it's free and right under our noses... london's secret is out!

Coram's Fields - 4 stars

Who would have thought that right in the centre of London there would be a large enclosed area for children that will keep your children entertained for a good few hours, and that it is FREE.

Coram's Fields is just that. It's a funny mix of enought bits and pieces that put together make it a great experience.

I love the fact that it is a great, safe environment. There's not a lot of places in London where you can let your children roam, and not feel like you have to be no more than reaching distance behind them.

Adults can only enter if they are with children. The whole area is securely gated. So sit down and watch your toddlers go walkabout. The only worry might be that they get a little too excited and friendly with the sheep that are wandering about.

The animal area is great, and feels like a real added bonus. On our visit we saw sheep, goats, hens and ducks. There is also a large grassed area which is great for a picnic, or just fun to run around and play.

There's a good range of playground equipment in different areas, for different age groups/skill levels. There are swings, slides, sandpits, a paddling pool - basically there is a lot to keep your little ones entertained. They regularly have organised activities there too - on one of our visits they were doing singing and movement sessions.

Practicalities -

Pram Access: Excellent. Because of the enclosed surroundings parents tend to leave their prams parked in different areas. There is no offical parking area for them.

Cost: it's FREE. It's open every day except Christmas and Boxing Day. In Summer: 9am - 7pm; Winter: 9am - dusk

Cafes: There's a good little vegetarian cafe, but this place really is made for picnics.

Where is it & how to get there?

93 Guildford Street, London.

It's so close to Russell Square tube - which unfortunately is not step free. BUT, it's central location does mean that there are about 10 buses which stop nearby.

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roar like a dinosaur? yes please!

Natural History Museum, South Kensington, 4 stars

There's nothing like animals to grab a child's attention, and the Natural History Museum has hundreds of them... stuffed, motorised, boned - you name it, they've got it (just none of them are live!).

Make your way through the many corridors lined with animals from all ages - the Dodo is a great treat, but the best of all, it must be said is the dinosaurs. With huge skeletons of an Iguanadon, a Triceratops, and lookalike baby dino's coming

out of eggs, there is so much to keep your toddler (and children of higher ages) entertained.

The best part must be the motorised T-Rex. You walk down the ramp hearing the T-Rex roaring and screeching! At this point, I found it best to warn

our toddlers about what was to come, and how much fun it would be to roar at a dinosaur.

Turn the corner and there he is, tail flicking, head turning, and a huge jaw with big teeth opening and closing whilst he roars away.

Prior to going to the museum, I thought I'd be writing about this saying 'It's all great, but skip the T-Rex as he's too scary'. But most of the toddlers actually thought he

was great! (My daughter shouted out "HELLO DINOSAUR" at the top of her voice).

With so much to see and a great interactive 'play with stuff' area, this museum can do with many visits.

Practicalities -

Pram Access: Excellent. Ramps and Lifts throughout the museum. Coat room that doesn't cost for any children's items. Costs for adult coats and bags.

Cost: it's FREE

Cafes: there are a few dotted throughout the museum. They do have a funny policy of not being able to mix and match - eg at the picnic area you wont be able to have your own sandwich supplemented with the restaurant soup'. The food is pretty pricey but remember that the museum is free, so it is somewhat justified. I also MUST mention how great the restaurant staff were with kids. My daughter was having a particularly clingy moment and the guy serving the food carried my tray around, took it to a spare till, and then carried it to a table.

Babychange: a couple. Nice and big with adult toilets.

The details: Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD

How to get there: South Kensington tube has a lift (from piccadilly line only) and a few stairs. Plenty of buses run nearby.

On a map:


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