Victoria and Albert Museum

Nope, just show up. That said, if the queue gets long (30+ mins), people who struggle to wait will be given priority.

It’s ideal for age 9+, especially tweens and teens who like design, fashion or quirky facts. Younger kids might enjoy a quick look around – just don’t expect to be there for hours

It’s got an industrial vibe – glass walls, metal mesh walkways and people doing actual museum work. Super cool, but noisy and no-frills. Trainers over stilettos!

Everything from punk memorabilia and jewellery to Edwardian gowns, weird furniture, and design oddities, plus huge display walls you can wander along and gaze at.

Yes. You can see objects up close, join object-handling sessions, and even use the “Order an Object” system to request something specific. It’s like click-and-collect for museum geeks.

Very. There are lifts to all floors, wheelchairs, ear defenders, and even a Changing Places toilet with a hoist. Plus a quiet space on the ground floor.

Absolutely. Especially ones into design, art or culture. The building’s cool, the objects are fascinating, and they can explore at their own pace.

It’s in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park – perfect for combining with a walk, playground or stop at V&A East Museum (coming soon!) or nearby cafes and shops.

Yes, the e5 Storehouse café serves proper coffee, cakes, sandwiches and salads. It’s open all day and stays late a couple of nights a week.

Give it 60–90 minutes if you’re with older kids or teens. Younger kids might max out after 30 minutes unless they’re mini museum obsessives.