1. Visit the V&A Museum of Childhood
The V&A Museum of Childhood houses the UK’s national collection of childhood objects, ranging in date from the 1600s to the present day. As well as toys, dolls and games, the museum has a wealth of objects relating to aspects of childhood including home, childcare, play, learning and clothing.
Rare, hand-crafted objects sit alongside well-loved toys from the 20th century, allowing an insight into how different children might have lived, thought and felt, through the objects they were surrounded by throughout their childhood. In addition, the museum runs temporary exhibitions and displays, activities, events and workshops, outreach projects and an award-winning programme for schools.
Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9PA (Bethnal Green Underground)
www.museumofchildhood.org.uk
2. Visit the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park reopened in 2014 and boasts a range of world-class sports facilities, beautiful parklands and waterways, and spectacular views from the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
Swim in the wake of champions in the two Olympic-sized swimming pools at the London Aquatics Centre, where members of the public can book sessions in both the training and competition pools, or experience the thrill of four different types of cycling at the Lee Valley VeloPark.
Work out in the state-of-the-art gym in the Copper Box Arena, which is also home to London’s only professional basketball team, the London Lions. Enjoy a game of tennis or battle it out on Union Jack-inspired hockey pitches at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre.
Visitors can also learn about the history of the area and London 2012 by joining a boat tour or guided walking trail. The park is also home to the Tumbling Bay Playground and Timber Lodge café, tree-lined promenades and interactive water fountains.
Those with a head for heights can take a trip up to the top of Britain’s tallest sculpture, the ArcelorMittal Orbit by Anish Kapoor, which offers fantastic views across London.
London E20 2ST
www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
3. Explore Brick Lane and grab lunch at Beigel Bake
Explore the famous Brick Lane and enjoy a wide range of ethnic food, bustling markets and fabulous shopping.
Brick Lane Beigel Bake is one of Brick Lane’s most famous eateries, known for its salt beef, pickled gherkin and mustard beigel. Another well-known product is the smoked salmon and cream cheese version. This cafe’s simple interior and low-key exterior make the delicious food even more of a surprise.
Shoreditch, E1 6PU (Aldgate East Underground)
www.visitbricklane.org
4. Shopping at BOXPARK
Visit the first pop-up shopping mall in the world. BOXPARK is made up of shipping containers to create unique “box shops”. It’s known as a pop-up because its basic building blocks can be transported and can literally pop up anywhere in the world. BOXPARK includes a unique mix of international fashion, arts and lifestyle brands, galleries and a café.
Bethnal Green Road (Shoreditch High Street Underground)
www.boxpark.co.uk
5. Dinner at Reg Dog Saloon
Red Dog Saloon in the trendy area of Hoxton is an authentic American BBQ restaurant serving steak, ribs, burgers and ice cream sundaes.
37 Hoxton Square, N1 6NN
www.reddogsaloon.co.uk