Teens can be notoriously challenging to impress, but with a city as varied and vibrant as London, there's plenty to offer the discerning teenager looking to fill their time with something they're passionate about. Whether or not your teen knows what sparks their interest, this guide covers all bases so that there's something for everyone. From creative pursuits at The Cartoon Museum to racing around multi-level race tracks at TeamSport, here's our guide to the top things to do with teenagers in London.
Guide to things to do with teenagers in London
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Things to do with teenagers in London
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1Monopoly Lifesized Monopoly but make it supersized
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2The Jack the Ripper Tour Travel back to the 1800s
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3ClueQuest Escape rooms and virtual reality
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4Plonk Nine crazy holes for crazy kids
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5Natural History Museum 4.6 billion years of human history
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6Science Museum For wide-eyed teens
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7Bunker 51 Zombie S.W.A.T training, anyone?
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8Electric Cinema For those movie marathons
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9Clink Prison Museum Old Bankside's sordid past
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10Shakespeare's Globe Visit the site of Shakespeare's original Globe Theatre
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11All Star Lanes A luxe bowling alley
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12Sherlock: The Official Live Game For the wannabe detectives
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13Seven Dials Market For the foodie teens
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14Forbidden Planet One for the comic enthusiasts
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15Hackney City Farm The workings of a city farm
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16The V&A For those with a keen interest in design
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17Regent's Park Open Air Theatre For the performers
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18The National Gallery For the young artists
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19Kew Gardens A healthy dose of nature
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20British Museum Two million years of human history
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21Immersive Gamebox A hyper-immersive adventure
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22Portobello Road Market Perfect for a Sunday stroll
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23British Library The largest library in the world
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24Sky Garden For the best views of the city
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25The Cartoon Museum An exploration of creativity
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26HMS Belfast Ahoy Captain
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27Churchill War Rooms Churchill's preserved war rooms
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28Tate Modern For the budding artists
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29Barbican Conservatory One for the plant-lovers
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30Design Museum For the budding designers
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31TeamSport Go Karting Get your heart pumping
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32Westfield For the shopaholic teens
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33Camden Market Favourite with locals and visitors
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34Wellcome Collection Original museum for all ages
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35Go Ape Ideal for adrenaline junkies
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Things to do with teenagers in London
Fun things to do in London with teens
Monopoly but make it supersized
What's better than a lengthy monopoly game with your nearest and dearest? A supersized version. This immersive, on-your-feet version of the nation's favourite game will keep teens busy for as long as it takes to get around the board without getting locked up in jail. Pop along to the Top Hat Bar and Restaurant for a bite to eat post-game.
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213-215 Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia/Bloomsbury
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Website
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Monopoly Lifesized
020-816 464 69 - Read more on Thatsup
Travel back to the 1800s
Retrace the steps of the infamous Jack the Ripper, who committed his grisly murders on the streets of Whitechapel in the 1800s. Your guide will take you to the very spots he walked, showing you exactly where he committed his gruesome murders. Hear about the events that took place more than 125 years ago and listen as your expert guide takes you through the East End, using hand-held projectors to bring the events to life.
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77-82 Whitechapel High Street, Tower Hamlets
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Website
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The Jack the Ripper Tour
078-030 675 44 - Read more on Thatsup
Escape rooms and virtual reality
Choose from four immersive games at this escape room on Caledonian Road. You’ll be given a set amount of time to try and complete all of the challenges and puzzles and solve the missions before the timer is up. They also offer VR experiences where you can lose yourself in the virtual reality world, with the choice of three missions using award-winning gameplay.
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169-171 Caledonian Rd, Islington
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Website
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ClueQuest
077-987 723 82 - Read more on Thatsup
Nine crazy holes for crazy kids
Try your hand at mini golf, nine crazy holes to be precise, at any of Plonk’s vibrant venues around the city. The courses are decked out with colourful graffiti art and murals, and the course is suitable for all ages. When you’ve been around the course, have a go on any of the arcade games if you want to carry on the fun.
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Arches B-E, Montague Close, Southwark Unit 63, The Stables Market, 842 Chalk Farm Road, Camden Town Arch 407 Mentmore Terrace, Hackney/Dalston 177 Hoxton Street, ShoreditchPlonk Borough Market
Arches B-E, Montague Close, SouthwarkPlonk Camden Market
Unit 63, The Stables Market, 842 Chalk Farm Road, Camden TownPlonk Hackney
Arch 407 Mentmore Terrace, Hackney/DalstonPlonk Shoreditch
177 Hoxton Street, Shoreditch -
Plonk Borough Market
plonkgolf.co.ukPlonk Camden Market
plonkgolf.co.ukPlonk Hackney
plonkgolf.co.ukPlonk Shoreditch
plonkgolf.co.uk -
Plonk Borough Market Plonk Camden Market Plonk Hackney Plonk Shoreditch
4.6 billion years of human history
There's nowhere quite as magical in London as The Natural History Museum. It's housed in an architectural landmark, built in a Gothic Revival and twelfth-century Romanesque style, and is a marvel to even look at. The museum tells the all-important story of human history, spanning 4.6 billion years and is home to fascinating displays and exhibitions, like Dippy the Dinosaur which is a life-sized recreation of a diplodocus using real dinosaur bones.
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Cromwell Road, Kensington
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Website
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Natural History Museum
020-794 250 00 - Read more on Thatsup
For wide-eyed teens
London's Science Museum is one of the most interactive museums in London, jam-packed with scientific knowledge about everything from aviation and space to the development of technology and the history of farming. It's sure to keep teenagers wide-eyed. There's also an excellent café where you can sit with a bite to eat and drink.
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Exhibition Road, Kensington
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Website
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Science Museum
033-005 800 58 - Read more on Thatsup
Zombie S.W.A.T training, anyone?
This is for the teens that play a little too much Call of Duty. Bunker 51 is a cold war-themed nuclear bunker in North Greenwich, packed with heart-thumping games and activities. Enjoy airsoft, laser tag, paintball and more, with games catering to different age groups. They also have several escape rooms and zombie training experiences for those seeking even more of a thrill.
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3 Herringham Road
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Website
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Bunker 51
033-033 380 85 - Read more on Thatsup
For those movie marathons
Electric Cinema is one of the oldest cinemas in London and one of the oldest working film theatres in Britain. Inside it’s swanky and houses plush leather armchairs for comfortable viewing as well as a handful of front-row beds and back-row sofas for two. Pair your trip with a meal from the American-themed Electric Diner next door.
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191 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill 2 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, Hammersmith and FulhamElectric Cinema Portobello
191 Portobello Rd, Notting HillElectric Cinema White City
2 Television Centre, 101 Wood Lane, Hammersmith and Fulham -
Electric Cinema Portobello
electriccinema.co.uk/cinemas/portobelloElectric Cinema White City
electriccinema.co.uk/cinemas/whitecityElectric Cinema Portobello
020-790 896 96Electric Cinema White City
020-790 896 96 -
Electric Cinema Portobello Electric Cinema White City
Old Bankside's sordid past
Take a stroll around one of the oldest prisons in England, dating back to 1144. It offers a glimpse into the scandalous life of Old Bankside via archaeological artefacts and the prison's sights, sounds and smells. You can travel back more than 600 years ago and reimagine the terrible conditions the inmates had to endure throughout their time spent inside.
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1 Clink St, Southwark
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Website
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Clink Prison Museum
020-740 309 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Visit the site of Shakespeare's original Globe Theatre
Shakespeare’s Globe is a world-renowned theatre located in a scenic spot on the bank of the River Thames. In 1613 a theatrical canon misfired during a performance, and The Globe was destroyed. However, in 1970 an authentic replica was rebuilt in the same spot. Today, it’s a cultural landmark with a roster of incredible performances throughout the week and is an excellent spot to bring teens with a keen interest in Shakespeare.
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21 New Globe Walk, Southwark/City of London
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Website
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Shakespeare's Globe
020-740 199 19 - Read more on Thatsup
A luxe bowling alley
This luxe bowling alley offers up more than just ten-pin bowling; there’s a restaurant, bar and lounge area, and even karaoke booths. Try your hand at a game or two of bowling before stopping by the restaurant for a bite to eat. They serve classic American fare, like burgers, buffalo wings and mac ’n’ cheese.
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95 Brick Lane, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets Victoria House, Bloomsbury Place, Bloomsbury Westfield Stratford City, Montfichet Road, Newham Westfield London, Ariel Way, Hammersmith and FulhamAll Star Lanes Brick Lane
95 Brick Lane, Shoreditch/Tower HamletsAll Star Lanes Holborn
Victoria House, Bloomsbury Place, BloomsburyAll Star Lanes Stratford
Westfield Stratford City, Montfichet Road, NewhamAll Star Lanes White City
Westfield London, Ariel Way, Hammersmith and Fulham -
All Star Lanes Brick Lane
allstarlanes.co.uk/locations/brick-laneAll Star Lanes Holborn
allstarlanes.co.uk/locations/holbornAll Star Lanes Stratford
allstarlanes.co.uk/locations/stratfordAll Star Lanes White City
allstarlanes.co.uk/locations/westfield-white-cityAll Star Lanes Holborn
020-702 526 76All Star Lanes White City
020-316 724 01 -
All Star Lanes Brick Lane All Star Lanes Holborn All Star Lanes Stratford All Star Lanes White City
For the wannabe detectives
Transport your teen straight into Sherlock’s world, giving them a taste of what life as a detective would be like. The experience lasts for 90 minutes and includes the original sets and props from the show. See if they've got what it takes to solve the mysteries and puzzles before the time is up. The script has even been written by The BBC Sherlock show creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.
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W12 Shopping Centre, Hammersmith and Fulham
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Website
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Sherlock: The Official Live Game
020-813 000 21 - Read more on Thatsup
For the foodie teens
Sample some of the best street food in the city at Seven Dials Market, an epic food market by the renowned Kerb brand. They serve a range of independent food and drink in an atmospheric setting. You'll find everything from cheese conveyor belts and truffle burgers to vegan tacos and more here.
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35 Earlham St, Covent Garden
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- Read more on Thatsup
One for the comic enthusiasts
Forbidden Planet is the place to go for all things sci-fi, graphic novels, action figures, clothing, and more. It’s the ultimate fantasy superstore, spanning several floors of merchandise. They also host regular meet-and-greets with superstars like Jason Mamoa and Dan Fogler.
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179 Shaftesbury Avenue
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Website
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Forbidden Planet
020-742 036 66 - Read more on Thatsup
The workings of a city farm
Take your teen to see the ins and outs of a working farm at Hackney City Farm, where you can get up close to a range of farmyard animals, from pigs and donkeys to sheep and goats. The farm has been functioning in the city for over 35 years and is an important part of the local community. They are committed to helping people learn about where their food comes from and about nature and the environment.
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1A Goldsmiths Row, Shoreditch/Tower Hamlets
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Website
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Hackney City Farm
020-772 963 81 - Read more on Thatsup
For those with a keen interest in design
The V&A is the leading museum for art and design in London, exhibiting everything from ornate architecture and timeless fashion pieces to delicate ceramics and much more. The museum offers a variety of ways to learn about the collections on display while hosting various events for different ages. There’s even a programme dedicated entirely to young people interested in performance, architecture, digital design and fashion, consisting of workshops, courses, festivals and career-focused events.
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Cromwell Road, Kensington
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Website
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Victoria and Albert Museum
020-794 220 00 - Read more on Thatsup
For the performers
This award-winning theatre is a long-standing favourite, especially throughout the summer months. It’s one of London’s largest theatres and is set in the scenic Regents Park, surrounded by lush forest and greenery, making for an enchanting spot to catch a show. They host everything from musicals and classic plays to plays for children, and many of the productions go on to tour the rest of the world.
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The Regent's Park, Camden Town
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Website
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Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
033-340 035 62 - Read more on Thatsup
For the young artists
This one is for teen art aficionados. The National Gallery is home to one of the most spectacular collections of European paintings worldwide, housing collections dating from the 13th century to the early 20th century. You’ll find everything from Van Gogh to Leonardo da Vinci. The best bit? It’s completely free to visit.
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Trafalgar Square, Westminster
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Website
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The National Gallery
020-774 728 85 - Read more on Thatsup
A healthy dose of nature
If you've got a teen that would prefer to be out and about in nature, take them along to Kew Gardens. Stroll through the gorgeous outside gardens, through beautiful blooms, between towering trees and past glistening lakes. Make sure you stop by the Princess of Wales Conservatory, a plant-filled hub that's home to a computer-controlled climate and a series of incredible micro-ecosystems.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond
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Website
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Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
020-833 256 55 - Read more on Thatsup
Two million years of human history
The British Museum houses a whopping eight million works, divided into different periods and origins dating back two million years ago. It’s the ultimate spot to learn about other cultures worldwide, from the dawn of human history to the present day. Delve into ancient Egyptian times or take it back to the Japanese Edo period; there’s so much to be explored at this iconic British institute.
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Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury
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Website
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The British Museum
020-732 382 99 - Read more on Thatsup
A hyper-immersive adventure
Immersive Gamebox offers the chance to get stuck into a hyper-immersive adventure. They have numerous locations dotted around the UK and are home to interactive digital rooms featuring surround sound, projection mapping, touch screens and motion tracking for the ultimate sensory adventure. Choose from various interactive games, from Squid Game and Angry Birds to CIA training and trivia quizzes.
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83 Scoresby St, Southwark Wandsworth High St, Wandsworth 2a-2b Principal Place, Shoreditch/The CityImmersive Gamebox Southbank
83 Scoresby St, SouthwarkImmersive Gamebox Gravity Wandsworth
Wandsworth High St, WandsworthImmersive Gamebox Shoreditch
2a-2b Principal Place, Shoreditch/The City -
Immersive Gamebox Southbank
immersivegamebox.com/en-gb/venues/sbk-london-southbankImmersive Gamebox Gravity Wandsworth
immersivegamebox.com/en-gb/venues/gww-london-gravity-wandsworthImmersive Gamebox Shoreditch
immersivegamebox.com/en-gb/venues/psl-london-shoreditchImmersive Gamebox Southbank
020-303 847 68Immersive Gamebox Shoreditch
020-309 364 75 -
Immersive Gamebox Southbank Immersive Gamebox Gravity Wandsworth Immersive Gamebox Shoreditch
Perfect for a Sunday stroll
Portobello Road Market is the largest antique market in the world, situated the rainbow-coloured houses in the borough of Notting Hill. It’s been around for more than 150 years and is renowned for its incredible selection of antiques, street food, clothing, and bric-a-brac items. It’s a lovely spot to take a stroll and rummage, followed by a bite to eat at the neighbouring street food market.
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Portobello Rd
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Website
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Portobello Road Market
020-736 130 01 - Read more on Thatsup
The largest library in the world
Bibliophile teens will love the British Library, one of the largest libraries in the world and a neverending treasure trove of literature. It houses everything from novels and manuscripts to letters, religious texts and photographs, comprising 170 million items dating back to 3,000 years ago.
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96 Euston Rd, Camden Town
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Website
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British Library
033-033 311 44 - Read more on Thatsup
For the best views of the city
Enjoy spectacular city skyline views at London's highest public garden, Sky Garden. It's located on the 36th floor of the iconic Walkie-Talkie building and is filled with lush hanging Mediterranean and South African plants framing the 360-degree windows. The best bit? Visiting is free; you just need to secure tickets in advance. Children under 16 are only permitted to enter during certain hours, so check ahead of your visit.
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The Fenchurch Building, 1 Sky Garden Walk, The City/City of London
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Website
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Sky Garden
033-377 200 20 - Read more on Thatsup
An exploration of creativity
If you've got a teen who's an avid comic or cartoon fan, you must take them to The Cartoon Museum. This museum is the ultimate hub for British cartoons, showcasing incredible artworks from the 18th century to the modern day. They also host various learning programs and workshops to encourage young people to explore their creativity after being inspired by the cartoons and comics on display at the museum.
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63 Wells St, Fitzrovia
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Website
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The Cartoon Museum
020-758 081 55 - Read more on Thatsup
Ahoy Captain
Bring amateur teen explorers on board the HMS Belfast, moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge, to see the inner workings of this iconic London landmark. Make your way up and down the ship's ladders to explore all nine decks while re-imagining what life would've been like onboard when it was used to fight during the Korean War and World War II.
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The Queen's Walk, Southwark
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Website
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HMS Belfast
020-794 063 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Churchill's preserved war rooms
Hidden beneath Westminster, you’ll find the Cabinet War Rooms, where Churchill and his team rustled up wartime strategies, ultimately winning them the fight against the Nazis in WWII. The rooms have been left exactly as they were in 1945 and provide a fascinating glimpse into this period of history.
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King Charles St, Westminster
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Website
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Churchill War Rooms
020-741 650 00 - Read more on Thatsup
For the budding artists
The Tate Modern is one of the most famous galleries in the world, housing a permanent collection of art spanning hundreds of years. You’ll find artwork from the early 1900s to the present day, as well as temporary exhibitions with artists like Andy Warhol and Olafur Eliasson.
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Bankside, Southwark
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Website
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Tate Modern
020-788 788 88 - Read more on Thatsup
One for the plant-lovers
The Barbican Conservatory is the second biggest conservatory in London, brimming with an oasis of tropical flora and fauna. It’s home to more than 1,500 species of plants and trees from around the world, including Swiss cheese plants, orchids and ginger plants. There’s also an Arid House attached to the side of the conservatory, where you’ll find collections of cacti, succulents and cymbidiums.
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Barbican Centre, Silk Street, The City/City of London
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Website
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Barbican Conservatory
020-787 025 00 - Read more on Thatsup
For the budding designers
If you’ve got a budding designer amongst you, then take them along to the Design Museum. Unlike the V&A, which showcases 5,000 years of art and design, this museum is dedicated to contemporary design in every form. Explore the museum’s permanent collection or visit a regularly changing exhibition.
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224 Kensington High St, Kensington
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Website
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Design Museum
020-386 259 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Get your heart pumping
Get your heart racing, do your best Lewis Hamilton impression and hop on board a go-kart at TeamSport, where you can fly around any of their five racing tracks located around the city. It’s got epic multi-level tracks with straights measuring up to 1000m and is the host of the first-ever official British Indoor Karting Championship, BIKC.
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20 Allied Way, Enfield 3 Herringham Rd 30 Nobel Rd, Enfield 18 Streatham Rd, MertonTeamSport Go Karting West London
20 Allied Way, EnfieldTeamSport Go Karting Docklands
3 Herringham RdTeamSport Go Karting North London
30 Nobel Rd, EnfieldTeamSport Go Karting Mitcham
18 Streatham Rd, Merton -
TeamSport Go Karting West London
team-sport.co.ukTeamSport Go Karting Docklands
team-sport.co.ukTeamSport Go Karting North London
team-sport.co.uk/go-kart-tracks/edmonton-north-londonTeamSport Go Karting Mitcham
team-sport.co.ukTeamSport Go Karting West London
0125-273 23 00TeamSport Go Karting Docklands
0125-273 23 00TeamSport Go Karting North London
0125-273 23 00TeamSport Go Karting Mitcham
0125-273 23 00 -
TeamSport Go Karting West London TeamSport Go Karting Docklands TeamSport Go Karting North London TeamSport Go Karting Mitcham
For the shopaholic teens
We all know teens love a spot of shopping, and Westfield is probably one of the best places to scratch the itch. The malls house many of our most-loved brands, from Nike and Adidas to Zara, Claire's, JD Sports and more. There's even a food court in each of the malls so that you can refuel with something tasty mid-shopping session.
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Montfichet Road, Newham Ariel Way, Hammersmith and FulhamWestfield Stratford City
Montfichet Road, NewhamWestfield London
Ariel Way, Hammersmith and Fulham -
Westfield Stratford City
westfield.com/united-kingdom/stratfordcityWestfield London
westfield.com/united-kingdom/londonWestfield Stratford City
020-822 173 00Westfield London
020-337 123 00 -
Westfield Stratford City Westfield London
Favourite with locals and visitors
Teens can have a great day out at Camden Market, especially if they're into alternative style. There's a large street food market to explore as well as a warren-like section that's packed with retailers. Whether they're looking for cool fashion, jewellery, or something to spruce up their bedroom, they're sure to find it around here.
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54-56 Camden Lock Pl, Camden Town
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Website
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Camden Market
020-376 399 00 - Read more on Thatsup
Original museum for all ages
A destination for curious visitors of all ages, Wellcome Collection is a museum where science, art, and culture intersect. There are permanent displays with interactive elements to keep teenagers interested, as well as temporary exhibitions covering a variety of themes. On-site there's a library, a shop, and a café too.
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183 Euston Road, Camden Town
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Website
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Wellcome Collection
020-761 122 22 - Read more on Thatsup
Ideal for adrenaline junkies
Teenagers who love an adrenaline rush will enjoy a treetop adventure at Go Ape, which operates at a number of sites around the capital. There are a variety of adventures and zip wire experiences to excite and challenge you. It's a great family day out and sessions go ahead in all weather conditions.
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Trent Country Park, Cockfosters Road, Enfield Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Haringey Battersea Park, Battersea Leatherhead Road, ChessingtonGo Ape Cockfosters
Trent Country Park, Cockfosters Road, EnfieldGo Ape Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, HaringeyGo Ape Battersea
Battersea Park, BatterseaGo Ape Chessington
Leatherhead Road, Chessington -
Go Ape Cockfosters
goape.co.uk/locations/cockfostersGo Ape Alexandra Palace
goape.co.uk/locations/alexandra-palaceGo Ape Battersea
goape.co.uk/locations/battersea-parkGo Ape Chessington
goape.co.uk/locations/chessingtonGo Ape Cockfosters
016-038 955 00Go Ape Alexandra Palace
016-038 955 00Go Ape Battersea
016-038 955 00Go Ape Chessington
016-038 955 00 -
Go Ape Cockfosters Go Ape Alexandra Palace Go Ape Battersea Go Ape Chessington