For a party with an ever-changing view, hire an open-top double decker Big Bus to take you around London. Children will love seeing the sights from high above the traffic as they glide by Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Marble Arch. A 1 1/2 hour daytime party, including pick up and drop off at destinations chosen by you (Victoria is a popular start and finish location) costs £750 (including guide). Catering available for an additional charge.

Tel 020 7233 9533

Before shop hours (8-10am on Saturday, or surely preferably, 10am-12noon on Sunday) you can have the store to yourself – with a choice of entertainers, food and seven floors of interactive toys to explore. Contact them for more information and look at the web site for party choices and photos. But be warned this is pricey! To have the store to yourself costs £1,395 + VAT for 20 children.

Tel 07802 439166

party@hamleys.co.uk

A Party room (seating up to 23 children) in the World War II battlecruiser at Bankside costs £75 per day to hire; catering can be arranged, or bring your own. Captain Corky’s private tour is £100 extra.

Tel 0207 940 6300

Take a 90-minute boat trip down Regent’s Canal, departing from Little Venice. Suitable for children of all ages (with parents).

Tel 020 7286 3428

An amphibious bus that suddenly drives off-road into the river Thames.

Tel 0207 928 3132

Parties cost from £15 per child. Fee includes entry to the zoo, party animal invitations, goody bags and animal masks, party games leaflets, stickers and a hot or cold party meal.

Regent’s Park, NW1 4RY

Tel 0207 722 3333

Captained by Sir Francis Drake she circumnavigated the world between 1577 and 1580. A faithful reconstruction is berthed at St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, London SE1 (between London Bridge and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, beside Southwark Cathedral) and at weekends, the galleon can be all yours for a pirate party. Parties last for two hours and include exclusive use of the ship; two pirate entertainers leading the kids in a swashbuckling adventure and treasure hunt; food and refreshments, (except for the birthday cake), served in ‘The Pirates Den’ room, off the ship, below Porridge Café. Children are encouraged to attend in fancy dress. Suitable for kids aged 4–11. Price: £355 for up to 15 children. £15 per additional child (max 25 kids.)

St Mary Overie Dock, Cathedral Street, London SE1

Tel 020 8700 11 8700

Book a private capsule for a group of 25 and qualify for a 10% discount. For children between 5-15 a flight costs £5.85, adults £11.25 (including discounts). Combine a flight with a river trip (ticket deals are available), or just meet at the Eye and follow with lunch at the nearby Pizza Express (Tel 020 7928 4091).

Southbank London SE1

Tel 0870 5000600

We all know about London parking, so it’s best to go for this if you have friendly neighbours, plenty of bins to block a bus-sized space, or a particularly empty street. The entertainment and tea all takes place on a big bus – a familiar format but an unusual setting. Children LOVE it.Costs from £300 for up to 24 children for the full package – you just provide the cake. (No under 3s).

Tel 07836 605032 or 01753 548822

Hire a chauffeur-driven strech limo complete with fairy lights and mirrors on the ceiling. Each car seats up to 8 people. Min charge of £125 for 1 hour; additional hours charged at £50. Soft drinks provided.

Tel 0700 012 3455