London - Day 5

On our way to 'Hamleys'
(typical 'London' weather today we were told!)

London - Day 5  Today Caleb dearly wanted to visit a toy store to spend his birthday money. So why not go to the world's oldest and largest toy shop, Hamleys?!  This flagship store, which is in the heart of London near Piccadilly Circus is set over seven floors with at least 3 or 4 demonstrations of remarkable and amazing toys on each level. And yes, we did leave the store with a somewhat emptier wallet and heavier bag (although the children have given assurances that they will help to cover some of the expenses!!) It was real highlight for the children.

We then went to the London Science Museum, once again the displays and content were out of this world, with amazing displays on the beginning of the Industrial Age which is something we have not seen much of. There were also stunning displays on exploring space and modes of transport from the past. The displays and information on the state of the environment and human development looked impressive but were sadly very subjective and based on false premises which led to rather unsubstantiated and odd conclusions. But in spite of this, (and these were opportunities for discussion!) we enjoyed our time at the museum and, as seems the norm, could have spent a lot more time exploring the in depth exhibitions.

Toys, toys, toys, just toys everywhere

Very talented staff, with super cool demonstrations!  Thankfully Dad was holding the purse strings :-) so the children could watch and be part of demonstrations to their hearts' content without being pushed to buy.












Fantastic displays from the Steam age. What was really amazing was a miniature working model of a steam powered engineering workshop, with all the machines run by belts off one main steam engine.

Earliest surviving locomotive: 'Puffing Billy' at the Science Museum

Vehicles - a blast from the past, such neat displays.


 Space was well covered with original and replica models of space craft, engines and satellites. A very well done display of the V2 missile the Germans developed during the second world war, which was a precursor to the space rockets during the space race.

Futuristic displays, which were pretty zany and it was interesting to think about possible changes and inventions ahead.

To finish off, a beautiful display of aircraft, from the earliest flying machines to later aircraft which had a significant impact in the aviation industry.

A fond memory of our time in London will be the many buskers and their music in the underground tunnels, this lovely gentleman gave the children a demonstration of the harp he was playing. The sound of this instrument reverberating through the tunnel was delightful.