The London experience that's a must for all fans of Sir David Attenborough

I arrived with my two sons, aged seven and 10, and we were ushered into a sprawling, darkened room, filled with hundreds of screens, jutting out of the floor and towering from above. They all showed different perspectives on awe-inspiring footage from Seven Worlds, One Planet, the television series from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit.

The experience led us through each of the world’s seven continents. We watched cheeky golden snub-nosed monkeys playing in the snow in Asia and sea lions breezing through the water in South America. We grinned as impossibly cute hamsters fought over food in Europe, and gasped as chimpanzees deftly used rocks as tools in Africa. Just the right amount of narration is provided by the enchanting Sir David Attenborough.

The screens wrap around corners and the audio comes from all angles, meaning we felt totally immersed in each scene, as thousands of butterflies flapped their wings around us, and a torrential storm broke overhead. Everyone sits on the floor or on giant cushions and sofas, or wanders around the room, making it ideal for families.

After journeying across the world we dipped into the Water Life room, where my boys raced past the screens, which tracked their body heat so they could direct bioluminescent waves and bubbles. In the Micro Life room we came up close with creepy crawlies, and clever projections covered the floor in an army of mini-beasts, as we learnt why they’re so important to ecosystems.

The experience captures the beauty and sheer diversity of the world’s wildlife, but conveys a serious message too. It culminates in the Earth Room, where a giant planet spins above, and Attenborough reminds us that “it is within our power to make a difference”, as he encourages us all to play a role in protecting the planet and its precious biodiversity.

This message extends across The Daikin Centre, (named after the eco-heating technology brand), as the building and its contents are crafted from materials that can be recycled, reused, or repurposed – even the screens are made from cotton.

There are lots of thoughtful touches that elevate the visitor experience, with lockers to stash coats and heavy bags – all decorated with pictures of animals – to the well-stocked gift shop. Who can resist a pencil case covered in cute penguins? A new photo experience also allowed us to pose against a green screen, where we were superimposed next to our favourite animals.

Visitors to London can easily combine the experience with a trip to the nearby museums in South Kensington, and the Natural History Museum would be an ideal option, with its array of life and earth science specimens. 

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Book it: Tickets are free for under threes, £15 for three to 15-year-olds and £19.50 for adults, and are available through Attraction World. 
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