Bluewater’s new animal trail. Until 9th September
The Beach at Bluewater. Children can enjoyed castle building on the sand, access to the rides and ice lollies in the sun. For a fun a break from shopping with the kids, head Into The Wild with Bluewater’s Animal Trail – new this summer. Visitors will come face-to-face with stunning statues of some of nature’s most extraordinary creatures, including an 18ft giraffe and a giant African elephant. Purchase a trail map from one of the concierge desks for just £1 and complete the quiz to receive an animal-inspired prize! www.bluewater.co.uk
Monster-filled family fun for the summer holidays
The Summer holidays have arrived and MBNA Thames Clippers has a summer of adventure in store for your little monsters. London’s River Bus service has teamed up with Sony Pictures Animation to create a fun-filled treasure trail and quiz through the Capital with Hotel Transylvania 3: A Monster Vacation.
Stuck for ideas for a summer day out? The Monster River Trail will keep the whole family entertained with its eight stop route at iconic London spots where monster fans can collect clues at each stop along the way. To be in with a chance of winning a family holiday to Tenerife, or one of 20 merchandise goody bags, simply answer three out of the eight questions correctly.
Aspiring monsters who want to be involved in the fun can collect a Monster River Trail leaflet at an MBNA Thames Clippers’ pier to follow the map. In addition, all adventurous humans who complete the trail will automatically get a reward. Simply hand your completed trail form back at one of the manned piers to get yours.
In this new instalment of the hit Hotel Transylvania franchise, our favourite monster family embarks on a vacation on a luxury monster cruise ship so Drac can take a summer vacation from providing everyone else’s vacation at the hotel. It’s smooth sailing for Drac’s Pack as the monsters indulge in all of the shipboard fun the cruise has to offer, from monster volleyball to exotic excursions, and catching up on their moon tans. But the dream vacation takes a dangerous turn when Mavis realizes Drac has fallen for the human captain of the ship, Ericka, who holds a mysterious secret that threatens them all.
The MBNA Thames Clippers Monster River Trail is live until the end of the summer holidays (9 September 2018). For more information and full competition Terms & Conditions, please visit thamesclippers.com/monstervacation.
Caribbean Smokehouse, Levi Roots’ restaurant
Levi Roots’ restaurant in Westfield Stratford. They are running a Kids Eat Free offer (when a main meal is purchased) Monday-Friday throughout the summer holidays. When shopping and preparing for the term ahead, Caribbean Smokehouse is the place to fuel up and keep the little ones entertained. It is also ideal if you want to get the kids excited about spices – they can branch out with the gentle goat curry, a firm favourite amongst the rascals!
Take a look at their kids menu here: https://caribbeansmokehouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/180518_Kids.pdf
Syon Park
Syon House is the London home of the Duke of Northumberland and has been in the Percy family for over 400 years. Built on the site of a late medieval abbey, Syon boasts one of the finest Robert Adam interiors in the country and has a magnificent collection of paintings and furniture. Set in 200 acres of parkland and Capability Brown designed gardens, which includes the Great Conservatory, Syon is one of London’s hidden treasures.
Both house and gardens feature frequently in TV, films and costume dramas; most recently BBC’s ‘Civilisations’, ‘Silent Witness’ and feature films ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ and ‘Pride and Prejudice and Zombies’.
Whether it is as a heritage site, film location or an exclusive wedding venue, Syon Park continues to welcome, inform and fascinate its visitors. www.syonpark.co.uk for further details, online tickets and terms & conditions.
The Postal Museum
Meet two suffragettes at The Postal Museum this summer and find out how they used the post to fight for their right to vote (c) The Postal Museum
Is your family full of young train enthusiasts, wannabe postmen or aspiring historians? The Postal Museum – Art Fund Museum of the Year 2018 finalist – has a jam-packed programme of fantastic activities guaranteed to delight the kids this summer. And it’s all included in the ticket price. Along with a brand-new summer ticket offer for families, there’s never been a better time to visit the museum with your little ones.
As well as taking a truly unique train ride through 100-year-old subterranean tunnels deep under London on Mail Rail, families with children of all ages can enjoy a huge variety of activities taking place at the museum from Thursday 26 July until Sunday 2 September 2018. What’s more, groups of two adults and two children can take advantage of a new summer deal and save more than £10 when they visit before 31 August 2018.
From drop-in arts and crafts sessions to artist-led workshops, kids can take part in a wide range of activities, from storytelling and meeting characters from Britain’s postal past to creating a slogan tote bag based on colourful 1930s posters and meeting two suffragettes who posted themselves to 10 Downing Street while fighting for the right to vote.
Activities are open to children of all ages. They are available on a first come, first served basis, so please do come along early to experience the surprising story of our postal past in a way you never imagined! postalmuseum.org/visit/plan-your-visit/tickets-prices
V&A Museum of Childhood
Summer Festival 2018 Sunday 22 July, 11.30 – 16.30 The annual Summer Festival is a highlight in East London’s cultural calendar. 2018 will be bigger and better than ever. Expect to see live performances from South London Samba and the Balkan Music Trio, face and henna painting, rickshaw rides and local food stalls. The programme features juggler and entertainer Sam Veale, who will present his unique and amusing walkabout act and specially designed games by the V&A Museum of Childhood’s Learning team.
Free, drop in, and suitable for all ages.
Summer Art Camp 2018 Monday 30 July – Friday 03 August 2018, 10.00 – 17.00Aimed at ages 8-11, the Summer Art Camp is a week full of creativity and fun. Children are able to choose to work in their preferred creative medium with a range of talented local artists to create unique and special music, films and artworks inspired by the V&A Museum of Childhood’s collection. Two days: £70, three days: £95, four days: £120 or five days: £140. Siblings discount 10%.
Nordic Summer Family Days very Thursday from 2 August – 30 August, 11.00 – 16.00 This August, inspired by the V&A Museum of Childhood’s exhibition Century of the Child: Nordic Design for Children, the museum is encouraging families to go Nordic. From Folk performances and story-telling, to create design and craft activities to special guest animals from Spitalfields City Farm, these special family days out will have something for everyone. Free, drop in, and suitable for all ages.
To book any ticketed events at the V&A Museum of Childhood, please phone 020 8983 5205 or email mocbookings@vam.ac.uk.
Meet veterans and get hands on with history at Imperial War Museums this summer
From meeting veterans to making paper planes and helping keep HMS Belfast spick and span, there’s something to entertain and fascinate every member of the family across IWM’s branches this summer.
At IWM London, HMS Belfast, IWM Duxford and IWM North, families can meet war veterans and eyewitnesses and hear their personal, first-hand accounts of life in times of war. Visitors to HMS Belfast can also help look after the largest object in IWM’s collection – HMS Belfast herself! At IWM Duxford, families can take on the challenge to design aerodynamic paper planes.
We Were There: Meet Veterans and Eyewitnesses IWM London: Every Tuesday and Thursday between 24 July and 30 August, 11am-1pm HMS Belfast: Every Wednesday between 25 July and 29 August, 11am-3pm IWM Duxford: Every Thursday between 26 July and 30 August, 11am-3pm IWM North: Every Tuesday between 24 July and 28 August, 11am-3pm
This summer, families will have a very special opportunity to meet war veterans and eyewitnesses, including those who lived through the Second World War and the Cold War, to hear their personal stories of conflict. On selected days over the school summer holidays, veterans will recount tales of their wartime life, giving families first-hand insights into the causes of war and its impact on people’s lives.
Suitable for all ages. Free, drop-in sessions. Please note that due to the unique nature of this event, eyewitness availability may vary.
Ship Shape Saturdays HMS Belfast Every Saturday between 28 July and 25 August; 11am-1pm, 2-4pm All hands on deck! The whole family is invited to help keep the iconic warship, HMS Belfast, in tip-top condition. Visitors to Ship Shape Saturdays can drop in and learn about what it takes to conserve HMS Belfast, the largest object in IWM’s collection. Alongside our expert conservators families will put their learning into practice as they work through specially-assigned tasks searching for hungry insect pests, restoring the ship’s original fittings and furniture, and caring for fabrics with specialised tools. Suitable for all ages. Free, drop-in sessions.
Paper Plane Challenge IWM Duxford Wednesdays and Fridays throughout August; 11am-1pm, 2-4pm Become an aeroplane designer and learn the principles of flight and aerodynamics at IWM Duxford. Families can take the challenge of creating the perfect paper plane, drawing inspiration from exhibitions housing everything from Spitfires to a Concorde. Suitable for all ages. Free, drop-in sessions.
HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast is the most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship, with a history that extends to the Arctic Convoys, D-Day, the Cold War, Korea and beyond. Moored on the River Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast tells the story of life on board and explores how war affects and impacts on the morale, resilience and determination of a ship’s community. We take visitors on a journey though the ship’s nine decks and show them what life was like for the 950 strong crew, through the real life stories of the people who served on her.
HMS Belfast, The Queen’s Walk, London, iwm.org.uk / @I_W_M / www.facebook.com/hmsbelfast
IWM London
IWM London tells the stories of those whose lives have been shaped by war through the depth, breadth and impact of our Galleries, displays and events. Explore what life was like at home during the Second World War in A Family in Wartime; delve into the world of espionage in Secret War; visit our award-winning Holocaust Exhibition; discover stories of bravery in The Lord Ashcroft Gallery: Extraordinary Heroes; see work by some of Britain’s most significant 20th Century artists throughout our galleries or take in our latest major temporary exhibition as part of our season of programming.
IWM London, Lambeth Road, London iwm.org.uk / @I_W_M / www.facebook.com/iwm.london
IWM
IWM (Imperial War Museums) tells the story of people who have lived, fought and died in conflicts involving Britain and the Commonwealth since the First World War.
Our unique collections, made up of the everyday and the exceptional, reveal stories of people, places, ideas and events. Using these, we tell vivid personal stories and create powerful physical experiences across our five museums that reflect the realities of war as both a destructive and creative force. We challenge people to look at conflict from different perspectives, enriching their understanding of the causes, course and consequences of war and its impact on people’s lives.
Become a Harlequins Hero at summer rugby camps
The Harlequins Summer holiday camps are the perfect way to keep kids entertained during the school holidays. The camp, which are taking place at various locations throughout the summer, are open to boys and girls from complete beginners through to regular players.
And this summer Harlequins has launched a new competition: The Community Camps Harlequins Hero of the Year, with an incredible prize on offer for next season.
A Hero of the Week, who plays the game in the best spirit and with the most endeavour, will be chosen at each of the Club’s camps by Harlequins’ coaches during the summer. The eventual prize-winner will then be picked in a grand draw at the end of the summer.
The winner will receive a Community Membership for the 2018/19 season (including two tickets to a match from each competition the Club will be competing in), behind-the-scenes access to a Team Run at The Stoop with the chance to meet the players and shirts signed by the women’s and men’s teams.
During the camps, participants will learn to play the Harlequins Way, focusing on the values of sportsmanship, enjoyment and team spirit –values at the core of Harlequins’ professional team.
Sessions will teach children the fundamentals of ball handling, creation, identification and execution of space, tackle technique, continuity in attack and defensive organisation, in order to help the young players develop their on-field skills. Children will also learn to work as a team, improve their self-confidence, and make new friends!
The unique program has been developed in partnership with the Harlequins Academy, and is in line with the new age grade rugby rules of play, which ensures that participant wellbeing and enjoyment are the primary focus, with sessions tailored to each child’s specific needs.
As well as receiving expert coaching, all participants will receive a free Harlequins gift, a chance to win Harlequins prizes and an exclusive invitation to a Harlequins training session to meet the players.
For more information please visit http://www.rugbycamps.co.uk/harlequins or contact the team on: communitycamps@quins.co.uk
Old Emanuel RFC in SW London have a Camp run by Harlequins coaches in late August www.oldemanuelrfc.co.uk
Wembley Park
Over 300 hours of free arts and entertainment this summer in Wembley Park’s first curated season of events as London’s newest creative destination comes alive
Part of the ambitious cultural strategy for the £3 billion, 85-acre redevelopment in NW London that is delivering a public art programme, London’s largest Boxpark to date, a new theatre and affordable artist studios alongside 7,500 new homes
Programme highlights include Mayor of London’s International Busking Day, an outdoor film season of Bollywood blockbusters, free screenings of National Theatre Live productions and a global parkour festival
Known for his dramatic and colourful abstract compositions that have transformed buildings and locations around the world, Rough was inspired by the Wembley Park site’s flow of people in devising the concept for Flight. With the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium in the background, the design is viewed as distinct elements until the viewer stands directly in front, at which point the image dramatically locks into place.
Flight’s arrival officially kicks off Summer of Play – a curated season of cultural activities that invite visitors and residents to enjoy the transformed Wembley Park over the summer months. The programme adds to the headline music and sporting events for which the area is internationally known, and forms part of an ambitious multi-year cultural strategy for the area as it rapidly evolves into one of London’s newest cultural neighbourhoods and destinations.
Summer of Music The Mayor of London’s International Busking Day relocates from Trafalgar Square to Wembley Park as it is recognised as the official global destination for International Busking Day 2018, with GLA-supported busking across the site throughout the summer
Summer of Film The first chance for the general public to experience Encore screenings of National Theatre Live broadcasts in a deckchair setting in Arena Square, for free
Summer of Movement Rendezvous Gathering XIII, the world’s signature annual international parkour event, comes to Wembley Park for a three-day event of professional displays, open jams and workshops. Events and performances across the park are complemented by free weekly classes delivered by Parkour Generations at the Yellow Pavilion, providing instruction and guidance for all to learn the basics of parkour
Summer of Making Flag making and woodcarving creative workshops hosted by Emergency Exit Arts and led by artists Stephen Stockbridge and Helen Davenport, with free sessions for local children
Summer of Design Flight – a major public art installation by acclaimed international artist Remi Rough. The commission adds works previously commissioned under the Wembley Park Street Art Project, including Mr Doodle’s transformation of Olympic Way, and a 40m mural designed and painted by 100 local children developed in partnership with Global Street Art
wembleypark.com/summer
What’s on this August at the National Army Museum
This August discover the history and impact of the First World War with our series of free Friday Insight lectures at the National Army Museum. From exploring the creation and development of camouflage in military uniforms to reflecting upon changes in the army 100 years since the 100 days, uncover how the First World War was a period of innovation and transformation for the British Army. Or learn about the forgotten men whose diplomatic and intelligence work were key to shaping the Arab Revolt and our knowledge and understanding of Lawrence of Arabia. This August, whatever your interest or age, there is something for you to enjoy at the National Army Museum.
Special Forces: In the Shadows 17 March – 18 November £8 Adults, £7 Concessions, £4 Children, Under 12 free
This major exhibition presents ideas of security and secrecy through the lens of British Special Forces. Discover who these elite soldiers are, the training and skills they need and some of the operations they’ve undertaken around the world over the past 70 years.
Parachute Summer Activities daily until 2 September Free
Make a parachute and see how well it works at this free family-friendly workshop. Throughout the summer holidays we’re learning about how the army uses parachutes. Which materials work best? Design and make a parachute at this family-friendly workshop. How close can your toy soldier reach our drop zone target? Pick up a free ticket from the Welcome Desk. Suitable for ages 7+.
Curator tour: Special Forces 1 August, 6.00pm £12.50 Adults, £10.62 Concessions
Join a curator on an hour-long tour of our major exhibition ‘Special Forces: In the Shadows’. ‘Special Forces: In the Shadows’ presents ideas of security and secrecy through the lens of British Special Forces. Discover who these elite soldiers are, the skills they need, and the operations they’ve undertaken.
The evolution of military camouflage 3 August, 11.30am Free, booking recommended
Tim Newark discusses the history of military camouflage, with particular reference to the First World War. Artists were very much involved with devising the first patterns of camouflage used by the British Army on the Western Front during the First World War.
Security and the army tour 4 August, 2.00pm Free, booking recommended
Take a free guided tour around the galleries exploring the topic of security and the army. In 2018 we’re looking at the army’s role in UK and world security throughout history.
100 years since the 100 days: How the First World War transformed the army 10 August, 11.30am Free, booking recommended
Join Dr Peter Johnston to discover how the First World War transformed the British Army. The First World War transformed the British Army beyond all recognition.
Lawrence of Arabia, the Arab Revolt and the forgotten few who shaped it 17 August, 11.30am Free, booking recommended
Join historian Philip Walker to explore the Arab Revolt of 1916-18. A key group of British officers based at Jeddah saved the Arab Revolt from likely collapse both before and during T. E. Lawrence’s indispensable involvement.
The development of British artillery on the Western Front 24 August, 11.30am Free, booking recommended
Andrew Breer will discuss the development of British artillery from the turn of the 19th century to the First World War.
Barrack Room Ballads 25 – 27 August, 8.30pm – 10pm £15 Adults, £12 Concessions
Youth Music Theatre UK and the Belfast Ensemble in association with the National Army Museum present Barrack Room Ballads, a vivid, emotionally-charged musical work inspired by Kipling’s First World War poems, exploring the soldier’s experience.
The Special Boat Squadron in the Second World War: A band of renegade cut-throats 31 August, 11.30am Free, booking recommended
Author Gavin Mortimer discusses the history of the Special Boat Squadron. The Special Boat Squadron (SBS) was formed as a separate unit from the Special Air Service (SAS) in early 1943. It was an elite fighting force which never comprised more than 200 soldiers.
Double servings: Hampton Court Palace and Tower of London Food Festivals
Hampton Court Palace Food Festival: 25 – 27 August Tower of London Food Festival: 7 – 9 September
This summer, the popular Hampton Court Palace and Tower of London Food Festivals will be returning to their respective homes for another foodie extravaganza. Hosted in partnership with River Street Events, the festivals offer a scrumptious day out at two of London’s most iconic landmarks.
Both food festivals are set to offer up a delectable selection of artisan producers, a stellar line up of chefs and culinary experts, fabulous entertainment, family fun and great live music. The Kitchen theatre is again set to be a highlight of both weekends, and this year will feature live cookery demonstrations from a whole host of top chefs and gastronomic experts. Nadiya Hussain, Melissa Hemsley, Dr Rupy Aujla, Rhiannon Lambert and Lisa Faulkner will be serving up a range of their favourite summer dishes, while Michel Roux Jr adds a double helping of Michelin stardust. For those wanting to put their newfound culinary knowledge to the test, The Classroom will be offering up hands-on masterclasses on everything from Sourdough Workshops and Naked Cake Decorating with the BBC Good Food Cookery Team to Gin and Cocktail masterclasses and Kids’ Cookery. Once visitors have worked up an appetite they can shop from over one hundred food stalls and artisan food producers, guaranteed to get the taste buds tingling. From oysters and sausages to sweet treats and an array of ales, there is something for everyone. There’ll also be a bandstand with live music, complete with relaxing deckchairs on hand for revellers to soak up the festival atmosphere. Plenty of activities will be on hand to keep the little ones entertained at both festivals, including vintage games and fairground favourite Helter Skelter at Tower of London and shire horses and a Circus School on offer at Hampton Court.
Set over the three days of the August Bank Holiday weekend, the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival is held in the spectacular gardens of the former home of one of history’s most notorious foodies, King Henry VIII and is guaranteed to delight all food-lovers. With free entry to the palace and its formal gardens included in every ticket, visitors will be encouraged to explore Hampton Court’s magnificent surroundings, with the world’s oldest puzzle maze, the largest grapevine on the planet and the fun-filled Magic Garden all waiting to be discovered. Inside the palace, food enthusiasts can also learn what it took to feed up to 600 people twice a day in the famous Tudor Kitchens, where Hampton Court’s team of historic chefs will be cooking up a storm, roasting meat on the great fire and creating a meal fit for a king!
Running from 7-9 September, the Tower of London Food Festival is the perfect way to enjoy the final days of summer, promising a scrumptious few days of entertainment. Taking place in the fortress’s historic dry moat, all tickets include both entry to the festival and to the Tower of London itself, meaning there’s no better time to pay a visit to this iconic site. Home of the awe-inspiring Crown Jewels, ravens and Yeoman Warders, there are over 900 years of history for visitors to explore within the walls of the capital’s formidable fortress.
Tickets to both the Hampton Court Palace Food Festival and Tower of London Food Festival are on sale now at www.hrpfoodfestivals.com. Tickets at both events include entry to the affiliated palace.
At The O2
The DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes at The O2 is pleased to announce a special summer ticket offer for the final three months of the exhibition. From 5 June to 9 September 2018, tickets will be available at £10 for adults and £5 for children under 16 (T&Cs apply). There are also special summer offers at the extensive DC Exhibition store! Spend £10 more and receive a free Justice League t-shirt, and buy two t-shirts for £30! If you haven’t yet seen this spectacular exhibition – the first of its kind in the UK – now is your chance!
The DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes is a unique exhibition, which celebrates DC’s rich history, unique mythology and iconic Super Heroes and Super Villains such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Joker. Perfect for a family day out with plenty to appeal to both children and adults, the DC Exhibition invites visitors to get up-close and personal with some of their favourite super characters.
Expertly curated, the exhibition features more than 200 original comic pages, 300 preparatory sketches and concept artworks for the cinema, together with 45 original costumes, models and props used in the iconic films. It traces the development of DC Universe, from Superman’s first appearance in the 1938 first issue of Action Comics, 80 years ago, through to current day.
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Superman, on the 9 and 10 June the DC Exhibition will celebrate in style, with an exciting offering for kids and families all weekend. We have it on good authority that Superman himself will be at the exhibition – flying in especially to celebrate his birthday! There will also be Superman masks, an educational super-hero-themed quiz and balloons for children.
The exhibition is presented by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Consumer Products in collaboration with Art Ludique-Le Musée, and has been described by as “guaranteed to drop jaws” (SFX), “astonishing” and “visually arresting” (City AM) and was given “191 stars out of 5 stars” by Kidzcoolit. The Londonist says “DC fans will love this excellent show” while Shortlist exclaims “your inner fanboy will squeal”.
Each room of the DC Exhibition: Dawn of Super Heroes offers guests a unique behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the mythical DC Universe. Walking through the exhibition, fans have an unparalleled opportunity to gain greater insight into the development of some of the world’s most iconic characters. Want to take a piece of the action home with you? A wide selection of DC merchandise – from clothing to collectibles – is available in the extensive exhibition store.
To 9 September 2018 To book, please visit www.DCExhibition.co.uk
Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark hosts special events and activities throughout the year. Admission charges apply (family activities are free with entry). Please visit our website for more information www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark
Flotsam Weaving Scouring the British coastline for flotsam, artist-in-residence Jo Atherton collects fishing line, netting and other orphaned objects to make beautiful pieces of art. Join her in this arts and crafts workshop where she talks about her beachcombing activities and learn how discarded objects can be transformed into intricate prints and vibrant tapestries. 4 and 5 August 2018 Cutty Sark, Sammy Ofer gallery 11.30 – 13.30 | 14.00 – 16.00 Suitable for ages 4 and over Free with admission to the ship
Sea-escape Who knows what mysterious creatures lurk in the deep, dark sea? Join us in this arts and crafts session and make an underwater hideaway for your sea creatures. 8 and 9 August 2018 Cutty Sark, Sammy Ofer gallery
Model Magic Figureheads Create your own fabulous figurehead using Model Magic to protect you from storms, sea monsters and sharks. 15 and 16 August 2018 Cutty Sark, Sammy Ofer gallery ship
The Art of Macramé Sailors made macramé objects during their leisure time at sea, and they sold or bartered them when they landed. Join our artist to learn about sailor knots and design your own macramé object. 22 and 23 August 2018 Cutty Sark, Sammy Ofer gallery
Summer Time Toddler Time Cutty Sark is dedicating Wednesday mornings to our youngest visitors. Bring your little sailors along for songs, stories and playtime on board. Every Wednesday throughout August 2018
Cutty Sark Characters Come aboard to hear Cutty Sark’s incredible stories brought to life by characters from the ship’s past. Meet Captain Woodget, the ship’s most daring master; Jock Willis, the man who built Cutty Sark; Nannie, the ship’s figurehead; or the ship’s cook, James Robson, who all have an extraordinary story to tell. Daily
Cutty Sark is open 10.00 – 17.00, Monday – Sunday (subject to change please see website for details www.rmg.co.uk/cuttysark).
Greenwich National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House
A full programme of events for children and adult visitors to the historic Greenwich National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House.
The Great British Seaside: Photography from the 1960s to the present The National Maritime Museum is hosting a major photography exhibition celebrating the nation’s love affair with the seaside, featuring more than 100 photographs by Martin Parr, Tony Ray-Jones, David Hurn and Simon Roberts, as well as newly commissioned work by Martin Parr. The exhibition explores our changing relationship with the seaside over the last six decades and will hold up a critical and affectionate mirror to a much-loved and quintessentially British experience, captured by photographers who share a mutual love of the seaside. The Great British Seaside will include images from the archival collections of each of the photographers, news film as well as some never before seen images. Until 30 September 2018 www.rmg.co.uk for online discounts and further details
Family Trails Pick up one of our self-led trails around the National Maritime Museum and challenge yourself to explore, discover and enjoy as you delve deeper into the museum’s galleries. 1 – 31 August 2018
Object Handling Discover real objects from maritime history as we bring the Museum’s handling collection into the spotlight. Come to the National Maritime Museum and find us in a different gallery every week this summer. Every Thursday throughout August 2018
Deep Sea Dance Fever Sailors were hard workers and needed a way to relax when off duty. Come along and practice your best dance moves inspired by exploration of the sea and traditional sea shanties in this workshop for all the family. 5 August 2018
Do you sea it? Sun, sea and sand! Use all your senses in this interactive play session for our youngest visitors as we explore all the sights and sounds of the sea. 7 August 2018
Look out! Voyagers have always used equipment to help them understand the ocean and make their sea voyages safer. Together we will use the stories of exploration in the museum to create our own exciting tools for discovery. 12 August 2018
Family Photography DayThis summer discover your inner photographer with SharpShots Photo Club and be inspired by the photography in the Great British Seaside exhibition. There’s a choice of three dates, each dedicated to either colour, landscapes or portraits. See the website for more information. https://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/exhibitions-events/summer-photography-courses 13, 15 and 18 August 2018
Sea Stories Come and join our storyteller and discover how people have travelled across the sea in search of fame and fortune. 14 August 2018
Into the deepWhat lives in the deepest, darkest part of the ocean? Be inspired by the beautifully illustrated maps in our collection to find out what people thought lived in the sea, before creating your own mythical creature. 19 August 2018
Snug harbour Explore the accounts of WWI bravery, care and comradery in the Forgotten Fighters gallery with stories for our younger audiences. 21 August 2018
Gifting and giving A friendship belt given by the indigenous Haudenosaunee to English settlers in North America was a powerful promise of hope and peace. Draw inspiration from the Wampum belt in the Atlantic gallery and make your own promise gift to give to someone else. 26 August 2018
Celebrating Me! What makes you, you? What makes you great and how will you show it? Be inspired by the story of Horatio Nelson and how he has been celebrated throughout history. 27 August 2018
Life’s a Party The museum’s Voyagers gallery shows us that the sea can be a place of celebrations, with objects such as a launching casket for HMS Neptune. Join us on a parade around our galleries as we explore celebrations. 27 August 2018
QUEEN’S HOUSE EVENTS
National Day of Stitch Try your hand at Tudor-style stitching inspired by the Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I with the Blackheath Embroiders’ Guild. All materials will be provided.4 August 2018
Character Encounters Meet a character from the past and take part in an exciting performance that will bring maritime history to life. Saturdays throughout August 2018
Discover Sundays Be inspired by our maritime past and explore your personal connections to the sea. Ask staff where the activity is on the day. Sundays throughout August 2018
Play Tuesdays Have fun with your family by exploring the Museum through crafts, music, dance and drama. Timed sessions: collect tickets from the admissions desk. Tuesdays throughout August 2018
Become the Greatest Explorer on The Great MapThe Great Explorer is an interactive game for families. Take one of our tablet devices and set sail across The Great Map to explore distant lands and discover treasures from all around the world. Where will you visit and what will you find? Take a photo and share your adventure with us @NMMGreenwich #greatmap
The Queen’s House ToursDiscover fascinating royal history and take in the iconic architecture of this ‘house of delight ‘on one of our in-depth guided tours. Throughout August 2018
Wild Child Festival
The brand new Urban Family Festival in London where creativity runs wild 17 – 19 August 2018
Wild Child is London’s newest boutique children’s festival – by mums and dads, for the whole family. Bringing together the very best in arts activities, workshops and performances by a wide range of companies, many founded by London mums and dads themselves, Wild Child offers an alternative to larger, commercial, brand heavy festivals. Some event highlights include:
Family dance parties with Bebop Baby’s very best Hip Hop beats, heavy funk, rare soul, dusty old jazz, obscuro funk and psych Trapeze, Tightrope and Juggling skills with the acrobatic Circus Dreams – even for the under 5s!
Children as young as three can have a go at coding with Mama Codes in the Imagination Lab – introducing kids to coding through song, rhyme and storytelling, children of all backgrounds and learning styles are able to learn to code creatively with confidence, making full use of their bountiful imagination
Immersive experiences including a Dinosaur Land where you can see baby dinosaurs hatching and a Magical Unicorn Meadow where little ones can have fun and games becoming experts in Unicornology
The Festival is made up of 10 arts inspired zones. Families are encouraged to visit the different zones and try something new together:
The Giggly Grove Laugh out loud in the Giggly Grove with cracking entertainment designed for children from funny comedians;The Magic Hollow Become a magician and learn tricks to impress all your friends in fun magic workshops with El Baldiniho Magic; The Wordy Wood Help Little Folk Tales bring to life amazing stories from around the World and take part in workshops with inspirational authors & illustrators; The Wellness Warren Chill out in this peaceful holistic space with yoga, nature arts and mindfulness activities for the whole family to enjoy together with Seedlings Wellbeing; The Little Top Roll up to the Little Top and tightrope walk, fly on the trapeze skills or learn to juggle with fantastic workshops and performances from Circus Dreams;The Bop Along Ballroom Dance the day away in the Bop Along Ballroom learning new moves & grooves at family dance workshops ranging from Bollywood to Line dancing. See an exciting Teddy Bear’s Picnic ballet and Alice in Wonderland musical brought to you by the fantastic Lets All Dance; The Imagination Lab Get tech-savvy in the Imagination Lab where children as young as three can have a go a creative coding using song and rhyme with Mama Codes. Become a mini-professor with creative science workshops or create your very own story using the amazing Scribeasy storytelling app; Harmony Hideaway Follow the funky music to the Harmony Hideaway where BeBop will entertain with their mix of funk, soul & jazz for families. Make sure you wear your dancing shoes and bring the family for some day time beats and live music. They play rock and roll, soul, funk and Afrobeat, tunes to move those little feet! Babes in the BurrowFor the tiniest festival-goers, we have designed an intimate Babes in the Burrow area. It features a magical sensory play garden, a creative edible messy play area with Grubby Bub, interactive theatre, circus workshops and a Broadway musical concert especially for 0-3-year-olds and their grown-ups. There will also be a cosy baby feeding and changing space with bottle heating and food warming facilities.
@wildchildfest | #WildChildFest | www.wildchildfestivals.co.uk Suitable for ages 0 – 11 years
Summer events and activities at Painshill
Wild Summer Camp Dates: 30 July – 3 August | 6 August – 10 August | 13 August – 17 August Time: 9am – 4:30pmLinks: https://www.painshill.co.uk/event/wild-summer-camp/
Have a wild time in the woods this summer. Make friends while exploring the forest and outdoors at Painshill. Each day is themed differently with activities ranging from bushcraft, den building, and woodland craft to discovering secret and forgotten tracks. £40 per day (five days £170) Children aged 8 – 13yrs Advanced booking required: painshill.co.uk / 01932 868 113
Open Air Cinema Dates: Friday 17 August: The Greatest Showman | Saturday 18 August: Star Wars – The Last Jedi Time: 7pm – 11:30pm (doors open 7pm, film starts 8:30pm)
https://www.painshill.co.uk/open-air-cinema-comes-painshill/
Come and join us for a starlit cinema screening of The Greatest Showman and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. There couldn’t be a better place to watch these iconic films. Set under the backdrop of the Gothic Temple, don’t miss your chance to enjoy some magical nights of cinema below the summer’s night sky. Early bird discount available & no booking fee.
Regular: £16 Adult | £10 Children | £14 Concession (carer free) Early Bird: £14 Adult | £8.50 Children | £12.50 Concession (carer free) Hot food and refreshments available Fully licenced bar on site Advanced booking required: Painshill, Portsmouth Road, Cobham, Surrey,KT111JE
