Half Term is upon us and the Royal Collection have some brilliant family fun events for Londoners of all ages.
The Big Draw: Victoria and Albert 200
As the grand finale of the year-long celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the births of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, children visiting the Royal Mews will have the exciting opportunity to work with a professional artist to create a joint immersive artwork in the historic State Stables. Budding young artists are invited to bring to life in 3D the different pets that lived with Victoria and Albert at Buckingham Palace, from dogs and cats to parakeets and even cows.
When: Thursday, 24 – Saturday, 26 October, 11:00–15:00
Where: The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace
How much: Tickets to the Royal Mews are £12 for an adult, £6.80 for under 17s and under 5s are free but you can turn your ticket into a donation and enjoy unlimited entry for a year (which is worth doing if you are local). Book here.
Little Foals Under-5s Fridays
Children under five and their carers are invited to join a special hunt around the Royal Mews to find the items the horses need to get ready for their parade. Afterwards, families can have a go at a range of arts and crafts activities in the Learning Room.
When: Friday, 1 November, 10:30–12:30
Where: The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace
How much: Tickets to the Royal Mews are £12 for an adult, £6.80 for under 17s and under 5s are free but you can turn your ticket into a donation and enjoy unlimited entry for a year (which is worth doing if you are local). Book here.
Leonardo da Vinci: Masterpieces of Motion
A series of family-friendly, immersive dance performances inspired by the genius of Leonardo da Vinci will be staged in the magnificent State Apartments at Windsor Castle. After an introduction by an expert curator, dancers will guide the audience into St George’s Hall for a dance piece inspired by Leonardo’s extraordinary depictions of movement. A highlight of the evening will be an opportunity to view up-close six Leonardo drawings from the Royal Collection.
When: 25, 26, 27 October and 1, 2, 3 November, 19:00–20:30
Where: Windsor Castle
How much: Tickets are £30 for an adult and £25 for under 17s. Under 5s are free. Full info & booking via their website here.
The Big Draw: Leonardo 500
Families visiting Windsor Castle this October Half Term can learn more about the work of Leonardo da Vinci during drop-in drawing activities as part of The Big Draw Festival, the world’s largest celebration of drawing. On
selected dates, The Secret Drawing Club will offer life drawing lessons and the chance for children to create their very own prints inspired by the materials and techniques that Leonardo would have used himself.
When: Saturday, 26 October – Sunday, 3 November, 11:00–16:00
Where: Windsor Castle
How much: Tickets are £22.50 for an adult, £13 for under 17s and under 5s go free. More info and booking available on their website.