Enjoy a Peter Pan Themed Day Out In London

A family spend time in one of London's parks. Image courtesy of Britain on View

JM Barrie wrote Peter Pan right here in London and the capital is full of special monuments and events dedicated to the much-loved book.

If you're going to see Peter Pan at The O2, 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

Giraffes at ZSL London Zoo. Copyright Britain on View

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 750 species of animal. Exhibits include the fantastic Gorilla Kingdom, Clore Rainforest Lookout 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

It may sound strange to visit a hospital, but Great Ormond Street Hospital has a special place in the world of Peter Pan.

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

The Peter Pan Café in the reception area
The bronze statue of Peter Pan and Tinkerbell outside the entrance
The plaque dedicated to Barrie in the chapel
The Peter Pan Ward and Barrie Wing
Special editions of Peter Pan in various languages, stored in The Peter Pan Gallery hospital archive

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

Literary Bloomsbury

Dickens' House, 48 Doughty Street, London

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 just been republished as a beautiful illustrated book.

Peter Pan's Theatrical London

Peter Pan in Scarlet, written and adapted by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by David Wyatt. Pub Oxford University Press and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. www.peterpaninscarlet.com

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, Tinker Bell and even Captain Hook 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

Kensington Gardens. Copyright Britain On View

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

The pirate ship in Kensington Gardens, London. Copyright The Royal Parks

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 neighboring 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, who was the first to award the winner a gold medal – a tradition which continued until 1904.

Kensington Gardens is also the home of 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.

Just make sure you don't lose track of time and miss the Peter Pan show itself!