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Summer in South Ken

This summer there is lots to do in South Kensington if you are looking for a great day out - from boating on the Serpentine, visiting some of South Ken's brand new exhibitions, enjoying a big-screen experience at the Science Museum's IMAX cinema and so much more...

Princess Diana Memorial fountain

Daily
Hyde Park
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A unique fountain memorial to Princess Diana designed to reflect her spirit of life and love of children.

Energy: Sparks from the Collection

Until 18th May 2025
10am - 6pm
V&A South Kensington
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This display shines a light on the diverse kinds of energy in photography, from the hidden processes intrinsic to creating a picture, to the subjects in front of the camera.

Hyde Park Self Guided Walks

All Year Round
Hyde Park
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Discover the magic of Hyde Park and head on a self-guided walk. All of the activities are guaranteed to get you walking and discovering interesting things about the history, wildlife and horticulture around you.

Naomi in Fashion

22nd June 2024 - 6th April 2025
10.00am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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An exhibition exploring the extraordinary career of fashion model Naomi Campbell. Through the work of leading global designers and photographers we celebrate her creative collaborations, activism and far-reaching cultural impact.

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Online
Natural History Museum
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Fun, free things to do in a park, on the street, or anywhere outdoors.

Royal Albert Hall Tours

Most days of the year
Royal Albert Hall
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Take a peek inside London's most iconic music venue. Did you know that the Royal Albert Hall once hosted a séance; flooded the auditorium with 56,000 litres of water for an opera concert; and that criminals, as well as musicians and politicians, have graced the Hall’s stage?

The Royal College of Music Museum & Guided Tours

10:15am–5:45pm
Royal College of Music
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The Royal College of Music's Museum offers a unique opportunity to interact with over 500 years of musical history. Items include the world’s oldest guitar and earliest keyboard instrument with strings. Enjoy a tour of the Museum, led by their knowledgeable team on Wednesdays at 12:30pm.

Investigate for Families

Daily
Mon-Fri 4pm-5:15pm; School hols 10:30-4:30pm
Natural History Museum
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Get a feel for how scientists work by having a go yourself. Come and explore hundreds of real nature specimens that form the evidence museum scientists use in their daily work.

John Madejski Garden & Café

Daily
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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Recharge and cool down in the heart of the V&A. A place for kids to paddle in the courtyard shallow pool or grab a drink while surrounded by summer planting and stunning Victorian architecture.

T. Rex Show with Teach Rex

Various Dates
Various Times
Natural History Museum
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Teach Rex use life-like dinosaurs to perform their show about the anatomy and life of Tyrannosaurus rex, one the most amazing creatures to have ever roamed our planet.

Young People: Portrait Photography with Smartphones

8th June & 27th July
2pm - 4pm
Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum
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Learn from the original selfie king, Linley Sambourne, and discover the skills to take your own high quality portraits, inspired by Sambourne's street photography showcased in their exhibition Out in Paris (as part of Out Shopping: The Dresses of Marion and Maud Sambourne (1880-1910).

Magical mystery nature tour

Online and outside
Natural History Museum
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Boost your family's wellbeing with a magical mystery nature tour. Time in nature is essential for keeping us healthy and happy, even through winter's colder, darker months. Explore some of the key reasons why and venture out for some nature therapy.

Princess Diana Memorial walk

Daily
Hyde Park
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The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk takes visitors through four of the most beautiful parks in the world, including Hyde Park and Kensington Palace.

Image credit: Historic Royal Palaces / Alex Rory Jacobs

The Orangery Restaurant re-opens

Daily
10am - 6pm
Kensington Palace
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After major conservation work, the 18th-century Orangery at Kensington Palace has reopened its doors. Visit the iconic restaurant in a stunning setting for an elegant lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea.

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

Daily
During winter/spring 6am-7:45pm
Kensington Gardens
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Explore and have a great adventure in the playground with a huge wooden pirate ship which is the centrepiece of the Diana, Princess of Wales' Memorial Playground.

LGBTQIA+ Tours

Last Saturday every month
5pm - 6pm
V&A South Kensington
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Last Saturday of the month, except December. Join the V&A Volunteer Guides to explore gender and sexual identities through a selection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer plus objects in the V&A’s rich and surprising collections.

Out Shopping: The dresses of Marion and Maud Sambourne (1880-1910)

23rd March - 20th Oct
10am - 5.30pm
Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum
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A curated selection of rarely-seen outfits, this exhibition will tell the story of Marion Sambourne and Maud Messel, at a moment in history that significantly shaped fashion.

Gardens Tour: Journey Through Time and Nature

1st - 30th August
Dates vary
Natural History Museum
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Join a tour exploring the Museum's new gardens and innovative Urban Nature Project. Journey through the Evolution Garden and marvel at ancient rocks in the timeline wall. Gaze at the bronze dinosaurs and relax on chalk benches, where tales of London clay and a tropical city await you.

Sound System Stories: Wheel And Come Again!

23rd August
6.15pm - 9.45pm
V&A South Kensington
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Join this special evening with Gladdy Wax (aka Mr Vinyl Fingers), the legendary sound system genius. A pre-Nottinghill Carnival weekend event to celebrate this musical giant by recording and archiving his story of UK Sound System Culture.

Earth Photo 2024

Until 21st August
10am - 5pm
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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See a stunning selection of the Earth Photo competition's shortlisted images. Each piece has been selected from the competition's award categories: People, Place, Nature, Changing Forests, and A Climate of Change.

Kensington and Chelsea Art Week public Art Trail

20th June - 30th August
All Day
Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
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An unmissable highlight on London’s summer culture calendar, the Art Trail features world-class sculpture, installations, and murals throughout the borough inspired by thisyear’s curatorial theme Changing Landscapes.

Family Trails at the Science Museum

Science Museum
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Go on a journey of discovery and exploration around the Science Museum.

Giants of Today Trail

Natural History Museum
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From hefty herbivores to jungle jumbos, discover who's topping the charts when it comes to being the biggest, the tallest and the heaviest of them all. Follow the trail to meet some of world's biggest animals and to find out all about the highs and lows that come with being so big.

Leslie Linder: Decoding Beatrix Potter

Until 15th Sept
10am - 5.30pm
V&A South Kensington
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On the 50th anniversary of Leslie Linder’s gift to the V&A, This display celebrates his unrivalled Beatrix Potter collection and shines a light on Linder’s contribution to our knowledge of the world-famous author and illustrator.