We’ve been fond of London Open House for over 12 years; with children or without, it makes a very special weekend of architecture and artistic treats, all free and mostly gems not open to the public on regular basis. And given our addiction over the years, we regularly update this article for best things to see at London Open House with kids or without.
Open House london guide with kids: Chiswick House
And in the last 4 years, we had an extensive and ambitious wishlists. Is it feasible with young kids?
Well, as long as you’re ready to go with the flow, even at historical houses, glam clubs and governmental buildings the Open House volunteers have been graceful with our cheeky monkeys, entertained them with tales, experiments and games and even allowed them to sit at the Common Wealth table!
Best things to see at London Open House with kids: Hurlingham Club
In 2017 our kids were 4 years old and 17 months, so we picked strategically venues with outside space, where the energetic and unreasonable toddler can run some steam off with the father whilst the 4 years old and I can soak in some history.
London Open House 2017: Royal Court of Justice
It worked well, and London Open House 2017 included for us Chiswick House, Hurlingham Club, House of St Barnabas, and the Royal Court of Justice, all within our best things to see at London Open House.
Royal Academy of Art with kids and next door Burligton House with various societies: Geological, Chemistry, Astronomy (perfect for kids 5 years old and above)
In Mayfair we loved Marlborough House and relatively close Banqueting House – we wrote about in here.
Hampton Court Gardens
Hampton Court Gardens need little introduction: a stunning day out plus there were tours and various activities for the occasion.
Best things to see at London Open House in Kensington includes Leighton House
Kensington Roof Gardens (unfortunately closed down earlier 2018)
and Kensington Roof Gardens (unfortunately closed down earlier in 2018)
and if the weather is unreliable National Army Museum – new, very educational and interactive. Kids could design at NAM outfits, drive tanks, have a taste of soldier life – marching, taking orders, organising food provisions and cooking. There’s also a playbase area which is very cool – book in advance as weekend slots are very popular.
National Army Museum
There’s also Open House Junior collection 2019 – which has an extensive plan with the kiddies. A perfect week-end, London Open House is such a treat with or without kids!
Wow – I never knew about this open house. We are HRP members and visit the palaces regularly so I’m sure we’d love this! #triumphanttales
We’ve never been! Would love to visit too. Next time we’re in London, hopefully I’ll remember this 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, warmly recommending the Open House week-end! This is year the dates are 16th and 17th, i.e. this week-end 😉
Love, love, love Open House and I am ludicrously excited about this weekend. Thank you for linking up with #CulturedKids
Great to hear, so am I Catherine! Whats on your wishlist? And did you book any clubs? I am attempting just one this year with my 4 years old, fingers crossed he will enjoy it as much as usually do!
The teens are on Scout camp this weekend so we will be flying solo! I really wanted to see Admiralty Arch last year but the queues were enormous and out the boys off, hoping to finally see it this time!
I didn’t know about this – what a great idea for getting out and exploring more of London!
Great to hear I put it on your weekend list – warmly recommending it! And thanks for stopping by!
It looks like a wonderful weekend – a shame we didn’t know about it sooner as would have loved to have gone! x
It’s this weekend Sophie, so you even have a couple of days to decide which venues you’d like to see! Thanks for stopping by!
I never knew about any of this. Sounds real family fun and what great views.
Yes, some of the venues have amazing views, some are architectural gems, some are soaked with history. Thanks for stopping by!
What a fab day out for everyone to enjoy. Another place for me to add to our list to visit in London!
Yes, definetely a weekend to put on your list, this year the dates are 16th and 17th, i.e. now!
Believe it or not i’ve never actually heard of this! Sounds great though x
Hey Hannah, thanks for stopping by, hope you get to enjoy it!
Happy silver anniversary London Open House, have some ideas for days out now, thank you
Sounds like a wonderful mixture of culture and history! We love Hampton Court Gardens too! Great wish list for people visiting the capital x #ExplorerKids x
Absolutely! This year for the lucky ones visiting this year 😉
Beautiful photos! I will have to visit with my kids too.
I had never heard of this before, what a great idea to explore new places x
Wow, I never knew about this. I would love to go along one time.
Thank you for taking part in #explorerkids linky
This is my first time hearing about this place. It looks so beautiful. Would be great to explore with the family.
I haven’t heard of the Open House before, there are so many places I’d like to take the children to learn about history etc
Oh wow, I had no idea about this place! Definitely one to go on our list!
Thank you for sharing this with us #TriumphantTales. I hope to see you back next week!
Have never heard of this place before, it looks fab. Lovely photographs too! x
I’ve never heard of this place before, love your pictures!
First time I’ve ever heard of this before. Those pictures are incredible!
Thank you all, great I put London Open House week-end on your lists, looking forward to September 2018 one!
Ah, I wish I’d managed to get a glimpse inside the Royal Courts of Justice! Next year, perhaps. Thanks for linking up with #CulturedKids
Pleasure to link it as usual! Some parts of Royal Court of Justice are open to public throughout the year , including certain Court rooms! We’ve really enjoyed RCJon Saturday, including playing Judge (me) & baddie (my 4 years old), visiting the cells and vans. Pics on instagram 😉
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