Morning, London! Happy Thursday! 🍂 November’s here with its classic mix of drizzle, chilly breezes, and pre-holiday buzz—along with trees showing off their best autumn colours. Guy Fawkes Night may have lit up the skies, but now it's up to Regent Street's lights and the rest of London to keep our city glowing. Sure, December will steal the spotlight soon enough, but November has its own cosy charm—filled with autumn strolls, family-friendly outings, and the calm before the holiday rush. Yes, London gets dark and cold, but there's plenty to keep us busy, so put on a jacket and go explore!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• 🧀 London Bites: Short pieces that caught our eye

• 🌸 Little Reflections: Remembrance Day for kids

• 🌉 Blast from the Past: The iconic London Bridge

• 📅 Readers’ Favourite: Family events this week

• 🧠 Casual Einstein: Two cool facts to impress

But first, the weather—the perfect conversation starter for when you lock eyes with that neighbour who hears every morning meltdown and you both just awkwardly nod.

LONDON BITES

Short pieces that caught our eye

🧀 Man arrested after high-value cheese theft. Last week we reported on the daring cheddar heist at Neal’s Yard Dairy, where 22 tonnes of posh cheese were whisked away by fraudsters posing as a legitimate wholesaler. Good news on that front: the police have now arrested a 63-year-old man. Fingers crossed, this mystery gets wrapped up soon! Full read

🧁 4-Year-Old Girl Inspires Children's Book on Living with Allergies. Four-year-old Willow with severe allergies to milk, eggs, soya, and wheat, has inspired family friend and author Sylvia Buck to create Willow Come to Tea?, a children’s book that explains food allergies in playful rhymes. Full read

✈️ Can cheaper holidays keep kids in class? Teachers say more students are missing school for family trips. Schools only permit term-time holidays in special cases, and parents who break the rules may face fines. The ASCL is urging the government to address holiday price hikes, but travel companies argue it's simply supply and demand. Full read

LITTLE REFLECTIONS

Remembrance Day for Kids

With Remembrance Day coming up this Sunday, we thought it might be helpful to share a simple way to explain its meaning to your kids, especially since they'll likely notice the poppy everywhere.

Remembrance Day is a special day in the UK when people think about all the soldiers and others who were affected by wars. Many people wear a red poppy because these flowers grew on the battlefields after World War I, making them a symbol of remembrance and hope. The poppy helps us remember those who served to protect their country, especially those who didn’t make it home, even though we may not know their names or stories.

So Remembrance Day is not just about remembering sad things but also about hoping for a peaceful future. The poppy reminds us both of the bravery of those who served and the importance of working together to make the world a kinder place.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

The Legacy of Old London Bridge

I recently came across this incredible illustration of the old London Bridge, and I couldn't help but share it!

Can you believe this iconic structure stood for over 600 years? Completed in 1209, it was Europe's longest inhabited bridge, bustling with houses and shops lining both sides. Imagine the sounds of merchants, craftsmen, and the constant stream of foot and horse traffic—a true marketplace on the river.

The bridge faced damage from several fires, including a big one in 1633, and by the 1960s, it was deemed inadequate for modern needs, closing in 1967.

So yes, some of you may have crossed it back then! If you have, please reach out!

When you next visit the current London Bridge, consider sharing this story with your kids. They might be surprised to learn the bridge was once more than just a crossing—it was a lively, historic hub that reminds us how London’s streets have always thrived with character.

It might sound silly, but stories like these make me appreciate London even more. Even if many spots have changed, we can all agree—London can still transport us back hundreds of years in an instant, if we let it.

Watch a 7-min documentary here.

WHAT’S ON?

What’s happening in London?

With Halloween and Bonfire Night dominating the past few weeks, here’s a fresh lineup of events happening this week. Christmas events are on the horizon, kicking off in late November. We’ve included a few early highlights below for those who like to plan ahead but we’ll dive into full Christmas coverage starting next week, including the best Santa’s Grottos.

By the way, if you’d like me to tackle this section differently, feel free to reach out anytime!

🎄 Christmas Lights in Central London
Date: Ongoing
The Oxford Street lights were switched on this past Tuesday, while Regent Street and Carnaby Street are set to glow with festive lights starting today. Covent Garden and Bloomsbury will follow on Nov 12th, with Marylebone Village and Old Spitalfields Market joining in on Nov 13th.
Age: All | Price: Free

🐧 The Penguin Parade @ Fleet Street Quarter
Date & Location: Ongoing, Fleet Street
A winter sculpture trail of a dozen penguins created in partnership with WWF and Wild in Art.
Age: All | Price: Free | Info

🎭 Awful Auntie @ New Wimbledon Theatre
Date & Location: Nov 7th - Nov 10th, Wimbledon
A fabulous new production of David Walliams’ amazing adventure, featuring a small ghost, a huge owl and a very awful Auntie!
Age: 5+ | Price: from £13 | Book

🎭 Dogs Don’t Do Ballet @ Little Angel Theatre
Date & Location: Nov 7th - Nov 16th, Islington
A hilarious tale of a small dog with big dreams, brought to life through puppetry and ballet.
Age: 3-8 years | Price: £13 | Book

📜 Guide to Parenting and Babysitting
Date & Location: Nov 7th, Blackfriars
A free event for anyone who works with or cares for children: parents, babysitters, teachers, nursery workers, and pediatricians.
Age: Family | Price: Free | Info

🌹 Poppy Fields @ Tower of London
Date: Nov 8th – Nov 16th
Special projections reflecting on the World Wars transform the Tower’s architecture. Includes after-hours access to the Crown Jewels.
Age: Family | Price: From £12.5 | Book

🎄 Winter Market @ South Bank Centre
Date & Location: Nov 7th - onwards, Southbank
Stroll along the Thames under twinkling lights and sample indulgent drinks and scrumptious street food from our traditional alpine-style chalets.
Age: Family | Price: Free | Info

⛸️ Glide at Battersea Power Station Ice Rink
Date & Location: Nov 8th – Jan 5th, Battersea
Skate around three interconnecting rinks with Thames views, twinkling lights, and a 30ft Christmas tree.
Age: All | Price: From £10.50 | Book

🎥 Kid’s Film Club @ Lea Bridge Library
Date & Location: Nov 8th, Leyton
A series of delightful films curated for young audiences, offering adventure, laughter, and life lessons—perfect for families!
Age: All | Price: Free | Info

🌹 Friday Froglets @ London Wetland Centre
Date & Location: Nov 8th (every Friday), Barnes
Play in nature, learn new songs and share stories, make nature crafts and finish with quiet time around a fire! Fun for children and adults alike.
Age: Family | Price: From £5 | Book

🎺 Lord Mayor’s Show and Parade
Date & Location: Nov 9th, Bank
Celebrate the new Lord Mayor’s role with marching bands, bells, and the famous golden coach.
Age: Family | Price: Free | Info

🎨 Kid’s Craft @ Leyton Library
Date & Location: Nov 9th, Leyton
Creative projects for kids, often inspired by current celebrations and important dates.
Age: 3+ | Price: Free | Info

🕺 Fly-kid Family Rave
Date & Location: Nov 9th, Brixton
Fly-Kid is the hip-hop, RnB, soul, and pop party for London's coolest kids and grown-ups from Supa Dupa Fly creators.
Age: Everyone | Price: £27 for a family | Book

🍣 Sticks ‘n’ Sushi Kids Masterclass
Date & Location: Nov 9th, 16th, 24th, Islington
Kids aged 8-12 learn to make sushi and other fun dishes in this interactive masterclass.
Age: 8-12 | Price: £40 | Book

🎥 Wallace & Gromit: Family Film Club
Date & Location: Nov 9th, Barbican
Enjoy A Grand Day Out as Wallace & Gromit head to the moon in search of cheese!
Age: Family | Price: From £2.50 | Book

🎨 Saturday Art @ Inky Pathways
Date & Location: Nov 9th, Kingston
These Saturday Art Workshops inspire creativity in kids aged 6-16, letting them explore their artistic potential.
Age: 6-16 | Price: From £20 | Info

🐻 Storytime with Paddington @ Waterstones
Date & Location: Nov 10th, Piccadilly
Join Paddington for a special story time and photo opportunities with everyone’s favourite bear from Darkest Peru.
Age: All | Price: £5 | Info

⛸️ Skate @ Somerset House
Date & Location: Nov 13th onwards
Hailed as one of the capital’s favourite winter experiences, Skate at Somerset House signals the start of the festive period with unrivalled skating, contemporary music and tasty food and drink.
Age: Family | Price: From £12 | Book

🎄 Christmas @ Kew Gardens
Date & Location: Nov 13th onwards, Kew Gardens
As one of the UK’s leading and most acclaimed illuminated trails, Christmas at Kew is an unmissable opportunity to herald the start of Christmas or welcome in the New Year.
Age: All | Price: From £16 | Book

🎄 Christmas @ Blenheim Palace
Date & Location: Nov 15th onwards, Blenheim Palace
The magical Christmas light trail returns, featuring Neverland® in the Palace and The Great Skate.
Age: All | Price: From £40 | Info

Coming up later this month, open for booking:

🧞‍♂️ Aladdin @ Lyric Hammersmith
Date & Location: Nov 16th – Jan 5th, Hammersmith
Buckle up for a whirlwind ride above the streets of Hammersmith as Aladdin and Jasmine embark on a hilarious, high-flying adventure packed with magic, mayhem, and mischief.
Age: 6+ | Price: From £15 | Info

📖 South Ken Kids Festival
Date & Location: Nov 18th – Nov 24th, South Kensington
Celebrate children’s literature in all its glory with the 27th edition of the South Ken Kids Festival, a festival bursting with activities for the whole family. Children’s and young adult literature, comic books, novels, films and music.
Age: Everyone | Price: From £5 | Info

🎅 Magical Christmas @ Bocketts Farm
Date & Location: Nov 21st – Dec 24th, Fetcham
Hop on board the Santa Express to meet Father Christmas in his traditional workshop. Enjoy a Christmas trail, reindeer food, craft corner, and a giant snowglobe!
Age: Everyone | Price: £10-£45 | Info

🌳 Glow @ RHS Garden Wisley
Date & Location: Nov 22nd – Jan 5th, Woking
Enjoy an enchanting festive trail at these beautiful RHS gardens. Brand new route; Christmas stalls and festive music.
Age: Everyone | Price: from £11.75 | Book

🎬 The Enchanted Cinema @ Horniman
Date & Location: Nov 22nd – 24th, Dulwich
The Enchanted Cinema is coming to the Horniman! Use instruments, hands, and voices to help create the soundtrack to well-loved animated films, expertly guided by The Enchanted Cinema’s musicians.
Age: Everyone | Price: £6 | Info

🎄 A Christmas Journey @ Old Mac Donald’s
Date & Location: Nov 22nd – Dec 24th, Brentwood
Enjoy a roaming Santa, singing princesses, Christmas arts & crafts, a Christmas parade, train rides, and more festive activities.
Age: Everyone | Price: From £22 | Info

✨ Ashridge House Illuminated
Date & Location: Nov 29th – Jan 1st, Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire’s biggest Christmas light trail. Experience an enchanting evening with over 20 magical light displays.
Age: 6-16 | Price: From £12 | Info

Other events

🏫 The Independent Schools Show
Date & Location: Nov 8th - Nov 9th, Battersea
Meet leading London day schools, top UK boarding schools, schools catering for specialist needs and abilities, schools within commuting distance of the capital.
Age: Parents | Price: Free (booking required) | Book

🎄 Spirit of Christmas Fair
Date & Location: Nov 4th - Nov 10th, Kensington
Over 600 original, independent brands: Discover fashion, jewellery, Christmas decorations, toys, food & drink and more. Workshops.
Age: Everyone | Price: £23 | Book

Some of the usual on-going suspects:

🦖 Natural History Museum
Date & Location: Ongoing, South Kensington
It's a classic for a reason—nothing like a roaring T-Rex to give your kids a good scare.
Age: All ages | Price: Free (booking required) | Book

🚀 Ted’s Space Adventure @ Royal Observatory
Date & Location: Ongoing, Greenwich
A special live planetarium show with Ted – perfect for little astronauts.
Age: 3-7 years | Price: from £6 | Book

🐻 Paddington Bear Experience
Date & Location: Ongoing, London Eye
One of the latest hits on the London scene, bit expensive for the whole family but it’s getting rave reviews from everyone who visits. Meet Paddington Bear and his beloved Aunt Lucy!
Age: All ages | Price: from £44 | Book

CASUAL EINSTEIN

2 for 1: Outsmart your 3rd grader & out-fact the other parents

Here are two cool facts to help you sound like the smartest parent on the playground:

Fun Fact: Tigers have stripes on their skin. Yep, not just on their fur. So even if you shaved a tiger (not recommended), those iconic stripes would still be there.

London fact: London's famous fog from the old days wasn't really fog at all! It was called 'pea soup fog' because it was thick and green, but it was actually smoke from all the coal fires.

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