BEDFORDSHIRE
Whipsnade Zoo
A NEW ARRIVAL at Whipsnade Zoo marks a vital boost to the European breeding programme for the red panda – a globally endangered species.
Born at the conservation zoo on 23rd June to mum Ruby and dad Nilo, the Zoo’s vets completed the precious cub’s first health check today (Friday 5th September), with the team delighted to announce that, along with a clean bill of health, the newest member of the panda family is a little girl.
Whipsnade Zoo’s section manager of primates Amanda Robinson said: “This little girl is a wonderful new addition to the European breeding programme for endangered red pandas, designed to keep a healthy and genetically diverse back-up population safe in good zoos – while we tackle the issues they’re facing in the wild.”
To celebrate Red Panda Day, 20th September, head to Whipsnade Zoo for extra themed talks and activities on the 20th or 21st September. Visitors will be able to spot Nilo and Ruby, alongside the conservation zoo’s newest residents – 12 giant trolls, created entirely from recycled materials by Danish artist and activist Thomas Dambo, until 22nd September. Every ticket supports the conservation work ZSL is doing to protect and restore wildlife around the globe: Tickets | Whipsnade Zoo.
LONDON
Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College
Families and film-fanatics are invited to take part in an ambitious Guinness Worlds Record attempt for the largest number of people gathered dressed as iconic film and TV characters on Saturday 27th September at Greenwich’s Old Royal Naval College – we’d love to have you cover the unmissable event and take part!
Bringing backstage film magic to life, the celebratory day invites everyone to adorn their favourite screen characters, from Pirates of the Caribbean to A Muppets Christmas Carol! Families can enjoy exclusive cinematic prop stations for epic photo opportunities – including the chance to sit atop the Bridgerton throne and pose with the Batmobile – film-themed food and drinks stalls and much roaming entertainment across the site including giant dinosaurs – a phenomenal day of fun film activity!
London Museum Docklands
Tots & the Thames day festival (series) 9 Sep 2025 | 10.30am – 2pm | Under 5s
Celebrate the river at the heart of our city with this special takeover day for babies, toddlers and their carers.
Mudlarking weekend (series)
27 – 28 Sep 2025 | Various times | From FREE | All ages A discovery-filled weekend as we celebrate the world of mudlarking in all its muddy glory, with expert talks, a free-to-visit object showcase with mudlarks and their fascinating collections.
Tots at the docks 24 Sep 2025 | 10.30am – 2pm | Under 5s Dive deep in the river, stack cargo, put on a puppet show or build the tallest tower! Tots at the docks is an unticketed, drop-in play session that usually takes place on the last Wednesday of the month between 10.30am – 2pm
Walks & tours:
Roman London family walk 27 Sep 2025 | 10.30-11.30am | Ticketed from £8 | Families Join the guide to visit the remains of the Roman city wall to find a lost fort and hidden amphitheatre
Great Fire of London family walk 6 – 27 Sep 2025 | 10.30-11.30am | Ticketed from £8 | Families Come along on a fun, family-friendly walk exploring how the Great Fire started, spread and was finally stopped.
Second World War family walk 13 and 20 Sep 2025 | 10.30-11.30am | Ticketed from £8 | Families See the marks that the war has left on the City of London and the stories they tell.
HAMPSHIRE
Have a cracking time with Wallace & Gromit at The Watercress Line
Cheese lovers, hobby hunters and heritage railway fans are all in for a truly ‘grate’ experience when The Watercress Line in Hampshire welcomes the nation’s favourite eccentric inventor and his loyal four-legged friend for a weekend of ‘Cracking Hobbies’.
Families can enjoy The Watercress Line’s delightful miniature railway and speak to the local volunteers who operate it; and take unlimited rides on the wonderful heritage steam trains running along the railway’s scenic 10-mile route.
Book early for this special event