Page 356 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - London

354  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Shopping Horniman Museum (see p254)
has an eclectic array of
Don’t miss Hamleys toy shop objects including a collection
or Harrods’ Toy Kingdom, both of taxidermy and skeletons.
of which have shelves of toys, On the north side of Tower
books and games. Kids will be Bridge is the Tower of London
just as awestruck at the smaller (see pp158–61), with suits of
but specialized Benjamin armour built for knights
Pollock’s Toy Shop. Book­ and monarchs and, of course,
shops such as Waterstones the Crown Jewels. Armoury and
and Foyles have excellent weapons, including aircraft
children’s sections and often
organize readings and signings and the tools of modern warfare,
by children’s authors. can be seen at the National
For souvenirs, there are many Letting off steam before visiting the Army Museum (see p201) and
shops and stands all over nation’s treasure house, the British Museum the Imperial War Museum (see
London, which are great for Museums and Galleries pp194–5). At the London
buying children a memento Transport Museum (see p118),
from their trip. Museum gift The museums and galleries of kids can dress up in historical
shops are filled with toys, London are so packed full of costumes and play on real
clothes and stationery. interesting artifacts and inter­ buses and trams in the family
active displays that it’s unlikely play­zone, “All Aboard”. The V&A
Useful Numbers you’ll have to drag reluctant Museum of Childhood (see p252),
Benjamin Pollock’s Toy Shop children around an assortment the children’s branch of the V&A
44 The Market, Covent Garden of lifeless, stuffy exhibits. located in east London, has a
Piazza WC2. Tel 020 7379 7866. The Science Museum (see fascinating collection of children’s
pp210–11), with hundreds of toys from throughout history.
Foyles
107 Charing Cross Road working models, is one of Madame Tussauds (see p228),
WC2H 0DT. Tel 020 7437 5660. London’s best attractions for the world­famous wax museum,
(One of several branches.) children – its hands­on galleries lets kids get up close to their
in the basement, including the celebrity heroes.
Hamleys much­loved Launch Pad, will
188–196 Regent St W1. keep them amused for hours.
Tel 0870 333 2455. Children’s Theatre
Equally popular is the Natural
Harrods History Museum (see pp206–7), London is home to a plethora
87–135 Brompton Road SW1. which explores life on earth of theatres, including some for
Tel 020 7730 1234. with dinosaur models, a giant children. The Polka Theatre
Waterstones whale and an exam ination of offers the best range of children’s
203/206 Piccadilly W1J 9HD. the human body. Both museums theatre, and has workshops
Tel 020 7851 2400. hold sleepovers once a month. during the school holidays. The
(One of several branches.) The British Museum Unicorn Theatre is also highly
(see pp128–31) has fabulous acclaimed, and the Little Angel
treasures from all over the
world, including the
fascinating Egyptian
collection, and the

A familiar face at Hamleys toy shop

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