Mudlarks family gallery
Get hands-on in our interactive play area for under-8s.
Mudlarks brings the docks to life through interactive play, which keeps little ones occupied and stimulates their development. Find out what the docks were used for and what life would've been like for sailors many years ago.
There's plenty for kids to get hands-on with. Drive a DLR train in the soft play area, move ships along the docks on the water table and help the workers move their cargo using wheelbarrows.
Online booking is recommended
Mudlarks is very popular, so we recommend booking online before you arrive to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
“Mudlarks is a sensational family gallery. One of the top cultural spaces for under-8s in London.”
— Visitor
“Mudlarks family gallery kept the kids interested. One of the best museums we have ever visited”
— Visitor
The museum is open every day 10am – 5pm. Our Mudlarks family gallery is open at the following times:
Mon–Thu: 10.10am – 4.45pm
Fri–Sun, bank holidays and school holidays: 9.10am – 4.45pm
Each time slot will be 40 minutes play and five minutes tidying-up time.
If you have time, why not also visit our free galleries and get more in-depth with Docklands history?
Our address is London Museum Docklands, No.1 Warehouse, West India Quay, London E14 4AL. We're just a few minutes away from Canary Wharf and West India Quay.
Check our need to know page to get the answers to all the frequently asked questions about visiting, facilities and accessibility.
Tickets for Mudlarks go on sale two weeks in advance every Saturday at 10am.
Tickets must be booked for every member of the group entering the gallery.
You may join at any time within your time slot. If you miss your time slot, you will be offered space in the next available slot, subject to capacity.
Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by an adult at all times when visiting the museum.
Concession tickets are available for our Mudlarks family gallery (Mon–Fri during term time only, not including bank holidays).
How to book
- Call our Box Office on 020 7030 3300 to reserve your tickets and arrange to pick up your tickets at the Information Desk
- Show your reservation and proof of eligibility to our team when you arrive
- You'll receive your tickets and be offered access to book future tickets for the following three months
Please find more information on Universal Credit tickets.
While food and drink isn't permitted in the gallery, our family-friendly cafe is the perfect place to sit down and relax for a bite or tea break. We have lunch boxes for kids, sandwiches, pastries, snacks and a wide selection of hot and cold drinks.
You’ll also find our shop with a curated range of gifts and souvenirs, including posters, prints, toys, books and jewellery.
More about shopping, eating & drinking
UK education groups can visit the Mudlarks family gallery free of charge during Tower Hamlets term time. This includes primary schools, SEND schools, nurseries, early years settings, play groups and home education groups. Cancellation charges apply.
To book an educational group visit, please complete our schools group booking form.
If you’re unsure if your group is eligible, please email [email protected] and tell us more about your educational group.