Things to do
EXHIBITIONS: London's event scene is always a bit slow to pick up again after Christmas, so consider catching up with some ongoing exhibitions. Here are our recommendations — booking recommended where possible to guarantee entry:
- The Sun: The history, science and medical applications of our star are covered in this exhibition — which even includes a spot for a quick bit of sunbathing in the centre of the exhibition. Science Museum, £15, until 6 May 2019
- Wildlife Photography: One of our favourite annual exhibitions, Wildlife Photographer of the Year has cuteness by the bucketload — but it also covers the reality of the dangers many species face, and the damage our own species is doing. Natural History Museum, £13.50/£8, until 1 July
- Snoopy: Get reacquainted with Charlie Brown, Snoopy and and the rest of the Peanuts gang at this exhibition of artwork, comics and merchandise. It's nostalgic, but you may end up seeing some of your favourite characters in a different light. Somerset House, £14, until 9 March
- Space Shifters: Brace yourself for spectacular, mind-mending art — including mazes, mirrors, curtains and oil — in this playful exhibition. Hayward Gallery, £16.50, until 6 January
SCARY MUSEUM: Introduce your children to the wonders of the British Museum with this tour, aimed at kids and their parents. It looks at some of the scariest, creepiest and most gruesome exhibits in the collection, and is aimed at age 8+. British Museum, £12/£9, book ahead, 2pm-3pm
GLASSHOUSE TOUR: Take a guided tour of Kew Gardens' famous greenhouses. The tour visits either the Temperate House, Palm House or Princess of Wales Conservatory, and covers both the architecture of the buildings and the plants within them — plus it's a great way to warm up on a chilly January afternoon. Kew Gardens, included in admission, reserve your spot on arrival, 12pm-1pm
PARADE CONCERT: The New Year's Day Parade may be over, but it's having one last hurrah before packing away for 12 months. The Archbishop Riordan High School Concert Band and Stillwater High School Philharmonic String Orchestra play this lunchtime concert. St John Smith's Square, free (donations encouraged), just turn up, 1pm
HISTORY TOUR: Never been to Fulham Palace? Here's your chance to see it in detail on a guided history tour through the public rooms and grounds, including the Great Hall, Victorian Chapel and two museum rooms. Fulham Palace, £6, just turn up, 2pm-3pm
HIDDEN RIVER FLEET: Follow Footprints of London guide Rob Smith on a two hour walk tracing the largest part of London's hidden River Fleet. Learn the history of slums, slaughterhouses, poverty and prison as you go. King's Cross, £12/£9, book ahead, 7pm-9pm
LIVE MUSIC: London soul singer Boadi opens this gig, before handing the stage over to soul singer Alexander O'Neal for a night celebrating his career, which dates back to the early eighties. Jazz Cafe (Camden), £35-£45, book ahead, 7pm-11pm
Good cause of the day
Harness some of your new year enthusiasm into a good cause, and sign up to take part in Shelter's Vertical Rush in March. We did the run up all 932 steps of Tower 42 last March (alright, we walked a lot of the way...) — take a look at the video. If that doesn't put you off completely, find out more and sign up here.
