Free day out in London.

ACTIVITIES.

A few of my favourite places in London are right next to the South Kensington Tube Station. And no, I'm not talking about the Bubbletea shop, Bubbleology (although it one of my favourite places to get bubble tea- partially because of the service I received one time when I had admitted that I had not tried Bubbletea before, and they immediately offered to give me tasters to help me choose which drinks to order), in fact, my favourite places are the three museums situated right next to each other. Every one of these museums are free, making it an exciting day out that doesn't leave a dent in your wallet!

I usually visit the Science museum first, as it's my favourite. Most people step in to check out the steam machines, and then go on to the space section, thinking that that is it. In fact, I only just realised- after going to the Science museum numerous times- that there are sections hidden if you don't go wandering through the building! If you're going with your children, you may want to go down past the space exhibition and into the eateries, before taking a left and going up the stairs (or elevator). On each of the floors (especially 1-4) there are interactive games to keep the little ones busy while you learn new facts about science! If you're going with older children, it may be more useful to take a left as soon as you enter the building, before stepping into the energy hall. This will lead you to a set of stairs and elevators (mind you, it's quicker and easier to go up the elevator!). The third floor leads you to an eating area, but if you pass through that and go to your right, you will find a small section that tells you a lot about how medicine has changed through the 20th and 21st century. It also leads to the launchpad and science in the 18th century exhibition. One of my favourite sections in the museum is the fourth floor, with all the waxworks. This exhibition is called 'glimpses through medical history' and is not only an informative exhibition, it is also fun to examine and play around in.

I do not usually visit the Natural History Museum, but when I do, I don't go through the main entrance, I go through one of the back entrances beside the Science Museum. By doing so, I get to skip the larger queues and get to the more interactive parts. My favourite exhibition in the Natural History Museum is on the top floor, which is accessible by the large escalators in the 'Red Zone'. Although my knees go wobbly and I have to hold onto the bar tightly, it's a very fun experience which is great for younger ones! 

No, that is not a drawing, it is a photo!

The escalators will lead you into a volcano and earthquake exhibition. Most young families skip through the volcano exhibition and go onto the earthquake area, which will then lead on to a small platform where you can experience ground tremors such as the ones in the Kobe earthquake in Japan! Don't worry, it is not too bad, and soon, you will be walking around the exhibition once more to get to go on the platform again!
If you're going with older children, you may want to go down a couple of floors to the 'Earth's Treasury Gallery' and view the precious rocks that they have there. 
Please be reminded that you should wear comfortable shoes, because walking around the museums will cause a lot of aches! All of these exhibitions are suitable for all ages, whether you are 3 or 100, you will find something new to learn in each of these exhibitions.

PLACES TO EAT.

Not many places in central London are cheap, tasty, and healthy to eat. I usually go to Wasabi, which is right off the South Kensington exit, or you can get off at the High Street Kensington exit, but it does get very crowded in there. I also go to Bibimbap, which is on Charlotte Street; to get there, you'd have to take the northern line and get off at Goodge Street. This is a Korean restaurant, and if you are not sure about Korean food, I'd recommend googling some of their menu items before you go! This did set me quite back- at around £12, but the food is wholesome. Just make sure not to order the coca cola or soft drinks, and ask for tap water instead. A can of cola cost me £1.60, which is actually around 80p at any convenience store. The kimchi was a bit pricey too, but did compliment my food well, so I'd say order it if you wanted to!

Other places to eat would be McDonalds (off the High Street Kensington station), Chopstix (a chinese noodle bar ; South Kensington station). If you have more suggestions, please comment. I usually go to a restaurant with a lot of people inside, it usually shows that a lot of people enjoy eating there.