Wed. Dec 25th, 2024

Celebrate Autumn Family Fun at Covent Garden: From Pumpkins to Halloween Delights

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, Covent Garden is embracing the beauty of autumn with its exciting “BeautiFALL” programme. This season is packed with family-friendly events and activities perfect for creating cherished memories together. Here’s a rundown of what to expect this October in this iconic London destination.

A Pumpkin Wonderland

The heart of Covent Garden’s autumn celebration is its stunning pumpkin installation in the historic Market Building. Families can visit the South Hall throughout October to marvel at this picturesque backdrop, perfect for family photos and Instagram moments. The vibrant display will undoubtedly inspire the festive spirit as you soak in the seasonal ambiance.

Enriching Half-Term Activities

Looking for ways to entertain the family during Half Term? The London Transport Museum has a unique experience that transports visitors back in time. Kids can meet time-travelling passengers from Victorian London and step into the shoes of Edwardian engineers. The museum’s ‘Through the Darkness’ series allows children to explore the fascinating world of public transport while enjoying hands-on workshops like “Build Your Own Night Bus.” These interactive activities spark creativity and engage young minds in an enjoyable learning environment.

Celebrate Halloween with a Twist

From October 31st to November 3rd, get into the Halloween spirit with themed activities and events across Covent Garden. El Ta’Koy invites families to enjoy their Boo-tiful Cocktails, offering complimentary drinks for little ones in fancy dress. For those looking to expand their culinary palate, Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels presents Wicked Wine Tours, featuring a selection of haunted orange wines. The neighbourhood will come alive with Halloween excitement, providing plenty of opportunities for family fun and festive treats.

Dive into the World of Theatre

Covent Garden is surrounded by over 40 theatres, making it the perfect spot for a family day out filled with captivating performances. During Half Term, families can catch popular shows like Mrs. Doubtfire, The Lion King, Matilda, and Back to the Future. After enjoying a delightful performance, families can indulge in a meal from the diverse range of dining options available in Covent Garden and Seven Dials. Many restaurants are introducing special children’s menus, ensuring there’s something for even the pickiest of eaters.

Batman Unmasked: An Interactive Experience

For movie enthusiasts, don’t miss Batman Unmasked, a self-guided theatrical tour showcasing original costumes and props from the iconic films. This exhibition offers interactive photo opportunities and comic zones, perfect for fans of all ages. Running until the end of the year, this immersive experience allows families to explore the exciting world of Gotham like never before.

Sweet Treats and Seasonal Flavours

Autumn also brings an array of delicious seasonal treats to Covent Garden. Jenki Matcha at 50 Long Acre Street celebrates the season with its popular Pumpkin Spice + Ashwagandha Matcha Latte. For those seeking something sweet, Chestnut Bakery and Starbucks offer classic pumpkin spice lattes that are sure to warm your spirits. Families can also indulge in delightful baked goods from Blondies, featuring seasonal treats like pumpkin pie cookies.

Family-Friendly Dining Options

With the arrival of autumn, several restaurants in Covent Garden are unveiling new children’s menus that cater to young diners. At 3 Henrietta Street, the Pivot Bar and Doughnation offer delicious selections, while The Ivy Market Grill features ‘Little Dreamers’ dishes like pan-fried cod and build-your-own sundaes. For even more variety, head to Seven Dials Market, where you can find over 20 street food stalls, perfect for adventurous little eaters eager to try new flavours.

Discover Seasonal Shopping

Don’t forget to explore Covent Garden’s fabulous shopping scene while you’re there. From fashion-forward stores to unique boutiques, you can find everything you need for the family’s autumn wardrobe. Loake Shoemakers and Vintage Threads offer stylish options, while Barbour celebrates 30 years of its iconic Liddesdale Jacket with a limited-edition collection and an engaging pop-up exhibition.

Conclusion

With a wealth of activities, seasonal delights, and enriching experiences, Covent Garden is the ultimate destination for family fun this autumn. Whether you’re exploring the pumpkin installation, catching a show, or indulging in festive treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your loved ones and make the most of this beautiFALL season!

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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