🌺 5 things to do in London this weekend with the kids (22–23 June)

Hello fellow DiLFs! 

I’ve just found out about a free London cycle hire scheme for disabled riders, and I thought I’d share just in case it’s useful to you or anyone you know. 

Wheels4Me London is providing free loans of accessible bikes to disabled people who aren’t able to use conventional cycle hire bikes. The fleet currently includes upright trikes and semi-recumbent bikes, and other styles will be offered in the future.

You can hire a bike for up to a month at a time, and the scheme includes free delivery, a training scheme, insurance, and collection when finished.

You can find out more on the website: https://wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/wheels-4-me-london/

And now on with the regular newsletter! 

Jeff xx

1: Don’t be like me: GO to West End Live

West End LIVE 2024
Saturday 22 June, 11:00–17:00; Sunday 23 June, 12:00–17:00
Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS
FREE

Should I go to West End Live? I’ve driven myself mad with this question every summer for the past two decades. If I were to create a pros and cons list, here’s what would be on the “pros” side: free performances from more than 50 of the West End’s top musicals; a feeling of community (I imagine) with fellow Londoners; loads of extra activities to enjoy in the square if a particular song isn’t doing it for us; and a chance to introduce my children to the magic of theatre. 

On the “cons” side, there’s: insane crowds (although I guess they look like they’re having fun?); queues literally a mile long to get in; a “one in, one out” policy once the square is at capacity; ONE water fountain for about 55,000 people; and standing room only (chairs not allowed). 

One year, I’ll get over myself and do it – with the kids in tow as emotional support companions. That year won’t be 2024, but I hope you’re less of a wuss than me and that you give it a go: I think we’re missing out on an incredible experience (AGAIN), and I’m already kicking myself for it. 

Find out more: https://www.westendlive.co.uk/ 

While you’re there… 

👍️ St James’s Park is the best park in London. You can disagree with me all you like, but I’m right – and I think you know it deep down. If you’re intent on pointing out the lack of a rose garden or swimmers’ lake or view over London or wedding ceremony venue or ability to hold an open-air concert compared to other parks, I will see your points and raise you the best park playground in central London. 

👍️ We all know that The National Gallery is a great place for a wander, but The National Portrait Gallery is also pretty special. They have a new exhibition called Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens and I’ve just booked for our family to go – mainly so I can finally put faces to the names of those who were beheaded vs all the others who survived in some way. 

👍️ Cafe in the Crypt is an underground, brick-vaulted canteen-style cafe below the famous St Martin-in-the-Fields church; it’s lined with historic tombstones and I’m beginning to realise that this description is making it sound much more spooky than it is. I also think I’ve used up my quota of hyphens for the year. 

In reality, the cafe is beautiful, atmospheric and cosy – with not a ghost in sight (or sense, I guess). The food is homely, hearty and any other comforting words you can think of – but please don’t for a moment be tempted into thinking I also mean “cheap”. (The sides in particular are extortionate. I once went with a friend over Christmas, and it cost him £4 for a side of two underweight pigs in threadbare blankets.) If you go for cake and a cuppa rather than a full meal, you may still think, “HOW MUCH???” but at least you’ll have a home to live in next month. 

2: Watch a fantastic immersive exhibition that everyone adores (except the critics) 

David Hockney: Bigger & Closer (not smaller & further away)
Sunday 23 June, 10:00–17:30 (choose a time slot), plus other dates and times until 6 October
Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, N1C 4DY
Adults £25, children (3–18) £15

First, let’s deal with the pink elephant in the brightly coloured room: this exhibition was NOT well-received by critics during its initial showing in 2023. 

TimeOut described it as “just photos of goddamn paintings” and “expensive, boring and not that special”. The Evening Standard’s art critic said that “there’s too much that disappoints and irritates,” while someone at the Guardian pitched in with the opinion that it’s “an overwhelming blast of passionless kitsch”. Ouch. 

And yet, as they and other reviewers acknowledged, the venue was always heaving with visitors who seemed to be loving every moment of the experience. I was one of them, and my children (who were mesmerised throughout) were two more.

And now it’s back – by popular demand (HA! Take that, you pompous pundits!). It consists of large-scale projections of Hockneys’ paintings in the huge Lightroom building in King’s Cross, with Hockney himself providing commentary and discussing the past 60 years of his life as an artist. Music accompanies the artwork, and it’s all just glorious. 

I’ve been to far too many “immersive” exhibitions in London, and this was definitely my favourite. I’m glad it’s back, and I’ve already booked to go again. 

Find out more: https://lightroom.uk/whats-on/david-hockney/ 

While you’re there… 

👍️ Camley Street Natural Park used to be a much-loved but slightly worn-around-the-edges spot for kids to explore and learn about wildlife and the natural environment. Since the whole King’s Cross regeneration project, it’s still very much treasured, but its impressive facelift means it's now a hit with everyone – including the well-heeled parents who’ve moved in more recently. 

👍️ If it’s hot and you have suncream with you (the lack of shade is insane), just head to Granary Square Fountains and you’ll need to provide no further entertainment for the day. 

👍️ Samsung KX is basically a juiced-up Apple Store. In addition to loads of devices to try out, there’s a free Gaming Zone (which uses “the most advanced Samsung gaming technology”), a cafe, an area for coworking and a “Support Lounge” (essentially a modestly named Genius Bar). It’s a fab space that’s never too busy, but – even with all the gaming opportunities – it’s only really going to entertain everyone for about an hour or so. 

3: Make hummingbirds and hibiscus flowers from paper at the Garden Museum 

Windrush Day – Hummingbirds and Hibiscus
Sunday 22 June, 11:00–12:30
Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7LB
Free entry with museum ticket (adults £15; children 7–18 £8.50; children 6 and under FREE; family tickets also available)

When the Windrush Generation migrated from the Caribbean to the UK between 1948 and 1971, many of them brought symbols of their heritage with them – including textiles and art featuring hummingbirds, and the practice of making “sorrel” out of hibiscus flowers. 

This cute little drop-in activity commemorates Windrush Day by using paint, scissors, glue, feather and ribbons to make little birds and flowers out of paper, which you can then take home (or leave to display in the museum).  

But don’t just go for the crafting activity (especially as you’ve just forked out a not-insignificant number of pounds to get in): there’s a fair amount to see and do in this very cute, very niche museum. The gardens are lovely – as you’d bloody well hope – and you’ll get fantastic views over London if you climb up the medieval tower. The “children and families” page on their website does a great job of collating a bunch of other things you might like to do there as a family. 

Find out more: https://gardenmuseum.org.uk/events/windrush-day-hummingbirds-and-hibiscus/ 

While you’re there… 

👍️ Visit the Imperial War Museum down the road and celebrate an accidental case of BOGOF: the IWM is (thankfully) free to enter. As well as all the permanent and temporary exhibitions, there’s a family drop-in activity every weekend called Story Seekers; check the Story Seekers page for more information because the topic/activity changes frequently.

👍️ Just across the river, Victoria Tower Gardens is a charming park that provides fantastic views of both the Houses of Parliament and the Thames. It’s known for “The Burghers of Calais” – a sculpture celebrating freedom by August Rodin. Equally famous is the statue of suffragette Emmeline Parkhurst, which stands in the shadow of Victoria Tower. You’ll also be pleased to know there’s an award-winning playground at one end, which comes with a stream of water you can pump yourself, a sandpit, a shaky bridge, wobbly boat and swings. 

4: Get all misty-eyed over your childhood cavities at a sweetie storytelling event 

“Minted!” The Rise of Trebor Sweets in Forest Gate
Saturday 22 June, 11:30–13:00
The Gate Library, Woodgrange Road, E7 0QH
FREE, but book your place in advance

Refreshers. Extra Strong Mints. BLACK JACKS!! Fruit Salad. “Trebor Mints are a minty bit stronger; Stick them up your bum and they'll last a bit longer…” Ah the memories. Oh the nostalgia of those tooth-breaking sweets that are (or once were) part of the Trebor oeuvre. Yes, “oeuvre” is an entirely appropriate word in this context. 

There’s actually a book about the history of Newham-founded Trebor, and you can get the potted version from the author himself at this event. You’ll learn about how sugar was boiled to create some of the country’s most iconic sweets, and then take part in an arts and crafts workshop to design your own vintage-style sweet wrappers. 

Find out more: https://www.newhamheritagemonth.org/events/minted-the-rise-of-trebor-sweets-in-forest-gate/ 

5: Make new friends (or just exchange polite nods) at a community festival 

The Great Get Together
Saturday 22 June, 13:00–18:30
The Scoop at More London, SE1 2AA
FREE

The Great Get Together is an “annual celebration of everything that unites our communities”, and it features a roster of music and performances to enjoy with others. I’m not quite sure how it really differs in scope from all the other London-based festivals and events held throughout the summer, but no matter: there’s a lot to see, and the highlights reel from last year’s TGGT looks very lovely indeed.  

Find out more: https://londonbridgecity.co.uk/events/2024/june/summer-by-the-river-the-great-get-together 

While you’re there… 

👍️ Shad Thames is one of the most beautiful streets in London (check out some photos here). There are plenty of places to eat and get a drink here, and there’s also a Shad Thames Trail if you want to dig into the genuinely interesting history of the place. 

👍️ Busy food markets do not make for a happy Jeff: I’m known for panic-yelling “I’LL JUST WAIT HERE, OKAAAAY?” to whichever companion is entering such places while I loiter around outside. But if you’re more laid-back and less easily triggered by frenzied scrambling for sourdough and sausages, take your kids to Borough Market. It’s one of those experiences everyone except me should probably do once in their lives. Food markets and Trafalgar Square musicals: I think we’re all beginning to realise just how much of a wuss I really am.