Greenwich needs little in the way of an introduction, famed as the home of the centuries-old Observatory and Meridian Line. The area also offered a ‘Mean Time’ (lol) to pirates who were hanged at the nearby execution docks – exhibited as a warning outside what is now the Maritime Museum. So if your only brush with piracy is the misguided downloading of terrible Nu-Metal albums 20 years ago, then this history-rich borough is the place to head to learn about the real pirates of yesteryear. Greenwich is also brilliantly accessible, offering transport links via the DLR, Uber Boat by Thames Clipper, Thameslink and other mainline train services.

National Maritime Museum, SE10 9NF is spoiling families for choice this half term. Alongside old favourite AHOY! gallery for under-7s (£3/child in school holidays), there’s an entire programme of activities designed to cater for all ages and interests. In this Monday’s free On Deck! drop-in session, kids are invited to sail the high seas, scrub the decks and raise the sails on board an imaginary ship. 

Greenwich Observatory, SE10 8XJ hosts an impressive collection of family-friendly activities throughout the year. This half term, join Ted’s Space Adventure in the planetarium, and (hopefully) ignite a lifelong passion for astronomy. Sessions run twice a day and tickets are £10/£5 (concession details on the site).

Greenwich Park Playground, SE10 9NE is nestled in the northeastern corner of Greenwich Park. Following a complete refurb just pre-Covid, this maritime-themed playground is designed to offer an inclusive play experience for kids of all ages and abilities. There’s plenty of sand and water to get stuck into, so expect your urchins to emerge looking like the castaways they learnt about at the museum.

Babu climbs aboard the Cutty Sark circa 2018.