The Natural History Museum, & a stroll through Kensington

Yesterday Sasha, my Mum, and I, ventured ‘Up West’ (in true Eastenders style), to visit the Natural History Museum in South Kensington. We go to the Science Museum quite often, but haven’t been to the NHM for a really long time, in fact, the last time I went was just before Freddie was born! I also thought it would be nice to go somewhere a bit different with S, as this was one of the last days I will spend with her where it’s just us two (I’m starting a new, part time social media manager role after the half term break). I really miss Freddie when he’s at preschool, but really enjoy the 1-2-1 time with my little lady too, so whilst I’m excited about my job, it’s kinda bittersweet. Luckily she’ll be with my Mum, before starting a few hours of preschool a few days a week come new year. Anyway, I’ve digressed! Another reason I wanted to go to the Natural History Museum with Sasha is because she is really into dinosaurs! Even more so than Freddie, who can take or leave them, S will often roam around the house pretending to be a T-Rex (or similar).

After a tedious trip on a really slow train, we arrived later than expected, so decided to check out the museum’s main restaurant. Now, I’m no pessimist, but I often expect cafes/eateries in big, touristy places like this to be,well, a bit overpriced and rubbish. But on this occasion I was WRONG! We arrived early (11.40am) so were seated straight away at a spacious table in the spankingly clean restaurant, and our food came promptly. HINT: Arrive before midday to avoid queues, by 12.10 one was building, and a wait isn’t ideal with a small person in tow. Ok, so it’s not cheap to eat here (27 quid for the 3 of us, with drinks), but the food was really, REALLY good. 2 butternut squash and goats cheese salads were demolished by Mum and I, and I’m quite fussy when it comes to eating salads out, because loads are really insipid. Sasha’s fish fingers and chips were homemade, and came with a side of peas, and her fruit salad portion was huge, everything eaten- result!

^^Having a think, whilst having a drink!

^^We were given the standard set of crayons on arrival- S always makes my Mum draw hippos, we have no idea why!

^^So good to spend time with my baby girl. Both her and Freddie are dreams to take out and about- I just wish they were like that at home more!

^^After lunch we finally got to see some dino-action! Sasha wasn’t sure what to make of the huge dinosaur in the main entrance hall, and kept requesting “small dinosaurs, please”, but she eventually came round!

^^These were the dinosaurs that really fascinated madam. She’s a bit young really to get that excited over skeletons and fossils, but these life-like moving dinosaur models had her hooked- she asked to go back and look again, although was a tad wary, they are so realistic!

^^Some decent dinosaur impressions happening here 🙂

^^We were going to explore some of the other areas of the museum, like the human body, bugs and insects and animal sections, but I think the dinos (and a 5.45am start) wore this little one out! I’ve never seen her nod off so quickly when placed in the buggy, so Mum and I decided to call it a day and take a stroll back to Victoria Station. If you’ve got 40 minutes to kill and the weather is ok, it’s definitely worth bypassing the ball-ache of the tube (especially if you have a buggy and a child needing a nap), and walking.

^^This is one of the best bakeries, right near South Kensington tube. We didn’t buy anything today, but I could go MAD in here, the tasty cakes, pastries and breads on offer are to die for!

^^We stopped at the iconic old Michelin Building (now Bidendum’s) in Kensington on the way back for coffee and green tea (not together, that would be weird), whilst S slept. There is a lovely, semi-open air cafe at the bottom of the building, and makes you feel quite glam! Whilst I could definitely get used to being a lady who lunches (why didn’t I make the most of my 6 weeks of maternity leave pre-Freddie arriving?!), I don’t think I could ever be a Sloane Ranger! The area is lovely, but all a bit posh for me!

^^The most beautiful florist on the way back to Victoria.

^^What I love about Kensington and Belgravia, is that although the vision of it you have is one of grandeur, it’s actually a fascinating mix of stereo-typically rich, and the often forgotten poorer-end of the scale. This shows in the buildings here, and is partly the subject of a new post of mine within the next few days. I love photographing architecture, so am looking forward to showing you some of the surprising aspects and interesting abodes of the wealthy corner of London.

Have you been to The Natural History Museum before?

Or come across anywhere that has surprised you in London?

I’m always on the lookout for new places to check out!

x

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.