teenage neice visiting - where to go what to do!

[mrsparker]

i'm after ideas to entertain my thirteen (going on 21) year old niece over a weekend this summer. goes without staying that a shopping trip to oxford street (please god no!) will be expected, although i'm trying to convince her that somewhere with a bit more personality like brick lane would better but the lack of Holister might be a deal breaker.

was thinking brockwell lido if we queue early enough, burgers at meat liquor (if it's open by then ) and maybe the picture house for a film but ithat all sounds a bit tame? open air cinema would have been fun but there doesn't seem to be anything local or suitable for under 16's.

all suggestions welcome! she's bringing a friend so need to keep the costs down as much as possible and I'd like to do some local stuff as well as the big smoke.

[nunheadmum]

How familiar are they with London. I had 2 teenagers - first timers in London - from Scotland recently and they loved the Big Bus tour and just being around the big sights - we didn't really need to do that much other than walk around.

Although they probably want to go to Oxford Street, they'd probably enjoy being introduced to the cooler bits too like Angel/Islington and Brick Lane - I'm sure others can suggest more. The Southbank is possibly a good option too, even just to hang out. Depending on their interests, some of the museums may be of interest - you can get books of the more unknown museums around London which might be a bit more quirky and cool to teenagers.

[Crokes]

Theatre trip? check out kidsweek.co.uk for free tickets (if accompanied by an adult) during August.

The science museum - has a gaming exhibition this summer with video games through the years.

My teen nieces love a trip to Camden too (if oxford street isn't bad enough!).

[Jules-and-Boo]

I'll second Camden Market on a Sunday - fab for pottering around and even if they've been before they will love it. If they haven't - they'll spend a good few hours exploring...

It's less hectic than Town, but still busy - just 'differently busy'.

[mrsparker]

Brilliant, thanks all! Forgotten all about Camden so will be sure to suggest that! and Angel as she lived in Highbury as a little girl so she might find that fun.

She moved from London when she was about 5 but has been back since with her parents and school visits so has seen the more obvious sights like the Eye, Shard and some of the galleries and museums.

Top of her list are Lush, Hollister, A&F and Topshop so if she agrees to some 'alternative' activities i might give in to a Sunday shopping spree!

[Sharon N]

http://www.lbcsummerfestival.com/#!august/yfdif

This might interest her.

[Renata Hamvas]

Westfield @ Stratford (via overground and Jubilee Line, less stressful/packed than Oxford St)

Greenwich little shops and market (via train from PR/Nunhead to Lewisham and DLR to Cutty Sark)

Walking around the South Bank area there are often free things going on at Festival Hall etc which could be followed/preceded by lunch at Borough Market

Kaspa's at the Walworth Road or Catford for huge ice cream sundae/waffles

Covent Garden with Dim Sum in China Town.

Bold Tenancies/Frank's Cafe for music in the upper floors of the multi storey car park in Peckham. There are many smaller events there with affordable tickets that are family friendly and it's seen as a cool destination with great views!

Local music festivals/events, look at the Southwark Website and those of our neighbouring Boroughs.

I also think Camden is a good one.

Cinema, there may be a new release out that the girls haven't seen; Peckhamplex is ?5/?6 a ticket.

Do they have Zip cards? (Under 16 oysters) if not and the visit isn't for a couple of weeks it's worth applying for them as they give free travel on buses and discounted travel on trains, tube and DLR.

Renata

[TE44]

There is a childs visitors discount, but this does not allow free travel i'm afraid.

https://www.londontoolkit.com/blog/transport/child-fares-on-london-public-transport/

[mrsparker]

oh great, thanks for the tip on vistors discount, i think we'll try that. to apply for a zip card you need to pay a 15 quid per card so not really worth it for a weekend