A Guide to Father’s Day in London: How to Treat Dad

Father’s Day, on Sunday 16 June, is a great chance to show dad how much he means to you – but it’s not always easy deciding what to do on the day. For some inspiration, take a look at our handy guide to Father’s Day activities in London for different kinds of dads.

The Competitive Dad

London is probably one of the best places to take a competitive dad out for Father’s Day. The city is brimming with places that are ready and waiting to bring out that competitive streak. These activities are family friendly, especially if the children are older, and are a great way for you all to bond and have fun.

Try your hand at crazy golf (with a difference) at Puttshack in White City, enjoy a game of ping pong at Bounce, or, if darts are more his thing, head to Flight Club. There are so many venues springing up across London that you’re sure to find the perfect place for dad.    

The Cultured Dad

London is a fantastic melting pot of history and cultures, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when planning a day of cultural activities for Father’s Day. If he’s into his art, plan a trip to some art museums – popular choices include The National Gallery and the National Portrait gallery (right next to each other at Trafalgar Square), The Tate Modern and the Tate Britain (housing very different types of art, so don’t get them confused!) and smaller galleries such as Whitechapel Gallery, the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park, and Dulwich Picture Gallery.

The London Transport Museum is a great place to take dad if he’s a vehicle junkie. Located in Covent Garden, the museum takes you through London’s transport heritage over the last two centuries. Once you’re finished at the museum, why not walk over to the Savoy Grill on the Stand, for a surprise meal? The restaurant features all the foods favoured by dads – including Beef Wellington, Josper grilled steaks, and sticky toffee pudding.   

The Outdoors Dad

Richmond park is the perfect place to take an outdoors dad, especially if he’s visiting you from outside of London and doesn’t like the busy city. You can rent bikes (and helmets) and cycle all around the perimeter of the park, spotting herds of deer in the ancient woodland as you go.

If your dad is a keen swimmer, combine his love for the great outdoors with a dip in the Hampstead Heath ponds. There are three ponds to choose from – a mixed pond, a ladies’ pond, and a men’s pond. They’re open all year round and are very popular when the sun is shining. There’s also a lido to visit in Hampstead if you’re taking small children, or you feel more comfortable in a swimming pool.

Regents Park is a great place for a family walk and can be easily combined with a (short) climb up Primrose Hill to give dad one of the best views of London. If the sun is shining on Father’s Day, why not take a picnic, and enjoy a day in the sunshine. Or, if you want to treat dad to lunch or dinner, take a short walk to the York & Albany for their special Father’s Day menu.

The Dad Who’s a Big Kid

There are plenty of things to do in London on Father’s Day if your dad is a big kid, or if you have small children. If you’re in south west London, take a family trip to the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, both of which have fun activities and exhibits for children and adults alike (they’re also free).  

If you’re closer to the City, treat dad to a guided tour of the Tower of London or a trip to the Museum of London in Barbican. Both are within walking distance of Bread Street Kitchen or Street Pizza in St Paul's for a delicious brunch, lunch or dinner. On Father’s Day at Bread Street Kitchen there will also be a magician and face painting to keep everyone entertained! Kids can also eat for free from the Tilly’s Treats menu at Bread Street Kitchen (and lots of other Gordon Ramsay restaurants) making Father’s Day even more family friendly.

PLAN A FATHER'S DAY MEAL HERE.