CULTURE, HISTORY AND GALLERIES GALORE, LONDON HAS IT ALL. HERE, EMMA SWINSCOE, FOUNDER OF THE NEW VOYAGER MAPS GIVES HER TOP FIVE STEPS TO THE PERFECT FAMILY DAY OUT IN LONDON. ILLUSTRATIONS BY ELSA ROSE FRERE.
With The New Voyager in London, we have tried to highlight what we think are London's best assets: incredible green and wild spaces and marvellous bookstores. We also share our favourite hidden gems along a few iconic and historic places not to be missed. With kids in tow, it can be a real challenge to go from east to west or north to south, as London is such a sprawling city. So, when choosing our top five places in London for Chic Little list, we planned it as a day in London with smooth travels.
The New Voyager in London is illustrated by British artist Elsa Rose Frere. We discovered Elsa's delicate artwork at the London illustration Fair a couple of years ago. We love her colour palette and the gracefulness of her characters. Elsa's work is also published in The Telegraph on a regular basis.
Tip: London underground and buses are free for kids under 11 years old. So here we go:
Hoi Polloi at the Ace Hotel
Serving a quintessential British breakfast and the best pancakes with blueberries for kids. Hoi Polloi is nestled inside The Ace Hotel. A great option if you are looking for a spacious family room with two large double beds.
Whitby Street
Whitby Street, Shoreditch, E1 is a wonder for the eye. Its walls are filled with fantastic street art. Get your kids to take pictures of their favourite ones. You are always pretty sure to find new and outstanding murals in this east London street.
St Paul’s cathedral
From Shoreditch, hop on bus 26 or 8 and head down to St Paul's Cathedral. Then, walk up the 257 steps to get to the Whispering Gallery. Sit down and have your kids murmur into the walls and see what happens. Wind your way round narrow staircases to reach the top of the cathedral. The view from the top will blow everyone's minds.
Tate Modern
From St Paul’s, walk across the Millennium Bridge to reach the Tate Modern. Kids always love the gargantuan Turbine Hall, currently host to Alice Procter’s quirky fountain sculptures. Also, don’t miss Steve McQueen’s stunning photographic exhibition - the Londoner’s first exhibition since he won the Turner Prize in 1999) and sister show to his wonderful Year 3 show over at Tate Britain, which includes school pictures of thousands of year 3 pupils across the nation. Free for kids under 12.
The Wolseley
No trip to London would be complete without an afternoon tea. Why not treat yourself (and preferably) reserve a table at the ever so chic The Wolseley. Their pastries and scones are made to perfection and a delight to savour in this Art Deco setting.
Order the New Voyager map for children here.