“There are some activities that simply have to be done on a trip to London: seeing Buckingham Palace and the changing of the guard is one such item, as is strolling across Tower Bridge and watching it open from the bank of the Thames River. Here are our tips on how to see it all – and keep the kids entertained!

Our household is blessed with an energetic and imaginative three-year old, so most days involve wild and fantastical games starring elaborate castles, dragons and fairy princesses. Our announcement of a beach holiday to the Isle of Wight was met with squeals of delight and an instant obsession with sandcastles, pirates and (for some unknown reason) starfish. Once the countdown was finally complete (three-year olds are not known for their patience) we set off on our seaside summer escapade.

London is truly a world-class city with a rich history, incredible museums, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and some of the planet’s most recognised landmarks. It’s a magnificent city which deserves every hour you can give it.

Franki Black is a South African travel writer currently based in London. She’s worked in a Costa Rican jungle, on yachts in the Caribbean and in the African bushveld. As an expert journalist and travel writer, we recently caught up with her to find out what she recommends as the top outdoor adventures that need to be added to everyone’s bucket list. Sit back, relax and be inspired.

Then it started and my entire perception of reality was immediately warped by the sudden and intense cacophony of explosions that were unleashed one on another to a bone-shaking-brain-freezing-soul-pummelling crescendo.