops for families and kids. All ages welcome. 2pm; adult £12/child £9 (Oct 28)
Let’s All Dance Sleeping Beauty at Sadler’s Wells (Lilian Baylis Studio), Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
From the company who brought you Alice in Wonderland, The Nutcracker, The Magic Word and many more, this shortened version of the classic ballet is a perfect introduction for kids. Tchaikovsky’s score, glittery costumes and dazzling dancers tell the tale of a jealous fairy who casts a bad spell on a princess. Will true love save all? Suitable for the whole family, best for ages 2-13. Photo opportunity with the dancers on stage after every show! 1pm & 3pm; from £17 (Oct 29-30)
Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames, Tower Bridge Quay (in front of the Tower Hotel), E1Q 1LD (Tower Hill tube/rail)
Climb aboard for a wickedly hilarious tour of the world’s most famous river. Dive into the stories of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, the Duke of Wellington, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd, with the nasty bits left in! Highlights include: Tremble in terror at the Tower! Sizzle at the Savoy! Give Cleopatra the needle! Be washed away at Westminster! Lose yourself in Lambeth! Get gobsmacked by the Globe! Hold onto your head at London Bridge and escape from Execution Dock! All ages welcome. 45 minutes tours starting from 9.45am (check times and availability online); adult ages 15+ £22/child 4-15 £14/family £59.50/ages 0-3 FREE (until Oct 31)
Big Fish Little Fish Family Raves, One Night Records, Wardens Grove, Bankside SE1 OHT (London Bridge tube/rail)
The Glastonbury playing, global misbehaving massive return with a Halloween party for ravers big and small. Damage the dance floor to tunes spun by DJ Mark XTC, scary costumes encouraged. Villa Pia baby chill out rooms, bubbles, confetti, balloons, foam, parachute dance, licensed bar and food on offer too. Ages 0-8 and families. 12pm-2pm (3pm-5pm SOLD OUT); adult £10/child £7/pre-walkers FREE (Oct 31)
HALLOWEEN IN LONDON
Spooky Season at KidZania London, Westfield London, Ariel Way, W12 7GQ (Shepherd’s Bush/Wood Lane tube)
The indoor city built for kids will be welcoming adults too over October half term. KidZania becomes a fa-BOO-lous ghost town with six new Halloween-themed activities for ages 4-14. Then for one night only (Oct 22), grownups are invited to explore the city, playing at everything from being a radio DJ to an airline pilot, with special drinks package add-ons. Ages 4-14 + families 10am-7pm (Oct 23-31), child ticket from £26/adult from £16 (NB no kids under 4 are currently admitted to KidZania London, please check the website for Covid terms and conditions). Adult night 18+ 7pm-11pm/from £35 (Oct 22) (Oct 22-31)
Ghost Raiders at the Tower of London, EC3N 4AB (Tower Hill tube)
Visit one of London’s top attractions to solve a spooky mystery this October half term. A team of Ghost Raiders are at the tower, investigating spooky occurrences and trying to capture spirits roaming the building. Something eerie is happening in the Salt Tower and trumpets from Anne Boleyn’s coronation are playing near her old apartments. Uncover the vengeful spirit at the centre of these hauntings and protect the ancient monument. Fun for ages 8-14 (younger ones welcome but parental discretion advised). 10am-4pm; adult £29.90/child 5-14yrs £14.90/under 5s FREE (Oct 23-31)
Halloween Spooky Show at Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill N6 5HG (Archway tube)
Against the haunting backdrop of Lauderdale House after dark, sit on the Tea Lawn and watch another programme of Spooky Shows! Join a host of creepy characters for the ‘action’ that takes place in front of you and along the sides (be prepared to swivel round). Seating is provided and fancy dress is highly encouraged. All ages welcome, idea for ages 5-8. Shows at 5.30pm, 6.30pm & 7.30pm (Wed-Fri); £10.50/concs £8.50/under 2s FREE on parent’s lap (Oct 27-29)
Fright Week at Epping Ongar Railway, North Weald station, CM16 6BT (Epping tube, then heritage bus ride to North Weald station)
Pick up an activity pack from a spooky porter and hop on a ghostly steam train from North Weird. You’ll ride with freaky characters set to entertain and scare you in equal measure. At Ongar, you can join in a ghost hunt, visit a gruesome graveyard, then settle your nerves with hot choc and refreshments from the Buffet Stop cafe. On your return journey to North Weird transfer to the Spooky Diesel Train for ride into Epping Forest. Various departing times from 10.45am; adult £16/child £10/under 3s FREE (Oct 27-31)
Harry Potter Studio Tour: Dark Arts at WB Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Aerodrome Way, Leavesden, Hertfordshire, WD25 7GS (Watford Junction rail)
Visit Hogwarts (aka Harry Potter Studio Tour) to see Voldemort and the Death Eater’s symbol projected throughout. The Great Hall is decorated with 100 floating pumpkins for Hallowe’en and you can see props, costumes, artwork and special effects from the movies. You can also engage in a wand duel like in the Battle of Hogwarts. Fabulous fun for Harry Potter fans. All ages welcome. 9am-10am first tours, last tour 4-6.30pm (closing time 3 hours after last tour); adult from £47 (2022 from £49.95)/child from £38 (2022 from £40.95)/family tickets available/under 4s FREE but require tickets. Pre-booking essential. (until Nov 7)
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Africa Writes, at the British Library and 180 The Strand and online
An annual event from the Royal African Society, Africa Writes is the UK’s largest celebration of contemporary African and diaspora literature. This year it’s both online and in-person with talks, creative writing workshops and readings, such as from the anthology Happy Here, by ten Black British authors and illustrators. Various times and dates; buy tickets for online events and workshops at www.africawrites.org on a Pay What You Can model. Headline events and festival day passes for the British Library can be booked at www.bl.uk/events/africa-writes-2021 (until Oct 24)
Meet the Author: Laura Henry-Allain (JoJo and Gran Gran) at Brixton Library, Brixton Library, Brixton Oval SW2 1JQ (Brixton tube)
Meet Laura Henry-Allain MBE, series’ associate producer and creator of the beloved CBeebies characters JoJo and Gran Gran. Laura will read from her brand new children’s book, My Skin, Your Skin, illustrated by Onyinye Iwu. The picture book is a wonderful way to help kids talk about race, identity, anti-racism and how to be the best versions of themselves. The event includes a story from the Jo Jo and Gran Gran series and a Q&A session. 11am-12pm; FREE (Oct 26)
Black Owned Hackney Market, Bohemia Place, Hackney Central E8 1DU (Hackney Central overground)
October half term and Black History Month seem like the perfect timing to take your family along to Black Owned Hackney Market. Right opposite Hackney Central station, this collaboration between Black Eats LDN and Bohemia Place Markets happens monthly. This month, it’s on twice and there’s a night market on Fridays (next up Oct 22/29). Shop for sustainable clothing, gifts, food (including vegan) and more. Themed bars are open for takeaway and the market is both kid and pet friendly. 11am-6pm; FREE entry (Oct 30-31)
Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical at Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES (Piccadilly Circus tube)
One love is the mood and Bob Marley is the main event in this musical biography. Delve into the historic journey of the boy from the hills of rural Jamaica who became global legend. Arinze Kene performs as Bob Marley in a show written by Lee Hall and directed by Clint Dyer. Recommended for ages 12+. 7.30pm (Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Sat & Sun), 7pm (Sun); from £15 (until Apr 3, 2022)
London’s Black History at Museum of London and Museum of London Docklands
See a free display of four Black owned businesses and the stories behind them (at Museum of London Docklands). Over at the Museum of London, you can check out the dub reggae exhibition SoundClash, listen to tales from the Windrush generation or take part in family workshops celebrating Black identity. Or why not take your kids to the Museum of London’s permanent gallery on London, Sugar & Slavery. Various activities throughout the month and beyond. (ongoing)
NATURE AND OUTDOORS
Meet Bing and Flop at London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
At London Zoo this October half term, younger kids will love to help CBeebies’ Bing and friends complete the Zookeepers’ daily checklist. Follow a themed trail to see lions, goats, langur monkeys, corals and penguins. Meet the rest of the Zoo’s 20,000 awesome animals. And settle down for a story time session with Bing and Flop and the Zookeeper. Zoo entry 10am-4pm/storytelling 12pm & 2pm (weekdays) and 11am, 12pm & 3pm (weekdays); adult £26-£35/child £16.90-£22.75/under 3s FREE (cheaper tickets available on specific dates) (until Oct 31)
The Gruffalo’s Child at Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London (Kew Bridge rail/overground)
Go on an enchanting trail around Kew Gardens and keep an eye out for surprises. You might just see the Fox, Owl, Snake, the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child. Don’t forget to watch out for the Big Bad Mouse. Characters from Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s book will be popping up on this magical adventure through the deep dark wood. All ages, great for under 5s. 10am-5pm (9am early opening for Kew members); included with regular admission – adult from £19.25 adv.-£21.45 gate/child 4-15 £5 adv.-£6 gate/under 4s FREE/family tickets available from £27.50 (Oct 16-31)
Illuminature at WWT London Wetlands Centre, Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, SW13 9WT (Hammersmith tube)
See larger-than-life illuminations of wetland wildlife on this dazzling light trail for the whole family. Skip beside fireflies, dance under rainfall lights, hop on responsive lily pads, play in the blue waters of an immersive light tunnel and don’t forget to take plenty of snaps along the way. All ages welcome. 4pm-9pm; adult £17.50/child £12.50/under 4s FREE (Oct 22-Jan 9, 2022)
Half Term Fun at Spitalfields City Farm, Buxton Street, London E1 5AR (Shoreditch High St overground/Bethnal Green tube)
Pop along to the coolest city farm, just off Brick Lane. Throughout October half term, there are daily activities for kids. Th varied programme includes an amphibian habitat walk; meet and bleat animal encounters; morning spider adventures; farm to fork cooking club; family volunteering and lunch. Varied times from 10am, morning or afternoon sessions; FREE entry (donations welcome) (Oct 27-29)
SPECIAL EVENTS
Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel in London, at Cannon Factory, Ashley Rd, N17 9LH (Tottenham Hale tube/rail)
Step right into Michelangelo’s masterpiece in a brand new immersive show. Experience the Sistine Chapel in a floor to ceiling projection using state-of-the-art technology that allows you to touch the ‘hand of God’. All ages. Time slots 10am-6pm (Wed-Sun); adult £11/child (4-12) £8 (from Oct 15)
School Holiday Fun at King’s Cross, Granary Square and surrounding areas, N1C (King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
There’s tons happening this half term at King’s Cross. Hunt for mini beasts and more in Camley Street Natural Park. Follow a kids’ art trail or step inside a Pollution Pods installation. Play ping pong outdoors, hang out by Granary Square fountains or shop the Canopy weekend market or the Lower Stable Street market. Join in a spooky graffiti workshop or a scary costume swap. Catch free screenings of Caspar the Friendly Ghost (Oct 27, 10am) at the Samsung KX centre. Or head to Kings Place to watch the Megson Family Folk Show (Oct 17, 1.30pm) or the Crick Crack Club: Jack and the 12 Dancing Princesses (Oct 24, 10.30am). Various times, dates and prices, see full listings on the King’s Cross website (linked). (Oct 16-31)
Family Fridays Dance Workshops at Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Room, Mezzanine level, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
Family Fridays are a series of dance workshops for young children and their carers, inspired by the monthly theme of the Sadler’s Wells programme. The event are facilitated by a freelance lead and supporting artist and managed by the Learning & Engagement Department. For ages 2-4 and carers. 2pm; from £4 (Oct 29-Mar 25)
The Chocolate Factory, Westfield London (1st Floor), Ariel Way, Shepherds Bush, W12 7GF (Shepherds Bush tube/overground)
Slurp. Discover a pleasure dome for chocoholics on this 60 minute tour through rooms crammed with goodies and selfie opportunities. There’s a chocolate factory, a chocolate town, a cupcake room and a big ball pit. All ages welcome. 6pm-8pm entry slots (Thu-Fri), 10.30am-8pm (Sat), 10.30am-5pm (Sun); various prices adult from £19/(child (2-12) from £13.50/babies under 2 do not require a ticket (until Oct 30)
Breakin’ Convention: Leadenhall Market Takeover Weekend, Whittington Avenue, EC3A 3DL (Monument tube)
Bringing hip hop flava to London’s historical spaces, Breakin’ Convention is taking over Leadenhall Market for a weekend. Hit the cobblestoned streets for two days of lyrical brilliance. It kicks off with original NYC open mic jam End of the Weak’s emcee challenge (Sat) and rounds off with FLO Vortex (Sun), the city’s leading spoken word event, live painting by Dean ZEUS Colman and Carleen de Sözer. 2pm-5pm; FREE (Oct 30-31)
WEST END SHOWS
The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Duke of York’s Theatre, 104 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4BG (Covent Garden tube)
Neil Gaman’s bestselling novel finally hits the stage again, opening at Duke of York’s Theatre after a sellout run at National Theatre. Katy Rudd directs the gripping yarn about a man who time travels to his 12 birthday, when his mate Lettie tells him the pond at the bottom of his farmhouse is really an ocean. Best for ages 12+ (content warning: some distressing scenes). 7.30pm (Mon-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu, Sat & Sun); from £18 (Oct 23-Feb 13, 2022)
Back to the Future: The Musical at Adelphi Theatre, 409-412 Strand, WC2R 0NS (Charing Cross tube/rail)
Great Scott! When Marty McFly zooms back to 1955 in a time machine built by his madcap friend Doc Brown, he nearly alters the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to go back to the future and fix things for good. The classic ‘80s movie gets a musical reworking for the 21st century. Ages 6+ (under 4s not permitted). 7.30pm (select Mons, Tue-Sat), 2.30pm (Wed & Sat), 3pm (Sun); tickets from £19.55 (geddit?) (until Feb 13, 2022)
Frozen the Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF (Covent Garden tube)
Let it goooooo! You know the score. Two sisters in an epic battle for power and a story of coming into your own, Frozen is the Disney movie that launched a thousand YouTube videos. See it on London’s West End in a gripping stage adaptation. Ages 6+ (under 3s not admitted). 7pm (Wed-Sat), 2pm & 7pm (Thu & Sat), 1pm & 5.30pm (Sun); from £39-£162 (until Jun 26, 2022)
Mary Poppins, Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, W1D 4HS (Covent Garden/Leicester Square tube)
The singing nanny twirls her brolly and works her magic on the West End. Cameron Mackintosh has created another musical hit with familiar songs from the popular movie. Recommended for ages 7+ (kids under 5 won’t be admitted). 7pm (Wed family night), 7.30pm (Thu-Mon), 2.30pm (Thu, Sat & Sun) – NB schedule subject to change, check with box office; standard tickets from £27.50, family night from £17.50 (ongoing)
FAMILY THEATRE
There’s a Rang-Tan in My Bedroom & Other Stories at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Angel tube)
What would you do if you woke up to see a turtle in your bathtub, an orangutan bouncing on your bed and a jaguar creeping through your kitchen? Join this magical adventure in puppetry and music to learn more about our animal friends and how we can help them. Inspired by the Greenpeace campaign films There’s a Rang-Tan in My Bedroom and There’s a Monster in My Kitchen written by James Sellick, and featuring voiceovers by Emma Thompson, Doc Brown & Rag’n’Bone Man. For ages 5-11. Various shows including 11am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm (check website for available dates/times; adult £13.50/child 1-17 £11.50 (until Nov 7)
What’s On at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
The big October half term show at Arts Depot is What The Ladybird Heard, adapted from the popular Julia Donaldson picture book. There’s also some spooky goings on in Big Beat Playground’s Halloween Spooktacular (Oct 16). The Dong with a Luminous Nose (Oct 17); artsy fun with the exhibition Aliens, Zombies and Monsters (Oct 24-30) and the family take part activity The Big Draw (Oct 25). And Indian Dance workshops and Poetry workshops on the last week (Oct 27–28). Various times, dates and prices (Oct 16-31)
When This Is Over at Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, Southwark, SE1 2HZ (London Bridge tube)
World leaders gather in Glasgow to decide the future of the world and a group of teens gather in London to tell the story of their past, present and future. Staged on a set made exclusively from repurposed scenery from other London shows, this brand new production was created on Zoom in socially distanced workshops. It captures hope, possibility and the power of stories as told by young adults on the brink of an uncertain future. Ages 11+. 7pm (Wed-Thu), 2pm & 7pm (Fri-Sat); adult £12-£18/under 16s £6-£14 (Oct 27-30)
What’s On at Half Moon Theatre, 43 White Horse Road, E1 0ND (Limehouse DLR)
The half term holidays at Half Moon Theatre present three family friendly shows. Clap along to the rhythms of the Family Folk Show for ages 0-8 (Oct 16, 11am, £7); enjoy bubbly musical fun in the picture book adaptation Big Red Bath, for ages 2-5 (Oct 23-Nov 20, various times, £7); see charming puppet show Beastly Belle, for ages 4+ (Oct 30, 11am & 2pm, £7). (Oct 16-Nov 20)
Lucky Pigeons at Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, N6 5AA (Highgate tube)
Discover soulful stories and stupid circus at a show so fresh, the pigeons haven’t even hatched yet. Led by Finn and Taffy of Brain Fools, new graduates of National Centre for Circus Arts, this is a first work-in-progress display of acrobatics, tight wire and aerial, absurdist and extravagant theatre. Suitable for ages 4+. 7.30pm; £8 (Oct 21-22)
The Smeds and the Smoos at Rose Theatre Kingston, 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL (Kingston rail)
For October half term break, check out this lively new musical adapted from the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The Smeds and Smoos live in disharmony on their faraway planet. When a Smed and Smoo fall in love and zoom off together, can their families cope? Entertainment for everyone ages 3 and up, from Tall Stories (The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom). 10.30am (Wed-Sun), 1pm (Wed-Sun) & 4pm (Sat); £15-£18.50 (Oct 27-31)
Red at Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
The wolves have grabbed power from Queen Sukotai and Alpha Wolf is in command. But where has RED gone? Experience the revamped Polka Theatre as you’ve never seen it on this interactive hunt to find the missing Red and restore peace to the kingdom. Visual and physical storytelling adventure with sign language. Wellies recommended! Ages 6+. Various start times; £19.50 (previews from £15.50)/babies under 12 months £1 (until Oct 31)
Mum at Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, Soho, W1D 3NE (Tottenham Court Rd/Leicester Square/Piccadilly Circus tube)
This is one for older children or parents only. From the producers of Fleabag, Mum is a raw and honest look at motherhood, billed as ‘a feverish journey through every parent’s worst nightmare’. The show explores themes around mental health, identity and terminal illness. Ages 14+. 3pm & 7.30pm; £12 (until Nov 20)
MUSEUMS AND ATTRACTIONS
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience at 106 Commercial Street (opposite Old Spitalfields Market), E1 6LZ (Shoreditch High St overground, Liverpool St tube/rail)
Discover more about the master painter in this immersive experience, the third of similar events to hit London in the past 18 months. The show uses ceiling to floor projections of Van Gogh’s paintings and interactive VR to trace his journey. A multi-sensory show that will enchant the whole family. Tours last 60-75 mins. 10am-8pm (Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri), 9am-9pm (weekends and holidays); adult from £24.90/concs £19/child £15.90/family of 4 £16.40 pp/under 4s go FREE but require a ticket – VIP passes available (ongoing)
Tower Bridge Family Tours, Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP (Tower Hill/London Bridge tube/rail, Tower Gateway DLR)
Designed especially for families, this interactive tour brings one of London’s most iconic attractions to life with fun facts and startling stories. Find out why the Bridge was built and dare to walk along the glass-bottomed floor, 42m above the River Thames. Best for kids ages 6+. Pre-booking essential. 10.30am (every Fri during the school holidays); adult £25/child 5-15 £20 (includes entry to Tower Bridge)/under 5s FREE (Oct 22/ongoing)
UNIQLO Tate Play: Climates Dreams at Tate Modern (McAulay lunch room), Bankside, SE1 9TG (Southwark/Blackfriars tube)
UNIQLO Tate Play invites you to explore our future world and imagine a greener, fairer, wiser planet in Climate Dreams (Oct 28-29). Get stuck into activities inspired by The House of Fairy Tales’s new programme, The Great Imagining. Design 3D seed sculptures, create the Wood Wide Web with recycled and natural materials, model with clay, string, weave wheat and more. Your creations will be displayed in the Power to Change programme in the Tanks Foyer and East Tank, where families of all ages can use a variety of audio and visual tools to explore how sound, nature and technology shape our world (Oct 30-31). Climate Dreams is at 10.30am-4.30pm & Power to Change is at 10am-6pm; FREE admission (Oct 28-29 & Oct 30-31)
Paddington: The Story of a Bear at British Library (PACCAR 2), 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB (Euston tube/rail, King’s Cross St Pancras tube/rail)
October half term is your last chance to see the lovable bear from Peru in his temporary home at the British Library. Follow the trail of marmalade splats to discover more about Paddington’s life in London, while dodging toppling paint pots. See illustrations, film and animation clips and stills, author Michael Bond’s handwritten notes, photographs and his trusty typewriter. 9.30am-6pm (Mon-Tue & Fri), 9.30am-7.30pm (Wed-Thu), 9.30am-5pm (Sat) & 11am-5pm (Sun); adult £8/child 12+ £4/child 0-11 FREE – 20% family discount for at least 1 adult with 1 paying child (until Oct 31)
**NB: Please note that all event timings and prices are subject to change/cancellation at short notice, so always check ahead with the venue before making a trip!**
