CHILDREN: WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN LONDON ... AND BEYOND

The Whirlygig of Time

Gunnersbury Park Museum, Gunnersbury Park, W3 (0181-992 1612) tonight 8pm, adults pounds 5, children pounds 4

The third annual Christmas show in the park's beautiful 19th-century mansion offers a mixture of readings and sketches on the subject of time, rounded off with a selection of carols (above).

My Grandfather's Christmas Stocking

Purcell Room, Belvedere Road, SE1 (0171-960 4242) today 3pm and tomorrow 1pm, adults from pounds 6.50, children pounds 5

This Christmas concert for three- to 12-year-olds is presented by The Parlour Quartet, which will be dressed for the occasion in full Victorian costume.

Help to Decorate Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge Experience, SE1 (0171-403 3761) today and tomorrow and to 23 Dec, 9.30am-6pm, adults pounds 6.15, children pounds 4.15

A series of workshops throughout the day. Children can make period Christmas decorations, which will be used to brighten up the bridge's walkways, 140ft above the Thames - and they'll get a certificate to confirm it in writing. There will also be storytelling every day throughout the Christmas period. The bridge is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but will be open on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, from noon to 5pm, for walkway visits.

Christmas at Legoland

Windsor (0990 040404) today, tomorrow and every day until 3 Jan except Christmas Day, adults pounds 17, children pounds 14

For the first time ever the theme park is opening its gates at Christmas. Among the treats on offer are spectacular Christmas decorations, including 20 8ft Lego Christmas trees, Santa's Toy Factory (above), Peter Pan and Cinderella in panto. Plus, of course, there's the chance to get Christmas presents for the children at the same time. Just keep your fingers crossed for some good weather.

Christmas at the Manor

Preston Manor, Preston Park, Brighton (01273 290900) today 11am-3pm, pounds 4

There are free drop-in activities for all ages today, as well as workshops (booking essential) for children to make Christmas decorations and sugar plum fairies. Tomorrow, the Royal Pavilion hosts a Christmas event with music, costumed guided tours and activities.

Christmas Walk

Buckland Abbey, Yelverton (01822 853607) Boxing Day, 10.30am and 2.30pm, adults pounds 3, children pounds 1

Work off the excesses of Christmas with a three-mile walk around the woodland estate. This is one of dozens of winter rambles organised by the National Trust all around the country over the post-Christmas week. You must book - call 0181-315 1111 for a list of walks. NS