the home of science, arts and inspiration

Some things to do today

The Design Museum Shop

Design Museum
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The Design Museum Shop sells a unique selection of classic, beautiful and cutting edge objects including prints, accessories, books and much more...

Royal Albert Hall's Gift Shop

Royal Albert Hall
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Discover the Royal Albert Hall's full range of products, featuring exclusive prints, Royal Albert Hall gifts, souvenirs and the ever-popular Steward Bear online.

Science Museum's Gift Shop

Science Museum
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Engage your inner scientist with science-inspired gifts, gadgets, robots, games, puzzles, toys, chemistry sets and more from the Science Museum Shop.

£1 tickets for a day visit to Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace
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1 tickets for a day visit to Kensington Palace are available to anyone in receipt of specific financial support. You can claim £1 tickets for up to six people per household.

National Art Library and Archive talks: each Monday from 15 January

V&A South Kensington
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The V&A will be holding free, open sessions every Monday (except bank holidays) in the National Art Library. A member of the Library or Archives staff will introduce the history and purpose of the Library and talk about an item from their collections.

Design Museum Shop Christmas Gift Guide

Design Museum
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Channel your inner interior designer and transform your space into a winter wonderland with classic and contemporary decorations from all the wonderful designs that are on offer at the Design Museum Shop this Christmas!

Natural History Museum Christmas Gift Shop

Natural History Museum
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Go wild with the dinosaur decorations this year! Look out for the T. rex on skis, the Stegosaurus in a bobble hat and the Triceratops tree topper to top it all off. As for decorating yourself and the kids, there is also festive knitwear!

Family Trails at the Science Museum

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

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

Daily
10 am - 5.30 pm
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.

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.

Children & Families at The Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall
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The Royal Albert Hall have a wide range of shows and events for children and families to get involved in, which all promise an unforgettable day out. From storytelling for babies and toddlers to interactive concerts featuring Albert’s Band, there is something to fascinate and inspire children of every age.

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

Daily
Winter 8 am - 4 pm; Summer 8 am - 8 pm
Hyde Park
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Serves a variety of hot dishes, including burgers, fish & chips and seasonal salads. A selection of fresh salads, sandwiches and cakes are available to take away and enjoy in the park. Vegetarian, vegan and dietary requirement options are available.

Places to Eat

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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 an alternative side to London.

Gem Strathmore Hotel

Daily
Gem Strathmore Hotel
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The hotel is the former London residence of the Earl of Strathmore, the late Queen Mother’s father, is a restored Victorian mansion located close to London’s most famous museums, galleries, and cultural attractions. The magnificent colonial-style Earl's Restaurant is an exquisite blend of Victorian grandeur and contemporary luxury.

RCM: The Carolean

Mon - Fri; Sat during term time
8.30 am - 4.30pm
Royal College of Music
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The café serves barista-style coffees, sandwiches, snacks and hot food in spectacular surroundings. Enjoy your refreshments inside or out, with access to their new 1851 Courtyard, accompanied by the sounds of music across the College.

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,

IMAX: The Ronson Theatre

Daily
Times vary
Science Museum
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Experience this fully immersive IMAX on one of the UK’s largest screens, featuring IMAX Laser 4K and 70mm projection. Enjoy scientific documentaries and the latest blockbusters.

Out of Hours Dino Tours

Varies
9 - 10 am
Natural History Museum
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Have you ever wondered what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, what they really looked like and why we continue to study them today? Book a Dinotour with one of the Museum's knowledgeable tour guides to get up close and personal with all the main characters in their world-famous Dinosaurs gallery.

Behind the Scenes Tour: Spirit Collection

Daily
11 am - 11.45 am, 3 pm - 3.45 pm
Natural History Museum
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Go behind the scenes with our knowledgeable science educators for a 45-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum's fascinating zoology collection preserved in spirit.

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.

Serpentine Lido Café

Daily
8 am - 5 pm (varies monthly)
The Royal Parks
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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.

Dino Snores for Kids

Dates vary
6.45 pm - 10 am
Natural History Museum
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Ever wanted a sleepover with a giraffe or camp under a blue whale? Kids aged 7–11 can explore the Museum after dark with fun, educational activities.