Half Term In Bow - a few places worth a visit

Half term... yes that time of year again, how has it come round so quickly? Not to fear, there are many things to do to keep the kids occupied and out of mischief this half term which won't cost the earth either! The London borough of Tower Hamlets is full of hidden gems for a fun filled family day out, why not pay a visit?

One of the most popular attractions that Tower Hamlets has to offer is the Ragged School Museum on Copperfield Road in Bow, E3. The school was founded by Thomas Barnardo in 1877, where it opened its doors to tens of thousands of children for the next 30 years. The school started up at a time where the East End was disease ridden, poverty and overcrowding was rife and educational opportunities for the poor were nonexistent. This May Half Term offers the opportunity to discover all things fashionable in the 19th century where you will be taking a look at the top trends for men, women and ragged school children during the Victorian era. Extra activities include arts and crafts, face painting, costumes, an Under 5's play area, and the Towpath Cafe will be open for thirsty grown-ups! For dates and more information visit their website.

In neighbouring Bethnal Green, another family adventure could find you at the V&A Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green. The museum was founded in 1872 as the Bethnal Green Museum. In the 1920's, it focused on services for children and some 50 years later the director of the V&A defined it as a specialist museum of Childhood. Of all the braches, the museum in Bethnal Green houses the largest collection of Childhood objects in the whole United Kingdom! The main mission set out by the V&A for the museum was "To enable everyone, especially the young, to explore and enjoy the design world, in particular, objects made for and made by children". The Museum offers an extensive collection of toys, childhood equipment, costumes and stages a broad programme of temporary exhibitions. A cafe can also be found on site when hunger starts to creep in. For information on exhibitions, dates and times you can visit their website.

Half terms isn't just about the kids though, adults need time away to unwind as well! For those special occasions, why not head down to one of the many contemporary restaurants in the borough covering a wide range of tastes and atmospheres. Beach Blanket Babylon in Shoreditch is more than your average bar or restaurant, in a converted New York style warehouse, BBB is a club for the discerning without requiring a membership, covering modern European and British cuisine. After your meal you can find yourself downstairs in the bar where the atmosphere is continued throughout the night. If you are looking for something more relaxed and casual, why not take a trip down to The Birdcage on Columbia road, part of the Draft House Project, where you can find an array of craft beers & ales, traditional pub grub and curious cocktails. !

Once you've enjoyed a Sunday morning run or cycle around Victoria Park, The Morgan Arm on Morgan Street,E3 is great for a Sunday roast, forget about the calories you've definitely earned them!!

So, what will you be getting up to this May Half Term? Please tweet us with your recommendations @ Twitter