Our guide to the best Big Draw events in London

Time to sharpen your pencil! From fine art to languid doodles, The Big Draw aims to inspire an artist in each of us. Here’s where to sketch your way through to November

Maybe it’s all those floorplans we obsess about, but we’re always scribbling a sketch when we’re out and about, so we were delighted to discover The Big Draw, which celebrates art and artists around the world. Perfectly positioned to coincide with upcoming half term, there are events taking place around the capital until 2 November, so roll up your sleeves, grab a pencil or brush and channel your inner Monet, Dali or Hirst.

Wood be good

If your kids love the great outdoors, this one’s a winner. The Children’s Gallery has teamed up with The Herbarium Project to present the Community Woodland Gallery Challenge at beautiful Wanstead Flats from 11am-3pm on Saturday 18 October. Activities include making a pencil from wet clay, collecting insects to draw, giant tree rubbings and artwork will be hung from the trees as a natural gallery. A free event, just turn up and play.

Jubilee Pond, Wanstead Flats, Dames Road, E7, tel: 07743 207741

Clocking on

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to explore Islington’s Grade II listed Caledonian Clock Tower from 2-4pm on Saturday 18 October. Little Architect is leading a tour to explore inside and out, and then to create your own vision for the regeneration of this local landmark. Who knows, your blueprint might be selected as a working plan for the Heritage Lottery Fund project. A free event, so join the group at Market Road.

Caledonian Clocktower, Caledonian Park, Market Road, Islington N7, tel: 020 7527 2837.

Back to school

Enjoy art classes with a difference at Highbury Grove School on Saturday 18 October. From 10am-1pm, the school is inviting families to drop-in for workshops including 3D dinosaur drawing, pipe cleaner mapping and sculptural drawing. With activities for all ages, artist Charlotte Young is set to work alongside the Sixth Form on an exhibition of work. If you’re looking for a family property in Islington, why not check out our area guide.

Highbury Grove School, Highbury, Islington N5 2EQ, tel: 020 7288 8900

Industrial landscape

You may trundle through each day, but have you ever stopped and looked at the beauty of the landscape around King’s Cross? On Sunday 19 October, join Tom Ledger for a day spent drawing the local industrial skylines, imposing railway architecture and Camley Street Natural Park, concluding with a drink back at the House of Illustration. Free event, but you need to pre-book and arrive at 11am prompt on the day. You might even spot your next property along the way – if not our City listings page is updated with the latest rental properties in the area.

House of Illustration, 2 Granary Square, N1C 4BH, tel: 020 3696 2020.

Simples!

Who doesn’t love a meerkat? Forget Orlov, and head for Battersea Park Children’s Zoo where on Saturday 25 October the whole family is invited to get messy and help to create a marvellous meerkat montage with the zoo’s team. Sketch as you spot the animals, then add as much creative licence as you can to make your meerkat stand out from the crowd. Ticket prices apply to the attraction, but the activity is free. While you’re in the area, why not take a look at our properties to rent in Battersea.

Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, Battersea Park SW11 4NJ, tel: 020 7924 5826

A Royal Affair

There couldn’t be a grander setting for a little regal sketching. Head to The Royal Mews from 11am-3pm on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October to see the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, maybe spot the carriage horses and find out what goes into getting the royals around town, then head for the Learning Room to create your own postcard. Admission charges apply but the little ones will definitely be amused. Afterwards, take a tour of some of our grandest properties at our Knightsbridge listings page.

The Royal Mews, Buckingham Palace, SW1A 1QH, tel: 020 7766 7334

Messing Around on the River

One of our favourite spots in town is down by the Thames, and the Nine Elms river path is putting on two days of imaginative and creative activity on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October. Light graffiti, den weaving, performances and storytelling are on the bill, so wrap up and spend the afternoon and evenings enjoying the free show. Equally spectacular are our current properties available in the Vauxhall area.

Nine Elms Riverside Walk, Bourne Valley Wharf, Thames Park, Nine Elms Lane SW8 5DB, tel: 07843 059785

Salty Seadogs

Half term wouldn’t be complete without a museum visit, so make it a goodie with a visit to the superbly restored Cutty Sark where on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 October children can join an artist to create a nautical scene complete with ports, rivers and oceans. While ticket charges for the attraction apply, the Big Draw activity is free with admission, so it’s a great way to extend an already fascinating day trip out. Ahoy, me hearties, there are also some great Greenwich properties to espy at our Greenwich lettings page.

Cutty Sark, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9HT, tel: 020 8312 6608

On the Estate

When art meets architecture, we get very excited, so we are very much looking forward to the Mega Map event that runs from 27-31 October at Kenwood House. Following an amazing makeover, the house is open for tours and during half term artists will be on hand to help visitors add to the Big Draw installation in the Orangery. After enriching yourself it the house’s history why not visit our Hampstead branch to learn more about the area and the stunning property history of NW3.

Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR, tel: 020 8348 1286

Now we’ve shown you London’s most creative hotspots, let us show you the most exciting property highlights too. Contact us on 020 7435 9681.