Things to do this week is sponsored by Shakespeare's Globe.
All week
HALF TERM: It's half term this week, which means kids are off school, and parents are looking for ways to keep them occupied. Our guide to half term events in London includes theatre shows, exhibitions, workshops and more. 12-20 February
EXPLORER QUEST: Tudor/art deco palace mash-up Eltham hosts an 'Explorer Quest' for kids over half term, inviting them to roam the grounds with games and activities inspired by knights, butlers and the picturesque gardens. Eltham Palace, included in price of entry fee, book ahead, 12-20 February
CATS AND DOGS: Horniman Museum turns its attention to our household pets for its latest family-friendly exhibition. Cats and Dogs takes a look at the skills, awareness and intelligence of our canine and feline friends, and offers a chance to experience what the world looks like from their point of view. Horniman Museum (Forest Hill), £8.50 adult/£4.50 child, book ahead, 12 February-30 October
IMAGINE CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL: On all week, Imagine Children's Festival celebrates all sorts of art and culture including literature, poetry and music. Try out hip hop dancing or origami; enjoy a family concert or watch a comedy show. Southbank Centre, various prices, booking required for some events, until 20 February
THE DARE SKYWALK: Fancy scaling the roof of London's biggest club stadium? This skywalk, which takes place on a glass walkway 46.8m above the pitch at Tottenham Hotspur, boasts swoon-worthy 360º views of the capital and is suitable for urban adventurers aged eight and over — could be a pretty sweet half term treat! Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, from £39 adults/£31 kids, book ahead (sponsor)
ETERNALISING ART HISTORY: In what's bound to be something of a Marmite exhibition, six Italian masterpieces by the likes of Da Vinci and Caravaggio go on display in London — except they're digital reproductions. Can it compare to seeing the the real McCoy? That's up to you to decide. Unit London (Mayfair), free entry, just turn up, 15 February-19 March
ST PAUL'S CATHEDRAL TICKET OFFER: Kids go free at one of London's most glorious landmarks this week! Bring up to three under-18s to explore St Paul's Cathedral for no additional cost when you buy an adult/concession day ticket or Annual Pass. Opt for the latter and you'll get 365 days' worth of family activities, trails, tours and exhibitions at St Paul's for the price of one visit. Bargain. St Paul's Cathedral, book ahead, until Saturday 26 February (sponsor)
LAST CHANCE PERU: British Museum's exhibition about Peru closes at the end of this week. It uses objects and stories to bring the societies of Peruvian people through the centuries to life, covering far more than just the well-known Inca people. British Museum, from £15 adult, book ahead, until 20 February
ELIZABETH AND MARY: It's also the last week of British Library's exhibition, Elizabeth And Mary: Royal Cousins, Rival Queens. Learn more about their tempestuous relationship through handwritten letters between the two — who never actually met. British Library, £16, book ahead, until 20 February
POLYCENTRIC CITY: Eight photographers have shot eight different Londons, for exhibition The Polycentric City. Eschewing more glamorous surroundings, these particular narratives of the city cover places like Croydon car parks and land beneath the Westway. Building Centre (Bloomsbury), free, just turn up, until 5 March
BETHLEM GALLERY: Bethlem Gallery — part of the wonderful Museum of the Mind — launches In This Moment, an immersive sensory show featuring interactive sound works and soft sculptures exploring concepts of nature and the cosmos. The artists use techniques like this to encourage young people to refocus their attention away from illness. Bethlem Gallery (Beckenham), free, just turn up, until 14 April
BEATRIX POTTER: The V&A is apparently home to the largest collection of Beatrix Potter's letters and photos anywhere in the world, and it's just opened an exhibition about the beloved author and illustrator. Find out how her work as a conservationist and scientist inspired the animal characters we know and love. (And get warmed up with a tour of the London locations linked to Beatrix Potter.). V&A Museum, £14, book ahead, until January 2023
Monday 14 February
VALENTINE'S DAY: Today's Valentine's Day, so we've put together a guide to Valentine's events in the capital, whether you're going out with mates or a date tonight. Oh, and if you do have a date, better swot up on London's most romantic restaurants, where to buy the best flowers in the capital, and London's tastiest chocolate shops.
LINGUI: Barbican Cinema hosts a parent and baby screening of Lingui, The Sacred Bonds. Set in N'djamena, the capital city of Chad, it's the story of single mother Amina and her 15-year-old daughter, Maria, who have to fight both religion and law to access abortion. Barbican Cinema, £6, book ahead, 11.15am
LUNCHTIME RECITAL: Royal Opera House's lunchtime recitals are back. Enjoy an early-afternoon slice of culture in the form of a musical performance by Michael Papadopoulos, Michael Sikich, Haim Choi, Jack Greed, Kinga Wojdalska and Findlay Spence. Age 14+. Royal Opera House (Covent Garden), £16, book ahead, 1pm
HAPPY MONDAYS COMEDY: Marcel Lucont, Mark Biddleston, Johnny CT and Ania Magliano are all on the bill at tonight's Happy Mondays comedy night — overseen by regular MC Siôn James. The Amersham Arms (New Cross), £7, book ahead, 8pm
Tuesday 15 February
LUNCHTIME CONCERT: Enjoy 45 minutes of classical music performed live by Lauderdale House's resident pianist Stephen Hose. The concert takes place upstairs in the Long Gallery, with the added bonus of overlooking Waterlow Park. Lauderdale House (Highgate), free, book ahead, 1.15pm
CHELSEA HISTORY: Guildhall Library hosts a lecture offering an insight into the history of the Chelsea area. Find out about its links to sinners (and at least one saint), its role as a royal route, and as the centre of swinging sixties London. Guildhall Library or online, free, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
DEEP SEA: Despite 150 years of exploration, we still have very little idea of what lurks in the deep sea. Discover how new technology, including manned submersibles and artificial intelligence, is hoping to change that in the next decade. Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn) or online, free, book ahead, 6pm-7pm
MAKING MEMORIES: Psychiatrist Veronica O’Keane talks about how memories are formed, and what happens when that process is disrupted by mental illness. At this Royal Institution lecture, she shares stories and experiences from some of her own patients, and the challenges faced by her profession. Online event, suggested donation £10, book ahead, 7pm
VICTORIAN FUNERAL: Find out what a real Victorian funeral was like, in this online talk by funerary historian Dr Julian Litten. He dispels the myths of sable plumes and a cavalcade of horse-drawn vehicles. Online event, £5, book ahead, 7pm
MURDER MYSTERY: The Ballad of Maria Marten — the retelling of the real-life Red Barn Murder — comes to Wilton's today. In 1828, the body of Maria Marten is discovered in a grain sack in a Suffolk barn. And so a classic manhunt begins. Wilton's Music Hall (Shadwell), from £12.50, book ahead, until 19 February
This is a sponsored inclusion on behalf of Shakespeare's Globe.
Family festival at Shakespeare's Globe celebrates the magic of storytelling
Telling Tales is back! This half term, kids aged 5 to 12 (and their grown-ups) are invited to take part in a riveting range of Shakespeare-inspired interactive workshops and storytelling sessions at the world-renowned Shakespeare's Globe.
Be spooked by Macbeth, explore the mysterious mind of Hamlet, fall in love with Romeo and Juliet, travel to The Tempest's mystical island, or enter the topsy-turvy world of Twelfth Night — all with the help of the Globe's team of professional yarn-spinners and theatre experts.
Can't make it to Bankside? There are loads of online events, too! Whichever you go for, you can be sure of a fun-filled introduction to the Bard that encourages creativity and lets little imaginations run riot.
Telling Tales takes place at Shakespeare's Globe (Bankside) and online, 13-19 February. Tickets from £10.
Wednesday 16 February
FASHION EXHIBITION: A specially curated exhibition of original works by British fashion illustrator Gladys Perint Palmer go on display in London for just five days. See her depictions of haute couture from the runways of Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, Chanel and more, which she produced for the likes of Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Cromwell Place (South Kensington), free, book ahead, 16-20 February
COVID IMPACT: The Covid pandemic has had far-reaching health and economic effects around the globe, but the distribution of these effects has not been equal. LSE hosts an online panel to discuss what went wrong with the way countries like the UK and USA handled the pandemic, and how we can prepare better for future public health threats. Online event, free, book ahead, 5pm-6pm
ORGAN RECITAL: Professional organist and conductor Katy Silverman is the latest musician to perform on Union Chapel's 1877 Henry Willis organ, an historic instrument which is notable for its fully working original hydraulic blowing system. Union Chapel (Islington), £8.50, book ahead, 7pm
WIT AND WHIMSY: William Addison Dwiggins was a man of many talents: a designer of printing types and books, calligrapher, illustrator, cartographer, watercolourist, sculptor, and maker of furniture and tools. In this online lecture, Dwiggins fan Bruce Kennett waxes lyrically about his favourite polymath. Online event, £3-£5, book ahead, 7pm-8.30pm
ELIZABETH AND MARY: As the exhibition draws to a close, hear from the curators of Elizabeth and Mary: Royal Cousins, Rival Queens, about the process of putting the show together. Andrea Clarke and Karen Limper-Herz talk about how they selected some of the British Library’s 16th century manuscripts and printed works to bring the dramatic story of the queens to life. Online event, free, book ahead, 7.30pm
CORONATION ANTHEMS: Choir and orchestra The Sixteen perform Handel's Coronation Anthems, a set of four pieces of music full of pomp and grandeur, which were written by Handel for the coronation of King George III. Cadogan Hall (Chelsea), £16-£45, book ahead, 7.30pm
FOURPURE COMEDY: Collywobblers Comedy have teamed up with Fourpure for an evening of comedy and craft beer. Enjoy sets from comedians including Abandoman, Nabil Abdulrashid, Fiona Allen, Raj Poojara and Mossy — a complimentary Fourpure craft beer is included with your ticket. The Grafton (Kentish Town), £10 (includes a beer), book ahead, 8.30pm
Thursday 17 February
CELEBRATING PERU: In the final week of its Peru exhibition, British Museum hosts a family-friendly festival of Peruvian culture. Activities include arts and crafts, storytelling, puppetry, and a chance to try Authentic Peruvian food. British Museum, free, book museum admission in advance, 17-18 February
STONEHENGE: One of the most anticipated exhibitions of the year, The World of Stonehenge opens today. Find out more about the mysterious stone circle, including its origins and the speculation and folklore which surround it. British Museum, from £20 adult, book ahead, 17 February-17 July
FEMINISM AND CITIZENSHIP: Hear from UCL academics about the topics of feminism and citizenship. They discuss the work that still needs to be done to secure full membership and belonging of society and its institutions for all women. Online event, free, book ahead, 4.30pm
SEX WORK: Social and cultural historian Professor Joanna Bourke gives a Gresham College lecture about the history of sex work. Specifically, she talks about how prostitution was stigmatised and criminalised in the 19th century, and the legacy that has left. Barnard's Inn Hall (Holborn) or online, free, book ahead, 6pm-7pm
AFRICAN TEXTILES: Author Kofo Adeleke gives a free online talk about the iconography of Yoruba Adire cloth patterns from south western Nigeria, and how they are used as an expression of Yoruba culture. Her recent book focuses on Adire patterns in relation to African art, female artists, textile history, the use of indigo, and fashion. Online event, free, book ahead, 6.30pm
COMING OUT: The British Library delves into its archives to discover the stories of 18th century LGBT+ people. Professor John G. McCurdy talks about his recent research on homosexuality in 18th-century Britain and also among the British in North America. British Library, £8, book ahead, 7.15pm-8.30pm
CRICK CRACK CLUB: Regular storytelling event Crick Crack Club is back in east London for a double bill. Daniel Morden shares a folkloric fever dream about a reluctant hero of the people, followed by Lucy Lill recounting Kassandra, a story of those who knew exactly what was coming, but did nothing about it. Rich Mix (Shoreditch), £12.50, book ahead, 7.30pm
THE BREAKUP MONOLOGUES: If Valentine's didn't go to plan, get yourself along to this live recording of Rosie Wilby's podcast, The Breakup Monologues. Comedian Wilby and guests including screenwriter Jordan Gray and activist Sangeeta Pillai tell their best and worst break-up stories. Poplar Union, £9/£7, book ahead, 7.30pm
Friday 18 February
CHASE IS ON THE CASE: Gabriel's Wharf near the OXO Tower has quite the scoop. Chase from PAW Patrol is taking time out from thwarting Mayor Humdinger and laying down traffic cones to spend some time with little Londoners. The area will also have live music, face painting, games and balloon modelling. Gabriel's Wharf, free, just turn up, 2-5pm, 18-20 February
THE SEARCHERS: Historian Robert Sackville-West discusses his new book, The Searchers, which tells the stories of people who searched for missing British soldiers during the first world war. When the war ended, more than half a million were missing, with families undertaking difficult journeys in the hopes of finding them. National Army Museum (Chelsea) or online, free, book ahead, 12pm
FAIRPORT CONVENTION: Folk rock band Fairport Convention bring their tour to north London, featuring a mix of old favourites and some of their newer tracks. Singer songwriter Luke Jackson is special guest. Union Chapel (Islington), £33, book ahead, 6.45pm
WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE: Find out how modern technology is helping us to learn more about the past. Science Museum hosts a panel of experts who talk about advances such as using 3D scanning to bring Ancient Greek worlds back to life. Age 15+. Science Museum (South Kensington), £10, book ahead, 7.30pm-9pm
ORCHIDS AFTER HOURS: As Kew's annual Orchids Festival continues, take the opportunity to see it at night at one of several Orchids After Hours events. Enjoy Costa Rican entertainment as you wander through the Princess of Wales Conservatory after dark. Kew Gardens, £18, book ahead, 6pm-10pm (repeated tomorrow). Note that this event has been cancelled on Friday due to the closure of Kew Gardens.
BRIXTON GOT SOUL: Friday nights mean Brixton Got Soul, The Blues Kitchen's weekly blowout featuring music from the likes of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and James Brown — followed by live music with not one, but two late night sets. The Blues Kitchen (Brixton), free before 9pm, £10 after, 9pm-2.30am
Saturday 19 February
HERITAGE WEEKEND: Highgate's Lauderdale House hosts a Heritage Weekend, focusing on the house itself, neighbouring Waterlow Park, and the surrounding Highgate area. Activities include guided walks, talks, and a heritage fair, with local museums and historical societies present. Lauderdale House (Highgate), free/£5, book ahead, 19-20 February
OUT AT SEA: Creative workshops, storytelling, performances and a queer tour of the National Maritime Museum are all part of the Out at Sea festival, a family-friendly event celebrating queer maritime history through the ages. National Maritime Museum (Greenwich), free, book ahead, 11am-4pm
ILLEGAL EAGLES: The Eagles tribute group The Illegal Eagles bring the sounds of the legendary country rock band to south London, in a brand new show. Expect to hear much-loved tracks including Hotel California, Desperado, Take It Easy and New Kid In Town. Fairfield Halls (Croydon), £32.50, book ahead, 7.30pm
KHANDI SHOP: Drag queen Mahatma Khandi is joined by guests including Prinx Silver and Dosa Cat for this cabaret show. It's part of the Pleasance's LGBT+ History Month season. Pleasance Theatre (Islington), £15 (£10 concessions), book ahead, 7.30pm
FOLK MUSIC: The Cellar Upstairs Folk Club welcomes singer and guitarist Hector Gilchrist. He performs both traditional and contemporary folk music; in particular, expect some wonderful Scottish numbers. The Calthorpe Arms (Holborn). £8, just turn up, 8.15pm-11.15pm
CLUB DE FROMAGE: It's a 00s vs 10s special at Club de Fromage, the cheesy club night which plays pop songs all night long. Dance to the best (and worst) tunes of the 21st century so far, including Britney, Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga and much more. The O2 Academy (Islington), from £7, book ahead, 10.30pm
SCARED TO DANCE: Enjoy a night of post-punk, indiepop, new wave and sixties music courtesy of regular club night Scared to Dance. Guest DJ this time is Ryan Smith from Yorkshire band Bdrmm. The Shacklewell Arms, £7.70, book ahead, 11pm
Sunday 20 February
VINTAGE KILO SALE: Refresh your wardrobe at the Vintage Kilo Sale, where over nine tonnes of vintage clothing dating from the 60s to the 90s is available to buy. It's sold by weight, at £20 per kilo of clothing, and we're promised some brand names and designer labels among the goods, so it's certainly worth rummage. Bussey Building (Peckham), £2-£3, book ahead, 10am-4pm
VIKING DAY: Horned helmets* at the ready for Viking Day at Fulham Palace. The family-friendly event delves into the history of the area — were there ever Vikings on the site of the modern-day palace? (*Yes, we know they didn't really wear horned helmets.) Fulham Palace, free, just turn up, 11am-3pm
ROMEO AND JULIET: Barbican Cinema hosts an Encore screening of the Royal Ballet's production of Romeo and Juliet at the Royal Opera House. The 2019 production starred Marcelino Sambé as Romeo and Anna-Rose O'Sullivan as Juliet. Barbican Cinema, £21, book ahead, 2pm
ROMFORD RAIDERS: Enjoying the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics? See ice hockey played IRL, as Romford Raiders take on the Telford Tigers. Sapphire Ice and Leisure (Romford), £14 adult, £10 concessions, book ahead, KO 5.15pm
KANE BROWN: 'Don't Listen to Me I Chat Shit' might be the name of Kane Brown's stand up show, but to be fair it's highly-polished shit — covering everything from from hay fever to Pringles. Backyard Comedy Club (Bethnal Green), £16.76, book ahead, 6.30pm-10.30pm
FLAMENCO: Singer/dancer Lola Rueda's highly talented flamenco-fusion group is in action tonight, their 'Tiki Tran' show transforming a church hall into a dance floor. Expect incredible moves, accompanied by live flamenco and latin music. Church Hall of the Holy Apostles (Pimlico), £15, book ahead, 7.45pm
Urban oddity of the week
As the British Museum's Elizabeth and Mary exhibition draws to a close (see 'All Week' above), we're reminded of what is surely one of London's weirdest statues. This is Elizabeth I as you've never seen her before, standing in the grounds of Westminster School. The modern-day Queen unveiled the 8ft non-likeness of her predecessor in 2010, to mark the School's 450th birthday. Prince Philip was seen to snigger as the work by sculptor Matthew Spender was revealed. The statue also holds the title of World's Biggest Polo Mint. Possibly.
Good cause of the week
With the cost of living going up sharply, more people will be relying on community services in the coming months. Standing ready to help in the vanguard is FoodCycle, who serve up free meals made for surplus ingredients.
They need more volunteers urgently to help with increasing demand. Could you, or someone you know, help with cooking, hosting, collecting food or checking up on those in need?
More information on FoodCycle services across London can be found here.