October Half Term Activities to do in London

We all remember what it was like to be a teenager – and how embarrassing our parents were! However, there are loads of cool activities for those truculent teenagers to enjoy (with or without parental embarrassment!) Check out the Southbank Skate Space for those who enjoy the thrills of skateboarding. Hiding in the Undercroft beneath Queen Elizabeth Hall, this space has been a mecca for graffiti artists since 1967 and world-famous with skateboarders since 1973. 

For those daring enough to attempt it, The Slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit in the former Olympic park is sure to get the adrenaline pumping. Suitable for those with nerves of steel from 8 years of age, this tummy turning experience plummets 76 metres in a 40-second ride on the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide. Go on parents, we dare you!

If the thought of that leaves you (or the kids) gasping for air, why not try bouncing around at Oxygen Freejumping at the O2. Spend an hour boing-ing like Tigger on trampolines, reaction walls and even a mega ball pit. Special toddler sessions are also available for the 0-5 age group. The O2 also incorporates restaurants, a bowling alley and dodgeball courts so plenty to keep everyone of all ages occupied.

London is renowned for its views, architecture and impressive skyline. Watch the kids in awe with the staggering views from the London Eye.  As a Merlin attraction, you can purchase a five-in-one London pass which will also gain you access to Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon without the hassle of queuing.

As long as you don’t suffer from vertigo, the view from The Shard at 300m up, will leave you aghast and you can even combine it with an Insta-worthy selfie as you gaze across the skyline.

London’s hop-on, hop-off buses are also a fantastic way to see the sights such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London or take a river cruise to see everything from the perspective of old father Thames.

With Halloween on the horizon, London has some amazingly spooky places to scare the pants of adults and children alike. 

The London Dungeon is one of the capital’s top attractions all year round. Delve into the horrible history of London’s past by travelling deep into the dungeons to meet some unsavoury characters along with your 90-minute experience – not for the faint-hearted!

Or, take a tour with a difference on the Ghost Bus which provides a hilarious horror show as you see the sights including the Tower of London, St Pauls Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.

And if that wasn’t enough to turn your hair grey overnight, take two trips in one with the London Bridge Experience and Tombs… through spooky haunted tunnels meet characters such as the Keeper of the Heads, zombies and unspeakable creatures that loom out from the shadows, all the time keeping a lookout for the ghost of ‘Emily’!

And when you and yours have had enough adrenaline-filled exploits and are filled to the brim with views, why not take some time to explore some of the fantastic museums and galleries the capital has to offer? Social distancing still applies at these attractions and, although most are free to visit, they still require pre-booking.

The Natural History and Science museums are always a winner with young and old alike – who can resist the dinosaurs! Whilst a visit to the Imperial War Museum and Churchill’s War Rooms (charges apply) will bring to life for a younger generation exactly what it was like to live during the turbulent times of war.

The V&A’s Museum of childhood is home to a wonderful collection of children’s objects from toys and games to clothing and offers an insight into how children lived through the ages. On a different note, a visit to the Ragged School Museum allows kids to check out a Victorian classroom and see how the poor and destitute of London’s East End coped from the 1800’s through to 1900.

So, after exhausting, adrenaline-filled days with the family around the capital, come back to the Cavendish - you could even pop into Hamley’s, the world-famous toy shop which is just around the corner, on your way back if you have the energy! And whilst the kids chill with a book or wi-fi device, Mum and Dad can indulge in a delicious afternoon tea of sandwiches and cake or enjoy a glass of something chilled and refreshing in the bar before returning with the family to the comfort of your room.

Dinner can be taken in the hotel’s Petrichor restaurant or enjoy room service directly to your room – the choice is yours. 

Make this October half-term holiday a memory-filled one. We look forward to seeing you and your family very soon.