What is there to do in London for a month?

Question

Going to Cambridge this summer- any interesting places to visit?
Perhaps an amusement park or something for the family?

Oh, and don't forget to mention lovely places to eat in!

Answer 1

Family stuff, huh?

London isn't well known as a family destination, but there are loads of things for families to do in London and its surrounds.

Two big hits with children are the Natural History Museum in South Kensington (you can easily spend a whole day or even two days exploring) and the London Dungeon south of the River (which is like a sophisticated haunted house).

Kids also enjoy the boating lakes at Hyde, Battersea and Regents Park, and rowing on the Thames near Windsor, and the London Eye.

Although there are temporary "fun fairs" all over London (in the parks) during the summer months, the closet proper amusement park is Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey. Also, don't know how old your children are but during the summer, London is the free concert capital of the world. It is also the theatre/musical capital of the world, and if your kids haven't been to see The Lion King, then I can recommend that in particular.

Unlike Paris, London doesn't shut down in the summer - it comes alive!

Unfortunately, I cannot comment on Cambridge (which is 2 hours+ drive from London in the car).

You don't really see children in "really nice" restaurants in London, and they're not allowed in pubs where food is not served. But there are no "bans". You can take your children anywhere food is served except for private clubs (and even then, members of Soho House regularly take their children during the daytime), so long as they are well-behaved.

Answer 2

There's Cambridge itself, and one of the best free entertainments in the world:
watching the tourists trying to punt on the Cam.

Near Cambridge, there is the imperial war musem, Duxford.
A large WW2 airfield and largely dedicated to aircraft, but with an impressive army equipment display as well.

South from Cambridge near Stansted airport there is one of the biggest toy museums in the country, "The House on the Hill", next to a Mountfitchet castle, a re-creation of a Norman fortification.

London, a bit over an hour by train from Cambridge,
(don't buy tickets on the day!)
is full of everything...
Museums, including the Science musem with an Imax cinema for 3-d films.
A river trip on the Thames is definitely something I'd recommend (and frequently do).
There are Zoos within day trip range of Cambridge with Colchester being probably the nearest big zoo.
Nearest theme park?
Probably Pleasurewood Hills, a bit short of two hours drive from Cambridge. Not the greatest, by any means, but it's also seaside.
Lots else I could recommend, It depends on what you (and your family ) are into.
Steam railways and gardening ?
Bressingham Steam museum.

Do feel free to e-mail me me with queries or details if you'd like further suggestions.

Answer 3

Seriously, if you are unable to find anything to do for a whole month in London, then you can't be trying very hard!

Answer 4

Opera and the Royal Ballet.