Description
Stationers’ Hall and Garden is one of the most magnificent remaining ancient livery halls in the City of London, offering families a peaceful step back into British publishing heritage. Located a short stroll from St Paul's Cathedral, this historic Grade I listed monument serves as the home of the ancient Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, which received its royal charter in 1557. If you are exploring the capital with your family, discovering this hidden landmark is one of the best things to do with kids in the City of London, providing a historic guild hall experience that connects children to centuries of secret book trades, printing inventions, and grand architecture.
Host unforgettable events at Stationers’ Hall, an exclusive Grade I listed venue located in the heart of the City of London, just moments from St Paul’s Cathedral. Combining historic elegance with modern versatility, this unique venue offers a refined setting for a wide range of private occasions.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines captivating British literary history, stunning stained-glass artwork, and a quiet courtyard garden to reset, this landmark is a perfect choice. It allows children to walk through the grand reconstruction rooms built straight after the Great Fire of 1666, making it both an educational and visually engaging spot for curious young minds.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: Yes
Features
Top Features
- Educational Day Out: A brilliant way for kids to track structural history, seeing how a 17th-century livery hall was rebuilt after the Great Fire and later restored after the Blitz.
- Storytelling Experience: Rich with unique printing narratives, from the original medieval station stalls surrounding St Paul's to the introduction of the printing press.
- Sensory Play of Old and New: The visual contrast of glistening stained-glass literary windows and dark 1674 oak paneling nestled next to a peaceful, landscaped green city courtyard.
- Quiet Zone: Offers a calm, secluded environment, making the ancient stone layout and peaceful courtyard garden a fantastic sanctuary for families needing a quick break from the city streets.
Highlights
- The William Shakespeare Stained-Glass Window: Located inside the Livery Hall, this magnificent window portrays the world's most famous playwright. Kids can have fun pointing out the details of the historic figure they study in their school English lessons.
- The Giant 1837 London Plane Tree: Dominating the secluded paved garden, this tree was planted to celebrate Queen Victoria's accession. Children will be fascinated to hear stories about how its roots grew on the very spot where illegal and heretical books were burned during Tudor times.
- The William Caxton Great North Window: A grand stained-glass display that depicts William Caxton demonstrating his revolutionary printing press to King Edward IV. It provides a great visual link to explain the invention of printed books to children.
- The 1674 Carved Oak Paneling: Encasing the large Livery Hall, this ancient woodwork dates back to the building’s post-Great Fire reconstruction. It is decorated with historic armor, banners, and shields that capture kids' imaginations.
- The Lord Mayor’s Door: Positioned within the grand rooms, this historic doorway is strictly reserved for the Lord Mayor of London and members of the Royal Family. Kids enjoy learning about the ancient customs and identifying the portraits of past leaders on the nearby walls.
Beyond the Main Attraction: After exploring the hall and garden, families can step outside to view St Paul's Cathedral directly across the road. The nearby Paternoster Square features a spacious pedestrianised zone with public art installations and family-friendly cafes. Older children can also enjoy walking across the Millennium Bridge to reach the South Bank or visiting the historic St Martin within Ludgate Church right next door.
0.12 miles
