While London is not short of family-friendly attractions like parks, museums, play areas and activities, a day trip can be a lovely treat for the family for a change of scenery. Luckily, within an hour of London, there’s not only plenty of fresh air but also things to do with kids. Whether a day trip on the weekend, half-term breaks or a summer holiday – we have found tons of day trips with kids from London under the hour by train or car.
Offering a variety of options for young animal enthusiasts or adventurous little ones – there’s something there for everybody. You can visit castles to heritage and steam railways, there are the best family-friendly days out with kids from London:
1. Bekonscot Model Village
Opened in 1929, Bekonscot Model Village is considered to be the world’s oldest original model village. Offering a miniature world for kids to explore, not much has changed as the model offers hundreds of buildings set up like a town with mini people walking around – offering your little one to be a part of a whole new world. From a tiny London-themed zone with a tube station to tiny shops, fairground rides and green gardens – the makes for a wonderful day out for the kids.
🚇 30 minutes from London Marylebone to Beaconsfield by train.
🚗 1 hour by car.
2. Maldon Promenade
Maldon’s promenade offers a fabulous day out with kids involving activities and picturesque scenery! You can walk alongside the River Blackwater while watching boats sail by and even spot local wildlife. There’s plenty of beaches and green areas where you can set up a cute picnic spot for you and your family! The Promenade Park includes many attractions to keep your little one preoccupied. From an adventure playground, a water play area perfect during warm weather and a pirate ship playground, it’s the perfect spot for children to burn off some energy. Kids can also enjoy paddle boating on the Marine Lake, take a train ride on a miniature railway, play mini-golf – you get the gist.
🚗 1 hour by car.
3. Spa Valley Railway
Explore Kent’s beautiful countryside on this heritage railway line from Tunbridge Wells to Eridge with your little one. With vintage carriages pulled along the stops of High Rocks, where you’ll find ancient sandstone covering the landscape, Eridge Rocks – a stunning nature reserve, Groombridge for the Groombridge Palace Estate where your kids can explore the brilliant Enchanted Forest – the journey has much to offer!
🚇 Charing Cross to Tunbridge Wells (54 mins) or Eridge (56 mins)
4. Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre
One of the world’s most famous children’s authors, Roald Dahl lived in the village of Great Missenden just 30 minutes away from London. The author who gave the world Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda has a small museum dedicated to his work providing an insight to his life and the inspiration behind many of his famous and much loved characters!
🚇 46 minutes from London Marylebone to Great Missenden by train.
🚗 30 minutes by car.
5. Bath
Bath, a city brimming with its Roman heritage and Georgian architecture, is an excellent and underrated family day out with kids. From historial attractions like the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey to museums such as The Holburne Museum, The Jane Austen Centre and No. 1 Royal Crescent – there’s tons of activities to keep your little ones busy. If your little one is a bit more adventurous, the city also offers outdoor activities like the Royal Victoria Park, Parade Gardens and Alexandra Park featuring fantastic playgrounds, botanical gardens, scenic walks and stunning views of the city. You can also explore Bath City Farm where kids can meet animals, burn some energy in play areas and go on lovely walking trails!
🚇 1 hour and 15 minutes from London Paddington to Bath by train.
6. Brighton
Brighton serves a stunning little seaside getaway from the hustle and bustle of London but also a lovely day out with kids when the sun’s shining. Whether it’s Bright Pier full of rides and arcade games or the beach where kids can paddle in the sea or hunt for shells. You can also visit the Brighton Toy and Model Museum packed with vintage toys and models and also has a working model railway. Not to forget, Sea Life Brighton, the world’s oldest operating aquarium is also a good sight to visit where kids can see marine life up close.
🚇 One hour from Victoria or London Bridge to Brighton.
7. Hever Castle
Hever Castle is a full day out. Anne Boleyn’s childhood home is worth a visit as its absolutely brimming with family-friendly activities and attractions. While the castle is stunning, the surrounding gardens offer more. From several mazes including a water one, a playground, a boating lake and a collection of tiny model houses – the 125 acres of land will keep you and your kids busy till the end of the day.
🚇 42 minutes from London Bridge to Hever by train.
8. Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
If your kids love Harry Potter than it’s time to head to the studio tour. Offering a behind-the-scenes walking tour in Watford, kids can see the original sets, props and costumes! From sites like Platform 9¾, Diagon Alley and the Gringotts Wizarding Bank – there’s tons and tons to discover about the franchise!
🚇 45 minutes from London Euston to Watford Junction by train and then a shuttle bus.
🚗 One hour by car.
9. Legoland Windsor
Legoland Windsor is another full day out and needs no introduction. The park has tons of attractions suitable for all ages – including Miniland, live shows at Heartlake City and more than 55 rides including Duplo Valley for your littlest ones and Drench Towers splash zone for warmer weather!
🚇 53 minutes from Waterloo to Windsor by train then shuttle bus or taxi.
🚗 One hour by car.
10. Hampton Court Palace
Another fabulous day out full of rich history, Hampton Court Palace not only allows kids to explore vast kitchens that once Henry VIII’s court at The Tudor Kitchens but also offer The Great Hall and Haunted Gallery for kids that love history and spooky stories. Throughout the palace, there are tons of opportunities for kids to dress up in period costumes and also the chance to view live Tudor music and performances bringing the history of the palace to life!
🚇 36 minutes from Waterloo to Hampton Court.