The Monkey Tree

Metro Monkeys – Summer 2009

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. St James’s Park is a lovely park in the centre of London, with lots of ducks that need feeding, pretty fountains and a small but interesting children’s playground.  The added advantage of a trip to this park is that it is just across the road from Buckingham Palace. In the summer months, the daily attraction known as The Changing of the Guards kicks off (or should I say marches off) at 11.15am accompanied by the band.  The ceremony itself takes place inside the palace but in full view of the public. Spend a while in the park, enjoy a picnic and later walk through the park and exit at Horse Guards Parade to see a few more soldiers and horses! From there you could turn right to Downing Street to see if you can spot any of the cabinet who aren’t on their holidays or turn left to Trafalgar Square. For any budding artists, pop into the National Portrait Gallery for a quick look at the famous collection of portraits. (There are some free children’s events on but would appear to be geared for slightly older children). Check out their web site www.npg.org.uk for more details. For details of Changing the Guard check out the excellent www.royal.gov.uk with details of all royal events and ceremonies. Another fantastic park is Kensington Gardens located around Kensington Palace with the truly lovely Princess Diana Playground which is Peter Pan themed, with a pirate boat and tee pees.  Free children’s events such as theatre, comedy and entertainment are held during the summer in the playground. From there it is possible to walk to the Serpentine and turn into Exhibition Road, Knightsbridge and take advantage of any one of London’s most famous free museums – the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum or The Victoria and Albert Museum. All  will be hosting free children’s events. Slightly further north, The Regent’s Park is the largest grass area for sports in Central London and offers a wide variety of activities, including an Open Air Theatre, puppet shows and the London Zoo. Many sports events are held in the park and the park wardens run free bat and bird walks, open to all members of the public but need to be booked in advance. Ring the park office for more information and to book spaces - 020 7486 7905. Most of the green spaces in central London come under the control of The Royal Parks and details of summer events, walks and shows for children and families can be found www.royalparks.org.uk.  London is full of hidden little gems where you can while away a couple of hours for a picnic, leaving the hustle and bustle behind. One such gem is Coram’s Fields, tucked away by Russell Square tube it covers 5 acres and contains a park, playground and small menagerie. The name refers to Thomas Coram, the 18th century philanthropist who set up a Foundling Hospital on the site. The Foundling Museum is nearby and tells the fascinating and sad tales of the thousands of foundlings who passed through the hospital from 1739 to 1954. Adults are only allowed into the park if accompanied by a child. The animal enclosure holds goats, sheep, pigs and rabbits.  Children can splash happily in the paddling pool, swing on the climbing frame and play in the huge sandpit. There is also a café. A short walk from the park is The British Museum which can provide hours of interest for all of the family. If your children are going in to Year 3 in September give them a head start by checking out all things Egyptian! The British Museum also houses the Rosetta Stone – the vital link used to decipher hieroglyphics. Another great day out is a trip on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from Stratford to Mudchute Park and Farm. The farm is one of the largest city farms anywhere in Europe and also has a lovely restaurant, Mudchute Kitchen, offering fresh seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients – their home made lemonade is yummy! From Mudchute DLR walk across the park to the farm or from Island Gardens DLR walk through Millwall Park and out the other side for the entrance in Pier Street. Downloading a map from their website is suggested – the entrance is a little bit tucked away. Information on activities and directions can be found at – www.mudchute.org If you fancy a longer day out or even a whole weekend, take advantage of some of London’s free festivals on over the summer. You can enjoy an entire weekend of live concerts at the free Music Village at Hyde Park in June (26th – 28th). Groups from London will be playing music from all over the globe at the beautiful, natural amphitheatre of the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Check out www.cuturalcooperation.org or www.viewlondon.co.uk nearer the time for up to date information. Another fun free event is the children’s day at the Notting Hill Carnival. Whilst the main carnival on August Bank Holiday Monday may not be considered suitable for children, the children’s day on Sunday 30th August is definitely geared towards families. It has a shorter carnival route and loads of children’s activities along the way and the kids are definitely the stars for the day. The nearest tube is Westbourne Park but check with the website nearer the date for carnival route and travel restrictions. Times and events are available at www.nottinghillcarnival.biz     Other events organised by the Mayor of London, include Rhythm of London – a series of concerts and musical events taking place over the weekend of 10th and 11th July at various venues, aiming to get kids and young people involved with music and get the whole city moving to the beat! Details of events and venues can be found at www.london.gov.uk/mayor/culture/rhythmoflondon