Streets Ahead is the column from London Walks' Pen David Tucker…
"What London Walks would you recommend for children?"
The "walks for kids" question is one we're asked a lot. The wide-ranging answer usually goes something like this (this is how I put it in a recent email to someone who'd popped that very question):
Generally, it should be said that the walks are pitched at adults rather than youngsters – but there are quite a few that do work for kids.
In this post I'm going to suggest the Along the Thames Pub Walk.
Now don't be shocked. People do bring youngsters on that one. It's the one pub walk we do where it really is okay to bring them...okay because the first pub has a marvelous riverside terrace (indeed, if it's low tide they can go beachcombing!), the second one is right next to a delightful and funky old (and extremely kid-friendly) cafe...and the one we end at has a great yard (the pub is the last remaining galleried coaching inn in London and the yard was the coachyard).
The pubs aren't the reason for bringing the kids on that one of course – but the point is they can be accommodated on that walk because of the terrace, cafe and yard. The reason for bringing them on that walk is that it's a great walk – I can personally guide 52 different London Walks and that's my favorite walk of all! There's a great deal on it that appeals to all ages – e.g., the stunning replica of Sir Francis Drake's 16th-century ship The Golden Hinde, the great views across the river to London, the brilliant replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, etc. Indeed, everybody is also taken with – repelled by but taken with if that's not too much of an oxymoron – the shrivelled corpse in the iron gibbet at the Clink Museum. It ain't real, by the way...well the gibbet is, but the victim isn't. But it's awfully realistic!
Accompanied children under the age of 15 go free on all London Walks
Full Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
