Enjoy Spring in London
Sometimes the key to a great day out with kids is simplicity. A day without long, tedious queues and complex journeys. A local day! To celebrate spring in the capital, why not spend a day at leisure in either east or west London?
A Day Out In East London
Spend The Morning at London's Victoria Park
In the morning, make your way to the fabulous Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets. If you've never been, you're in for a real treat. This fantastically beautiful park dates back to 1845. It's bound on 2 sides by canals and has an award-winning adventure playground!
While you relax, the young ones can let off some serious steam on the mammoth slides, swings and climbing frame.
Lunch at the London Fields
Once de-steamed, hit the canal and head north until you reach Broadway Market. Leading from the canal up to London Fields, Broadway Market is a seriously hip foodie destination. If you visit on a Saturday, you'll find one of the capital's best food markets. Market or not this little street is packed full of fantastic cafes and food shops – so either grab a bite there or buy a picnic and enjoy London Fields.
Meet the Animals at Hackney Farm
After lunch, head to the Hackney City Farm. Created over 20 years ago, Hackney City Farm offers a lovely opportunity for children to get up close and personal with farmyard animals in an urban environment.
A Day Out in West London
Spend the Morning in Richmond
More than any other part of London, Richmond is blessed with gorgeous green spaces, including Richmond Park. It also has excellent transport links from central London.
On arrival, head to the river where you could hire bikes, boats or even horses. Or simply go for a stroll along the riverbank.
Take the Thames to the Palace
Afterwards go to Richmond Bridge and pick up one of the Turk Launches boats (running Easter to September) to Hampton Court Palace. This is a gorgeous journey that takes around 1hr 30mins. Before hitting Hampton Court, tummies may be rumbling. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds, eat in either one of Hampton Court's cafes, or grab a sandwich at one of the nearby tea shops on Bridge Road.
Be Amazed by Hampton Court Palace
Once at the palace, a costumed guided tour may appeal to the children. But make sure you have enough time and energy for the world's most famous hedges. Created in 1702, who doesn't love the maze at Hampton Court?
Getting home from Hampton Court is easy, there are boats, buses, or very efficient rail links back into central London.
For more information visit our Travel Section
