10/12/25

A Joyfully Immersive Night Out: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy at Riverside Studios

For London theatregoers craving something out of the ordinary, Riverside Studios’ immersive take on The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy offers an evening of playful escapism. From the moment you step inside, the venue reshapes itself around you, bars become alien outposts, corridors morph into interstellar passageways, and the boundary between audience and performance gently disappears. It’s a production that doesn’t simply ask you to watch; it invites you to jump on board and journey through the galaxy, cosmic cocktail in hand.

The production certainly captures the essence of Douglas Adams’s beloved universe, and lovers of the original TV series will not be disappointed, but, rather than leaning on strict adaptation, the creative team embraces the spirit and irreverence of the original with unpredictable musical energy and inventive humour. Audience participation is very much part of the show, as you wander through rooms following the production, actors disappear and reappear, and the set is slightly chaotic, which adds to the vintage charm of the experience.

We were very pleasantly surprised at how much we enjoyed the evening. The crowd is a mix of older fans and new adopters of the genre, all travelling together.

Overall, the production is wonderfully offbeat, honouring the tone of Adams’s work while offering something unmistakably its own. Whether you arrive as a dedicated Hitchhiker’s fan or someone encountering this universe for the first time, you’re likely to leave with a smile, and perhaps with a renewed appreciation for the pleasures of the unexpected.

And, in proper Hitchhiker’s fashion, there’s only one rule worth keeping in mind: don’t panic.

For more information and to book tickets click here.

Written by Claire Bloom

Photo courtesy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

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What to do for the festive period with the family

Nyla Sammons
2 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 16 hours ago

London transforms at this time of year, bursting with twinkling light displays and magical activities for children and families to enjoy. From enchanting Christmas markets to festive museum adventures, theatre shows, Santa’s grottos, and so much more. We’ve put together a list of our favourite festive spots and experiences across London, perfect for keeping the kids entertained and creating unforgettable memories with the whole family.

The Wundrful World of Christmas

The Wundrful World of Christmas is a magical, immersive 50-minute adventure that transforms one of London’s most historic neighbourhoods into a sparkling realm of festive wonder and imagination.

Guests will wander through an intricately designed winter world filled with live performances, animated characters, and breathtaking sets. Children can team up with Santa’s busy elves to help sort magical mail, before soaring skyward on a whimsical ride to a snowy Wundrland. Little ones can then cosy up for heartwarming tales with Mrs. Claus, and of course, the adventure ends with the ultimate holiday moment, a joyful, personal meeting with Santa himself, complete with a memorable festive photo.

Designed for children aged 3 to 8 and their families, on now until 24th December 2025. Tickets start from £17.50, including a complimentary family photo with Santa. To book tickets, click here.

The Good Factory at Westfield

The Good Factory is no ordinary grotto… it’s a full-on, story-filled adventure where families get to step and bring the magic of the season to life, working with the elves to restart the silent Great Dream Machine. Each elf will lead little ones through fun, hands-on tasks, turning giant cogs, pulling glowing levers, powering up circuits and more, Team work will help reconnect the Magic Circuit and wake the factory from its slumber. At the heart of the adventure sits Santa himself, ready for a big countdown moment as he presses the legendary Big Red Button to fully reactivate the Good Factory!

The experience ends in Santa’s cosy grotto, where every child receives a special gift, alongside a family photo opportunity and a browse through the Good Factory Gift Shop.

On now until 24 December at Westfield London (The Southern Terrace) and Westfield Stratford City (The Street)

Tickets are £12.50 per person, including a keepsake gift and a magical photo and can be booked online via the Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City events pages

Paradox museum

The Paradox Museum London has undergone a magical festive transformation, offering a Christmas experience with an unexpected twist. Families are invited to explore 50 mind-bending, interactive exhibits where nothing is quite as it seems — think snow drifting upwards, a sleigh mysteriously floating in mid-air, and festive scenes that defy every law of logic.

Blending art, science, and illusion, the museum features a series of eye-catching rooms that blur the line between reality and fantasy. Visitors can wander through mirrored winter forests, step into quirky dining scenes, and marvel at gravity-defying installations that challenge perception at every turn. Kids and adults alike can shrink, grow, flip perspectives, and become part of the illusion in highly interactive spaces designed to spark curiosity and laughter.

To book tickets click here.

Ice Palace Grotto in Camden

Step into a wintery world of sparkle and magic as you visit Mother and Father Christmas in their enchanting Ice Palace living room at Camden Market, Hawley Wharf. Once inside this glittering festive hideaway, children are welcomed straight into Santa’s bustling workshop, where creativity and Christmas cheer come to life.

Little ones can decorate their very own shimmering present box, write a heartfelt letter to Santa and post it into a magical, glowing post box, and even have their faces painted with delightful festive designs. After all the excitement, kids can snuggle into the cosy story corner for Christmas tales that bring the season to life. Before heading home, every child will receive a special goodie bag, the perfect ending to a magical visit they won’t forget.

Tickets are from £11.50, to book click here.

Snoopy takes over Fleet Street Quarter

Visitors of all ages are invited to embark on a delightful adventure along the brand-new Snoopy Sculpture Trail, created to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Peanuts™. Scattered throughout the Fleet Street Quarter, families will uncover twelve charming Snoopy sculptures, each one showcasing snoopy lounging atop his iconic red doghouse. Every sculpture has been uniquely reimagined by a different artist, from Becky Smith to Fran Preston-Gannon.

To make the journey even more immersive, families can tune in to a playful audio guide narrated by Olaf Falafel. His lively storytelling brings each sculpture to life, sprinkling the trail with humour and creativity.

For the full programme click here.