London is brilliant — but sometimes you need a change of scene. Here are the best family day trips within reach, from quick Surrey escapes to proper UK adventures.
64 destinations found
One of the best theme parks for families with younger children, Chessington combines 40+ rides across 10 themed lands with a real zoo and SEA LIFE centre. 2026 sees the opening of the UK's first PAW Patrol land — perfect for toddlers and primary-age children.
The UK's most thrilling theme park is made for teenagers and older children, with over 25 rides including the record-breaking Hyperia rollercoaster. Best for families with children aged 12 and over — the little ones may find it too intense.
Heated indoor adventure play, outdoor rides and authentic farm activities including animal encounters and seasonal tractor rides. A hidden gem just 45 minutes from London perfect for under-8s.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, LEGOLAND Windsor is the UK's best theme park for families with young children — over 50 rides, shows and attractions all built around the LEGO universe. Utterly magical for ages 2–12.
The world's oldest model village in Beaconsfield is a miniature 1930s Britain complete with tiny trains, cars, planes and bustling scenes that completely enchant young children. Unchanged for decades, Bekonscot is charmingly nostalgic and utterly magical.
The world's oldest and largest occupied castle is just 40 minutes from London by train and offers a spectacular day out combining royal history, St George's Chapel, the State Apartments and changing of the guard. A genuinely awe-inspiring experience for older children.
In Roald Dahl's own home village of Great Missenden, this wonderful small museum celebrates the world's number one storytelling genius with interactive galleries, story time and the original Writing Hut. A magical pilgrimage for children who love Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle in Kent combines a beautifully preserved Tudor castle with award-winning gardens, a water maze, archery, a miniature golf course and a wonderful adventure playground.
Home of WWII codebreakers with immersive exhibits, interactive family tours narrated by a character Wren with puzzles and codebreaker challenges. Kids learn history through storytelling while exploring faithfully recreated WW2 huts.
Drive-through safari with 75+ exotic species in a 365-acre setting plus the Mammoth Play Ark soft play centre and Treetops Action Trail ropes course. A unique half-day drive-through adventure combined with excellent play facilities.
The UK's largest zoo spans 600 acres in the Chiltern Hills with elephants, rhinos, lions, giraffes and over 3,500 animals. Far more spacious and relaxed than London Zoo, Whipsnade makes for a brilliant full-day family outing with stunning countryside views.
Just one hour from London with 365 acres of forest, subtropical swimming paradise with UK's biggest water slide selection and 100+ activities. A luxury resort option combining nature with adventure for multi-day breaks.
Essex's classic seaside resort features the world's longest pleasure pier, Adventure Island amusement park, a Sealife Adventure aquarium and miles of sandy beach. Southend is just 45 minutes from Fenchurch Street and brilliant value for a spontaneous family day.
Often called the loveliest castle in the world, Leeds Castle in Kent is set on two islands in a lake and surrounded by 500 acres of beautiful parkland with mazes, a bird of prey centre, play areas and a golf course. Magical for all ages.
Charming Kent seaside town famous for crabbing off the harbour, stunning coastal walks and fresh oysters. A proper seaside village experience with beach huts, ice cream parlours and easy train access from London, perfect for a relaxed family beach day.
Famous gardens created by Vita Sackville-West with tower views, white garden and 460-acre estate to explore. A sophisticated family day out combining history, horticulture and beautiful English countryside.
London's favourite seaside escape combines a pebbly beach with the famous Palace Pier packed with rides, arcades and candy floss, plus the SEA LIFE Centre, Zip World and the world-famous Royal Pavilion. An hour by train from Victoria — a classic British day out.
Vintage-themed amusement park on Kent's coast with nostalgic fairground rides, The Big Wheel, and free entry with pay-per-ride model. Unique seaside atmosphere mixed with rock pools and beaches, perfect for a quirky day by the sea.
Oxford is one of the UK's best family day trips — the extraordinary Pitt Rivers Museum (free) with its shrunken heads and world artefacts, the beautiful University Parks for picnics and the covered Covered Market for lunch make a brilliant combination.
Impressive riverside castle with 900 years of history, stunning gardens and family-friendly activities. Climb towers for panoramic views, explore medieval rooms and enjoy the beautiful grounds overlooking the River Arun.
Cambridge on a sunny day is completely magical for families — punting along the Backs past the famous college bridges, picnics on the meadows and a free visit to the outstanding Fitzwilliam Museum. One of England's most beautiful cities.
One of the UK's top zoos with over 260 species including cheetahs, elephants, orangutans and white lions, all set within 60 acres of beautiful parkland. Colchester Zoo consistently wins awards for its innovative habitats and engaging family experiences.
Fairy-tale moated castle with interactive medieval activities, family trails and costumed characters bringing history alive. Kids love spotting the 50-year-old carp in the moat, climbing towers and exploring Medieval chambers - pure castle magic.
London's closest national park with stunning views like Devil's Dyke and Seven Sisters white cliffs. Easy train access to walking trails, rolling countryside and accessible family-friendly routes perfect for an afternoon adventure.
Enchanting hilltop town with medieval streets, Rye Castle, School of Wizards and detective mystery trails. One of England's most picturesque towns, just 3km from Camber Sands beach with quirky attractions and charm for all ages.
Five miles of unspoilt golden sand backed by dunes in East Sussex, perfect for kite-flying, paddleboarding and castle-building. The only major sandy beach in East Sussex, it's ideal for families wanting a proper beach holiday feel from London.
A brilliant hands-on science centre in Hampshire with over 100 interactive exhibits, an impressive planetarium and a giant outdoor science playground. Ideal for primary-age children and a lovely half-day stop when combining with a Winchester city visit.
A spectacular safari park in Kent with giraffes, rhinos, gorillas and lions roaming across 600 acres of countryside — plus brilliant lodges if you want to stay overnight. The safari truck ride through the African experience is truly unforgettable for children.
Dramatic clifftop fortress with secret WWII wartime tunnels, siege play area and the Medieval Great Tower. An interactive history lesson with spectacular views across the English Channel.
Henry VIII's Tudor warship raised after 437 years, displayed in nine galleries with panoramic views of the entire ship. A dramatic maritime history lesson that fascinates families and history enthusiasts alike.
A wonderful conservation zoo near Winchester with giraffes, snow leopards, Amur tigers and okapis across 140 acres of Hampshire parkland. Marwell is beautifully laid out, never feels overcrowded and is ideal for a relaxed family day.
Often called the prettiest seaside town in England, Broadstairs has a gorgeous sandy bay, a traditional high street, an independent ice cream culture and a beautifully relaxed feel that makes it perfect for families with young children.
Home of Peppa Pig World with 9 themed rides and 70+ attractions across 140 acres. Perfect for younger children who love the CBeebies character, with character meet-and-greets daily and beautiful New Forest surroundings for a full family day out.
285+ classic and vintage vehicles at England's National Motor Museum plus Palace House and gardens in the New Forest. Little Beaulieu adventure play and school holiday mini motorcar driving add extra family fun.
One of the world's most iconic prehistoric monuments is just 90 minutes from London and genuinely captivating for children who love history, mystery and ancient stories. Book in advance — the visitor centre is excellent and the audio guide for children is brilliant.
The prettiest Cotswolds village is irresistible for families — the shallow River Windrush runs through the centre where children can paddle and play, surrounded by beautiful honey-stone buildings, independent shops and brilliant cafés. Combine with Bourton Model Village for a perfect day.
Ancient woodland, wild ponies roaming free, cycling trails, beaches and a brilliant array of family activities make the New Forest one of the most magical natural destinations near London. The ponies alone are worth the trip for young children.
World-class zoo with 135+ animal species, woodland walks, treetop walkway and brand new Wild Lights experience for 2026. A full day of adventure with fantastic keeper talks and family-friendly facilities.
One of the UK's best-preserved medieval castles with trebuchet firings, jousting, a dungeon, a maze, daily shows and an incredible falconry display. Warwick Castle is brilliant for children and adults alike — allow a full day.
Six air-conditioned galleries with 150+ interactive exhibits, UK's largest planetarium and 42-metre Rocket Tower. Tim Peake's spacesuit and The Martian props are highlights that inspire young astronauts.
One of England's finest beaches stretches for seven miles of golden sand from Bournemouth to Poole, with excellent facilities, a buzzing pier and a relaxed resort atmosphere. A longer drive but worth every minute — ideal for a weekend.
125 miles of lock-free waterways for boating with BeWILDerwood treehouses, Wroxham Barns farm experience and boat hire for all abilities. A unique family adventure combining wildlife, water and outdoor discovery.
13 indoor and outdoor flume rides plus splash pools for under-7s, open year-round with summer and winter sessions. The only year-round waterpark easily reachable from London, perfect for water-loving families.
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage City with ancient Roman baths that completely captivate history-loving children, beautiful Georgian architecture, brilliant independent shops and one of England's finest cities to simply wander.
Vast stately home with 25+ rooms to explore, 105-acre gardens, farmyard with animals and adventure playground. A perfect Peak District destination mixing culture, nature and outdoor fun for a sophisticated family day out.
Now called We The Curious, this hands-on science and arts centre in Bristol has over 250 interactive exhibits covering space, the body, maths and technology — endlessly engaging for curious children of all ages. Bristol is a brilliant family weekend destination.
A beloved family theme park in the Midlands with Thomas Land for toddlers, thrill rides for older children and a zoo with exotic animals — superb value for families. One of the UK's most complete family theme park experiences.
England's most accessible national park with family-friendly cavern tours, cable car rides and easy hiking trails. Chatsworth House nearby adds stately home grandeur to the Derbyshire countryside.
Hilltop theme park with 65+ rides perfect for ages 2-13 including roller coasters, log flume and drop tower. Buggy-friendly chairlift access and free parking make it an easy Peak District day out.
Grand Pier with 500+ arcade games and 14 rides including go-karts and roller coaster all under one roof. Two miles of sandy beach, traditional seaside attractions and the SeaQuarium make it perfect beach fun whatever the weather.
UNESCO World Heritage site spanning Dorset's stunning cliffs featuring fossil hunting, boat trips and dinosaur attractions. West Bay's iconic golden cliffs and Durdle Door's natural arch offer dramatic backdrops for adventure and exploration.
Britain's biggest theme park offers legendary rollercoasters alongside CBeebies Land for little ones and the brilliant new Bluey rollercoaster opening in 2026 — making it one of the most versatile parks for mixed-age families. Allow a full day.
UK's only fully interactive museum for children aged 0-11 with 400+ hands-on activities and eight amazing zones including the new Magic Place gallery. A haven for curious minds that opened its fresh experience in February 2026.
One of the UK's best zoos set across 128 acres featuring 35,000 animals and the spectacular 22-acre Heart of Africa savannah. Just under 4 hours from London, it offers world-class animal encounters and interactive experiences the whole family will treasure.
A brilliant year-round family resort in the Pembrokeshire National Park with lodges, an indoor subtropical water park (Blue Lagoon), outdoor adventure activities and direct access to stunning coastal walks. One of the UK's best family short-break destinations.
Travel back to AD 960 in immersive reconstructed Viking city with 360-degree views and period-authentic experiences. A unique journey through time that captivates children aged 5+ and combines history with sensory adventure.
Won Best Family Attraction award with interactive Wonderlab gallery, 18 ride-on experiences, flying Scotsman VR and miniature railways. The world's largest railway museum is free to enter and perfect for transport-obsessed children.
Massive combined theme park and zoo in 365 acres with 120+ animal species plus 40+ rides including the famous Mumbo Jumbo coaster. A brilliant full-day adventure from London with thrills, wildlife viewing and Peter Rabbit adventure playground.
Welsh zoo and theme park combination with 750+ animals, vintage fairground with 18 restored rides and adventure play areas. A Family Favourites Award winner offering diverse attractions for all ages.
Picturesque North Yorkshire seaside town with 199 steps to ruined Whitby Abbey, steam railway through the Moors and pirate ship cruises. A traditional British seaside experience with cliffs, beach huts and classic attractions.
England's most spectacular mountain scenery with boat cruises on Windermere, lakeside villages and easy walks. Perfect for families wanting nature immersion with Beatrix Potter connections and accessible family-friendly attractions throughout.
Spectacular biomes exploring global plants and cultures across 17 acres in Cornwall. A destination worth the journey with inspiring architecture, world-class collections and family activities that celebrate nature and human achievement.
Stunning Northumberland fortress on dramatic coastal setting with 9 acres of grounds and interactive medieval experiences. The Last Kingdom TV series connection adds extra appeal for fans.
Free hands-on science museum with Play Tyne water exhibits, Science Maze and weekend robot-making workshops. A fantastic all-weather destination for curious minds in the North East.