Natalie
The Victoria & Albert Museum is one of the world’s greatest art and design museums that’s a world away from screen and the perfect place to let children’s imaginations run wild.
Set in the heart of London’s museum-land and in fashionable Knightsbridge, the V&A is a stunning treasure trove of memories and a must visit attraction for residents of London and visitors alike. As well as offering hundreds of hands-on exhibitions there are a wealth of activities and special workshops that offer something for all guests, young and young at heart. Admission is free.
You can explore the museum through puzzles, drawing and observation games with the family trails which are perfect for children aged 7 – 12, the under 5s will love Agent Animal as they have to find six animals hiding in the Japan, China and South Asia Galleries which is really fun challenge.
Every Saturday families can watch fun, interactive plays by the in-house performance team. From a contemporary Beatrix Potter puppet show and the world of Queen Victoria and William Morris to the 1980s music scene, you can enjoy something special at the V&A.
The main Café welcomes children and offers a range of food and drinks (main meals for under 10s are half price) and high chairs are provided. The Garden Café is perfect for enjoying drinks and snacks on the grass beside the shallow pond, which is perfect for paddling (with adult supervision) in the sunshine – do note this gets very busy at peak times.
Most toilets have baby change facilities but as the museum is spread out across seven floors with interconnecting buildings making some routes tricky for buggies but the staff are very helpful.
Whilst you can make a day of this amazing museum, if you fancy a change of scene both the Natural History Museum and Science Museum are just steps away. For shoppers, Harrods and a whole host of fantastic shops are less than 1km away as well as a great range of bars, cafes and restaurants, many with pavement tables and chairs.
A short bus or tube ride away is London Zoo, Madame Tussauds, Buckingham Palace, Hamleys and many other top London attractions. Just outside the V&A there is a reputable London Bus company so you can take an open top tour of the capital and get to see all the sights from the comfort of your own seat.
For more details visit http://www.vam.ac.uk, https://www.tfl.gov.uk, www.madametussauds.com/ www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo
About our guest author – Natalie Trice
Natalie lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, two sons, cat and dog. She is a freelance writer and blogs at www.justbecauseilove and www.thepoetwearsprada.co.uk . She has a passion for bags, coffee, shoes and loves writing, relaxing by the water, shopping and relaxing with her boys and walking the dog.
Have you been to The Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington, London with your family? Please leave a quick comment below to let us know what you thought.
