London is an exciting city full of history, culture, and adventure, but sometimes a change of scenery can be just what the family needs. Whether you're looking to explore nature, learn something new, or enjoy some outdoor fun, there are plenty of fantastic day trips from London that are perfect for families with children. Here are some of the best family-friendly day trips just a short journey from the capital, offering a mix of adventure, history, and fun for all ages!
1. Harry Potter Studio Tour, Watford
For families with Harry Potter fans, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is an absolute must-see. Located just 20 miles from London in Watford, this magical experience allows visitors to step inside the world of Harry Potter and explore iconic sets, costumes, and props from the films. Kids can try their hand at wand-making, walk through Diagon Alley, and even take a ride on the Hogwarts Express! The studio tour is a great day out for all ages, with interactive exhibits and plenty of photo opportunities.
Travel Tip: You can easily reach the studio via a direct train from London Euston to Watford Junction, followed by a short shuttle bus ride.
2. Legoland Windsor
Just 30 minutes from London, Legoland Windsor Resort is a theme park that’s perfect for families with younger children. With over 55 rides, shows, and attractions, Legoland offers endless fun and excitement. Kids can explore Miniland, where they’ll find incredible models of famous landmarks made entirely out of Lego, as well as enjoy interactive rides like the Dragon Rollercoaster and the Pirate Falls log flume. There’s also an indoor play area and a fantastic water zone for those hot summer days.
Travel Tip: The park is easily accessible by train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central, followed by a short bus ride to the park.
3. Richmond Park, Richmond
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London for a bit of fresh air and nature, head to Richmond Park, just a short train ride from the city. As one of London's largest and most beautiful parks, it’s home to herds of wild deer and expansive grasslands, making it a perfect place for a family day out. You can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride through the park, have a picnic, or visit the Isabella Plantation, a beautiful woodland garden. Children will love spotting the deer and exploring the many trails.
Travel Tip: Richmond is easily accessible by train from London Waterloo, and the park is just a short walk from Richmond station.
4. Brighton Beach and Pier
Just an hour’s train ride from London, Brighton is a perfect seaside getaway for families. With its pebble beach, lively pier, and fun arcades, Brighton offers a classic British seaside experience. Kids can enjoy the rides on Brighton Pier, like the helter-skelter and bumper cars, while parents relax with stunning views of the sea. You can also explore the quirky Lanes, full of independent shops, or take a stroll through the beautiful Royal Pavilion Gardens.
Travel Tip: Trains from London Victoria to Brighton run frequently and take around 1 hour.
5. Leeds Castle, Kent
Known as “the loveliest castle in the world,” Leeds Castle in Kent is a magical place to visit with children. Situated about 1 hour from London, the castle is surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and gardens, where kids can explore the maze, take a boat ride on the lake, or discover the play area and playgrounds. Inside the castle, there are plenty of fascinating exhibits to keep young minds engaged, from medieval displays to interactive activities. The castle also hosts family-friendly events throughout the year.
Travel Tip: You can reach Leeds Castle from London by train from Victoria Station to Bearsted, followed by a short bus ride to the castle.
6. Kew Gardens, Richmond
For a fun and educational day out, head to Kew Gardens, just 30 minutes from central London. This vast botanical garden is home to stunning plant collections, beautiful landscapes, and fascinating glasshouses. Kids will love the Treetop Walkway, where they can walk high above the ground and enjoy incredible views of the gardens. There’s also the interactive Children’s Garden, which offers hands-on experiences like gardening and nature trails, as well as the fascinating Palm House with its tropical plants and towering palm trees.
Travel Tip: Kew Gardens is easily accessible by the District Line from London, and the main entrance is just a short walk from Kew Gardens Station.
7. The Natural History Museum, Oxford
If your family enjoys history and science, Oxford is an excellent day trip destination. Just an hour by train from London, Oxford is home to the fascinating Natural History Museum. The museum is full of interactive exhibits that will captivate children of all ages, including a life-sized dinosaur skeleton, fossils, and hands-on displays about the natural world. Oxford itself is also a beautiful city to explore, with its historic university buildings and charming streets. Don’t miss a chance to wander through the University Parks, where children can play and explore.
Travel Tip: Trains from London Paddington to Oxford take just under an hour.
8. Southend-on-Sea, Essex
For a traditional British seaside experience, take a day trip to Southend-on-Sea in Essex. About an hour from London, Southend boasts the longest pleasure pier in the world, perfect for a family stroll. Kids can take a ride on the mining train that runs along the pier, or enjoy the Adventure Island amusement park, which offers a mix of rides, games, and attractions for all ages. The beach is perfect for building sandcastles or splashing in the sea, and there are plenty of family-friendly cafés and ice cream stalls to enjoy.
Travel Tip: Southend is easily reachable by train from London Fenchurch Street, with a journey time of around 1 hour.
9. The Chiltern Hills
For families that love outdoor adventures, the Chiltern Hills offer a beautiful escape into nature. Located just an hour from London, the Chiltern Hills are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for family-friendly hikes, picnics, and wildlife spotting. There are plenty of charming villages to explore, like Great Missenden, which is famous for being the home of author Roald Dahl. Children can visit the Roald Dahl Museum and enjoy interactive exhibits related to the famous author’s life and stories.
Travel Tip: The Chiltern Hills are easily accessible by train from London Marylebone to Great Missenden, with a journey time of about 50 minutes.
10. The Isle of Wight
For a slightly longer day trip, the Isle of Wight offers a wonderful escape just two hours from London. The island is famous for its natural beauty, with stunning beaches, coastal walks, and family-friendly attractions like the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and Blackgang Chine, an exciting theme park with rides and themed areas. The whole family will enjoy a day of adventure, from beachcombing to visiting historic sites, like the beautiful Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former summer residence.
Travel Tip: Take a train from London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, then a short ferry ride to the Isle of Wight.
11. Ultimate Activity Camps in Kew, Putney, Fulham, and Clapham
Are you looking for exciting and caring school holiday childcare in London? Ultimate Activity Camps provide outstanding, inspiring, and Ofsted-regulated activity day camps with the primary function of delivering a very high level of care and welfare for 4-14-year-olds during the Easter and Summer school holidays. We deliver this childcare through a fantastic range of exciting activities, whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields, or in the woods. We use our many years of experience and enthusiastic staff to create a programme that changes each day and delivers the outstanding levels of care you would expect whilst ensuring that the children of all ages are thoroughly engaged and inspired to try new activities and make new friends.
- Opening Hours: Easter and Summer School Holidays 8am to 6pm
- Ticket Price: Prices vary and early bird discounts available
- Suitable for: Children aged 4-14 years
- Book here: https://www.ultimateactivity.co.uk/london-camps
Conclusion
Whether your family loves history, nature, adventure, or the seaside, there’s a perfect day trip from London that will leave everyone smiling. With so many destinations within easy reach, you can explore the best of what the UK has to offer without venturing too far from the capital. So, pack your bags, jump on a train, and set off on an exciting adventure with your loved ones!