London has a brand-new maths attraction, and it’s perfect for curious kids who love hands-on activities. The MathsWorld Discovery Centre, located beneath a railway arch on the South Bank, turns numbers, logic and problem-solving into real-life adventures. It’s a great option for families looking for something fun, interactive and educational — and even though the venue is somewhat small, there are two floors of activities, and there’s still plenty to keep kids engaged for a good 1–2 hours.
Inside, you’ll find a mix of puzzles, challenges and sensory experiences. Some of the exhibits include the Cipher Wall, where kids can explore hidden messages; the Codebreaker tower with colourful light patterns and the the Elliptical Billiard Table that shows how maths affects movement and angles. Everything is designed to make maths feel playful and accessible, which is ideal if you have a child who loves problem-solving or needs learning presented in a different way.
One of the best parts of visiting is that every public ticket automatically becomes a 12-month annual pass, so you can return as many times as you like for the price of one visit. For families in London, this makes it a brilliant rainy-day activity and a great place to pop into whenever you’re in the area. It’s also a strong educational option if you’re looking for something more meaningful than a soft play or a standard museum.
Tickets cost £14.50 for adults, £13 for children aged 3–17 and concessions, and under-3s go free. A family ticket for four (maximum two adults) is £50. Concessions apply to registered disabled visitors, carers, students and OAPs. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10am–4pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10am–5pm. It’s definitely worth booking in advance, as some term-time weekdays are reserved exclusively for school groups. You can stay as long as you like, but most people spend around 1–2 hours exploring, and last admission is an hour before closing.
The MathsWorld Discovery Centre is easy to get to, located at Arches, 6 Burrell Street, London SE1 0UN, with Southwark and Waterloo as the nearest stations. If you’re looking for something new, educational and engaging for kids — especially during bad weather — it’s a great addition to the growing list of family attractions on the South Bank. Book tickets here.
