Peter Pan Themed Day Out In London

If you're seeing a London production of Peter Pan, or are just a fan of the character, why not follow our guide to a Peter Pan day out in London?

Snap a Crocodile at London Zoo

Wake up by coming face-to-face with a crocodile at ZSL London Zoo. Unlike in Peter Pan, the crocodiles at London Zoo don't tick so keep your eyes peeled and your hands to yourself – unless you want to end up like Captain Hook!

As well as crocodiles, London Zoo has over 700 species of animal. Exhibits include the fantastic Gorilla Kingdom, Penguin Beach, interactive Animal Adventure and Butterfly Paradise.

From London Zoo, walk to Camden Town station and take the Tube to Russell Square. Follow the signs to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Peter Pan at Great Ormond Street Hospital

In 1929, JM Barrie donated the copyright of Peter Pan (including all future royalties) to Great Ormond Street Hospital. So it's little wonder you'll find tributes to Peter Pan in the hospital, including:

• The Peter Pan Café in the reception area
• A bronze statue of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell outside the entrance
• A plaque dedicated to Barrie in the beautiful hospital chapel
• The hospital's Museum and Archives has a collection Peter Pan memorabilia from around the world which can be seen by appointment only. Visit www.gosh.org/peterpan for more information

As you leave Great Ormond Street Hospital turn down Lamb's Conduit Street – perhaps after dropping in at popular comic book shop Gosh! Comics on Great Ormond Street. Then turn right along Theobold Street and into Bloomsbury Way.

Literary Bloomsbury

Bloomsbury is historically renowned as the literary and artistic hub of London, from the Bloomsbury Set of Virginia Woolf, TS Eliot and others, to Charles Dickens, who once lived on nearby Doughty Street.

Turn right into Bury Place for a browse around the London Review Bookshop. As well as a fantastic selection of books, including a great children's section, the bookshop hosts literary events, readings and debates. There's even an in-store tea and cake shop.

While you're scouring the shelves, keep an eye out for Peter Pan in Scarlet. This official sequel to JM Barrie's original book, written by Geraldine McCaughrean, has been republished as a beautiful illustrated book.

Peter Pan's Theatrical London

From Bloomsbury, it's a short walk into the theatre heartland of Shaftesbury Avenue. And what better way to get into the spirit of Neverland than to dress up as Peter Pan? At Angel's Fancy Dress Shop you'll find Peter Pan and Tinker Bell costumes for various ages (even adults).

Next, head down West Street and walk into St Martin's Lane. The Duke of York Theatre is where, on 27 December 1904, the first performance of Peter Pan was staged to great acclaim.

JM Barrie's House

Hop on the Tube to Lancaster Gate and take a stroll along Bayswater Road until you reach number 100. This is the former home of JM Barrie and the place where he wrote Peter Pan: look out for the blue plaque.

The house is opposite Kensington Gardens where, in 1897, Barrie first met the eldest three Llewelyn Davis boys (George, Jack and Peter). While he delighted them with spellbinding stories; they in turn inspired him to create his most famous book, Peter Pan.

Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens hosts its own guided Peter Pan walk.

Look out for the bronze statue of Peter Pan on a pedestal with climbing squirrels, rabbits and mice.

If you've seen the film Finding Neverland, starring Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, Kensington Gardens may seem familiar. That's because some scenes from the movie were filmed in the park.

You can also wander to The Serpentine in neighbouring Hyde Park. As well as a popular boating attraction, the lake hosts the annual Peter Pan Swimming Cup. Every Christmas Day since 1864, members of the Serpentine Swimming Club brave the freezing waters for a 100-yard race. The competition was given its name by Barrie himself, a patron of the race, who awarded the first Peter Pan Cup in 1904.

Kensington Gardens is also home to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. Inspired by the stories of Peter Pan, the playground has a huge wooden pirate ship that's perfect for a Peter Pan/Captain Hook battle! Adults can relax with a snack and drink in the nearby Broadwalk Café & Playcafé.