Family-friendly activities in Knightsbridge
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lanesborough_byRR40-670x500.jpg)
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Group-79-670x500.jpg)
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Group-80-670x500.jpg)
Enjoy a spot of afternoon tea
It’s not as if we need an excuse to book an afternoon tea and, thankfully, there are plenty of places in Knightsbridge that cater to petite palates when it comes to this most decadent of British traditions. The Royal Albert Hall serves a mini version of its traditional offering with either tea, hot chocolate or a glass of milk, while The Lanesborough currently has a children’s version of its ode to spring-inspired Meadow afternoon tea. Also new is the spring edition of The Franklin hotel’s Alice in Wonderland-themed afternoon tea. This boutique hotel has pulled out all the stops with its whimsical menu, with psychedelic treats such as a Mad Hatter’s strawberry tart and White Rabbit cupcakes. For older kids and fashionista tweens, there’s the oh-so chic and Instagrammable Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley, with its delicate creations that celebrate the likes of Christopher Kane, Jean Paul Gaultier and Dolce & Gabbana.
And if you don’t have an entire afternoon to sup tea and munch finger sandwiches then why not pick up a sweet treat for your little darlings from the plethora of bakeries, patisseries and cafés in the area? Stock up on beautiful, homemade cakes from Feya, EL&N, Caffè Concerto and L’Eto, enjoy Portugal’s national dish – pastel de nata – at Café de Nata on Brompton Road or indulge your inner Augustus Gloop at Harrods’ celebrated Chocolate Hall or the newly opened Knoops, which specialises in luxury hot chocolate.
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/A-toy-titanosaur-awaits-the-arrival-of-Patagotitan-at-the-Natural-History-Museum-CREDIT-Trustees-of-the-Natural-History-Museum-670x500.jpg)
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Group-77-670x500.jpg)
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Group-76-670x500.jpg)
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Group-78-670x500.jpg)
See an exhibition
Just a stone’s throw from Knightsbridge is Exhibition Road, home to some of London’s most prestigious museums. For older children, the V&A is full of inspiring treasures (quite literally in some cases) and it’s free to peruse its 2 million plus objects and artefacts. Theatre kids will love the V&A’s current Re:Imagining Musicals exhibition, which explores the evolution, imagination and craftsmanship of iconic musicals. Speaking of imagination, the Science Museum is the place to stimulate young minds with its unique range of immersive experiences and exhibitions, including the current 3D cinema, the Wonderlab interactive gallery and Science Fiction Film Festival (8-12 March 2023). Just make sure you book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Also launching this month is Titanosaur: Life as the Biggest Dinosaur at the Natural History Museum (31 March to 7 January 2024). This larger-than-life exhibition will allow children (and big kids) to come face-to-face with the colossal Patagotitan mayorum, one of the largest creatures to have ever walked the planet. It’s even bigger than the museum’s famous Dippy the Diplodocus and Hope the blue whale!
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/042-670x500.jpg)
Enjoy classical music at the Royal Albert Hall
Paying a visit to the historic Royal Albert Hall is unlikely to be every child’s idea of a fun day out. However, this London institution has plenty of ideas to introduce little ears to the world of classical music. This includes interactive Storytelling and Music Sessions for 0-4 Year Olds (until 26 April) and Classical for Kids music sessions (Saturday 18 March and Saturday 8 April), designed to inspire your mini Mozart. Check out the website for timings and tickets.
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lanesborough_byRR43-670x500.jpg)
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lanesborough_byRR45-670x500.jpg)
Stay at a fancy hotel
With so much to do on your doorstep, Knightsbridge makes a dream staycation destination. Better still, many of the area’s five-star and boutique hotels go above and beyond to accommodate little ones and to make their stay as fun and memorable as possible. Tucked away on Basil Street, just behind Harrods, The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse has a family offer that includes two interconnecting rooms at a special rate, a full English breakfast each morning and arrival gifts for mini guests. Another boutique bolthole, The Knightsbridge Hotel, features spacious family rooms, a dedicated children’s menu, stacks of books and board games, and even milk and cookies at bedtime. But truly going the extra mile is The Lanesborough hotel. Aside from the aforementioned afternoon tea, this landmark five-star hotel has a plethora of activities for kids through its Little VIP Club. This includes a Little Butler Bootcamp, mocktail lessons, horse riding in Hyde Park and an in-room treasure hunt on rainy days. Still not enough? The Lanesborough also works with event planners Notorious Kids to create a bespoke stay of your dreams – from fantastical in-room decor to arranging a teddy bear’s picnic or an indoor teepee. Your wish is their command…
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MANDARIN-ORIENTAL-HOTEL-15-10-22-JB_0005-Copy-670x500.jpg)
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Group-75-670x500.jpg)
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Group-76-1-670x500.jpg)
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MANDARIN-ORIENTAL-HOTEL-15-10-22-JB_0088-670x500.jpg)
Go on a treasure hunt
It’s not just The Lanesborough that offers a curated treasure hunt (both indoors and outside via the head concierge). Mandarin Oriental has just launched Little Rangers Adventures, which encourages families to explore the surrounding neighbourhood. Children will be given a bespoke treasure map (and plush toy to take home) that corresponds to different themes: red for Royal Ranger, blue for Sloane Ranger and green for Park Ranger. Activities include customised shopping experiences at Harvey Nichols, horse feeding at Hyde Park Barracks and a sensory game to play at Hyde Park. Meanwhile, the Bulgari Hotel’s Family Experience takes you out of SW1X on a treasure hunt that begins with personalised invitations leading to a private driver. The car will then whizz the entire family on a clue-driven hunt around London that passes such landmarks as Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Buckingham Palace. Closer to home, Huntfun London Hyde Park is a self-guided tour across the Royal Park that you can print out or download on your phone. Once given simple directions and a map, you’ll be asked questions and given scavenger tasks to complete at your leisure.
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/picture1-1280x934-1-670x500.jpeg)
![](https://kni.d3v.run/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MANDARIN-ORIENTAL-HOTEL-15-10-22-JB_0145-670x500.jpg)
Enjoy a luxury dinner
Fed up of family dinners that consist of cheesy pasta and overcooked garlic bread in chain restaurants? In Knightsbridge, there’s no need to compromise on fine dining just because the kids are in tow. While popular Italian restaurant Harry’s Dolce Vita and modern French dining concept Pétrus by Gordon Ramsay don’t have kids’ menus, they are very child-friendly destinations. Similarly, the small plates at Cicchetti are ideal for sharing with little foodies. Why not introduce your budding chef or food critic to delicious Lebanese food at Layalina over on Beauchamp Place for a delicious kids’ menu that includes a choice of mezze and mains, such as chicken shish taouk and a halloumi toastie. Just a 10-minute walk from central Knightsbridge, Granger & Co on Pavilion Road has a fantastic kids’ menu with dishes that are full of flavour (no sausage and beans in sight), such as soy glazed salmon and grilled tofu with brown rice, raw carrots and green beans. Finally, why not make a day of it with shopping at Harvey Nichols, followed by dinner in the Fifth Floor Café. On Sundays, kids under 12 eat free from the excellent children’s menu, which even includes mocktails.
Costume for Satine in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, 2021, designed by Catherine Zuber. Given by Global Creatures. © Catherine Zuber. Image courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Costume from the musical The Lion King for the character of Sarabi. Replica of original costume designed by Julie Taymor for the debut production in 1994. Given by Buena Vista Theatrical Group Ltd
Wicked – Costume worn by Kerry Ellis as Elphaba in Wicked, Apollo Victoria Theatre, 2006. Designed by Susan Hilferty. Given by Wicked London Productions Ltd. © Susan Hilferty. Image courtesy of Victoria and Alb.jpg
© Trustees of the Natural History Museum