Give your kids a summer to remember in the capital. Get stuck into fun-filled festivals, outdoor adventures, creative workshops and more with our pick of activities for all the family to enjoy in London Bridge.
1. Family Dayz Festival
This free festival dedicated to children and their families is packed full of fun. Whether your little ones enjoy hands-on workshops or love to explore with guided adventures, there will be plenty to entertain kids of all ages (especially 5-12).
Potters Fields Park, 23rd and 24th July. 11-5PM
www.atlondonbridge.com/family-dayz
2. The View from The Shard
Take in the striking 360° panoramic views of London from the tallest building in Western Europe! Make a game out of spotting famous landmarks as the capital unfolds beneath you.
The Shard, 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
https://www.theviewfromtheshard.com
3. Skateboarding at Hop Kingdom
Open from 12pm, Fri-Sun, Hop Kingdom is the perfect environment to try skateboarding for the first time. Lessons are available, as is board, helmet and pad hire, so you needn’t pay out for expensive gear before giving it a go.
Hop Kingdom, 16 Druid St, London SE1 2EY
https://hopking.org
4. Tower Bridge Walkways
The most famous bridge in the world isn’t just for looking at, you need to get inside and explore it. Children love the glass floored walkways that suspend them high above the river and there’s usually a free Children’s activity or two included in the admission price. Under 5’s are free and 5-15 years are just £5.70 (May 2022), making it one of the most bargainous things to do in town!
Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP
https://www.towerbridge.org.uk
5. HMS Belfast
You don’t have to have a fascination in the military to have a great time on our most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship. IWM design a fun packed programme of Family Activities at weekends and school holidays aimed mainly at 7+ years.
The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2JH
https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast
6. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
London’s river bus departs from London Bridge City Pier and gives a totally different perspective of the city. A new sightseeing experience in collaboration with The View from The Shard takes in some of the world’s most famous landmarks on a round-trip route.
London Bridge City Pier, The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2QP
https://www.thamesclippers.com/
7. London Bridge Parks and Gardens
From the landscaped riverside lawns of Potters Fields Park, to intimate secret gardens like Gibbon’s Rent, London Bridge has plenty of green spaces for play and picnics. Younger ones will love the recently refurbished playground in St John’s Churchyard, just off Tooley Street.
Various locations
https://atlondonbridge.com/art-walks/green-space-trail/
8. London Bridge Experience
If your kids like a fright then you’re in the right place! Take an interactive walk with live actors that play characters from the past 2000 years of London Bridge’s History. It is funny, historical and more than a little bit scary! Not one for the faint-hearted…
The Rennie Vaults, 2 – 4 Tooley St, London SE1 2SY
https://www.thelondonbridgeexperience.com
9. Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret
The oldest surviving surgical operating theatre in Europe is open to the public Thurs-Sun. Entry for children 6-16 years is only £4.50 and a family ticket just £18, so the visit won’t cost you an arm and a leg, unlike some of the Victorian patients who frequented this fascinating old church tower.
9a St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RY
https://oldoperatingtheatre.com
10. Summer by the River Festival
If you’re visiting June to September, you can’t miss London’s largest free festival. 2022 will recreate Miami’s infamous party energy across all locations across London Bridge City, with an eclectic programme of events that will put smiles on faces of all ages.
The Queen’s Walk, More London Riverside, London SE1
https://londonbridgecity.co.uk/events/2022/may/summer-by-the-river-2022
