Beyond the Big Hits: Top 10 More Amazing Family Finds! (Westminster, the South Bank and Southwark)

While the headliners are incredible, Westminster, the South Bank, and Southwark are packed with other gems perfect for families. This “Best of the Rest” list offers a fantastic mix of experiences, from the slightly spooky to the wonderfully aquatic, and the dizzyingly high to the creatively inspiring. These attractions often provide shorter, more focused bursts of fun that can be great for breaking up a day of larger museum visits or catering to very specific interests within the family.  

Clink Prison Museum

Fancy a bit of gruesome history? The Clink Prison Museum stands on the site of one of England’s oldest and most notorious medieval prisons, dating back to 1144. This small, atmospheric museum is devoted to the often grim realities of crime and punishment through the ages. You can explore original cells, handle (and be photographed with!) replica torture devices, and hear stories of the unfortunate souls who were incarcerated here, including debtors, heretics, and harlots.  

It’s an interactive experience that can be quite engaging for older children and teens who enjoy the darker side of history – though it might be a bit intense for very sensitive youngsters. The museum advises allowing about an hour and 15 minutes for your visit. Educational groups are encouraged, and it’s a vivid way to bring history to life, albeit the rather unpleasant bits!  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Clink Prison Museum
• Where: 1 Clink Street, London SE1 9DG. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Daily 10:00-18:00 (last entry 17:30). (The PDF mentioned later summer hours, but the official site confirms 18:00 year-round).  
• Cost: Adult £8, Child (under 16) £6, Concessions £6, Family (2 adults & 2 children) £23.  
• Family Perk: Hands-on, slightly spooky history! Good for older kids with a taste for the macabre.
• More Info: clink.co.uk  

Our Take: “If your kids like a bit of spooky history, the Clink Prison Museum is a fun, slightly gruesome stop! It’s on the site of a real medieval prison, and you can even handle some of the old torture devices (if you dare!). It’s not too long, which is great for shorter attention spans, and definitely memorable.”

SEA LIFE London Aquarium

Dive into an underwater world right in the heart of London! Located in County Hall, very near the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium is home to thousands of marine creatures from around the globe, making it one of Europe’s largest collections of aquatic life. You can journey through 14 themed zones, encountering everything from majestic sharks in the Shark Reef Encounter and the thrilling Shark Walk, to playful Gentoo penguins in the Polar Adventure. Other highlights include green turtles, vibrant coral kingdoms, and mesmerizing jellyfish in Ocean Invaders.  

For families, it’s an absolute winner. Kids will be captivated by the close-up views of incredible sea life. The walk-through ocean tunnel provides an immersive experience, and there are often interactive rock pools where children can get hands-on with creatures like starfish and crabs, guided by marine experts. They also offer an immersive VR experience to dive into the ocean’s depths. Booking online in advance is recommended to get the best price (adults from £28, children 2-15 from £25, under 2s free) and to secure your entry slot, as it’s a very popular attraction. Look out for multi-attraction passes if you’re planning to visit other nearby Merlin sites.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: SEA LIFE London Aquarium
• Where: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB. Nearest Tube: Waterloo.  
• Open: Daily, hours typically 9:30/10:00 – 18:00/19:00 (last entry usually 1 hour before closing). Check official website as times vary.  
• Cost: Adult from £28, Child (2-15) from £25 (advance online prices). Under 2s free. On-the-day prices are higher (£39 adult, £35 child).  
• Family Perk: Amazing variety of sea creatures, walk-through tunnels, interactive rock pools, educational and visually stunning.
• More Info: visitsealife.com/london  

Our Take: “Sharks, penguins, and even crocodiles! SEA LIFE London Aquarium is a fantastic day out for the whole family. There are so many different zones to explore, and the kids absolutely loved the walk-through shark tunnel. Book your tickets online before you go to save some pennies and guarantee entry, especially during holidays.”

The View from The Shard

For truly jaw-dropping, 360-degree views across the whole of London (and up to 40 miles on a clear day!), head up The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building. The View from The Shard experience takes you to the indoor viewing platforms on levels 68 and 69, and then up to the open-air Skydeck on level 72, some 244 metres above the city. Kids will be thrilled by the height and the chance to spot famous landmarks from such a unique perspective.  

Opening hours vary significantly depending on the day and season (e.g., summer often 10:00-22:00, winter might close at 19:00 on some weekdays, and specific dates like May 26, 2025, show 14:00-22:00) so it’s absolutely crucial to check the official website for the exact day you plan to visit. Standard adult tickets booked online are around £32, with children aged three and under going free. A “Family Fun Ticket” for a family of four is available for £75. There are also premium packages, like an all-inclusive entry with champagne, starting from around £45. The Shard’s approach of offering various ticket packages, from standard entry to more luxurious experiences, alongside a specific family ticket, allows it to cater to a wide range of visitors and occasions.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: The View from The Shard
• Where: Joiner Street, London SE1 9QU. Nearest Tube/Train: London Bridge.  
• Open: Hours vary daily and seasonally – ESSENTIAL to check the official website for your intended visit date. Last entry is usually one hour before closing.  
• Cost: Standard adult entry from approx. £32 (online). Children 3 and under free. Family Fun Ticket (2 adults, 2 children or 1 adult, 3 children) £75. Champagne/All-inclusive packages available.  
• Family Perk: Breathtaking panoramic views, the thrill of being at the top of London’s tallest building, spotting landmarks.
• More Info: theviewfromtheshard.com  

Our Take: “Want to see London from way, WAY up high? The View from The Shard is the place! You’re so high up, the city looks like a toy town. The kids will love trying to spot all the famous landmarks. It’s a bit of an investment, but the views are unforgettable, especially on a clear day. Definitely check their website for opening times as they can change a lot.”

BFI IMAX

For a truly immersive cinematic experience, head to the BFI IMAX near Waterloo, home to the UK’s largest cinema screen! It’s not just about blockbuster movies; they also show spectacular IMAX documentaries, often in 3D, which are perfect for families and can be incredibly educational and awe-inspiring. Think journeys into space, dives into the deep ocean, or encounters with prehistoric creatures.  

The BFI IMAX website lists current family films and shorter IMAX Docs suitable for all ages. Recent examples include animated features like Pixar’s “Elio” or classics like “My Neighbour Totoro,” alongside documentaries such as “Space: The New Frontier (3D)” and “Blue Whales: Return of the Giants (3D)”. Adult tickets for standard screenings start from around £16, and there are child tickets (for ages 14 and under) and family packages (usually one adult and one child) available. There’s a £1 booking fee per ticket for online and phone bookings (capped at £3 per transaction), but BFI Members get discounts and no booking fees.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: BFI IMAX Cinema
• Where: 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, South Bank, London SE1 8XR. Nearest Tube: Waterloo.  
• Open: Screening times vary – check the BFI website for the schedule.  
• Cost: Adult tickets from £16. Child tickets (14 and under) and family packages available. Booking fees apply for non-members.  
• Family Perk: The UK’s biggest screen! Immersive experience. Family-friendly films and engaging documentaries.
• More Info: whatson.bfi.org.uk/imax  

Our Take: “If you want to see a film on the BIGGEST screen in Britain, head to the BFI IMAX. They show new releases but also have some amazing 3D documentaries that are great for kids – think space and giant whales! It’s a really immersive experience that the whole family will be talking about.”

London Dungeon

For families with older children and teens who enjoy a thrill (and don’t mind a few scares!), the London Dungeon offers a darkly entertaining journey through the city’s more gruesome history. This walk-through experience features live actors, special effects, and a thrilling ride called Drop Dead: Drop Ride, which is an optional vertical free-fall drop. You’ll encounter infamous characters like Sweeney Todd and Jack the Ripper, and witness scenes from London’s plague-ridden and fiery past.  

It’s important to note the age recommendations: the London Dungeon suggests it’s best for those aged 12 and over, and children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+). Children under 5 are not admitted due to the scary nature of some parts of the attraction. The experience lasts approximately 90 minutes, excluding queuing time. Opening hours are generally Mon-Fri 11:00-16:00, Sat 10:00-17:00, and Sun 10:00-16:00, but can vary, so checking the official website is wise. Tickets should be booked online in advance for a timed entry slot, with adult prices from around £27 and child prices from £22.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: London Dungeon
• Where: County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB. Nearest Tube: Waterloo.  
• Open: Daily, core hours typically Mon-Fri 11:00-16:00, Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 10:00-16:00. Check official website as times can vary.  
• Cost: Adult from £27, Child from £22. Recommended age 12+. Under 5s NOT admitted.  
• Family Perk: Thrilling, scary, and funny look at London’s dark past. Interactive shows and a ride. Great for teens.
• More Info: thedungeons.com/london  

Our Take: “If your family enjoys a good scare, the London Dungeon is a scream! It’s a mix of history, horror, and humour with live actors and even a drop ride. Definitely for older kids (they say 12+) as it can be quite intense, but a lot of fun if you’re brave enough! Book ahead to get your slot.”

Florence Nightingale Museum

Discover the life and legacy of the “Lady with the Lamp” at the Florence Nightingale Museum, located at St Thomas’ Hospital, just across the river from the Houses of Parliament. This fascinating museum celebrates the revolutionary work of the 19th-century nurse who transformed healthcare.  

The museum is particularly engaging for families, offering several interactive elements. There are new family trails, including “Athena’s I spy trail,” to help explore the museum together. A “Family Corner” allows children to discover what it’s like to be a modern nurse and even dress up as one of Florence’s nurses or a contemporary nurse. There’s also a letter-writing station where kids can campaign for something they’re passionate about, just like Florence did. For visitors with sensory needs, the museum provides resources like wobble cushions, magnifying glasses, sensory toys, and ear defenders, all available to borrow free of charge. They also offer “Explorer Bags” (sensory bags) and a visual guide to help prepare for the visit. These thoughtful provisions demonstrate a strong commitment to making history accessible and engaging for children of all abilities and learning styles. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Ticket prices were not detailed in the provided snippets, so checking the official website is necessary.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Florence Nightingale Museum
• Where: St Thomas’ Hospital, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7EP. Nearest Tube: Westminster or Lambeth North.  
• Open: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30).  
• Cost: Check official website for current ticket prices.
• Family Perk: Engaging family trails, dress-up corner, letter writing, sensory resources available, inspiring story.
• More Info: florence-nightingale.co.uk  

Our Take: “Learn about the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ at the Florence Nightingale Museum. They have some great things for kids, like a family trail and a dress-up corner where they can pretend to be nurses. It’s a really inspiring story, and the museum makes it accessible and interesting for younger visitors, especially with all the hands-on bits.”

Golden Hinde II

Ahoy there, history explorers! Step aboard the Golden Hinde II, a full-size, seaworthy reconstruction of the galleon in which Sir Francis Drake famously circumnavigated the globe between 1577 and 1580. Docked at St Mary Overie Dock near Southwark Cathedral, this ship offers a fantastic opportunity for families to experience what life was like on an Elizabethan sailing vessel.  

Kids will love exploring the different decks, imagining themselves as sailors on a grand adventure, or perhaps even as pirates! The ship often hosts living history lessons and allows for a very hands-on exploration of maritime history. It’s a chance to learn about Drake’s exploits and the challenges of 16th-century seafaring. Opening hours are generally 10:00 to 18:00 daily from April to October, and 10:00 to 17:00 from November to March, with the last admission 30 minutes before closing. However, the ship can be closed for maintenance or private functions, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead or check their website before your visit. Admission is £6 for adults and £6 for children (3-16), with a family ticket for four costing £20. Children under 3 are free, and an audio guide is included.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Golden Hinde II (replica ship)
• Where: St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, London SE1 9DE. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Daily, 10:00-17:00 (Nov-Mar) / 10:00-18:00 (Apr-Oct). Check website/call ahead for closures.  
• Cost: Adult £6, Child (3-16) £6, Family of 4 £20. Under 3s free. Audio guide included.  
• Family Perk: Explore a real (replica) historic galleon! Great for imaginative play and learning about maritime history.
• More Info: goldenhinde.co.uk  

Our Take: “Ahoy, mateys! The Golden Hinde is a fantastic replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship. Kids (and adults!) will love clambering around the decks and imagining what life was like for sailors hundreds of years ago. It’s a real hands-on history experience, and much more exciting than just reading about it in a book.”

Fashion and Textile Museum

For families with an eye for style and creativity, the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey is a vibrant splash of colour and design. Founded by iconic British designer Zandra Rhodes, the museum showcases temporary exhibitions focusing on contemporary fashion, textiles, and jewellery from around the world. It’s a great place for teens interested in design, and the visually stimulating displays can capture the imagination of younger children too.  

The museum often hosts workshops and courses, some of which might be suitable for families or older children, such as “Young Designers’ Fashion Drawing” or “Silk Painting” (check their “What’s On” page for current offerings). The recommended visit time is about 45 minutes to an hour, making it a manageable cultural stop. Opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00 to 18:00 (last entry 45 minutes before closing). The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays, except for the final Sunday of each exhibition. Admission is £12.65, with concessions available, and advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Fashion and Textile Museum
• Where: 83 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3XF. Nearest Tube: London Bridge.  
• Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00-18:00 (last entry 17:15). Open final Sunday of exhibitions.  
• Cost: £12.65 (Concessions may apply). Advance booking highly recommended.  
• Family Perk: Bright, colourful, and visually stimulating. Inspiring for creative teens. Occasional workshops.
• More Info: fashiontextilemuseum.org  

Our Take: “If you have any budding fashion designers in the family, the Fashion and Textile Museum is a must! It’s bright, bold, and always has interesting exhibitions that are really well curated. It’s not huge, so it won’t take all day, and they sometimes have cool workshops that older kids might enjoy.”

Young Vic Theatre

Located on The Cut, near Waterloo, the Young Vic is a renowned independent theatre company celebrated for its innovative productions, nurturing young talent, and attracting diverse audiences with critically acclaimed shows. While not every show will be suitable for all ages, it’s a fantastic place to introduce older children and teenagers to high-quality, thought-provoking theatre.  

It’s crucial to check the age guidelines on the specific show page before booking, as some productions may contain adult themes. Generally, babies and very young children are not admitted, except for designated family shows. The Young Vic has an excellent ticketing policy aimed at accessibility, offering discounted tickets from £12 for those aged 25 and under and full-time students, and from £15 for those aged 60 and over for certain performances. They also have £10 First Preview tickets for Main House productions and £12 “Lucky Dip” tickets where your seat is a surprise. These initiatives make experiencing top-class theatre more affordable for families with older children or those on a tighter budget. The upcoming programme (for late 2025/early 2026) includes productions like “Entertaining Mr Sloane,” “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,” and “Punch West End” (though note “Punch West End” is listed at the Apollo Theatre in some sources , so clarify if it’s a Young Vic production transferring or a separate show).  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Young Vic Theatre
• Where: 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ. Nearest Tube: Waterloo.  
• Open: Performance times vary – check the official website for the current schedule.  
• Cost: Varies by show. Discounts available: 25s and under/students from £12; 60+ from £15 (Mon-Wed); £10 First Previews; £12 Lucky Dips.  
• Family Perk: Great for introducing older children/teens to high-quality, contemporary theatre. Always check age suitability for specific productions.
• More Info: youngvic.org  

Our Take: “For some top-notch theatre that’s a bit different, check out what’s on at the Young Vic. They have a reputation for brilliant, often cutting-edge shows. Make sure to check the age guidelines carefully if you’re taking kids, as not everything will be suitable, but it’s a great place for teens to see some really powerful and memorable performances. Their discounted tickets for young people are a bonus!”

Oxo Tower Wharf

The distinctive Oxo Tower is a landmark on the South Bank, and the Wharf area offers more than just its famous restaurant. For families, a key attraction is the public viewing gallery on the eighth floor, adjacent to the OXO Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie, which offers fantastic, free panoramic views of the Thames, St Paul’s, and the city skyline. Access is via the lift, and it seems to be open to non-diners.  

On the ground floor, gallery@oxo is a small, quirky exhibition space that hosts a varied programme of pop-up exhibitions, often free, covering photography, contemporary design, architecture, and more. This gallery is open 11:00-18:00 during exhibitions. The Wharf is also home to numerous design studios and unique shops (see shopping section for more) and cafes, including an ice cream parlour, La Gelatiera, which is always a hit with kids. If you do decide to eat, the OXO Tower Restaurant has a children’s menu available (£15 for juice, starter, main, and dessert).  

Family-Friendly Fast Facts:

• What: Oxo Tower Wharf (Public Viewing Gallery & gallery@oxo)
• Where: Barge House Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH. Nearest Tube: Waterloo or Blackfriars.  
• Open: Public Viewing Gallery likely accessible during restaurant hours (check locally, generally lunch and dinner times ). gallery@oxo: 11:00-18:00 during exhibitions.  
• Cost: Public Viewing Gallery is free. gallery@oxo exhibitions often free.  
• Family Perk: Great free city views from the viewing gallery! Interesting small gallery space. Child-friendly restaurant options and ice cream on site.
• More Info: oxotower.co.uk or coinstreet.org  

Our Take: “Don’t just walk past the Oxo Tower! Take the lift up to the 8th floor for some amazing free views of the river and St Paul’s from their public viewing gallery. There’s also often a cool little exhibition in the gallery@oxo on the ground floor. And if the kids have been good, there’s an ice cream parlour too!”