the home of science, arts and inspiration

Some things to do today

Family Trails at the Science Museum

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

Young V&A

Opens 1st July
10am-5:30pm
V&A South Kensington
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Get ready to spark your creativity at Young V&A – the museum where children, young people and families can imagine, play and design. From 1 July 2023, be inspired by spaces, explore our collection and get creative. Right now, keep in touch on social.

Engineers

Daily
10am-6pm
Science Museum
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Engineers shape the world that we live in, creating bold, ground-breaking innovations that respond to global challenges and improve billions of lives. But how much do we know about the people behind these innovations?

Power Up

10am - 5.30pm
Science Museum
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Immerse yourself in this hands-on gaming zone, featuring the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a retro games fan, a serious gamer or just want to beat your family at Mario Kart.

Quiet walking routes to and around South Ken

Discover South Kensington
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If you’re planning your trip to South Ken, take a look at our new walking map, created with Footways, where you can discover a range of wonderful routes to take a quiet stroll & discover our extraordinary history. Get off the tube a stop early and explore London’s home of arts, science and inspiration by foot.

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

Daily
8am - 6pm (Mon-Fri); 7pm on Sat & Sun
Hyde Park
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The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen serves a wide variety of tasty hot meals and snacks, freshly prepared sandwiches and salads, a daily selection of cakes from the bakery and hot and cold drinks from the bar. Enjoy the popular terrace area with sweeping views over the Serpentine.

Places to Eat

Daily
Varies
Various
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If you are planning a day out in South Kensington, there are lots of delicious places to eat or enjoy a drink both inside and outside depending on the weather. From cafes, bars, afternoon tea to indoor picnic areas - there is plenty of choice!

Footways - exploring London on foot

Online Map
Footways
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Why not plan your visit to South Ken using the Footways walking map available at railway stations and online? You can plan your route away from the busy roads and discover a quiet and alternative side to London.

Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery

Daily
10am - 6pm
Science Museum
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Step into the fascinating world of technicians for a peek behind the scenes in the Science Museum's brand new interactive gallery. Experience what it’s like to create visual effects on a blockbuster film set or operate a robot in a manufacturer's workshop,

V&A tours are back

Dates & times vary
V&A South Kensington
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Discover the work of the V&A's conservation studios, or join a guided tour through their unique galleries. Members can also explore hidden places and historical sites in and around London, often inaccessible to the public.

Self-Guided Tours at the Natural History Museum

Daily
10am-5:50pm
Natural History Museum
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Whether you're visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, these tours and free things to do, will take you through the best the Museum has to offer.

IMAX: The Ronson Theatre

Daily
Varies
Science Museum
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Experience this fully immersive IMAX, on one of the biggest cinema screens in the UK. With an IMAX laser 4k projector and an IMAX 70mm film projector, this experience is great for all cinema lovers. Regularly showing are scientific documentaries and the latest blockbuster releases.

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.

Royal Geographical Society Membership

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Spark inspiration and curiosity with a gift that lasts all year. Through a range of talks, exhibitions, events, magazines and resources, Society members can explore the incredible stories of our planet’s people, places and environments.

Membership to Institut français

Institut français
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A wonderful gift is a membership to the Institut français. Amongst their benefits are invitations to exclusive events, movies in their sumptuous Ciné Lumière, activities for younger members, access to their Art Deco listed library, superb food and drink and so much more!

Historic Royal Palaces Membership

Kensington Palace
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With seasonal sparkle and Christmas activities for all, now's the perfect time to become a member of Historic Royal Palaces and start sharing uplifting experiences and days out with loved ones at some of the UK's most iconic palaces.

Join the Friends of Leighton House Museum

Leighton House and Sambourne House
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A wonderful way to support Leighton House Museum is a Christmas gift for Join the Friends and enjoy free, unlimited access to their historic house and invitations to private views..

Leighton House Gift Shop

Online
Online
Leighton House and Sambourne House
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Leighton House museum's online shop has some of the best in contemporary design and artisan craft, their curated edit is inspired by the homes, work and collections of Frederic Leighton and Linley Sambourne.

Give the Gift of Music

Royal College of Music
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A perfect gift for any music lover is the Membership of the Royal College of Music Friends scheme. In addition to priority booking and access to an exclusive programme of Friends events, they will receive regular advance info about RCM events while showing support for young musical talent.

The Shop at Japan House London

Mon to Sat
10am-8pm
Japan House London
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Recognised as the cultural home of Japan in London, be inspired by the beautifully displayed cabinets that blur the lines between a gallery and a store. From crafts rooted in Japanese traditions to one-of-a-kind pieces by artists, each product has a story to tell and will make a wonderful gift this Christmas.

Inspiring Artistry at the Serpentine Shop

Tuesday - Sunday
10am - 6pm
Serpentine
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The shop at the Serpentine is the place if you're looking for a unique piece of art. Hervé Télémaque: Le chant du coq, James Barnor: Accra / London - A Retrospective, Jennifer Packer: The Eye Is Not Satisfied With Seeing, and so many more to inspire and possess.

Imperial College Podcasts: The effects of climate change

Online
Imperial College London
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Imperial College's latest podcasts centre around climate change anxiety, quantum computing and climate injustice. Discover more about their priorities for the upcoming COP26 climate change summit.

Serpentine Lido

Mid-May to mid-Sept
10am-6pm
The Royal Parks
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The Serpentine Lido is, arguably, London's most iconic 'open water' swimming location. The Lido is open for public swimming on weekends from mid-May, and every day between June and Mid-September.

The Serpentine Lido Cafe

Daily
The Royal Parks
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What better location to host a celebration this summer than overlooking the Serpentine in London’s largest Royal Park. Choose from a variety of hot and cold food options including a wide range of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Serves a selection of teas, specialty coffees and is licensed for alcohol.