Show: The Great Fire of London

London Museum — KS1

At our museum
  • A woman in costume gestures while presenting a model of historic buildings, with smoke and a burning city scene projected in the background.

    Discover the hidden stories of the Great Fire.

  • Children and adults in an audience holding their hands above their heads

    Discover the hidden stories of the Great Fire.

Various times

22 Feb – 24 Mar 2027

FREE

Book now

For nearly five days, London burned. Smoke billowed above the city, high winds spread molten flames, and the sky glowed orange. London would never be the same again. But how did the fire start? And why did it rage so fiercely that night in 1666?

Learn how one spark from a bakery set fire to an entire city and help our storyteller save what’s left of London. What will finally fight the flames?

Discover the hidden stories of the Great Fire and the tools that saved the city in this interactive show.

Shows take place in the N. Sethia Showspace. Our shows programme was developed with the kind support of Terra Firma Capital Partners, with ongoing support for Showspace from Tishman Speyer.

Key stage:
KS1
Curriculum:
KS1 History: Significant events – Fire of London
Group size:
Min. 15 and max. 30 pupils plus 6 adults per group. Up to 3 groups per show
Attendance options:
In-person only
Duration:
60-minute show plus set times for gallery visit and lunch
Risk assessment:

Guidance to help create a risk assessment

Cancellations:

Free, but cancellation charges apply

Please be aware this show includes discussion of death and fire. The performance contains loud noises, sudden movements, unusual smells, flickering lights, spraying water, and water vapour. Please email the Learning team if you have any questions about the content, or to discuss any particular sensitivities within your class.

Pupils will:

  • recognise what housing was like in London 1666 and how this contributed to the fire spreading quickly
  • understand how people fought the fire and the tools they used
  • develop an awareness of the diversity of 17th-century London

Key stage 1 History – events beyond living memory that are significant nationally or globally (for example, the Great Fire of London). Pupils will:

  • learn about significant events beyond living memory
  • discover lives of significant individuals
  • compare life in the past to present day

When you arrive at the museum, one of our friendly team members will greet you and show you to toilets, galleries and Showspace. They'll be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

During the show you will be part of a shared experience with other schools, with up to three classes attending at the same time. You will:

  • be seated together in a theatre space, sitting on large benches
  • watch a live Great Fire of London show designed for key stage 1
  • be encouraged to participate throughout

When you book, you will be given a timetable for your visit including:

  • your arrival time
  • time to explore the Great Fire gallery
  • a designated lunch slot

No food or drink is allowed inside Showspace.

A single, weathered and cracked brick is shown on a white background.

Help our storyteller save what's left of London.

4 / 5

“A fantastic experience which really helped pupils consolidate their learning of the topic”

— Teacher feedback on the Great Fire of London show
5 / 5

“It was outstanding!”

— Teacher feedback on the Great Fire of London show

Need to know

All shows are completely free but advance booking is required.

Book Great Fire of London – AM show (11am showtime)

Book Great Fire of London – PM show (1pm showtime)

Find us at London Museum, General Market, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 9AG.

The closest stations are Farringdon (Elizabeth line, Thameslink, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan), Barbican (Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan) and St Paul's (Central).

Lots of bus routes also stop within a short walk of the museum, including 4, 8, 25, 46, 56, 63, 100, 172, 242, 521.

There is a dedicated space for wheelchairs. Please let us know when booking if you require wheelchair space.

Anyone can leave the room at any point during the show, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Shows take place at 11.15am and 1pm and last for one hour including entry and exit from Showspace.

Your arrival time, gallery visit and break slot will be assigned based on which show you book. You will be sent a full timetable when you book.

Please be aware that you are booking a timetabled package that includes a set arrival time, show time, self-led gallery time and a break slot.

Unfortunately, our dedicated lunch space isn’t ready yet but we’re working on it.

We require a minimum of 15 pupils per booking. Each booking can accommodate up to 30 pupils and 6 accompanying adults.

Please do not take any photos or videos in Showspace as there will be pupils from other schools present.

Although schools can book shows for free, we will need to charge a cancellation fee for any cancellations or no-shows to cover staff costs.