This Autumn and Winter’s Family Culture Guide

Anoop Bhuller brings you the ultimate culture guide for autumn and winter.

What to see on the stage

Frozen The Musical

A creative and technical masterpiece, Disney’s Frozen The Musical brings the beloved film to the stage with incredible special effects and a dozen new songs written especially for the theatre adaptation. Of course, all the hits from the original, including Let It Go, will have you singing along and tapping your feet. Until early 2024, frozenthemusical.co.uk 

Frozen The Musical

Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Netflix’s groundbreaking hit Stranger Things is also treading the boards later on this year. The theatre production sees characters Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado as teenagers living normal lives in Hawkins until Henry Creel arrives… From December 2023, thephoenixtheatre.co.uk

TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

Don your high heels and get down to the incredible music of Tina Turner in a production that reveals how her incredible career began. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, who also brought us Mama Mia! Until 11 February 2024, tinathemusical.com/uk

What to see on the big screen

Dune: Part 2

Thankfully, this November, we get to find out what happens to Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet’s characters as they return to our screens in Dune Part 2. While Paul Atriedes seeks to take revenge on the people who destroyed his family, he will be faced with a terrible choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe. From 3 November 2023

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

When an ancient power is released in Atlantis, Aquaman is forced to create unexpected allies to protect their home and damage to the rest of the world. Black Manta will be returning, as well as Tom Curry and Atlanna. From 29 December 2023

Aquaman Premiere – Autumn/Winter Culture Guide

Trolls 3: Trolls Band Together

Starring Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake, the hugely successful Trolls franchise continues. The third movie follows Branch as he reconnects with his long-lost brothers after one of them is unexpectedly kidnapped. From 17 November 2023

Where to go

Paradise Found

Sani Resort on Greece’s idyllic Kassandra peninsula is a family paradise. Its exceptional offering includes free stays for children in its Porto Sani, Sani Beach and Sani Club residences; an unbeatable schedule of activities including the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy, and the Chelsea FC football academy; and delicious, adventurous kids’ menus by children’s cooking guru Annabel Karmel. Set in 1000 acres of verdant forest and wetlands bursting with wildlife, Sani is also Greece’s first carbon neutral resort. From €149 per night at Sani Beach, half-board. sani-resort.com

Sani Resort

The Paddington Experience  Comes To London

The Paddington Bear Experience is set to open in London County Hall, South Bank this year. Schools and the general public can sign up online now for priority access. The experience will immerse you in the world of the beloved characters. With live performances it’s a fun day out for anyone aged four and above. 

Afternoon Tea at Sanderson London Hotel

Fun and scrummy – afternoon tea at Sanderson London Hotel is a one-of-a-kind experience. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, it offers a range of unique teas including Mad Hatters – green tea infused with passion fruit, guava and mango. Indulge yourself in the opera cake and fresh scones, followed by a magical potion. Sitting around a spectacular water feature, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. book.ennismore.com

Afternoon Tea at Sanderson Hotel – Autumn/Winter Culture Guide

What to Read

So Sorry For Your Loss by Dina Gachman

This book explores what grieving is – whether for a pet, a family member or a relationship – how to live with loss and how we can stay connected to those we have lost. There are valuable insights from experts, as well as the personal experience of Dina Gachman herself. Union Square & Co, £11.99

Emerald and the Ocean Parade by Harriet Muncaster

Emerald is learning how to be a mermaid princess, however she struggles to feel like one. As the Ocean Parade approaches, will Emerald embrace her differences and show that she can be a mermaid princess in her own way? This book provides magical escapism for kids aged from around five. Oxford University Press, £9.99

You Have The Power Find Your Strength and Believe You Can by Leah Williamson

Football star Leah Williamson’s new book is a guide to help you discover what your passions are and how to become a leader in that area. Leah shares her story of getting into football and highlights moments of her career, and the valuable lessons she learnt. Macmillans Children’s Books £9.99

Greenwild The World Behind The Door by Pari Thomson

The first book in a new fantasy series, Daisy Thistledown has escaped from boarding school and has to solve the mystery of her missing mother. The book features beautiful illustrations from Elisa Paganelli and perfect for children aged from nine. Macmillans Children’s Books, £12.99

Crook Haven The School for Thieves by Joel Arcanjo

Joel Arcanjo, alumnus of Christ’s Hospital School, has published his first novel Crook Haven The School for Thieves. A pickpocketer, Gabriel, is recruited by Crookhaven, a top secret school for thieves. Can he help them to win the Crooked Cup Competition? Hodder Children’s Books, £7.99