For a unique day out that kids will never forget, these fascinating behind-the-scenes experiences hit the mark.
There’s something so exciting about gaining behind-the-scenes access to London’s landmarks. Including backstage to the West End theatre shows to the trophy room of a Premier League Football Club, or even walking in the footsteps of Prime Ministers at the Houses of Parliament – catching a glimpse of worlds rarely seen by the public is a thrilling treat for grown-ups and kids alike. Here are some of Citizen Enfants’ favourite exclusive tours and experiences to try with your children this summer.
The Sea Life London Aquarium
If your little ones would like to know what whales eat, if fish sleep or what really lives at the very bottom of the ocean then book them a guided behind-the-scenes tour at the outstanding SEA LIFE London Aquarium. The 30-minute sessions are led by marine experts who will be more than happy to answer all manner of questions about life under the waves. Offering a fascinating insight into how the aquarium operates, you can expect to have exclusive access to the working areas that are usually closed to the public such as feeding zones. Visitors will learn all about how the animals and fish are cared for and fed, as well as the process of creating lifelike habitats and the conservation and rehabilitation of marine species. The tour is great for all ages and includes entry to the aquarium so you can spend as long as you like exploring afterwards. You could even add on another awe inspiring experience such as snorkelling with sharks or feeding the turtles. This is the perfect treat for any budding marine biologists out there.
Behind-the-Scenes Tour the Houses of Parliament
Politics is never out of the news, so make it even more relevant and interesting for children with a visit to witness where the wheels of power really turn. All ages are welcome and will get the chance to learn more about what really goes on in Westminster on a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament. Discover more about the fascinating – and often quite dramatic history – of the British government and its home with a fact-filled behind-the-scenes look. A knowledgeable guide will explain the heritage and architecture of the buildings as well as the work of the UK Parliament as you walk in the footsteps of Monarchs and Prime Ministers spotting images of some very famous faces along the way such as the late Queen and Sir Winston Churchill. The whole experience takes about 90 minutes and includes a visit to the House of Commons, House of Lords and Westminster Hall – all iconic State Rooms that are easily recognisable and thrilling to see in person. Your guides will use microphones which transmit to headsets given to all visitors. There is also a multimedia guide that’s just for children, just ask for more information on your arrival. Security is understandably (and reassuringly) tight and all visitors, pushchairs and bags go through an airport-style security check before entering the building. There are no cloakroom facilities so it’s recommended that you travel fairly light. You’ll find a range of on-site facilities such as a café, gift shop and a baby-changing area. These tours run on Saturdays and on most weekdays when the UK Parliament is not sitting, making the summer holidays an excellent time to visit.
Warner Bros Studio, The Making of Harry Potter VIP Tour
It’s very rare to get access to backstage on a film set, but the Warner Bros Studio Tour The Making of Harry Potter allows visitors to do just that. This truly magical tour recreates the actual sets that were used on all nine of the hit movies. From Dumbledore’s office to Hagrid’s house to Griffendor’s Common Room and so much more, you can really step inside the wizarding world as you wander this huge, curated experience that is located just outside London. While it’s possible to just book tickets and enjoy seeing the likes of Harry’s bedroom under the stairs and the Night Bus without a guide, for an extra special outing, opt for a Deluxe Tour that children will never forget. These special tickets include a 2 ½ hour guided tour with a small group, where you will hear in detail all about the sets, props and costumes. You’ll be taken first to the iconic Hogwarts Great Hall where you will have the opportunity to return to the front doors of the Wizarding School for an exclusive photo, only available as part of the Deluxe package. Ask your guide questions as they know plenty of gossip and insider anecdotes from the making of the movies. Be sure to check out the breathtaking miniature scale model of Hogwarts Castle. Once your guided tour is complete, you will have the option to re-enter the Studio Tour to revisit your favourite sets at your leisure. Top tip: Try out a broomstick flight video over London, all included in the package.
After-hours Tour of Selfridges Toy Department
What little wouldn’t love to be let loose in one of the world’s best toy shops after hours? Normally just the stuff of movies, it’s entirely possible to make the dream to come true with an exclusive after-hours FAO Schwarz Experience in Selfridges’ area dedicated just to children. This is a very special private tour indeed. For two whole hours your family can explore this thrilling shop floor that is packed with every kind of toy imaginable so there is bound to be something for everyone to marvel at. But far from just a potential shopping trip, this tour really brings the magic of a toy department to life as with some super-fun actives such as learning to play a song on the giant piano with the Music Maestros (think that famous scene with Tom Hanks in the film Big), experiment with the in-house Mad Scientist and learn magic tricks with the FAO magicians, all completely by yourselves and all with the help of the dedicated Selfridges team. Once the fun is over each little one will leave with a special gift from the store. Now that’s a private tour all kids will remember forever.
Backstage Tour of the London Palladium
Ever wondered what goes on backstage when you are watching a play or musical? Now you can discover what really makes a West End show tick with a wonderful tour that allows you to step into the dramatic world of the London Palladium. Home to countless hit productions including Oliver and The Wind and the Willows and some of the biggest names in showbiz like Madonna and Bing Crosby, this grande dame of the London theatre scene is steeped in history and has many riveting tales to tell. During this two hour walking tour, you can uncover the intricate inner workings of this iconic venue and it’s legendary performances. See inside the dressing rooms, lighting and orchestra pit as you uncover the heart of the theatre. The guides will happily explain everything to children who are welcome to ask questions about how the theatre puts on first class shows night after night thanks to the huge team of people who are never visible to the audience. All ages are welcome though they are probably most suited to slightly older children who are able to walk around the theatre as it’s not possible to take a pushchair. Each tour includes tea, coffee and cake post-tour in the opulent Val Parnell bar.This is the first time these tours have been available in 10 years so expect demand to be high.
Natural History Museum Guided Tour
Experience Natural History as never before with a special guided tour. One of London’s most popular museums, the Natural History in Kensington is the ideal place to take kids to explore everything from dinosaurs to space, but it’s so huge that it can be tricky to know where to start. Let one of the excellent guides take you on a highlights tour to enjoy the very best bits and learn more about them. During this hour-long session you can see the most popular object such as Sophie, the most complete Stegosaurus fossil ever found, and plenty of other rare wonderfully preserved specimens. Along the way you’ll get to explore the many galleries featuring all manner of animal and marine life and ask questions as you go to really discover what goes on behind-the-scenes at the museum and how the various exhibits came to be. This is a great tour for all ages and is buggy- friendly too. Of course, it will also stop off in the magnificent Hintze Hall where you can uncover why the show stopping blue whale is named Hope and what the much-loved London resident Guy the Gorilla was gifted for his birthday. Fun for all the family.
A Private VIP Tour of Chelsea Football Club
Little football fans will be ecstatic to visit their favourite club and have the grounds to themselves. Very different to busy match days, a behind-the-scenes tour of Stamford Bridge gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the workings of the premier league club and see for themselves the areas that are usually reserved just for players and staff. On this one-hour private tour your guide will escort you on a VIP experience with no other members of the public where highlights include visiting the home and away dressing rooms, press room and players’ tunnel, before you head pitch side to take in the spectacle of the empty stadium that has been home to so many momentous matches. Have your photo taken with the Chelsea FC trophy collection, discover more about the club’s history in award-winning Chelsea FC museum and then top it all off with a delicious lunch at Frankie’s Sports Bar and Grill inside Stanford Bridge. Leave with a souvenir guidebook and a lanyard that are the perfect keepsakes from this once in a lifetime day out.
Lead Image Credit: The Young V&A
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