Barbican Centre

Yes, especially creative or music-loving teens. Thanks to the Young Barbican scheme, young people aged 14–25 can get discounted tickets to gigs, films, theatre and exhibitions. There are also cool workshops and a youth-led Takeover Festival, so even eye-rolling teens might secretly love it.

Two must-dos:
– The Barbican Conservatory – a hidden jungle in the city, packed with over 2,000 plants, koi carp and terrapins.
– Family film screenings and workshops – fun, creative and totally kid-friendly.

Yes. The Barbican regularly runs interactive art workshops for kids, especially on weekends and holidays. Think crafts, creativity, and zero mess at home – what’s not to love?

Yes, loads. The Conservatory is usually free, and many of the family events and drop-in workshops are free too. Just check the website before you go in case you need to book.

Nope. The koi carp may look hungry, but feeding them isn’t allowed. That said, kids can still get a great look at them, and it’s a fab way to introduce little ones to nature without needing a ticket.

Try Barbican Kitchen – kids under 10 eat free with a paying adult. It’s casual, tasty, and the menu works for both picky eaters and adventurous ones. Bonus: no eye-watering London prices.

You can easily spend 3–4 hours exploring, especially if you’re visiting the Conservatory, catching a family-friendly film or workshop, and stopping for lunch. But you can also pop in just for an hour—it’s super flexible.

Absolutely. The Barbican has step-free access, wheelchair seating, accessible toilets, and detailed maps to help you navigate the space. It’s well thought out and genuinely family-inclusive.

Yes. The Barbican has its own secure car parks, open 24/7, with accessible bays available. You can enter via Silk Street or the Beech Street tunnel (which sounds like a level in a video game, but is very real).

You sure can. The Parent and Baby Screenings are relaxed and welcoming, with lights slightly up and volume slightly down. Perfect for a first cinema trip that doesn’t involve judgmental looks.

Absolutely! We’ve got relaxed performances, step-free access, chill-out spaces, and a team that gets it. Whether it’s a quieter vibe or a little extra help, just let us know—we’re here to make it easy, not stressful. Big art, big smiles, no drama (unless it’s on stage). 

Absolutely. There are lifts, ramps, and plenty of seating for a quick sit-down between galleries. Just be warned — the Barbican is a bit of a maze, so you might want to keep hold of them unless you fancy a game of “find the grandparents” later.