Magic, Museums & Monopoly

Who says London’s West End is just for theatre buffs and grown-ups in glittery shoes? With the October half-term looming, Bloomsbury and its surrounds are practically sparkling with family-friendly mischief. Start with a dash of wizardry - King’s Cross is just around the corner, complete with the legendary Platform 9 ¾ (yes, the trolley really is halfway through the wall, and yes, you will want the photo). From nearby Euston, you can whisk the family off to the Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour for a spellbinding day out: butterbeer optional, but squeals of delight guaranteed.

Back in Bloomsbury, the fun keeps rolling (quite literally) with Lifesized Monopoly near Goodge Street. Here, the whole family can clamber over a giant board, building houses, dodging jail, and finally proving once and for all who’s the sneakiest property mogul in the family. If you’re in the mood for something more scholarly (but no less exciting), the British Museum and the British Library are both a stroll away. Budding Indiana Jones types will be thrilled by the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology - think mummies, ancient amulets, and just enough intrigue to fuel playground bragging rights.

For thrill-seekers with a head for heights, a quick hop east takes you to Zip World London at the ArcelorMittal Orbit. Imagine soaring above Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with the city spread out beneath you - it’s London sightseeing with an adrenaline kick! And if all of that globe-trotting, spell-casting, and zip-lining hasn’t exhausted you, St Pancras International is right next door, ready to whisk you off to Paris for croissants (though we won’t blame you if you stick to Bloomsbury).

And where better to base your half-term adventure than The Goodenough Hotel? Tucked in the heart of Bloomsbury, it’s a calm, elegant haven just minutes from all this family fun. Spacious, comfortable, and child-friendly, it’s the perfect pit stop between magical train platforms, museum treasures, and Monopoly showdowns. This half-term, let London’s liveliest corner be your family’s playground - and let The Goodenough be your home away from home.