Pirates Ahoy!

We love the summer holidays. Suddenly you don’t have the get-ready-for-school rush in the morning and the days are longer (and warmer – if you’re very lucky!).

Last week we went to London. Travelled in style on the train (tickets from www.thetrainline.com ordered in advance).

The main purpose of our visit was the evening performance of Henry VIII at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (next to the Tate Museum). Both boys (12 & 14) have done Henry VIII at school and we saw the film with Ray Winstone and Helena Bonham Carter (ordered through www.lovefilm.com) to grips with the story line. Great film.

In the morning did the Globe Theatre tour (£8) (www.shakespeares-globe.org ). This was a disappointing 30 minutes. The actors were rehearsing, so the guide could not talk to us inside the theatre and photography was prohibited. Outside the guide told us no more than common sense and a couple of anecdotes. This is only worthwhile if you are not seeing a performance.

The performance in the evening was memorable though a little tough going at times. The views were great though those who suffer with vertigo may struggle in the upper gallery. So we can tick that box.

But without doubt the highlight of our day was the Golden Hinde (www.goldenhinde.com ) in the afternoon, just along from the Tate Modern. The boys refused point blank to visit a pirate ship. But Mum and Dad went willingly. The pirate guide was a hoot with a wealth of humour fit for all ages. We re-learnt about Drake, circumnavigation and Elizabethan England; the intricate workings of a canon and life on board this working ship). A fantastic hour (£7). Perfect for your kids (up to 12!) and all mums and dads.