Things to do this October half term in London

During the school holidays, Hyde Park’s expert learning team lead a range of nature-inspired activities to get the little ones exploring and indulging in the natural world. These free and exciting adventures allow your children’s curiosity to roam free as they discover the underwater world of ponds, have a go at sweep netting in the meadow, or go bug hunting at their minibeast hotel.

Just a short walk from The Rubens, Hyde Park’s Discovery Days are a great way to get the entire family connecting with nature. They run from 11am to 3pm on Tuesdays, Wednesday, and Thursdays.

Narrating the story of London’s transport system over the last 200 years, a visit to the London Transport Museum offers an exciting and interactive day out for all the family. As you uncover the heritage of the city and its transport system, so too will you investigate the stories and voices of the people who have travelled and worked in the city, all whilst getting to partake in an array of enjoyable activities.

The museum is just a 30-minute walk from The Rubens, partly through St James’s Park to offer a delightful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle on route.

Let your imagination wander at this immersive museum, showcasing the awe-inspiring advances in science and technology. Their range of exhibitions and events allow for endless exploration as visitors can partake in different activities across the galleries. From exhibitions on Our Future Planet to adventures through the cosmos with the Science Fiction: voyage to the edge of imagination exhibitions, you can expect the entire family to become completely enthralled.

The Science Museum is a mere 30-minute walk from The Rubens across the charming borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

A river cruise is a sure way to get the entire family excited, offering exceptional sightings along the River Thames such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Bridge, the iconic Tower Bridge, Lambeth Palace, Battersea Power Station, and much more. As you drift along the river you can absorb all the characterful and historic architecture that London has to offer whilst an expert guide draws your eye to key landmarks and features.

Whilst tour lengths vary, we recommend the Westminster to Kew trip which allows for an excellent day out across London coupled with the chance to visit to the crowd pleasing Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and the many restaurants that surround it.