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Two children peer through a summer play installation
A family enjoying a summer day out at Morden Hall Park | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Family-friendly places to visit in London

Discover the top places for family days out in and around London this summer. Make memories to treasure as you get active with our Summer of Play during the school holidays, follows trails and connect with nature together in the great outdoors, or enjoy immersing yourself in the history of famous historic houses.

Planning ahead: Summer in London

Illustration of a lady from Horrible Histories' Gorgeous Georgians, dressed in a pink dress and a towering white wig decorated with flowers.

Gorgeous Georgians at Osterley Park and House 

Step back in time on this family-friendly interactive trail, inspired by the bestselling Horrible Histories® book. Discover the quirks and scandals of Georgian life with ten fun-filled activities from Wacky Wigs and Outrageous Outlaws to Posh Potties and Marvellous Make-Up. Runs until 31 August 2025.

Two children peer through a summer play installation

Summer of Play 

Ready for a fun-filled summer? Take part in Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, and create happy memories together with the whole family. However you choose to play, your adventure starts today.

Pond dipping in the River Wandle at Morden Hall Park, London

Park Explorers for under 5s term time on Mondays at Morden Hall Park 

Our Park Explorers group is for children aged 2-5 years old and their parents/carers. Together we learn about the natural world around us, with a different outdoor theme each week.

Children collecting sticks at Morden Hall Park, London

Morden Hall Park - Busy Bumblebees Trail, daily until Sun 31 August 

Follow this free, self-led trail through the rose garden to learn about Britain’s bees. With flaps to lift, facts to find, and bonus bee challenges, it’s a brilliant way for families to explore nature together.

The image shows an illustration of four anthropomorphic animals in a car, with the title "The Wind in the Willows"

The Wind in the Willows at Morden Hall Park, Sat 26 & Sun 27 Jul 

Immersion Theatre returns to Morden Hall Park with a magical promenade performance of Wind in the Willows in the rose garden. Expect delightful characters, enchanting settings, and plenty of interactive fun! Booking essential. Performance Times: Matinee: 12:30pm – 2pm (Gates open: 12pm) Afternoon: 3.30pm – 5pm (Gates open: 3pm)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar™

The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Ham House and Garden, 1 Sep - 12 Oct 

Join us for one of nature’s greatest transformations as you become the world’s most famous caterpillar from Eric Carle’s best-selling book The Very Hungry CaterpillarTM. Wiggle along the trail to spot juicy fruits and tasty snacks before emerging as a beautiful butterfly. Free with usual admission.

Three children use trowels to dig in a shallow trench.

Festival of Archaeology at Rainham Hall 

Join us for a day of discovery on 19 July, 11am - 4pm. Delve into the history of former Rainham Hall residents, dig for fossils or become a heritage detective. There’s something for everyone to discover at this free event.

Actors outdoors

Family Theatre: Alice Through the Looking Glass, Fri 1 & Tue 5 August 

Quantum Theatre brings Lewis Carroll’s enchanting sequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to life in this brand-new outdoor family production. Expect quirky characters, curious riddles, and plenty of topsy-turvy fun! Shows at 11am and 2pm.

Plan your family day out

A family walking through the vegetable garden at Ham House
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Ham House and Garden 

Head to the Outer Courtyard where little people will love getting stuck into the Mud Kitchen, using imaginative play to create culinary masterpieces. The Wilderness is a wonderful place to explore too, with over a mile of Hornbeam hedges arranged in a maze-like pattern.

A family playing frisbee in the grounds of Osterley Park and House London
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Osterley Park and House 

From bike rides to den building, discover the full range of family-friendly activities and events taking place at Osterley Park.

A family on the bridge at Morden Hall Park, London
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Morden Hall Park 

Explore the natural play area, spot wildlife from the boardwalk and enjoy a family walk at Morden Hall Park, with pushchair friendly routes available. Wander into the second hand book shop for a treasure trove of stories.

A smiling boy rides a red bicycle on a parkland trail

Outdoor activities in London 

There are plenty of ways to get active with all the outdoor activities available at National Trust places in London.

A family and their dog walking along the boardwalk through the wetlands area at Morden Hall Park in London

Walking in London 

From acres of parkland at Osterley Park to the meadows, wetlands and woodlands of Ham House, discover where to go for the best walks in London.

A family sat outside the Orangery Cafe at Ham House during summer

Places to eat in London 

Discover some favourite tea-rooms and cafés in London and plan where to stop for a tasty treat on your next adventure

Summer crafts and activities

Adding the finishing touches to the bee box
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How to build a bee box 

Bee populations have been dwindling in recent years, and building homes is just one way of encouraging them to stick around. Follow these steps to build your own nesting box to attract bees to your garden.

Summer berry Swiss roll laid on a table with plates and forks
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Summer berry Swiss roll 

Try this gluten-free summer berry Swiss roll recipe for a showstopper that's full of the flavours of summer — the perfect dessert for an afternoon tea or garden party.

Children enjoy a swing at Osterley Park and House, London
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Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities in summer 

Plan an adventure this summer with our activity guides for children. Try everything from floating in a boat, to rock-pooling, identifying animal poo and fossil hunting.

Exterior view of Fenton House and Garden, London. The gardens include an orchard, kitchen garden, rose garden and formal terraces and lawns.

Discover more in London

From thriving wetlands to sprawling estates, intimate spaces and modernist masterpieces, London has it all, if you know where to look.