May Half Term and Platinum Jubilee Weekend in London

Welcome to the May half term and Platinum Jubilee Weekend in London guide. There are tons of family friendly activities in London over the next 10 days. Of course, the big story is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and if you’re looking for ways to celebrate with your kids, I’ve got you covered.

I’m not anti-royalist (I have royal blood myself), although I do find the UK monarchy problematic on many counts. However, I have a soft spot for Her Majesty and I respect her 70 years of service. Besides, a four-day Bank Holiday weekend is an excellent opportunity to come together with friends, family and community. Lord knows, we need that feeling of community and to lighten our loads after the past two years (and heartbreaking news headlines). 

If you’d prefer to get away from all the bunting and Union Jacks for a bit, I’ve listed many alternative ideas for May half term fun. Try a family hip hop party, a baby-friendly pub quiz, an Ethiopian circus act, a live version of Tomb Raider, an immersive look at the works of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, a punk rock family band at Southbank Centre and more.

Wishing you all a fun, safe, restful and refreshing break.

May Half Term and Platinum Jubilee Weekend in London

BABES CHOICE

Circus Abyssinia: Tulu at Underbelly Festival, Empress Place, Earls Court, SW6 1TT (Earls Court tube)
We were dazzled by Circus Abyssinia at Southbank Centre a while back, so I’m happy to see them back with a new show. The world’s first circus company created by and for Ethiopian artists pays homage to Ethiopian Olympic icon, Derartu Tulu. Part of Underbelly Festival (happening in 2 locations this summer), Tulu features more eye-popping contortions, acrobatics and fire-juggling set to a pumping soundtrack. All ages welcome (PG for intensity, haze, strobe lighting and fire). 7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 2pm & 7.30pm (Sats & Wed Jun 1), 2pm & 6pm (Sun) – no shows on Mon; from £19 (May 24-Jun 18)

Dippy Returns: The Nation’s Favourite Dinosaur at Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, SW7 5BD (South Kensington tube)
Watch out, Dippy’s about. The famous Diplodocus is back at the museum for a few months only. See all 28 metres of his skeletal glory at this temporary installation, where you can also learn how visitors’ feel about the Jurassic celebrity. While you’re at the NHM, you might want to check out the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition that wraps up over half term (ends Jun 5). 10am-5pm; FREE but tickets required – early registration and booking ahead recommended (May 27 until Dec)

Mexican Geniuses: A Frida and Diego Immersive Experience, Retail Park, Unit 1 Canada Water, Surrey Quays Road, SE16 2XU (Canada Water DLR)
We’ve had Van Gogh experiences popping up everywhere and now it’s time to immerse yourself in the world of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Pop on a VR headset and tour the streets that inspired their most vibrant paintings. See 300 projections and brushstrokes painting the walls around you. Discover the stories behind the art works and what made the iconic artists tick. All ages welcome. 10am-8pm (weekdays), 9am-8.30pm (weekends); from £19.50 (May 28-Sep 30)

FUN DMC May Half Term Special at Colours, Hoxton Square, N1 6NU (Old St tube)
Bring your dancing shoes (aka your freshest kreps) to the FUN DMC May half term party at Colours. The daytime family block banger invites young ‘uns and old school heads to the floor. DJ Spin Doctor and guests slice up the radio-friendly rap, disco, R&B and party classics. You can buy food and drinks (alcohol available) and kids will enjoy the graffiti train, photo booth, hip hop colouring in, soft play room, dance contests and face painting. 12pm-3pm; adult £8.50/child £6.50/family of 4 £27 (May 29)

Science Museum: Power Up (Basement Gallery, Level -1), Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD (South Kensington tube)
Game on. The hugely popular event was extended after February school holiday and this May half term is your last chance to get in on the action. Power Up is a festival for gamers, with 160+ consoles and stacks of games from the past 5 decades. Try your hands at multiplayer and solo gaming on top games like Minecraft, Mario Kart, Pong, Pac Man, Halo and VR. Best for ages 5+. 10.45am, 12.30pm, 2.15pm & 4pm; from £8 (until Jun 6)

PLATINUM JUBILEE ACTIVITIES

Kids Rule! at Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich SE9 5QE (Mottingham rail)
There’s a right royal knees-up on the cards at Eltham Palace over the May half term holiday, just in time for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Head to the historic grounds with your picnic and your brood to enjoy al fresco entertainment, costumed storytellers, stalls and crafting. This beautiful art deco palace is definitely worth a trip — with or without the kids! 10am-5pm; adult £17.60/child £10.60/family of 4 £48.50/under 5s FREE (May 28-Jun 5)

Jubilee Joust at Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey, Richmond Upon Thames, KT8 9AU
Experience a knight’s tale in Hampton Court Palace gardens at this breathtaking event, another Queen’s Platinum Jubilee event. Cheer for your favourite jouster as they compete for the Jubilee Cup. The tournament sees knights battle over five days to earn the title. 11am, 1.30pm & 4pm; included in palace admission: adult from £26.10/child from £13/family from £45.60/under 5s FREE (Jun 1-5)

Tower of London Superbloom, at Tower of London, EC3N 4AB (Tower Hill tube)
Walk through an explosion of colour at Tower of London for the Platinum Jubilee year. Visitors can even opt to slide down into the famous moat that’s been transformed into a field of blooms from 20 million seeds. Wander amidst the bees and butterflies and enjoy a specially commissioned soundscape. If you buy a special ticket, you can also explore inside the tower before or after your moat trip. 9am-5pm; adult from £12/child under 16 from £6/family from £21 – additional charges for Tower of London entry (Jun 1-Sep 18)

Trooping the Colour: The Queen’s Birthday Parade, Buckingham Palace and The Mall, SW1A 1AA (Westminster tube)
In case you haven’t heard (lol) it’s not only Her Majesty’s birthday over half term, but there’s a ton of events in honour of her 70 year reign. Over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend, you can watch (from the streets or the comfort of your sofa) a special edition of the royal Birthday Parade. Gawp at 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians, royal family members in horse-drawn carriages and an RAF fly-past. 10am-1pm; various ticket options — you can also attend FREE via public vantage points (see website for details) (Jun 2)

Mayfair Platinum Jubilee Street Party, North Audley Street, W1 (Bond St tube)
Party in style at Mayfair’s free street shebang for Queen Liz. There’s a ‘Mary Poppins’ vibe to the two-day event with face-painting for kids, grownup beverages, a communal table for a sit-down celebration and local shops and restaurants all pitching in. 12pm-7pm; FREE (Jun 2-3)

The Platinum Jubilee Pageant, central London
If you’re ready to brave the hordes, head down to Buckingham Palace and surrounding areas for this massive weekend finale. It will be a dazzling spectacle of costume, street arts, theatre, music and circus. Dubbed ‘the people’s pageant’, the event is being staged to celebrate not only the Queen’s 70 year reign but the diverse population of the UK and Commonwealth. See 200 silk flags creating a ‘River of Hope’ along the Mall, with pictures by school kids showing their hopes and aspirations for the planet. Day time and televised (hours tbc); FREE (Jun 5)

We also like
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with family activities and tours at National Gallery (May 31-Jun 6); enjoy a traditional Jubilee Village Fete at Truman Social Club (Jun 2); head to the RAF Museum Hendon Pageant for a fun-filled family day out marking the Jubilee weekend (Jun 2-4); see Borough Market transformed for the Platinum Jubilee with vintage sounds and bunting (Jun 2-5); view royal memorabilia and make your own crowns, bunting and biscuit tins at Museum of Brands (Jun 2-6); raise a cuppa to the Queen over a posh afternoon tea at one of these quirky venues; find your local street party for the Big Jubilee Lunch or look for other themed events happening all over (Jun 5)

SPECIAL EVENTS

Tomb Raider: The LIVE Experience, Lower Basement and Upper Basement Atrium Building, Stables Market, Camden NW1 8AH (Camden Rd overground/Camden Town tube)
Prepare for the toughest adventure of your (gaming) life. This immersive experience drops you into Finland where you start as an Archaeology student. Lara Croft sends a message about a deadly discovery. Soon you’ll be escaping a sinking ship, hacking through the Costa Rican jungles, finding an ancient tomb and battling a secret order. Live actors and characters help bring this adrenaline-fuelled attraction to life. Fun for Lara Croft fans but you don’t need to play the game to enjoy it. For ages 12+ (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult). Various times from 10am-8.45pm (Mon-Sun); from £44-£79 (ongoing)

Bring Your Own Baby Comedy at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
Enjoy laughs-a-minute at this popular comedy club for baby-makers. Relax in a bubba friendly environment where you’re welcome to whip out a boob, bottle or bum (baby’s only) without anyone batting an eye. There’s chill spots, buggy parking and baby changing too. The comedy’s aimed at grownups so only parents/carers 18+ with babies up to 15 months old are allowed entry. 12pm; £12 per adult + baby (May 26)

Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Ram Quarter, 13 Wandsworth Plain, Wandsworth SW18 1ET (Wandsworth Town rail/East Putney tube)
Board a jet plane to ‘LA’ or sink your toes into the sand at ‘Miami Beach’ for Backyard Cinema’s latest offerings. The big screen action ranges from new releases to classic family films (check film ratings for age guidance). Also on the menu: live performances and award-winning food and drink. Various showtimes around 12pm, 4pm & 8pm (LA Nights) and 12.30pm, 4.30pm & 8.30pm (Miami Beach); from £20 (kids/family concessions available)

Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz at The Owl & Hitchhiker, 471 Holloway Road, N7 6LE (Highbury & Islington tube/rail, Angel tube)
From the mind behind Bring Your Baby Guided London Walks, these popular pub quizzes are an excellent way to stimulate your ‘mummy brain’ (or daddy brain) in a relaxed atmosphere. Meet fellow mums and dads and try a pub quiz at a slower pace, with two breaks to feed, change and chat, and questions always repeated. Settle in with the picture round, followed by 5 quiz rounds (including general knowledge, music, connection and themed). Event includes baby change, high chairs, play area with soft flooring and sanitised toys. Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd places and complimentary sweet treats for each table. Team sizes max 6 (baby-free friends welcome too). 12pm-2.30pm; from £10 (Jun 1)

Over May Half Term, Bring Your Baby Pub Quiz events are also happening at The Railway, Streatham Common (May 25); The White Hart, Stoke Newington (May 30); The Aeronaut, Chiswick (Jun 2); & The Charles Holden in Colliers Wood (Jun 3). See all upcoming events.

Doctor Who: Time Fracture, UNIT HQ, Davies Mews, W1K 5AB (Bond St tube)
With all the buzz over a new Doctor Who, May half term feels like an excellent time to go on this secret mission. Immersive Everywhere (The Great Gatsby) invite you on an imaginative ride through space and time. Actors in full character take you through a series of challenges aimed at stopping a time bomb from wreaking havoc on the universe. Watch out for Daleks and other cameos. Fabulous fun for both Doctor Who geeks and newbies. Recommended for ages 8+ (under 16s must be accompanied by adult). Fancy dress welcome. 12pm, 12.45pm, 1.30pm, 6pm, 6.45pm & 7pm (Tue, Thu & Fri), 6pm, 6.45pm & 7pm (Wed, Sat & Sun); tickets from £29.95 (extended to Sep 2022)

MUSEUMS & WORKSHOPS

Tate to Tate: Lubaina Himid and UNIQLO Tate Play at Tate Modern; Cornelia Parker and Story Space at Tate Britain, (Bankside SE1)
This May half term in London, why not spend an ambitious full day at the Tate museums? You could start with the landmark Lubaina Himid exhibition (extended until Oct 2) exploring her interests in theatre, opera and social justice. Younger ones will enjoy family crafting sessions with UNIQLO Tate Play Holiday Make Studio (May 28-Jun 5 daily, 10am-6pm). Then board a Tate to Tate boat across the river, to see the new Cornelia Parker exhibition at Tate Britain (until Oct 16). Or simply take your tots to Story Space, a free library of books by writers of colour (10am-4.45pm daily). Various prices for exhibitions, museum entry and activities FREE (May 28-Jun 5)

Trains, Trains, Trains at London Museum of Water and Steam, Green Dragon Lane, TW8 0EN (Kew Bridge rail)
Choo choo! May half term sees train-themed fun taking over the London Museum of Water & Steam. Look out for model railways and real miniature steam trains running all day. There’s also storytelling with Queen Victoria and Mary Anning, story and song with Musical Mark, special visits, crafting and more. 10am-4pm; adult £18 (annual pass); child FREE (May 28-Jun 5)

Story Seekers: Chocolate Edition at Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Rd, SE1 6HZ (Lambeth North tube)
Imperial War Museum is hosting a special chocolate-themed edition of Story Seekers. Follow a guided family mission to uncover the secrets of the cocoa bean product. Learn what a classic chocolate bar can teach us about WW2. Unwrap more activities and earn a chocolate reward. 10am-3pm daily (drop-in); FREE (May 28-Jun 5)

Everyone a Maker: Caribbean Carnival at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6LA (Shoreditch High St overground)
I’m stoked that Notting Hill Carnival is back for 2022 and families can get a taste of the carnival experience at this Rich Mix session. Students from the BIMM Music Institute and friends lead an interactive workshop of singing, stories, games and dancing, set to rhythms from Jamaica, Cuba and Guyana, to Trinidad & Tobago. Kids and grownups can shake, strum and jump to calypso, reggae, conga and traditional folk music. All ages welcome, most suited to ages 3-11. No experience necessary, wear comfy clothing and bring your shaker or favourite percussive toy! 12.30pm & 2pm; FREE but book ahead (May 29)

Punk Alley at Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Sick of all the flag-waving? Unleash your inner anarchist at this family event, described as “an unapologetic joyride of live, original punk music and high energy dance.” Punk rockers of all ages are invited to stomp, shout, whisper, sign, shake and dance with the Lazurr Tuts, a guitar punk band, presented by Moxie Brawl. Create songs, write placards, play along and make some noise! Misfits and misbehaviour encouraged. Best for ages 5+ but all welcome. 11.30am & 2.30pm; adult £11/child £9 (Jun 1-3)

Family Fun Weekend at Cutty Sark, King William Walk, West Greenwich, SE10 9HT (Cutty Sark DLR, Greenwich rail)
Set sail on a family escapade aboard the historic tea clipper. Let stories transport you to other lands, meet characters in costume from Cutty Sark’s past, and learn sea shanties with resident singers. There’s dress-up, giant board games, workshops and more. Older ones can try climbing the cutty sark rig — a new activity for the more daring. There’s a whole week of half-term fun for kids at the nearby National Maritime Museum. And you can hang out in the area over the Jubilee weekend for a festive atmosphere with garden picnics, pop-up entertainment and bunting decorations. Family Weekend is from 10am-5pm; free with Cutty Sark entry: adult £15-£16/child under 16 £7.50-£8/under 4s FREE (Jun 4-5)

London, Sugar & Slavery at Museum of London Docklands, No 1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL (West India Quay DLR/Canary Wharf tube)
If the celebrations over Jubilee Weekend gloss too neatly over Britain’s past, you can get a dose of hard truth at this permanent gallery. Learn how London was shaped by the sugar trade and the treatment of enslaved Africans as merchandise. The museum’s building was constructed at the time of the transatlantic slave trade to store sugar from West Indian plantations where enslaved men, women and children worked. Follow up with a visit to the museum’s exhibition Feeding Black: Community, Power & Place (until Jul 17), a free display about the role food plays in Black identity and enterprise in south east London. 10am-5pm; FREE entry (ongoing)

FAMILY THEATRE

What’s On for Families at Sadlers Wells, Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4TN (Angel tube)
This May half term, bring your little ones to the world famous theatre. On Friday, it’s the monthly Family Fridays dance workshops for ages 2-4 and carers (May 27, 2pm, £4); or see London Children’s Ballet adapt beloved novel Anne of Green Gables into a ballet for the first time, perfect for ages 5-14 (May 27-29, various times, from £18). On the last weekend, you can catch the popular Let’s All Dance Ballet Company: The Princess and the Pea, for ages 2-14 (Jun 4, 1pm & 3pm, from £17). Call ahead or visit the website for bookings and exact times/prices (May 27-Jun 4)

Snow White at Polka Theatre, The Broadway, SW19 1SB (South Wimbledon tube)
A joyful rejig of the popular Grimms’ fairy tale. When an enchanted mirror proclaims Snow White the fairest of all, she’s forced to escape her jealous stepmother. She finds solace with a bunch of banjo-strumming vegans, comes of age and learns not to trust very shiny red apples. Ages 5+ (younger ones welcome). 4.30pm (Fri May 27), 11am & 2pm (Tue-Sun), closed on Mon; from £10/babe in arms £1 (May 27-Jun 5)

The Gruffalo at Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley N12 0GA (Finchley Central tube)
A mouse, a deep dark wood, and a legendary monster take centre stage this May half term at Arts Depot. Meet the Gruffalo, one of Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler’s best known characters. This hugely popular touring show from Tall Stories brings the picture book to life for ages 3+ and grownups. 11am & 2pm; from £9 (May 28-Jun 1)

Find out what else is playing at Arts Depot

The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny at Royal Observatory Garden, Greenwich Park SE10 8QY (North Greenwich tube/Greenwich rail)
Quantum Theatre adapt two of Beatrix Potter’s best-loved tales. Watch Peter and his cousin Benjamin get up to all sorts of trouble in Mr McGregor’s garden. Pack a picnic and blanket to enjoy ‘hare-raising’ performances with your little bunnies. 11.30am-1.15pm & 2.30pm-4.10pm; £10 (May 30-Jun 4)

Party at Royal Festival Hall (Blue Room, Level 1), Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX (Waterloo/Embankment tube/rail)
Afonso wants to go to his best mate’s birthday party, but where is his invitation? Did it get lost in the post or has he been left out? When the invite arrives, it’s almost too much for Afonso. What to wear? Who to play with? Party is infused with Portuguese warmth, colours and sounds, and a message of inclusion. It’s part of Southbank Centre’s special Jubilee weekend. For ages 2-5 and families. 10.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm; adult £8/child £6 (Jun 2-4)

Pinocchio at Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, N1 2DN (Highbury & Islington tube/rail, Angel tube)
Enter Geppetto’s workshop to meet a puppet that wants to be a boy and a puppet maker who wants to be a father. Watch as Pinocchio is carved on stage, paint brushes come to life, and objects transform before your eyes. For ages 5-11. 11am & 2pm (Tue-Sun), 4.45pm (Fri); from adult £13.50/child £11.50 (all tickets £8 on Fris 4.45pm) (until Jun 26)

NATURE & OUTDOORS

Zoobilee at London Zoo, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY (Camden Town/Regent’s Park tube)
This May half term and Platinum Jubilee, celebrate the Queen’s birthday at a Zoobilee extravaganza. Discover the wildest teddy bear’s picnic in town (bring your own cuddly toy), a secret English country garden, a royal treasure hunt, eco-friendly crafts, an interactive family gameshow and pre-bookable picnic food. All included with zoo entry. 10am-5pm entry (closes 6pm); adult £26.50-£35.50/child £17.25-£23.10/under 3s FREE (May 28-Jun 5)

Hyde Park Discovery Day: Royal Celebration at LookOut Education Centre, Hyde Park, W2 2UH (Hyde Park Corner tube)
Mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with hands on activities and interactive storytelling. Get a treetop view of how Hyde Park has evolved over 70 years and what it might look like in the future. Take part in finger painting, scavenger hunts, bunting making, wildflower seed planting, musical flowers, sensory activities and more. All ages welcome. 12pm-3pm; FREE (May 31-Jun 1)

Museum of the Home: Back to Nature, 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA (Hoxton overground)
Create, connect and celebrate the wonder of gardens at Museum of the Home over May half term. However big or small your garden is (whether it’s acres or a window box or your nearby park), you’ll be inspired by the activities on offer. Try collage making, drawing, interactive performances, life drawing and a family trail. See an installation outlining the journey of an apple tree from seed pip to full bloom. All ages welcome. 11am-3pm; FREE (tickets required for the performance — pay what you can) (May 31-Jun 2)

Horrible Histories Boat Tours: Terrible Thames, Tower Bridge Quay (in front of the Tower Hotel), E1Q 1LD (Tower Hill tube/rail)
Go on a wild ride along the terrible Thames and hear eerie tales of rulers and baddies from the past. The lineup includes King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Julius Caesar, the Duke of Wellington, Queen Boudicca, Jack the Ripper and Captain Kidd. 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+ £25/child 3-15 £15/family £72/under 3s FREE on parent/carer’s lap (ongoing)

**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!**

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