Just in time for half-term I was sent the awesome London Unlocked – A Guide Book For Kids. Think Rough Guide meets Little Einsteins. This nifty little guide book breaks down the city into five sections – Central, North, South & East, West and Greenwich. It also gives ideas for adventures just outside London in the surrounding areas. This is a great resource for those moments when you are completely stumped for activities or when out-of-towners visit with children.
The guide was written with the input of 200 children, parents and teachers. It is illustrated throughout with the obligatory star stickers, so kids can rate each activity as they do it. In addition to listing places of interest, each section also has ‘fascinating facts’ and funny jokes. The authors have also given “top-tips”, such as when the best time to eat at Chessington World of Adventures is in order to avoid the queues and spend more time on the rides. Wow, these guys have really thought of it all!
The idea of the series was conceived by friends Emily and Josh, with Kardy doing the illustrations. Emily and Josh worked as management consultants before having their eureka moment of creating a guide book specifically geared towards children. In 2008 they set up the publishing company Factfinder, which in addition to producing the Unlocked Guides also works closely with museums and tour operators creating bespoke guide books, leaflets, walking tours and factsheets. Or as they put it, “tours that people actually want to use”.
There are currently Unlocked Guides for Bristol & Bath, Edinburgh and the Lake District with plans to roll out in more cities.
I will be checking out the roof gardens in Kensington where the flamingos are! Thanks Unlocked Guides!
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