The Wallace Collection (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Wallace Collection?
What makes it 76% Kids-Friendly: Children can handle replica armour, follow printed trails, and join craft mornings; free entry helps budgets, yet fragile displays and no play area demand close supervision.
Positives:
- Free main collection: Entry to all permanent galleries is free for everyone.
- Family-friendly zones: The Learning Studio and benches offer calm breaks between galleries.
Challenges:
- Limited drop-in space: Popular sessions like Armour and Ceramics can fill up quickly.
- Crowded weekends: The museum is busiest on Saturdays and during school holidays.
What is The Wallace Collection?
- A national museum of fine and decorative arts housed in an 18th-century townhouse on Manchester Square
- Home to a world-sourced collection of European paintings, 18th-century French furniture, porcelain, and historic arms and armour
- Founded in 1897 from the private assemblage of the Marquesses of Hertford and bequeathed to the nation by Sir Richard Wallace
What is so special about The Wallace Collection for with kids?
- Free entry to a world-class art and armour collection
- Hands-on sessions let kids try on replica armour and handle ceramics
- Self-guided family trail and activity sheets keep children engaged
- Courtyard Café offers kid-friendly snacks and a glass-roofed play space
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit covers main galleries and family activities without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Wallace Collection
Hands on Armour sessions:
Children try on replica helmets and gauntlets with storytelling and simple crafts.
Tip: Check the family events page online and arrive early to secure spots.
Hands on Ceramics drop-in:
Handle safe porcelain replicas and learn how porcelain was made.
Tip: Sessions run on Fridays; sign up at reception on arrival.
Self-guided family trail:
Follow a child-friendly map to spot dragons, portraits, and armour around the galleries.
Tip: Pick up the trail map at reception and bring a pencil.
Activity Sheets:
Use themed worksheets like “Prince for a Day” to draw, write and explore collection highlights.
Tip: Download before you go or collect free copies at the entrance.
Courtyard Café snack:
Enjoy kid-friendly sandwiches and juice under the glass roof.
Tip: Highchairs are available; order early to avoid waits at lunch time.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Wallace Collection
- Visit early: Arrive at opening time to join drop-in activities with fewer queues.
- Download materials: Save activity sheets and the digital trail on your phone before arrival.
Reviews of The Wallace Collection
Nigel Sarsfield
The Wallace Collection is a hidden London gem. An art collection housed in beautiful Hertford House just off Marylebone High Street. Spread over 3 floors it has a intimate feeling of visiting a very grand private house due to the way the rooms are laid out. The rooms are stunning colours which makes the artwork and furniture really stand out. We visited in December when the museum was decorated fo...
Dr. Britta Padberg-Schmitt
A fantastic hidden treasure with an exquisite collection of paintings and artifacts. The armory collection is interesting and vast. You can walk through this lovely old mansion & get a true feel for the lifestyle of London’s upper-class. The cafe in the closed inner courtyard is worth a visit as well.
Nusrat Jahan Chowdhury
This place absolutely stole my heart 😭 Everything about it felt luxurious, elegant, and beautiful. The interiors, antiques, furniture, artwork — my eyes were literally glazing over because there was so much beauty everywhere. If you love history, antiques, and decorative art, this place is unreal. It felt rich, warm, and full of character. This is 100% somewhere I’d happily visit again and again...
Sergei Nossoff
The Wallace Collection is one of those London gems that you fall in love with from the moment you walk in. Housed in beautiful Hertford House just off Marylebone High Street, it feels more like visiting a grand private home than a typical museum. The rooms are stunning – coloured silk walls, chandeliers, old master paintings, period furniture, armour – everything arranged in a way that makes you w...
jezzaftw
I hadnt heard of this place until shortly before my visit. I truly regret not coming here sooner. Its one of the most interesting collections ive seen. Theres a huge amount of high quality furtniture, art and armour. Theres so much i had to make time in my trip for a second visit just to see everything. The lockers are free. Entry is free. Its one of the best value and most dense museums in Lon...
When is the best time to visit The Wallace Collection (London, United Kingdom)?
Summer mornings tend to be quieter for family trails. Check the monthly schedule before you go, as Hands on Armour runs on select weekends.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Special exhibition tickets (2 adults) | GBP 12 |
| Light lunch at Courtyard Café | GBP 20 |
| Activity sheets & trail (free) | GBP 0 |
| Souvenir sketch pad | GBP 8 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 40 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of The Wallace Collection
Address: Hertford House, Manchester Square, London W1U 3BN, UK
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About The Wallace Collection
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 20 7563 950010 BEST nearby Activities
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