What’s On Greater London

The Bentall Centre Brings Stories to Life

This summer, The Bentall Centre invites children to let their imaginations run wild at The Reading Tree. 1-31 August, shoppers are invited to sit down and read one of over 100 books on the tree’s shelves. In addition a programme of activity will bring stories and creativity to life.

Thursday: Join Waterstones for arts and crafts activities including story time. Saturday: The Reading Tree will play host to interactive storytelling sessions and YO! Sushi sampling. 25^th August: Papaerchase will be encouraging young artists to draw their favourite book characters. There are prizes to be won for the best drawing. All Summer Long WH Smiths will be inviting future critics to review some of the top fiction books with reviews displayed in their store window for everyone to see. www.bentallcentre.co.uk or pop down and take a visit to the tree.

Finding Dory swims into Westfield’s pop-up indoor park

Westfield lines up a series of special Disney themed events and activities from the 29^th July – 4^th September, allowing family and friends to enjoy all the fun of summer at the Westfield Pop-Up Park, and with artificial grass and a roof over your head, you can leave your umbrellas at home!

Westfield Stratford City will also host a Big Dance ‘Carnival’ style event on 13^th and 14^th August, featuring a range of performances and participatory workshops for all the family in Salsa, Samba, Flamenco, Capoeira, Dancehall, Hula Hoop and Bollywood. The centre also has a range of fun activities, including a Pop-Up GIF Booth; a dedicated booth with the styling teams ‘The Style Doctors’ on hand to let bring customers try the latest fashion accessories. Please check uk.westfield.com for the full details of summer activities

The Monument marks 350 years since the Great Fire with a series of events and the launch of a new App

The Monument is hosting a series of themed events throughout August and September 2016 to mark 350 years since the Great Fire of London FREE tickets available for The Monument over the Great Fire Anniversary weekend from Friday 2 September – Sunday 4 September. Free tickets are for specific entry times and must be booked in advance at www.themonument.org.uk for more information on Great Fire 350 visit: www.visitlondon.com/greatfire350

Fire! Fire! at the Museum of London

The Museum of London’s next major exhibition, Fire! Fire! Ideal for families, the exhibition is the museum’s most theatrical to date, combining a variety of sights, sounds, smells, textures and interactive exhibits to immerse visitors in the events leading up to, during and after the Great Fire of London in 1666.  23 July 2016 – 17 April 2017 From £4 per child (under 5’s go free) and £8 per adult 0207 001 9844 / www.museumoflondon.org.uk/fire-fire

Bluewater

For the ultimate day out this summer, come rain or shine, head to Bluewater to experience a host of activities, special events, retail therapy and delicious dining for the whole family to enjoy, including: Kick about at Football FEST; Family fun at Bluewater’s new nature trail; Building fun with LEGO® Friends; Fantastic travel offer at Eurostar’s pop-up experience; 36 hole adventure golf course at Pirate Cove Adventure Park; Plus, block buster movies, quality shopping and dining all at Bluewater  Book online in advance at www.footsportsuk.co.uk to receive a 25% discount using the code FSUK16BW.  www.Bluewater.co.uk

Horrible Histories – The Best of Barmy Britain in the West End

5 August – 3 September

Ahead of their 25^th anniversary next year, Birmingham Stage Company today announces Horrible Histories – The Best of Barmy Britain! This special production marks Barmy Britain’s 5^th anniversary in the West End, holding its position as the longest running children’s show in West End history. This special instalment of Barmy Britain follows the sell-out successes of Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain – Parts One, Two and Three and will feature the horribly best bits from all three productions. Horrible Histories are recommended for ages 5 to 106! (107 year olds may not like it as much). www.barmybritain.com Apollo Theatre Box Office: 0330 333 4809 www.nimaxtheatres.com

Five amazingly fun things to do with kids at Kew Gardens this summer

Get your children out of the house and connecting with nature thanks to these five fantastic things to do at Kew Gardens this summer. From family workshops to outdoor theatre and dance shows, to cloning cabbages and watching scientists at work up close, there’s never been a better moment to learn and play in the world of plants at one of London’s most iconic outdoor attractions: Explore Kew Gardens; Experience The Hive at Kew; The Great Broad Walk Borders Kew Science Festival 5 – 7 August 2016; Outdoor Theatre in the Gardens www.kew.org The Wind in the Willows and The Dream Fairies, will be performed in the magical setting of Kew for the first time this summer www.theatreonkew.co.uk

Kingston Museum

The book Alice in Wonderland celebrates its 150th birthday this year and Kingston Museum is taking part in the celebrations through exhibiting some of the most famous illustrations in the world. A selection of the best of Sir John Tenniel’s illustrations to Lewis Carroll’s two Alice books, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland(1865) and Through the Looking Glass and what Alice found there (1872), will be on show from Friday 22 July – Saturday 17 September 2016, just in time for the school holidays. For further information contact Exhibitions Officer Tove Bellingham (020 8547 6463). www.kingston.gov.uk/events/200208/libraries

Four of the Best ‘Takeaway’ Afternoon Teas in London

 The arrival of the summer sunshine brings the chance to enjoy London’s tea-rific treats in the fresh air. These perfectly prepped Afternoon Teas allow you to scout out the ideal spot for an al fresco feast in the sun, whatever the occasion.

Lancaster London Pick up a package from Lancaster and head across the road to enjoy an afternoon tea in Hyde Park on a glorious summer’s day.  lancasterlondon.com/afternoontea

The Arch London Due to popular demand, The Arch London has brought back its take-away picnic hampers for the summer. www.thearchlondon.com/wine-dine

The Park Tower Knightsbridge Now offering a takeaway version of their signature Lounge Afternoon Tea. theparktowerknightsbridge.com/en/forms/takeaway-afternoon-tea

BB Bakery BB  The bakery’s unique Afternoon Tea offering will arrive in an original London Taxi www.bbbakery.co.uk/afternoon-tea/afternoon-tea-delivery/