“A class act and winner of the 2020 Babies in Museums, Best Museum Award”

How does this museum cater so well to their youngest visitors? The list is impressively long. They get the basics right – baby changing facilities are central, well thought through and well maintained. The cafe includes comfortable lounger style chairs designated specifically for baby feeding (the only time I have ever seen this in a museum). There is a weekly events programme for the under 2s – often held on the museum floor and always connected to the Docklands history. The whole building is fully accessible. You will also find Mudlarks an Early Years interactive gallery. This space is pre-book only, but without charge and includes learning, play and soft play areas specially designed for tiny visitors. The Mudlarks interactives, games and toys all relate directly to the collection and narrative of the museum and can be found alongside displayed objects from the MOL collection. This is an insightful, creative and bespoke learning space which brings the story of London Docklands to babies and very young children.

The Museum of London Docklands is in Canary Wharf. This new (ish) purpose-built financial district was designed in the eighties and those clever, accessibility-aware architects made the whole site pretty much universally level access. So, while this part of London was not designed for babies in museums, it is ideal. The main public transport is the DLR which is 100% level access at all stations. All buildings and walkways have ramps, lifts, and beautiful inclusive architecture. It is possible, but expensive to drive and park near to the Museum of London Docklands, a few parking spaces are reserved for parents with small children. 

We visited for around 2 hours. All of the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming. There is a buggy-park on the ground floor, lockers and a cafe. There is space for crawlers and toddlers to roam, plenty to explore and lots to stimulate a baby’s senses – and all without an entrance fee.