Great family fun, from star gazing to Horrible Histories - coming up soon...

[caption id="attachment_1298" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Thames and The Shard, London[/caption]

I'm often told about family friendly events and activities, but I've been particularly taken by four I've come across recently and which I think you will enjoy. In fact, I think they'd be enjoyed by all the family. What do you think? I'd like to try them all out......(if only I had endless time!)

1) Glamping with the stars

I have a son who wants to be an astronaut, so I'm always attracted by anything space-related and this sounds fantastic.

The National Space Centre, based in Leicester, is going on tour with its new astrocamps. They will combine workshops, rocket building challenges stargazing. They sound good, don't they?

Their first destination is the Dandelion Hideaway in rural Leicestershire which has six cottages and take place on June 6th. It sounds right up our street.

2) Free half-term admission for kids at the Shard

Talking of up, the Shard is offering free admission for children during May half-term (bank holiday week). It's a glorious place to enjoy sky high (well, almost, as it is the highest vantage point in Western Europe) views of London and they are also running a special Top Trumps London landmark "game" where you need to pick out London landmarks from the viewing gallery.

Tickets for adults cost £24.95 and as kids' tickets are usually £18.95, this is a rather attractive offer.

3) The W Factor at Warwick Castle

This is another which is right up my son's street as Warwick Castle challenges kids (and their parents) to take part in Wicked Warwick, a show from the makers of Horrible Histories.

It's X Factor meets Horrible Histories, in fact, as you enter (via the Warwick Castle website) and then audition live during half-term, on 27th May. Everyone who registers will receive a 2-4-1 voucher, but the winners will perform in live shows at the castle in June!! Such fun, especially for aspiring actors.

4) Storytelling at the Tower Bridge Exhibition

If you've got younger children, you need to head to the Tower Bridge Exhibition this weekend (16th May) where they are running free family learning events, including storytelling performances and art activities.

There is even the special tale - based on a true story no less - of the double-decker bus which jumped the Bridge as it opened in 1952. This will be performed four times throughout the day, from 11.30 to 3pm.

It's perfect for kids aged around 5-8 years old, but adults will enjoy it too. Make sure you take in the Glass Floor which gives you a remarkable view of London, from 42 metres above the Thames.

Beautiful London: night-time poppies at the Tower of London and more

I feel very lucky to live in London, despite the crowds, the mess, the noise, the bustle. Because London is a fantastic city, full of a mix of wonderful people and containing the most fantastic art, culture and history.

On Sunday afternoon, Jess and I walked from the Museum of London (where we saw the Sherlock Exhibition, more on that soon) via Bank and to the Tower of London where we saw the poppies. The display is to mark 100 years since the start of World War I and although they are now being dismantled, but there are still more than enough to make an impact. What an impressive scene.

It was dark by the time we got there, which made it even more moving. And as we walked by the Thames, I was struck once again by the beauty of my home town.

[caption id="attachment_791" align="aligncenter" width="940"] The Shard on a foggy November evening[/caption]

Jess turned to me and told me how much she loved London too, and how there was nowhere else like it. She's right.

[caption id="attachment_790" align="aligncenter" width="940"] Tower Bridge on a foggy November night[/caption]

More from us on London:

Harry Potter, Platform 9 3/4 and the new King's Cross

The Drake Fun day at the Golden Hinde