london is happening.

[holli]

So it looks like I'll be in London for at least August 6-15. Suggestions for cool things to see that 10- and 13-year-old girls would like are very welcome.

SO EXCITED.

eta: So I am for sure going to be in London for the 5-15; I have the option of arriving earlier or leaving later, but I need to find my own accomodations for those days.

On the one hand, if I can't find a friend to put me up I can't really justify the expense; on the other hand, MOAR LONDON. Dilemma.

Comments

[cesy]

If they're interested in Sherlock or Doctor Who, there's a bunch of stuff to see.

I'd recommend a trip to South Kensington - all the museums are free (with "suggested donation" that you can ignore for short trips), so you can look at the dinosaur in the entrance of the Natural History Museum, ignore any bits they find boring, and skip straight on to the hands-on bits in the Science Museum, and then go and wander round Harrods afterwards to see the amazing evening dresses, taste test in the food hall, and general poshness.

There are a bunch of obvious tourist attractions which you probably already know about. The Tower is a lot better on a sunny day - running across the outdoor bits is miserable in the rain. The London Dungeon may appeal to that age range. The London Transport Museum is a bit of a hidden gem - surprisingly entertaining for a museum about public transit. We loved it when I was about 14 and my sister was 11.

Depending on their taste in clothes, they may enjoy Camden Market, or they may be too young - it's basically the centre of the goth scene and has a bunch of alternative/rock/goth clothing which ranges from hippie stuff to gorgeous dresses to heavy metal. I'm not sure if you'd find much actual vintage there, but it would be worth a check, as there are probably some gems hidden behind the tourist traps.

Also, if you're there for 2 weeks, there are a lot of other places for a day trip - e.g. at that time of year, punting in Oxford or Cambridge would be good, and they're both about an hour away by train.

If you're staying until the 17th, there is open air Scottish dancing for beginners in Kensington Gardens.

[staranise]

It's questions like this that make me remember that a travel guide for a 12-year-old nerd obsessed with medieval history... is not altogether like an itinerary for other girls her age. I'm glad we've got cesy on the case.

[pandarus]

... You know about Nine Worlds, right?

https://nineworlds.co.uk/

There's generally cool one-off stuff, including free stuff and kids' stuff, to be found in Time Out - it was always my bible.

Camden market is fun, as is Covent Garden. There's a gorgeous Hindu Temple in Neasen if you want to be a bit random. I love the walk from Waterloo down to The Globe theatre, along the South Bank.

[surexit]

AWESOME.

They might like some theatre? If they are into theatre. The Globe is pretty exciting. What are they into, actually, is the first question. There is LOTS OF STUFF in my city. :D

And would you like to grab a drink at some point?