Follow trails of the unexpected on your next family break in London

A recent family break in London with a kid-centred trail at its heart gives Katie Bowman a new insight into the city she thought she knew inside out.

The Mayfair Townhouse, family break in London

On family break in London, it’s usually me pointing out the famous blue plaques to my daughter as we wander about Soho or Southwark, not the other way round. I’m fascinated by the fact that Jimi Hendrix lived next door to composer George Frideric Handel (not at the same time, of course), while my 11-year-old just wants to join the hordes at Hamleys.

The foxiest family city break in London right now

But on this sunny morning on Brook Street, W1, it’s my daughter who shouts out to me: “Look – no.67 – that’s where the Bee Gees used to stay!” We’re in the heart of Mayfair on The Dandy Fox Trail, a new treasure hunt offered by The Mayfair Townhouse hotel to entice families to stay, as well as to show guests another side to London. Our clues are tucked away in a deliciously exciting big, gold envelope with a red wax seal (embossed with Dandy Fox, the hotel mascot) and come with a map and a letter.

“Dear Dandy Detectives, Our beloved Dandy Fox has mischievously disappeared, and it’s up to you to return him safely back to the Townhouse before the Manager finds out! Are you ready to follow some clues that will have you hot on his trail, and see the sights, sounds and places he loves to visit in Mayfair along the way?”

Oh the places we go … and things we learn

The trail is free to hotel guests and includes a thirst-quenching post-hunt mocktail for kids as well as a brilliant prize. We even get time with concierge and dad, Dean, who helps all families with the first clue to get them on their way. Dean is brilliant at bringing the trail to life and adds titbits of history, such as the background to ancient painted pub signs, which were so big and visual – The Grapes, The Windmill, The Lamb & Flag – because very few people were literate at the time.

He tells us that kids as young as three years old have happily taken the Mayfair Townhouse trail, as well as older teens, and the stops can be as involved as you choose; there’s even the option to shortcut three clues (out of 12) if you have children with tired legs.

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Get clued up on your family city break in London

Not us. We raced around cobblestoned Shepherd Market, tearing through leafy Mount Street Gardens, only stopping to solve clues or to window-shop in the glitzy boutiques on South Audley Street. Even though we lived in London for the first eight years of my daughter’s life – we’re back this sunny weekend as visitors – there’s so much we discover for the very first time, including incredible multi-coloured tubular art on Brown Hart Gardens, or the delicious smelling shisha cafés on Lansdowne Row.

I won’t give away the answers to the clues, but we see everything from celebrity penthouses to Beadles wearing top hats (these are the doormen to the world’s oldest “mall”, the Burlington Arcade). By the end of our three-hour escapade my daughter has had her London education in art, history, geography and music, and she doesn’t even mention the dreaded Hamleys.

The sweetest sleeps for super sleuths

We stay overnight at The Mayfair Townhouse, which has the best kids’ and mocktail menu I’ve ever seen, and our room – a Garden Suite – is perfect for families, with a private outdoor terrace and dining space. It’s even got its own brass Dandy Fox door knocker, which makes us feel as if we’re returning to our own London bolthole each evening. When we do want to leave our secret spot and explore London’s more famous sights, they are on our doorstep, with Oxford Circus, Piccadilly, Trafalgar and Leicester Squares all minutes away.

On our last morning, I suggest we stop by Hamleys but my daughter isn’t keen: “It’s always so busy in there Mummy; let’s go back to the secret ice cream parlour we found yesterday instead!”

Not up for a family break in London? Try these fun trails instead

Four Seasons Hampshire, Bird Display

Wildlife & Sculpture Trail, Four Seasons Hampshire

There’s space, not just for one, but many, exhilarating trails at Four Seasons Hampshire, formerly an 18th-century manor house. That’s because the palatial historic home has more than 500 acres to get lost in. Its British Wildlife trail is free (to diners as well as guests) and takes you through the habitats of many local animals, but also includes amazing giant sculptures if you’re not lucky enough to spot them IRL. There’s the “Flying Owl”, “Boxing Hares” or “Leaping Roe Deer”, and more.

In the hotel grounds, there’s also a play trail and treetop canopy trail for children as well as an underwater treasure hunt at Sharkie’s Reef, the hotel aqua park.

Winter at Hampton Court, Surrey

History Trail, Hampton Court, Surrey

One king, six wives, a maze – Hampton Court has all the ingredients for a thrilling trail. The palace capitalises on this and has developed an inventive day involving cryptic clues, a scavenger hunt, a camera challenge and navigation skills. Once you’ve worked out who was divorced, beheaded and who survived; check-in to The Mitre next door.

A family-friendly hotel on the riverbank, it was built by the palace to accommodate visitors in days gone by. Family Rooms have bunkbeds (with privacy curtains as in Anne Boleyn’s time), as well as a cuddly toy gift, kids bathrobes and, in the restaurant, an excellent Cubs’ Menu.

Pick a trail, The Grove, Hertfordshire

Music Trail, The Grove, Hertfordshire

Pick up your Hunter wellies before you set off on this trail – the boots come in every colour and size and are free to use by guests of the family focused Grove hotel. Today you’re setting off on the Music Trail, an interactive woodland walk, where children are invited to find and play musical instruments; it’s been set up by The Wildlife Trust so it’s available to non-guests too.

The next day, you might take The Grove hotel-based treasure hunt, involving photographs of hidden clues through the grounds. There’s also an app-based trail using GPS and, during school holidays, there are special themed circuits such as Hawking Walks and trails by bike.

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