5 Family Adventures in London This Summer

5  Family Adventures in London This Summer

From open-air theatre and optical illusions to royal palaces and riverside adventures, London is awash with culture for kids during the summer months. Whether your child is drawn to art, history or a musical spectacular, these five outings promise memories for all ages.

M.C. Escher. The Exhibition at Somerset House

Step into the mind of one of the world’s most intriguing artists. This major retrospective brings together more than 150 mind-boggling works by M.C. Escher, whose impossible staircases, mesmerising patterns and mind-bending optical illusions continue to captivate generations. Interactive installations allow visitors to explore the mathematical principles behind his creations, making it as engaging for children as it is for adults.
Best for: Curious minds and budding mathematicians aged 8+.
Distance from Hotel Café Royal: 1 mile / 10-minute taxi ride.
Dates: Until 6 September 2026.
Website: somersethouse.org.uk

CATS at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical returns in a stunning new production staged beneath the stars in Regent’s Park. Featuring iconic songs including Memory and The Jellicle Ball, this open-air performance transforms one of London’s most beautiful parks into a magical theatrical alley-like setting. Arrive early with a picnic and you’ll be humming along for days.
Best for: Ages 5+ and families who love theatre.
Distance from Hotel Café Royal: 2 miles / 15-minute taxi ride.
Dates: 5 July–19 September 2026.
Website: openairtheatre.com

A River Journey to Greenwich

See London from a different perspective with a Thames river cruise to Greenwich. Explore the Royal Observatory, stand astride the Prime Meridian and discover the fascinating story of timekeeping and navigation. Nearby, the National Maritime Museum brings centuries of exploration, maps and naval adventures to life through interactive displays and collections.
Best for: Ages 7+ and young explorers.
Distance from Hotel Café Royal: Approximately 45 minutes by river boat, Thames Clippers leave from Embankment Pier.
Dates: Year-round.
Website: rmg.co.uk

Holy Pop! at Somerset House

From Princess Diana and Prince to Harry Potter’s Dobby the Elf, this thought-provoking exhibition explores the objects and collections through which we celebrate cultural icons. Discover an extraordinary Spice Girls collection of memorabilia alongside tributes in the form of socks and painted stones left at Dobby’s famous Welsh memorial.
Best for: Ages 10+ and fans of pop culture.
Distance from Hotel Café Royal: 1 mile / 10-minute taxi ride.
Dates: Until 9 August 2026.
Website: somersethouse.org.uk

Hampton Court Palace

Travel back to the age of Henry VIII at one of Britain’s most magnificent royal residences. Explore Tudor kitchens, grand state apartments and 60 acres of formal gardens, then challenge the family to find their way through the famous maze. Combining history, architecture and outdoor adventure, Hampton Court offers one of London’s most rewarding family day trips.
Best for: Ages 6+ and history boffs.
Distance from Hotel Café Royal: 15 miles / 40 minutes by car or Hotel Café Royal’s car service.
Dates: Year-round.
Website: hrp.org.uk