Family days out in London, Essex and Hertfordshire.
 Out and About is packed with great day out ideas for you and your family to enjoy in London, Essex, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas.
To look for something specific check out our Metro Monkeys DAYS OUT IN LONDON or if you fancy something away from the hustle and bustle of the capital DAYS OUT IDEAS.
All items in Out and About are listed below
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 When you think of East London do you think of depressing Albert Square, the Kray twins, Dickensian hardship? Well think again! In the words of Ralph McTell – ‘Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London, I’ll show you something that will make you change your mind’.
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There is more to Chelsea than Flowers and Pensioners!
Think of Chelsea, think of Sloane Rangers, the fashionable Kings Road or even Stamford Bridge, yet a family can still have a fun day out in Chelsea, without breaking the bank.
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 With the credit crunch uppermost in our minds, this issue of Metro Monkeys brings you great days out on a budget! The most obvious thing for free days out in London and to make the most of the summer sunshine is to use London’s green spaces. It may seem a long way to go for a park but try combining it with other events for a day full of fun. |
 On the Buses - Ding Ding!
Unlike adults, who find buses a slow way to reach a destination, children can just enjoy the journey and the destination is a bonus. So, instead of paying a whopping amount to travel on ‘tourist’ bus tours, take advantage of an iconic London red bus for a fun day in the capital.
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 Turner, Monet and Canaletto painted it, Dickens set novels along side it, Wordsworth wrote sonnets to it; even James Bond has fought a deadly duel on it. What is it? It’s the River Thames, one of the world’s most famous rivers and one of the most important river ways in England.
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 Throughout Essex there are many great attractions to visit and, whatever your interests, you can be sure of many enjoyable days out. Why not take advantage of the longer days to discover all that the county has to offer?
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Make your journeys on the tube less stressful by making sure your children know ‘tube etiquette’. Be considerate to your fellow passengers. Always stand on the right on the escalator and let people past, if possible fold buggies on the tube during rush hour and refrain from blocking entrances and exits to the tunnels looking lost!
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If you are a regular London day-tripper have you considered an Oyster card? You will probably need to sort this out before you travel, but you can load money in advance and use all underground, DLR and buses in London. |
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Another park to mention is Victoria Park in Hackney. This doesn’t come under the Royal Parks but you can find information on Tower Hamlets Council website or the Victoria Park website. This park really is a hidden East End gem and well worth a visit if you are in the area, maybe you could tie in with a visit to the Museum of Childhood Bethnal Green? |
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%20giles%20barnard%20resized.jpg) With the summer approaching most people head for the beach or countryside, but we at the Monkey Tree are sending our Metro Monkeys to London to find the best summer days out on a budget.
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It is unusual to find entertainment that is completely free of charge, but Monday night is Comedy night at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East. They may not be the ‘giants of comedy’ yet but who knows who you might see that will be famous one day? There is no need to book, just turn up and have a laugh! Details of the theatre can be found at www.stratfordeast.com |
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Visit a city farm. London’s city farms are community projects that work with people, animals and plants. They are found throughout the capital and are normally free to enter. The nearest to our area is Brooks Farm, E10, which is a semi working farm with traditional livestock. |
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Trip to a Museum...If pomp and ceremony aren’t your thing and you want somewhere warmer, why not try one of London’s many museums. Museums have come a long way from the days of silence and glass display cabinets that I remember as a child. Most of them will have child friendly activities for half term week. |
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Changing the Guard...Sticking with the ‘royal’ theme (and one for the little ones), the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is free and takes place every other day in the winter months. |
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Days out this summer don’t have to cost the earth. Why not plan a picnic with friends or family and enjoy some of the wonderful parks our area has to offer. Essential equipment: bats, balls, rackets etc and oh, the picnic! Let the fun begin. |
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The Ridgeway Park in Chingford is home to a wonderful steam railway, which has brought enjoyment to thousands of children over the years.
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Ceremony of the Keys at The Tower of London...This one is great for older children or for entertaining relatives or friends from out of town. Instead of joining the queues and paying for the whole family to enter the Tower, you can apply for tickets free of charge and have your own escort into the Tower at 9.30pm! |
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For a magnificent day out with something for all the family, why not take a trip to Greenwich? It is 10 years since Maritime Greenwich was given the title of a world heritage site but don’t think its all ruins and history. Greenwich is a vibrant, modern place with lots to offer for all ages. |
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Out and About 