The Best Swimming Pools In Kent

Faversham Pools

First opened in 1964, Faversham Pools is an iconic spot offering swimming year-round across two indoor pools (with a Jacuzzi to boot) in natural light-filled spaces, and summer swims in three outdoor pools. Fuel up in the Tide Cafe with fresh coffee, homemade meals and tasty cake. Plus, if you’d like to romanticise your life, the 33 metre heated outdoor lido is open year-round for Sunset Swims.

Find It: Leslie Smith Drive, Faversham ME13 8PW. favershampools.com

 

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Tonbridge Swimming Pool

Originally built in 1910, this lovely outdoor heated swimming pool is open from April to September, and has a neighbouring indoor pool inside, as well as a spa with sauna and steam room. Lounge in the beach area after your swim, where you can also grab something tasty to eat.

Find It: Castle Street, Tonbridge TN9 1HR. tmactive.co.uk

The Strand Lido & Leisure Park

This riverside tidal saltwater swimming pool in Kent was first opened in 1896, and is the only remaining pool of its kind left in the country. Expect six 25 metre lanes for fitness swimming, alongside an outdoor leisure pool, 300 metre lazy river, and paddle pool and slides, perfect for kids.

Find It: Pier Road, Gillingham ME7 1TT. Open on weekends, then every day during the summer holidays. medway.gov.uk

Walpole Bay Tidal Pool

Built and opened in 1937 and now Grade II listed, this four acre tidal pool – thought to be the UK’s largest tidal pool – reaches depths of 6 foot in places, perfect for a refreshing swim. There are no toilets or lifeguards and the pool can get rough at high tide, so tread carefully. Situated right by popular Margate’s Old Town, embark on some post-swim explorations, or a stroll along the beach.

Find It: Walpole Bay, Hodges Gap, Margate CT9 2JN. visitthanet.co.uk

Bewl Water

For open water swimming fans, try Bewl Water, where you can enjoy natural recreational swimming, or improve your athletic performance with the help of experts if you so wish. Meanwhile, kids will have a blast at the summer Aqua Park, where an inflatable obstacle course takes over a portion of the lake. Elsewhere at Bewl, make a day of it with pedalos, paddle boarding, and plenty of scenic strolls.

Find It: Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, Wadhurst TN3 8JH. bewlwater.co.uk

 

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Walmer Paddling Pool

Got little ones you’re looking to make a splash with? Located by the beach, Walmer Paddling Pool is part of an adventure golf site – but is perfect for a cool off on a hot day. There’s also deck chairs for hire, hot snacks and ice cream.

Find It: Marine Road, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DN. walmeradventuregolf.co.uk

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The final of The British Schools Dinghy Association saw Royal Hospital School win in the final against Magdalen College.

Royal Hospital Wins the British Schools Dinghy Racing Competition

The final took place at Norfolk Broads Yacht Club, where over 40 teams from 12 schools competed.

Director of Sailing at Royal Hospital School, Ed Sibson said that their dedication to sailing and their training paid off.

Year 13 pupil, Thommie Grit who competed in the final said: ‘It was very satisfying to win the final race and secure the championship after a long two days of competition and especially in my final school sailing event. The whole team worked great together through the whole event.’

Royal Hospital Schools’ Giving Day

Royal Hospital School held its first Giving Day at the end of April, raising more than £101,747.

The day was held to support the Royal Hospital Schools’ Centennial Bursary Campaign, which aims to give 100 students bursaries by 2033. 

The day included a cycle to Greenwich and back, where participants cycled on static bikes during their given time slots, with a total of 436 miles being achieved overall.

The School Governor, Adam Kerr, took on the cycling challenge himself, cycling for a total of 12 hours.

Pupils and staff gave their pledges, with one of the pupils saying: ‘My Giving Day 2023 Pledge is to volunteer my time more to help those in need and to get involved in more charity work.’

Read more:

Berkhamsted Schools Celebrate the Coronation | The Awesome Book Awards 2023

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London’s Best Child-Friendly Swimming Pools

London Fields Lido, Hackney

Conclude your dog-filled stroll around London Fields with a dip in the lido, where a sun deck, sunbathing areas and outdoor, heated 50 metre pool awaits. The ‘free swim’ area is perfect for families, and lessons can be booked, too.

How Much? £5.70 for adults, £3.35 for children. Under 3s go free.

Find It: London Fields West Side, London E8 3EU. better.org.uk

 

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Park Road Pool, Crouch End

North Londoners can make the most of Park Road’s 50×23 metre pool – one of London’s largest lidos. If the sun doesn’t shine, never fear: there’s a large indoor pool to enjoy, too. As well as family swimming for fun, parents can take up special toddler swim classes, with autism friendly classes available, too.

How Much? Lido swims are £8 for adults and £4.10 for juniors, while indoor swims are £5.75 for adults and £2.40 for juniors.

Find It: Park Road, London N8 8JN. fusion-lifestyle.com

London Aquatics Centre, Stratford

We know very well that the sun doesn’t shine year-round in London – but that doesn’t stop us swimming. For an indoor, child-friendly pool, head to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, where London Aquatics Centre is ready and waiting with its child-friendly pool. Or take it up a notch by booking one of the Aqua Splash sessions (which run regularly on weekends and during school holidays), where adults and children can tackle an inflatable obstacle course for a day of splashy fun. Originally the home of the London 2012 Olympics swimming events, you can entertain the kids (and yourself) with some sporting trivia while you’re there, and marvel over the fact that, oh yes, the games took place over a decade ago.

How Much? Adults are £7.85 and children are £5.70 for regular swimming (under 3s go free), and adults are £11 and children are £8 for Aqua Splash (suitable for competent swimmers aged 8+).

Find It: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 2AQ. londonaquaticscentre.org

 

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Hampton Pool, Hampton

Over in south west London’s Bushy Park, this outdoor heated swimming pool is open year round, with changing facilities and a special shallow pool for teaching toddlers and babies. Plus, with a spacious grassy area, relax in the sun with a picnic (or grab some tasty treats at the Sun Deck Café), or have a post-swim kick about. If you live in the area, you can sign your children up for swimming lessons, too. Opening times change weekly, so make sure you check the website before you rock up in your goggles and cozzy.

How Much? £8.75 for adults, £6 for children (aged 3–15 years)

Find It: High Street, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 2ST. hamptonpool.co.uk

Serpentine Lido, Hyde Park

Maybe one for the less fearful kids out there: haul the family to Hyde Park to paddle in Serpentine Lido’s gated family area, where a paddling pool, play area and sun loungers await. Open June to September, brace yourself: the water is very cold (you’ll probably be considerably warmer on those loungers), and you may share the water with the Royal Park’s resident waterfowl.

How Much? Adult tickets from £2 and children from £1.50.

Find It: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH. royalparks.org.uk

 

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Leyton Leisure Centre, Leyton

Another indoor option, Leyton Leisure centre is home to a spacious teaching pool for swimming lessons, perfect for beginners. You can really inject some excitement into your swimming outing, however, by paying a visit to the Leyton Leisure Lagoon where you’ll find a 25 metre pool, a water flume and an aqua play area. Better still, residents of Waltham Forest aged under 18 can swim for free during school holidays with a junior membership.

How Much? Adults from £5.25 and children from £2.85.

Find It: 763 High Road, Leyton, London E10 5AB. better.org.uk

Brockwell Lido, Brixton

Locally known as Brixton’s beach, art deco Brockwell Lido is an Olympic-sized swimming pool in Brockwell Park. A perfect child-friendly pool for summer (note: it is unheated), Brockwell Lido is accompanied by a modern cafe for post-swim snacks – or pre-swim fuel.

How Much? £8.50 for adults, £5 for children.

Find It: Brockwell Park, Dulwich Rd, London SE24 0PA. fusion-lifestyle.com

 

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Parliament Hill Lido, Hampstead

While the iconic Hampstead Ponds are less suitable for little ones, the sprawling Hampstead Heath is also home to Parliament Hill Lido, which welcomes children with open arms with its 60 metre long pool (that’s bigger than Olympic sized) and paddling pool. Though it’s open year-round, save this unheated pool for sunnier days – or kit out the kids with wetsuits.

How Much? Adults from £4.50 and children from £1.40.

Find It: Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Road, London NW5 1LT. parliamenthilllido.org

Charlton Lido, Woolwich

Another park-based, child-friendly swimming pool, Charlton Lido is nestled in Hornfair Park, perfect for a post- or pre-swim stroll (or play in the playground, or a splash in the paddling pool in the summer). The outdoor, heated pool is Olympic sized, and is split in half to allow for fitness swimming and leisure splashing.

How Much? £11.60 for adults and £11.50 for children aged 3-16.

Find It: Hornfair Park, Shooters Hill Road, London SE18 4LX. better.org.uk

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The Ultimate Boutique Festivals Calendar

Click on the month to skip ahead

• April: Cheltenham Jazz Festival
• May: Elderflower Fields, The English Riviera Food and Music Festival
• June: Hampton Court Palace Festival, The Grange Festival, Iford Manor Jazz Festival
• July: Henley Festival, Jupiter Rising, Bluedott Festival, Truck Festival, Summer Camp By The Good Life Society
• August: Wilderness, Boomtown, Houghton Festival, Big Feastival

The Best Small & Luxury Boutique Festivals 2023

Cheltenham Jazz Festival

When? 26 April–1 May 2023

Where? Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham

What? One of Europe’s largest jazz festivals is returning to Cheltenham this May Bank Holiday, featring world premiers, brand new commissions, exclusive collaborations and one-off shows alongside a series of free performances at venues across the pretty town centre. Superstar vocalist Gregory Porter is the Artistic Curator for 2023, handpicking a selection of artists to perform alongside his own headline show. Expect also to hear from Damian Lewis, Laura Mvula, Gregory Porter, Will Young, MIKA, Squeeze, Tony Hadley, Van Morrison and Rufus Wainwright, alongside many more.

BOOK IT: cheltenhamfestivals.com

Elderflower Fields

When? 26–29 May 2023

Where? Ashdown Forest, Sussex

What? One of the most family-friendly boutique festivals, this Sussex-based extravaganza is designed especially with children in mind. With music, sports, nature and art, this lush festival features hot showers and a woodland spa, set in beautiful Sussex countryside.

BOOK IT: Adult weekend tickets from £159.83. elderflowerfields.co.uk

The English Riviera Food and Music Festival

When? 26–29 May 2023

Where? Torre Abbey Meadows, Torbay, Devon

What? New for 2023, The English Riviera Food and Music Festival will celebrate the best of the Southwest, across food, music and culture. Expect an eclectic mix of tasty dishes and high-quality local produce at the daily food market, talented chefs cooking up a storm live on stage, performances and interactive activities designed especially for kids and families, and a stellar mainstage lineup featuring the likes of Scouting For Girls and Rebecca Ferugson. All with a stunning beachy backdrop to boot.

BOOK IT: Exclusive pre-sale tickets start from £27.25 and exclusive pre-sale family tickets (2 adults + 2 children) £64.50. rivierafoodmusicfest.co.uk

KITE

When? 9–11 June 2023

Where? Kirtlington Park, Oxfordshire

What? This festival of ideas and music is set across seven stages at the idyllic Grade I listed Palladian house in Kirtlington Park overlooking the Chiltern Hills near Oxford. Now in its second year, expect a mixture of literature, music, politics, art, culture and comedy, with music from Pretenders, Chrissie Hynde and Hot Chip, and debates and talks from the likes of Adam Kay, Munroe Bergdorf, Elizabeth Day, and chief interviewer at The Sunday Times Decca Aitkinhead in conversation with Dame Joan Collins.

BOOK IT: Day tickets from £59, weekend tickets from £145 and camping tickets from £154. kitefestival.co.uk

Hampton Court Palace Festival

When? Throughout June

Where? Hampton Court Palace, Richmond-upon-Thames

What? Boutique festivals don’t get much better than this. Artists perform to a beautiful backdrop in Henry VIII’s open-air Base Court for an intimate audience of 3,000 at what is sure to be one of the summer’s biggest celebrations. This year’s line-up includes race Jones, Kaiser Chiefs, Björn Again and Rick Astley, with more to still be announced. It’s also the perfect festival if a picnic on the lawn pre-show is on your check-list. We’re very much in.

BOOK IT: hamptoncourtpalacefestival.com

The Grange Festival

When: Throughout June

Where? Hampshire

What? The Grange Festival is an event series dedicated to performing world-class opera in the heart of Hampshire. Located in a modern opera house, tucked away in the orangerie of the neo-classical ruined The Grange, head here if classical music is your thing, and be pleased by the added benefit of rolling parkland, the beautiful main house, and delicious delicious sparkling wine grown on site.

BOOK IT: thegrangefestival.co.uk

Iford Manor Jazz Festival

When? 29 June–2 July 2023

Where? Bradford-on-Avon

What? One of the country’s most beautiful, historic venues, Iford Manor launched a new jazz festival a few years ago. Curated by multi-award-winning jazz vocalist, Claire Martin OBE, the programme is filled with acclaimed jazz artists from all over the world, alongside rising stars. Expect performances from the likes of Ray Gelato and The Giants, alongside a whole host of food and drink offerings including a champagne bar and an open fire Argentinian asado.

BOOK IT: ilfordmanor.co.uk

Henley Festival

Henley Festival

When? 5–9 July 2023

Where? Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

What? We’re always first in line for tickets to the country’s only black-tie music festival. The music line-up is always stellar, and this year is no different, with Rag’n’Bone Man, Westlife and Nile Rodgers & CHIC all on the cards. You can also expect comedy from the likes of Marcus Brigstocke, Jo Brand, Chris McCausland and Adam Kay – and, if it’s festival food that gets you excited, you won’t find a better culinary line-up than this one on the banks of the River Thames.

BOOK IT: henley-festival.co.uk

Fancy learning more? Learn all about Henley Festival from Jo Bausor, who’s been at the helm for over a decade, in episode #120 of Break Out Culture

Jupiter Rising

When? 14–16 July 2023

Where? Jupiter Artland, near Wilkieston, West Lothian

What? How does one make a boutique festival even more atmospheric? Host it in a stately home. Jupiter Rising is Edinburgh’s newest boutique music and art festival; Jupiter Artland, found just outside of Edinburgh, is a sculpture park full of grand art installations and sculptures. The line-up is varied and features some lesser-known artists which only adds to the unique, boutique-feel Jupiter Rising promises.

BOOK IT: jupiterrising.art

Bluedot Festival

When? 20–23 July 2023

Where? Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire

What? This spacey celebration at Jordell Bank, Cheshire is a science-lovers dream. This fun fusion of music, science and the exploration of space takes place at the iconic observatory. The 2023 line-up includes headliners Grace Jones, Young Fathers, Roisin Murphy, Leftfield, and Pavement in their only show of 2023.

BOOK IT: discoverthebluedot.com

Truck Festival

When? 21–23 July 2023

Where? Hill Farm, Oxfordshire

What? This small, independent, family-friendly music festival takes place on Hill Farm in Oxfordshire. The 2023 line up stars Two Door Cinema Club, alt-j, Royal Blood, The Wombats and The Vaccines, alongside many others and an excellent food offering.

BOOK IT: Weekend camping tickets from £140. truckfestival.com

Summer Camp By The Good Life Society

When? Throughout July

Where? Hawarden, Wales

What? Over in the glorious, unusual and historic setting of the Hawarden Estate against the backdrop of two castles, The Good Life Society is back with Summer Camp, a series of micro festivals set in the estate’s Walled Garden, taking place over four weekends in July. Stepping back from larger-scale events following the pandemic, micro really does mean micro: there will be space for only 125 guests at each weekend, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere bolstered by guided foraging walks, wild swimming and self-improvement workshops.

BOOK IT: thegoodlifesociety.co.uk

Wilderness

When? 3–6 August 2023

Where? Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire

What? Expect big names in music and culture plus great food served banquet-style to accommodate chats with like-minded festival-goers; this Oxfordshire (relative) stalwart is always a favourite. With wellbeing workshops and boutique camping, there’s no need to feel wild as you reacquaint yourself with nature at Wilderness. This year’s line-up includes Underworld, Years & Years and Peggy Gou on the music side, plus chefs including Skye Gyngell, Adam Handling and Robin Gill.

BOOK IT wildernessfestival.com

Boomtown 2017, photo by Sam Neill

Boomtown

When? 9–13 August 2023

Where? Matterley Estate, Hampshire

What? As boutique festivals go, Boomtown is certainly one most highly anticipated. This multifaceted music and theatrical event is hosted at the Matterley Estate, Winchester, and previous years have featured the likes of Lauryn Hill, Prophets of Rage and The Streets. Boomtown puts equal importance on stage design and theatrical storylines, with the ‘city’ split into nine unique districts.

BOOK IT: boomtownfair.co.uk

Houghton Festival

When? 10–13 August 2023

Where? Norfolk

What? This Norfolk fest has a licence that permits music from dusk to dawn, with ‘spontaneous’ back-to-back sets, award-winning DJs and a stellar music line-up. Set amongst dense woodland with an abandoned woodland and a picturesque lake, Houghton, curated by DJ Craig Richards, is becoming one of the most exciting prospects on the festival calendar.

BOOK IT: Tickets on sale 3 February 2023. houghto­­nfestival.co.uk

Big Feastival

When? 25–27 August 2023

Where? Kingham, Cotswolds

What? Held on founder and Blur star Alex James’ farm in Kingham, the Big Feastival is a music/food festival with plenty on offer for everyone. With festival fun for all the family, little ones can enjoy the Little Dudes’ Den, pop along to the Farm Park and enjoy entertainment from children’s TV favourites. Anne-Marie, The Human League and Stereophonics are headlining this year.

BOOK IT: thebigfeastival.com

Featured image: Big Feastival

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© Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The Princess was welcomed into the museum, which is nearing the end of a three-year refurbishment period, by V&A Chairman Sir Nicholas Coleridge, V&A Director Dr Tristram Hunt, Young V&A Director Dr Helen Charman, and the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, before being given a tour of the building by Dr Hunt and Dr Philippa Simpson, the V&A’s Director of Design, Estate and Public Programme, and schoolchildren from Globe Primary School, who played a key role in the creation of Young V&A. With all of the most important features (which you can read more about below) being pointed out by V&A staff and children, Kate experienced first-hand the brand new spaces. Plus, at the end of the tour, she was presented with three gift bags to take home to her children by local children, Percy and Zeo.

‘Young V&A is the UK’s first and only free museum designed with and for children, families, and young people,’ says Dr Hunt. ‘We’ve created a new space dedicated to the way that children play and learn, to support them as they grow, and it was wonderful to share the project with The Princess of Wales, given her personal commitment to promoting the importance of investing in children’s early years.’

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London

© Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Everything You Need To Know About The New Young V&A

Situated in East London’s Bethnal Green, the Young V&A is a major new national museum and cultural destination designed specifically for young people aged 0–14 years old. Formerly the V&A Museum of Childhood, the new space hopes to inspire the next generation of young artists, performers and practitioners, and visitors can expect a combination of interactive spaces and playscapes alongside galleries and exhibitions.

The Town Square at Young V&A. Image by Picture Plane © Victoria and Albert Museum London

‘Young V&A is a clarion call for the vital importance of creativity in children and young people’s lives,’ said Dr Helen Charman, Director of Young V&A, upon the reopening news. ‘We want Young V&A to inspire young people and families with the creative ingenuity of art, performance, and design, to empower educators from early years workers to teachers, parents, and carers to promote creativity, and to influence child-centred museum practice across the sector. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Young V&A this July.’

‘Children and young people have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and its aftermath, alongside the dramatic fall in creative education in schools,’ added Dr Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A. ‘Young V&A is our response: a flagship project investing in creativity with and for young people and their futures. We are using our stunning collection of art, design and performance to open the nation’s favourite design club for all children and young people. 

‘In new galleries and exhibitions, from early years spaces to teenage games design rooms, our plan is to foster Britain’s next generation of artists, thinkers, makers, innovators, and entrepreneurs,’ Dr Hunt added.

When Will The Young V&A Open?

The Young V&A will open on 1 July 2023, with the first exhibition scheduled to open on 14 October 2023. This exhibition will be Japan: Myths to Manga, showcasing Studio Ghibli, Pokémon, manga-inspired fashion and more, transporting visitors on a journey through Japanese history to explore how landscape and folklore have influenced popular culture, technology, and design.

The Young V&A’s first exhibition, Japan: Myths to Manga, will feature content from Studio Ghibli. (Image: My Neighbour Totoro © 1988 Studio Ghibli, cropped)

What Can Visitors Expect To See At The Young V&A?

The Young V&A is all about hands-on creative experiences. Alongside over 2,000 highlights from the V&A’s art, design, and performance collections – from Hokusai to Keith Haring, Micro Scooter to Minecraft and Superheroes to the Surrealists – visitors can expect to see, experience and enjoy:

• Three galleries shaped around ‘Play’, ‘Imagine’ and ‘Design’
• Topical contemporary displays and exhibitions
• Sensory playscapes
• A finger skateboard park
• A sandpit
• An ‘Imagination Playground’ construction zone
• Colourful and tactile sensory landscapes for infants and toddlers
• A performance and storytelling stage designed for early readers and writers
• An open design studio where children can learn from leading designers
• A games design space for teens
• Three workshop spaces dedicated to learning
• A reading room with a year-round programme of learning and education, ranging from early years sessions to curriculum based learning to after school and holiday activities.

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Designed collaboratively with children and rooted in the latest research into early years’ development, the Young V&A will be a haven for young minds, shaped around their interests to encourage playful learning, build skills and creative confidence, spark imagination and foster creative agency.

Plus, on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 July, a special Summer Festival will take place, with fun-filled activities and performances by young talent including Britain’s Got Talent finalists, IMD Dance.

What Will Be In The Galleries?

New details as to what will be housed in the Young V&A’s galleries have also been announced. For one, in the Play Gallery, visitors can experience an interactive Minecraft installation. Beginning in a recreation of Young V&A’s Town Square, the installation will take visitors on a digital journey across real and imaginary worlds created by Minecraft players across the globe.

Elsewhere, see murals by street artist Mark Malarko – known for his cartoon-like characters and vibrant street art in cities around the world from London to Athens, Barcelona, and Berlin – inspired by creative workshops with children at the nearby Weavers Adventure Playground.

Over in the Design Gallery, there will be 1913 prints designed by The Suffrage Atelier demanding equality for women, displayed to illustrate to youngsters how design can change the world. Likewise, there will be artwork from the XR Families Group and by Greta Thunberg, showcased to help children see how environmental concerns can be expressed through arts and crafts.

Visitors will also see This Is Me, a display of new portraits by photographer Rehan Jamil capturing young people expressing what creativity means to them, set alongside self-portraits by leading creatives from Chila Kumari Singh Burman to Quentin Blake, Kenneth Branagh, Dapo Adeola, and Linda McCartney.

The results of Raspberry Pi’ Coolest Projects competition, for which young people devised new tech solutions, will also be displayed, including 11-year-old  Sashrika Das’ gas leak detector and 14-year-old Chinmayi Ramasubramanian’s EleVoc 2022 human-elephant conflict device.

On news of the reopening, actor and writer Dame Emma Thompson said: ‘I’m delighted to know that Young V&A – our first national museum created with and for children – will be opening soon. It will make its thrilling and essential contribution to our young people, whose access to arts, culture, and design opportunities, both in school and out, has been so impoverished by decades of underfunding. For kids, this will be a space of collective fun, cultural enrichment, and wonder, and it’s designed specifically for them, which makes it incredibly special.’

Rushanara Ali, MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, added: ‘Young V&A is an incredibly special museum. As a major new destination for children and young people and their grown-ups, it exists to inspire young people to find their creative superpowers, and as a space for people to come together in Bethnal Green. 

‘Based in the East End of London, our area is known for its diversity, dynamism, creativity, and extraordinary history,’ Ali added. ‘Young V&A will help provide opportunities for children and young people both in my constituency and around the country by creating a fantastic new museum and cultural space for London and the UK.’

DISCOVER: vam.ac.uk

Featured image: View across the Town Square. Image by Picture Plane © Victoria and Albert Museum London.

The post Kate Middleton Opens The Brand New Young V&A appeared first on Country and Town House.

Rare Birds Founders, Clem and Kerry

In the UK, one in seven people are neurodivergent, and 73% of neurodivergent people use clothes to help regulate their senses.

A ‘Find your Fabric’ pack is available which will help people with sensory needs to feel the texture of clothing before ordering them online. 

Rare Birds sweatshirts designed to meet the needs of neurodivergent people

All Rare Birds items have no labels, soft seams, deep pockets, wide necks and elastic waist bands. 

Added features include thumb holes in the hoodies and kid’s hoodies have a magnetic zip for easy wear.

The material used is made from ThermoSoft which is very comfortable on skin.

Lyla wearing Rare Birds clothing

Rare Birds have creatively labelled their product colours – ‘positive orange’, ‘simplicity white’ and ‘essentials black’. Colours play an important role with people who are neurodivergent and labelling them can help create a positive attachment to clothes.

Their commitment to supporting those who are neurodivergent doesn’t stop there, they are partnering with the National Autistic Society which means £2 of each sale will go to the charity.

Founder of Rare Birds, Clementine Schouteden, said: ‘We believe that every person, regardless of their neurotype, deserves to express themselves and celebrate their extraordinary potential.’

Rare Birds neurodivergent clothing

Corporate Partnership Manager at the National Autistic Society, Gary Richardson, added: ‘We greatly appreciate their dedication to understanding and catering to this community by developing products specifically designed to support them. This will continue our work in raising awareness and acceptance in supporting autistic people within communities; creating better understanding and connections between us all.’

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The Best London Park Cafés

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, Hyde Park

This Benugo-run restaurant overlooks one of London’s most famous lakes, the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Housed within Patrick Gwynne’s iconic building, visitors can enjoy everything from breakfast to wood-fired pizzas to salads, while enjoying glorious lake views. Afterwards, spend the afternoon bobbing around the water on a pedalo. benugo.com

Colicci, St James’ Park

A more recent addition to St James’ Park is a café headed up by artisan family brand Colicci. It serves up a health-focused menu of acai bowls, smoothies and salads, made using locally sourced ingredients. colicci.co.uk

Springfield Park Café, Springfield Park

Set across 40 acres of parkland in Upper Clapton, Springfield Park Café is housed within a Grade-II listed building known by locals as The White Lodge Mansion. It was opened in 2003 with the aim of establishing a friendly place for the community, and this sense of warmth and homeliness remains today. Food ranges from breakfasts to paninis to hot salads, with both outdoor and indoor seating available. springfieldparkcafe.co.uk

Pear Tree Café, Battersea Park

The charming Pear Tree Café was opened back in 2016 by Annabel Partridge and Will Burrett, both former chefs at Petersham Nurseries and Skye Gyngell’s Spring restaurant. This culinary expertise is reflected in the menu, which offers a selection of brunch, lunch and evening dishes. Breakfast options include everything from acai bowls to chorizo and halloumi bagels; for lunch and dinner it’s dishes like chickpea pancakes, burgers and salads. peartreecafe.co.uk

Chiswick House Café

The award-winning Caruso St John-designed Chiswick House Café overlooks the rolling grounds of Lord Burlington’s spectacular 18th century Palladian villa. From here you can choose from a selection of sandwiches, soups, pizzas and jacket potatoes, with a dedicated children’s menu available. chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

Petersham Nurseries Café, Richmond Park

On the north-west corner of Richmond Park you’ll find Petersham Nurseries Café, set within a sun-drenched glasshouse in the idyllic Petersham House. It’s more of a restaurant than a café, serving seasonal, Italian-inspired food surrounded by a cornucopia of plants, flowers and foliage. For something more relaxed, opt for The Teahouse, a rustic no-reservations spot offering hearty homemade cakes, whole leaf teas and statement salads. petershamnurseries.com

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The Best Children’s Afternoon Teas in London 2023

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Interview: Catherine Ritman-Smith On Learning At The Young V&A

Young V&A’s free Summer Festival will take place on 8th and 9th July

How will a visit to the Young V&A enrich a child’s learning?

The museum has focussed on creating physical and social opportunities for children. 

Catherine said: ‘In our play gallery we have some giant building blocks, called the Imagination Playground, and it will give children challenges. They will need to work in teams, communicate with each other and collaborate.’ 

Engagement with objects is a different method of learning and one that children respond to. It has been created to complement teaching in the classroom.

The museum has around 2,000 objects on display, all of which provide a enriched way of learning.

They also offer a handling collection, where children can get hands on with creativity and historic items. 

What items have been highlighted to look out for?

In the Imagine gallery there is an area called Adventure. Here you can find a quarter of the museum’s objects, which are there to inspire the children. For example, the War Horse puppet from Michael Morpurgo’s story adapted for the National Theatre.

Puppet from the National Theatre’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s War Horse (Given by Handspring Puppet Company © Jamie Stoker courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum, London)

Located on the top floor is the design gallery, which has been created with 10-14 year olds in mind. The Hero Arm is featured in this area- a technological design and a medical aid for people with limb difference. Demonstrating to children that objects can be designed to meet human needs and solve problems. 

Why was Japan: Myths to Manga chosen as the first exhibition?

‘We are very aware that children’s lives are now very global in perspective, we know that Japanese culture is quite distinctive in the way it celebrates childhood and resonates with young people.’

Many children have been influenced by the word ‘Manga’ and taken an interest in Japanese culture and anime. 

The exhibition explores different landscapes, stories and myths in culture. 

The first exhibition will be Myths of Manga (Image: My Neighbour Totoro. © 1988 Studio Ghibli)

How long will this exhibition be open for?

It opens on October 14 and will close August 2024.

Why are the galleries named Imagine, Play and Design?

‘We wanted to do something very inclusive and child-centered with the whole of the V&A’s collection. As a museum our specialism is in art, design and performance so those are the collections we have built through the history of the museum. We felt that there was an opportunity for us to deliver something very significant to children’s lives by thinking about how they might engage with those subject matters.’ 

Playing is how many artists and designers come up with their creations. It’s important for children, likewise, to play with ideas and feel free to express themselves through play. The play gallery demonstrates the importance of play in children’s lives and as building block of creativity.

The Imagine gallery is about coming up with ideas, teaching children that you can perform these ideas.

Design is about empowering children and connecting with the real world. Children can solve problems through design and express their inner creativity.

Will there be any workshops in the future? 

Yes! The Young V&A has an expert learning team and in the future they will offer workshops for Early Years all the way up to Key Stage 3. 

These workshops will be related to the Art, Design, Technology, Drama and Literacy curriculum.

Will there be collaboration opportunities for schools?

Absolutely!

‘Collaboration has been at the heart of this museum. It has been so rewarding to us, to work with professionals so closely and with our target audiences and parents/carers.’

The Ursuline Academy Ilford were involved in co-creation with the curatorial team. It helped the team ensure the piece would be engaging for their target audience but also allowed the children to work with curators and get an understanding of the process. 

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How To Celebrate Father’s Day In London 2023

Feast On An Exclusive Father’s Day Menu

Ochre restaurant in The National Gallery

To mark this notable occasion, restaurants across the capital have created exclusive Father’s Day menus. Enjoy a special set menu and a complimentary cocktail at Ochre (an elegant eatery tucked away inside The National Gallery), or head to The Colony Grill Room in The Beaumont Hotel in Mayfair for an incredible three-course meal curated by Head Chef Ben Boeynaems. 

For an Indian banquet like no other, try out the nine-dish Father’s Day sharing menu at Cinnamon Kitchen City, or opt for the one-off menu at The Cinnamon Club, which includes a seasonal cocktail on arrival. 

For more tipples, why not sample Meat & Wine Co.’s bespoke whisky pairing menu, which includes a variety of tasty meat skewers alongside delicious whisky cocktails; or take a trip to LPM Restaurant and Bar in Mayfair, where dads can enjoy a free, limited-edition cocktail.

Treat Dad To A Whisky-Themed Getaway

Go all out with the ultra-extravagant Whisky Lovers package from Glenfiddich and The Londoner hotel. A booking covers two people and includes a one-night stay in a luxurious corner suite at The Londoner, dinner at Whitcomb’s restaurant, a dram of Glenfiddich 50 Year Old Simultaneous Time (to taste in The Londoner’s exclusive Whisky Room) and an incredible all-expenses-paid trip to The Glenfiddich Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Available for booking directly through The Londoner until 31 August 2023. Distillery trips available until September. thelondoner.com

Tuck Into An Extra-Special Sunday Roast

Sometimes you just can’t beat a classic – so why not treat dad to a good old-fashioned roast dinner? Enjoy live music, limited edition whisky cocktails and the all-important roast at M Canary Wharf (plus a mini bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label to take home), or check out The Chelsea Pig for a standout Sunday menu in an elegant yet laidback London location. Berners Tavern in Fitzrovia is launching its brand new roast menu in celebration of Father’s Day – with a Bloody Mary drinks trolley available too – while at Pivot Bar & Bistro, a Sunday Roast booking will get you a complimentary smoked old-fashioned cocktail and whiskey truffles.

Indulge In An Irish Whisky Tasting

If you’re looking to book a whisky tasting, head to The Umbrella Workshop in Shoreditch, where you can sample five different Irish whiskies and learn all about the tradition of Irish distilling. You’ll be greeted with a cocktail on arrival, and you can even keep the party going after the tasting session by decamping to the tasting room’s two sister bars, The Sun Tavern or Discount Suit Company. theumbrellaproject.co.uk

Enjoy Board Games at Treehouse Hotel 

Image credit: Unsplash

Head up to The Nest, the rooftop bar and terrace at Treehouse Hotel in Marylebone, for an array of delicious drinks and nibbles – and a selection of board games. From backgammon to chess, you can challenge dad to a friendly (or ruthlessly competitive) game. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day. treehousehotels.com

Experience An Immersive Exhibition At Harrods

Image credit: Ben Broomfield

Get your culture fix at Glenfiddich’s Tokyo After Dark installation in Harrods. Created in collaboration with Japanese-inspired ceramicist King Houndekpinkou, this immersive exhibition celebrates the vibrant beauty of urban nightlife in Japan. It also marks the launch of the limited-edition Glenfiddich 29 Year Old Grand Yozakura – the first single malt Scotch whisky finished in rare ex-Awamori casks – and, to celebrate, Baccarat Bar will be serving up a selection of Glenfiddich cocktails. What more could any father ask for? Open throughout June. glenfiddich.com

Featured image: Pexels

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