There’s a lot to discover in London itself that you might simply fill a lifetime uncovering all the town’s secrets and techniques – however there’s no denying that it additionally makes an ideal base to discover, with an entire string of implausible day journeys from London with children.
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Whether or not you reside within the metropolis and are on the lookout for concepts of household days out close to London, otherwise you’re visiting the capital and attempting to pack in a bit extra of the UK on the identical time, I’ve picked 29 days out for teenagers close to London to encourage you.
I’ve tried to make these as practical as attainable – for instance, you might technically go to York as a day journey from London, with trains taking round two hours every means, however it’s a protracted day and also you’d nonetheless barely have probability to see all of the implausible sights in York with children. Identical goes for Birmingham, which is nearer however equally deserving of greater than a day.
For sure, I haven’t included each attainable place you might go to on day journeys from London with children both – I’ve targeted on locations relatively than particular sights, however there are theme parks like Legoland Windsor, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park, in addition to different sights the place you might simply spend the day.
I’ve additionally not noted Hampton Court docket Palace – it’s someplace I’d extremely suggest as a day trip, and also you do must make a journey from central London to get there, however it’s nonetheless formally a part of the town!
TOP TIP: In the event you’re travelling by prepare, do issue within the time wanted to get from wherever you’re staying to the station you depart from: crossing London can simply add one other half-hour or extra to your journey
Contents – click on to leap to a bit
Windsor, Berkshire
There’s nowhere fairly like Windsor Citadel – considered one of my prime UK castles to go to with children. In spite of everything, how usually do you get to peek inside a ‘working’ palace?
One among Queen Elizabeth’s favorite properties, the royal household nonetheless frequently spends time at Windsor, and you may see the Altering of the Guard right here, eye up a very spectacular doll’s home, see the tombs of royalty together with Henry VIII in St George’s chapel on the fort, in addition to getting a glance indoors on the state flats.
Guide tickets to Windsor Citadel right here
After all, there’s extra to Windsor than the fort alone. Whereas the hop-on hop-off bus tour of Windsor is presently not operating – beforehand you might uncover the origins of Eton, with some Shakespeare thrown in – you’ll be able to nonetheless stroll the historic streets and sort out the well-named Lengthy Stroll by way of Windsor Nice Park.
Or try the Treasure Map Trails of Windsor and Eton for a enjoyable technique to discover with children, recognizing a few of the quirky sights of the historic cities – get 10% off utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS.
For extra issues to do in Windsor with children, try my prime picks
Winchester, Hampshire
England’s first capital, Winchester is the right place to step again in historical past – and there’s masses for teenagers to get pleasure from as properly.
Together with the well-known cathedral, which my daughter first visited as a toddler (try the Christmas market in December too), you’ll be able to see the medieval spherical desk on show within the thirteenth century Nice Corridor, uncover the town’s long gone in its museums and wander the traditional streets.
For extra fashionable enjoyable, the Winchester Science Centre reopened in 2020 after a multimillion pound overhall, and you might simply spend an entire day there.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Winchester with children, try my prime picks
The New Forest, Hampshire
The New Forest Nationwide Park in Hampshire is the right family-friendly day journey from London for households who get pleasure from woodland walks and energetic adventures, together with the possibility to identify the wild ponies which dwell there.
You may take a scenic stroll or rent bikes to discover the traditional woodland, then hop right into a kayak for a visit alongside the river to see the attractive nationwide park from a distinct vantage level.
In the event you’re visiting with toddlers and youthful children, there are additionally a number of farms the place you’ll be able to meet the animals and, in fact, the thrilling Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World – toddler and preschooler heaven!
Top-of-the-line instances to go to the New Forest with children is throughout the early autumn months when the leaves are beginning to change color and the cooler climate means much less probability of sunburn throughout your out of doors adventures – though if you happen to’re visiting on a sunny day, head to Buckler’s Arduous for an ice cream by the waterfront.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Winchester with children, try my prime picks, together with extra issues to do in Hampshire with children
- The simplest technique to attain the New Forest and discover is by automotive. However there are additionally numerous stations if you wish to take the prepare to the New Forest from London: the most effective stations to go in the direction of is Brockenhurst, which takes round 90 minutes from Waterloo.
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
There may be nowhere on this planet fairly like Stonehenge – this wonderful creation nonetheless has the facility to fascinate and spark your curiosity at any age.
Whereas it’s not a brief go to (round 2 1/2 hours every means by automotive), it’s properly definitely worth the effort to take a look at what might be the world’s most well-known prehistoric monument.
Try my put up on a go to to Stonehenge after lockdown
On the entrance, there’s a small museum and recreated Neolithic homes to discover – the exhibition specifically is unmissable, not least for the possibility to face in a recreation of the stones on the solstice, in addition to offering some background.
Then common buses can shuttle you all the way down to the henge itself (helpful if you happen to’re visiting with youthful children or older kin), and even higher, stroll the paths by way of the fields for the complete expertise, seeing the well-known stone circle out of the blue showing on the horizon.
There’s extra data if you happen to obtain the free app earlier than you go to (or utilizing the location’s free WiFi), as an alternative of an audio information, however the affect of seeing Stonehenge in actual life, marvelling on the dimension of the stones, the precision of the design, is rarely lower than jaw-dropping.
- You will get quite a lot of excursions from London to Stonehenge, together with half-day choices which provide you with a few hours on the stones themselves if you happen to don’t wish to drive.
In any other case, direct trains to Salisbury take 90 minutes from Waterloo and you may both take a taxi instantly or a 30-minute bus journey every means with the Stonehenge tour bus (bus solely tickets price £12.50).
Salisbury, Wiltshire
One other fabulous metropolis to go to with children on a day journey from London if you happen to’re inquisitive about historical past – Salisbury cathedral is the best-known attraction, house to one of many copies of Magna Carta, in addition to the world’s oldest mechanical clock.
However that’s solely the beginning of the issues to do in Salisbury with children – half the pleasure is wandering the historic streets, the place you’ll be able to nonetheless see medieval buildings in addition to the cathedral itself.
As soon as a Saxon city, then house to a Norman fort, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the ruins of this and an Iron Age fort simply exterior the present metropolis at Outdated Sarum.
Salisbury can be an ideal choice to staff with a go to to Stonehenge – though attempting to pack each right into a day journey from London with children can be distinctly bold by public transport.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Salisbury with children, try my prime picks
- Trains to Salisbury from Waterloo take round 80-90 minutes direct, or round two hours by automotive.
Tub, Somerset
Fairly Tub is considered one of my favorite cities in England, and fast trains imply it’s simply attainable for day journeys from London with children (though you’ll in all probability be tempted to remain longer exploring this fabulous Unesco World Heritage Website).
Town is right whether or not your children are fascinated by Roman locations, love the writing of Jane Austen and Regency magnificence, or for the combo of metropolis sights and close by countryside.
I’ve picked out my prime issues to do in Tub with children right here for extra inspiration: you shouldn’t miss the Roman baths themselves and a stroll round absorbing the beautiful structure with its honey-coloured stone, together with the Royal Crescent, in addition to a wander to Pulteney bridge.
There’s additionally the Style Museum, Jane Austen Centre, American Museum and extra, or the stunning Tub skyline stroll – to not point out a Tub bun earlier than you permit.
In the event you’re spending longer within the space than a day journey, test out my prime issues to do in Somerset with children
Bristol
On a equally quick prepare path to close by Tub, vibrant Bristol is a superb place to go to with children – you’ll discover nice avenue artwork, the SS Nice Britain and Clifton Suspension bridge, museums and animal sights.
The interactive science centre, We The Curious, is considered one of my daughter’s all-time favourites – we go to every time we’re in Bristol and the toughest factor is tempting her again out once more.
Visiting the SS Nice Britain and the Being Brunel exhibition, celebrating the achievements and lifetime of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is equally unmissable.
Town can be house to an aquarium (plus the implausible zoo simply exterior the town centre), the free M Shed museum in regards to the metropolis, and all the things avenue artwork from Banksy to classes in creating your personal works, with an ideal self-guided tour or Banksy-themed exploration recreation that can assist you uncover them.
For extra issues to do in Bristol with children, try my prime picks
- Trains to Bristol Temple Meads from London (the most effective station for the town, relatively than Bristol Parkway) take round 90 minutes direct, or round two hours by automotive.
Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
In the event you’re on the lookout for day journeys from London with children that don’t embody a protracted journey, fairly Henley-on-Thames is only a quick prepare experience or drive from the capital.
Set on the Thames within the Oxfordshire countryside close to the Chilterns, Henley is finest identified for its annual boating regatta – however when that isn’t on, the most effective issues to do is rent a ship for the day to hit the river your self.
Seize a picnic, and spend the day on a self-drive electrical boat, exploring the river Thames and recognizing the luxurious properties and historic buildings that line the banks.
For one thing extra adventurous, you can even rent kayaks and canoes that are appropriate for youngsters 5+.
Plus, don’t miss a go to to the surprisingly kid-friendly Henley River and Rowing Museum – I visited when my daughter was simply two and he or she beloved the Wind within the Willows themed displays, however there’s a lot for all ages.
- It takes between 45 minutes to an hour to succeed in Henley by prepare from Paddington – there aren’t any direct prepare routes, so that you do have to alter alongside the way in which – or round an hour by automotive.
Oxford
Even after a number of years residing within the metropolis, I’d nonetheless discover myself stopping to stare at simply how beautiful Oxford is – that beautiful honey-coloured stone, the outdated school buildings, the beautiful riverside, the botanic gardens.
For children who love studying, you’ll find all the things from the doorway to Narnia to Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter – don’t miss the Oxford Story Museum to step inside tales, nice for youthful guests in addition to eager readers.
Or try a Harry Potter tour – this one contains CS Lewis and JRR Tolkein in addition to the Bodleian library, whereas this one mixes Oxford historical past with Wizarding World trivia.
Try my overview of a Harry Potter strolling tour of Oxford with children
The Oxford Pure Historical past Museum is one other of my daughter’s favourites – with loads of probabilities to get arms on, and the College Parks close by – whereas there’s an enormous quantity to find on the Ashmolean Museum with children. Neither has an entry cost, so that they’re additionally nice if you happen to’re on the lookout for free issues to do.
Town is finest explored on foot (or bike!) however the hop-on hop-off bus tour is a enjoyable possibility with youthful children or for a fast overview of a few of Oxford’s highlights. And on a sunny day, there’s nothing higher than hiring a punt and cruising alongside the river.
For an additional enjoyable technique to discover, try the Treasure Map Trails assortment, together with two treasure hunts for Oxford – and get 10% off utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS
- Trains to Oxford from Paddington station take from round 45 minutes, or round 75 minutes by automotive. You too can take a coach from London Victoria to Oxford (together with the Oxford Tube) which takes round 1 hour 40 minutes.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
The one non-royal nation home in all of England to carry the title of palace, Blenheim Palace is round 20 minutes from Oxford, at Woodstock within the Oxfordshire countryside.
Well-known for being the birthplace and residential of wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, it’s additionally an extremely child-friendly day trip from London, together with an ideal audio tour of the grand palace itself.
Try my overview of a day trip at Blenheim Palace with children for extra of the location’s household sights
Within the 2,000-acre property, you’ll discover immersive household exhibitions on the palace’s historical past, in addition to sprawling gardens that function a youngsters’s play space, a two-mile hedge maze, a miniature prepare, butterfly home and pony path for little ones, to not point out particular occasions all year long.
Go to within the run-up to Christmas, and there’s an illuminated path too.
- It takes round 1h 20 minutes to get to Blenheim Palace from London by automotive, though there are additionally quite a lot of excursions to Blenheim Palace if you happen to don’t wish to drive. Alternatively, the simplest technique to get there by public transport is to take the prepare to Oxford after which a bus on to Woodstock, which takes a further 30-40 minutes.
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds are really the postcard-perfect picture of England. Scattered throughout a number of counties, largely Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, the gathering of fairly villages is understood for its quaint thatch-roofed cottages and historic stone bridges, surrounded by the rolling inexperienced hills of the English countryside.
As the biggest Space of Excellent Pure Magnificence (AONB) in England, the Cotswolds are best to discover by automotive, however you might simply go to two to 3 villages on a day journey from London.
Bourton-on-the-Water is likely one of the most kid-friendly villages within the Cotswolds, with a shallow river operating straight by way of the center that youngsters can splash in with an ice-cream in hand whereas mother and father loosen up on the riverbank.
There’s additionally a mannequin village, hedge maze and Birdland Park and Gardens – which has one of many largest collections of unique birds within the UK, and close by Cotswold Farm Park.
A number of the different prime villages to go to within the Cotswolds with children embody Decrease and Higher Slaughter, in addition to the attractive Citadel Combe and Moreton-in-Marsh.
For extra concepts of issues to do within the Cotswolds with children, try my prime picks
- It takes round two hours to drive from London to Bourton-on-the-Water. In the event you don’t wish to drive, there are direct trains to Moreton-in-Marsh from London Paddington, and buses to close by villages, though you’ll be extra restricted in your exploring. You too can be a part of a tour from London to the Cotswolds, though these don’t are typically appropriate for youthful children.
Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire
This fascinating historic city is finest identified for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and also you’ll discover loads of sights linked to the well-known playwright as you discover.
Go to the home that Shakespeare grew up in, the place you’ll be greeted by tour guides in genuine Tudor gown who convey the expertise alive and are nice at partaking children of all ages. With older children, you’ll be able to watch a efficiency on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre too, in fact.
There’s additionally a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Stratford-upon-Avon, which hyperlinks a number of of the city’s highlights, or you might expertise a Tudor lesson in Shakespeare’s schoolroom, the place the younger William was educated.
Mary Arden’s farm – the house of Shakespeare’s mom – is one other enjoyable family-friendly attraction, with its many livestock, individuals wearing genuine Tudor outfits and conventional crafts and actions which children can strive for themselves, together with archery and falconry.
Away from the city’s Shakespeare connection, you’ll be able to see mechanical artwork on the uncommon MAD museum, spend a while at Stratford’s Butterfly Farm and take a soothing boat journey alongside the River Avon.
The Stratford Treasure Map Path is one other enjoyable technique to discover Stratford-on-Avon with children, discovering a few of the quirky sights alongside the way in which – there’s additionally 10% off utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS
- It takes round 2 hours half-hour by prepare to Stratford-upon-Avon from London Marylebone, or just below two hours to drive. You too can ebook a tour to Stratford-upon-Avon from London, similar to this selection which additionally contains Oxford, though this a protracted and busy day so not one for youthful children.
In case you have longer to spend exploring England, it’s simple to mix Stratford-upon-Avon with a go to to Warwick and Warwick Citadel
Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Buckinghamshire
This little museum in Nice Missenden, Buckinghamshire, is unbeatable for followers of Roald Dahl – he lived within the village itself, and it’s simple to see how the world impressed a few of his books.
However even with out wandering round Nice Missenden itself, the Roald Dahl Museum is a implausible mixture of information in regards to the creator, areas to encourage children to get artistic, and details about his books and their origins.
If you wish to curl up in a nook together with your favorite story, you’ll be able to, whereas there are storytelling periods and crafts actions that are enjoyable for younger youngsters.
Learn my full overview of a go to to the Roald Dahl Museum with children
- Trains to Nice Missenden run from London Marylebone twice an hour, taking 45 minutes, and it’s solely a brief stroll from the museum. There isn’t any parking on the museum and restricted parking within the village if you happen to’re driving.
Warner Bros Studio Tour, Herfordshire
Probably the most in style day journeys from London with children, the Warner Bros Studio tour is heaven for Harry Potter followers (small and enormous!) Not removed from the town in Hertfordshire, the Harry Potter Studio tour can be one of many closest London day journeys in my checklist.
Having visited the Leavesden studios a number of instances – it’s considered one of my prime days out for Harry Potter followers and prime Harry Potter areas in London – you might very simply spend all day there if you happen to needed.
For extra tips about visiting the Harry Potter Studios, try my put up
In addition to the possibility to see props from the films in all their spectacular element, you might pose with a broomstick towards a inexperienced display screen, watch animatronic creatures from the wizarding world – and see how they had been designed.
There’s additionally a mannequin of Privet Drive and the Hogwarts Specific, an opportunity to wander by way of Diagon Alley, a fire-breathing dragon in Gringotts and the one place you’ll be able to see Hogwarts.
St Albans, Hertfordshire
The historic metropolis is one other very simple day journey from London with children, and it’s an ideal possibility if your loved ones loves historical past – together with a historic avenue market, with some nice meals stalls.
The positioning of considered one of England’s most essential Roman settlements, Verulamium, it was additionally the house of the nation’s first Saint, Alban – you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the Norman cathedral – and the scene of the primary battle within the Conflict of the Roses so there’s a lot to find.
Step additional again in time to seek out Romans on the 100 acres of Verulamium Park: this stands on the previous Roman metropolis with a few of the historic partitions nonetheless seen, together with the Hypocaust mosaic. Close by are the stays of the Roman Theatre.
Head to Verulamium Museum too to seek out extra of the objects excavated from the location, plus a hoard of golden cash, some spectacular mosaics, and household actions if you happen to’re visiting with children.
The St Albans treasure hunt from Treasure Map Trails is one other nice technique to discover – get 10% off utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS.
Paradise Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire
In case your children love animals, a household day trip at Paradise Wildlife Park is a superb possibility with over 800 unique wild animals housed on the zoo.
It’s the one one within the UK which is house to 5 totally different massive cat species, plus a giant assortment of small monkeys and an enormous anaconda. If that’s not sufficient, the World of Dinosaurs attraction has 30 life-size animatronic dinosaurs so as to add some additional thrills to your day.
Throw in particular occasions, talks, feeding instances, exhibits, particular animal experiences, a little bit prepare and even the possibility to play safari golf and it’s not onerous to fill a full day right here.
- It takes round an hour to drive to Paradise Wildlife Park from London. In the event you’re travelling by public transport, the simplest possibility is to go to London Liverpool Avenue to catch one of many trains to Broxbourne. These take round half-hour and the prepare station is round 5 minutes away from Paradise Wildlife Park by taxi (there isn’t any longer a minibus operating to the park).
Woburn Safari Park, Bedfordshire
The closest safari park to London, Woburn Safari Park makes a implausible day trip from London with children. In addition to the possibility to drive by way of to see a few of the greater animals, there’s additionally a bit to stroll round, very best for teenagers to stretch their legs.
As a bonus, there are some very memorable VIP experiences too if you happen to’re forking out – beforehand there was the possibility to get near smaller animals, together with meerkats and lemurs, from round age 5. At present, you’ll be able to select 30-minute guided excursions to see massive cats, rhino or giraffe.
Try my overview of the VIP experiences at Woburn Safari Park
It’s house to all the things from elephants and bears to lions and tigers, all the way down to monkeys, penguins and sea lions, to call only a few. There are additionally play areas, each indoor and out, a mini prepare to experience and swan and dragon boats on the lake.
- Woburn Safari Park is round one hour’s drive from London – and you must drive. Not solely wouldn’t it be a protracted journey to strive on public transport, you must drive to the doorway, after which clearly you’ll be able to’t stroll across the safari park, so that you do want your personal automobile for at the present time journey.
Cambridge
The second of England’s most prestigious college cities, Cambridge can be an ideal vacation spot for a kid-friendly day trip from London – get your bearings with a hop-on hop-off bus tour across the metropolis.
House to a number of nice museums, together with dinosaurs on the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, children may even love visiting the close by College Museum of Zoology and the Cambridge Science Centre. The Science Centre frequently runs enjoyable workshops and periods for teenagers so be sure you test the schedule earlier than your go to.
And there are some implausible concepts for household actions on the Fitzwilliam Museum for even the youngest guests: this free artwork gallery is likely one of the most family-friendly within the UK.
On a sunny day, punting alongside the River Cam, admiring the town’s many spectacular college buildings, is an absolute should, and save a while for a stroll across the Botanic Gardens too. The Treasure Map Trails are one other enjoyable technique to discover the town with children, attempting to find a few of Cambridge’s quirky sights and statues – get 10% off utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS.
For extra issues to do in Cambridge with children, try my prime picks
- Trains to Cambridge take as little as 50 minutes from London and you may journey from Kings Cross or Liverpool Avenue direct. It takes round 90 minutes to drive, though like Oxford, Cambridge is a lot better explored on foot, so it’s price contemplating parking exterior the town on the park & experience.
In the event you’re staying in Cambridge for longer, it’s simple to mix with a visit to Ely with children in addition to discovering a few of the finest issues to do in Suffolk with children as properly
Norwich, Norfolk
This usually ignored metropolis in East Anglia, a go to to Norwich is implausible with children – I’ve visited a number of instances with my daughter, and there’s an ideal mixture of sights, historical past and picturesque streets to wander round.
In truth Norwich is likely one of the finest cities I’ve come throughout for placing up indicators about its historical past, so you’ll be able to uncover the origins of surprising names, learn the way outdated buildings are and be taught a number of native tales as you wander across the county city of Norfolk.
Discover a few of my favorite spots and concepts for the best way to spend at some point in Norwich with children right here
Don’t miss an opportunity to look inside the cathedral, with its labyrinth and cathedral cat, whereas you can even discover contained in the fort the place the metropolis’s museum is about. There are museums galore, together with the Museum of Norwich on the Bridewell inside a former jail, and the medieval Stranger’s Corridor.
Stroll by way of Tombland and all the way down to the Quayside, the place the sculptures commemorate the individuals and trades which as soon as helped make it England’s second metropolis, in addition to wandering round Norwich Lanes, filled with cafes and little retailers. Wherever you wander, you’ll discover loads of avenue artwork too.
- Trains to Norwich take slightly below two hours from London Liverpool Avenue – you can even journey from Kings Cross however it takes barely longer and it’s essential to change trains in Ely. It takes an identical period of time to do the identical journey by automotive.
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
For a barely totally different place to strive, if you happen to’re on the lookout for day journeys from London with children, Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk is lower than two hours away, with its magnificent cathedral, ruins of the outdated abbey and hyperlinks to Charles Dickens – for starters.
The creator made a number of visits to the city, staying at The Angel teaching inn – you’ll be able to nonetheless see a blue plaque commemorating it on the entrance of the constructing.
Reverse, the beautiful Abbey Gardens have their imposing outdated gatehouse in addition to pillars, arches and even outdated graves from the medieval abbey which was one of many richest and strongest within the nation. Wander inside the attractive cathedral of St Edmundsbury too, with a Discovery Detective path for teenagers to comply with.
There are some sudden sights as properly: within the close by church of St Mary, you’ll be able to spot the grave of Mary Tudor – sister of Henry VIII, Queen of France and later Duchess of Suffolk, whereas Moyse’s Corridor Museum, voted Suffolk’s most family-friendly museum, has shows on homicide and witchcraft, in addition to on the historical past of Bury St Edmunds.
Colchester, Essex
Calling itself Britain’s oldest metropolis, Colchester is one other nice possibility if you happen to’re on the lookout for history-packed day journeys from London with children – particularly if yours love the Romans.
Then known as Camelodunum, it was one of the essential Roman websites, with a part of the traditional wall nonetheless remaining, together with the ruins of the one Roman circus within the nation.
You too can see a part of the massive Temple of Claudius, destroyed within the revolt by Boudica and the Iceni, within the shadow of the fort – the Norman fortress now homes a implausible museum, with displays from excavations within the space, AR recreations of life within the fort, hyperlinks to the Witchfinder Normal and extra. Good for holding the entire household entertained.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Colchester with children, try this put up
Take a wander across the fairly fort park too, in addition to exploring a few of Colchester’s different museums and wandering the outdated streets. There’s additionally an ideal zoo simply exterior Colchester itself.
- Trains to Colchester take simply over an hour from London; select a route from Liverpool Avenue to Colchester City station, which is lower than 10 minutes stroll to the fort (or you’ll be able to journey to Colchester Station, which is faster however barely additional exterior the centre. It takes round 90 minutes to drive.
Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Southend-on-Sea is a basic British seaside vacation spot on the Essex coast that makes for a enjoyable kid-friendly day journey from London.
In addition to the big pebble seaside for teenagers to get pleasure from, you’ll additionally discover loads of family-friendly sights, together with a number of gaming arcades, the Journey Island amusement park and the Sealife Journey aquarium.
The city can be famously house to the longest pleasure pier on this planet, which contains a loopy golf course, museum and several other small retailers and cafes. You may both stroll half-hour to succeed in the tip of the pier (advised you it was lengthy!) or soar on the electrical railway.
In the event you’re pondering this could solely be in your checklist for a go to in summer time, Southend-on-Sea is definitely a beautiful year-round London day journey with children – all through October and November annually, the city places on a tremendous free fireworks show each Saturday night from a barge out within the water, accompanied by dwell music and festivities alongside the seafront.
- Trains to Southend-on-Sea take round an hour, and you’ve got a selection of two totally different routes – from Fenchurch Avenue to Southend Central, which is barely nearer the seaside, or Liverpool Avenue to Southend Victoria, which is barely sooner. It additionally takes round an hour to drive from London to Southend-on-Sea.
Mersea Island, Essex
For a barely extra low-key and chilled-out day journey to the seaside from London, head to the small estuary island of Mersea in Essex.
Spend an idyllic day on Mersea Island having fun with the peaceable sandy seashores, attempting your hand at catch-and-release crabbing, hiring a paddleboard or kayak from Mersea Island Watersports and heading out onto the water, and snapping a number of photographs of the colorful seaside homes that line Victoria Esplanade.
And if the queue isn’t too lengthy, be sure you cease for lunch at The Firm Shed which has a status for serving the tastiest fish and seafood on the island, and children are welcome.
- If you wish to journey by prepare to Mersea Island, the closest station is Colchester, round an hour from London. You may take bus 67 to West Mersea from there, which takes round 45 minutes – or a taxi experience is round 20 minutes. To drive from London, it takes round 1 hour 45 minutes.
North Kent seashores
For an additional selection of seashores near London, head to the North Kent coast, the place you’ll discover a string of beautiful spots by the ocean and a string of potential day journeys with children.
Whitstable is considered one of my favourites: in addition to the shingle seaside, there’s an ideal cycle observe to discover a little bit additional and a well-deserved status for nice fish and oysters.
One among my favorite issues is the road artwork in Whitstable although, with works to identify all around the city. Gasoline up with some candy treats from the retailers alongside Harbour Avenue first (with a lot to tempt grown-ups in addition to children)
For a conventional seaside really feel, select close by Herne Bay. Wander alongside the pier, try the helter skelter and seize fish and chips to eat by the waves, earlier than strolling additional alongside the seaside to identify the seaside huts.
In the event you’re ready to journey a bit additional, Broadstairs has a number of beautiful seashores, fabulous ice cream at Morelli’s and a few nice locations to eat alongside the seafront.
For extra of the most effective seashores in Kent with children, try my prime picks
- Trains to Whitstable from London take round 75-90 minutes from St Pancras and Victoria, in addition to Cannon Avenue, whereas the identical trains to Herne Bay take 5-10 minutes longer. Driving to Whitstable and Herne Bay from London takes round 90 minutes. The quick prepare to Broadstairs from St Pancras takes round 75 minutes, or it’s an additional half-hour to drive.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Kent with children, try my choose of the most effective
Margate, Kent
The seaside city of Margate on the Kent coast is one other nice day journey from London for teenagers who get pleasure from being by the water.
This conventional British seaside city has a classy fashionable twist, so whilst you’ll discover fish and chips overlooking the sandy seaside, you can even discover a city centre stuffed with cool classic retailers and hipster cafes serving cold-brew espresso.
For a enjoyable kid-friendly day trip in Margate, don’t miss a go to to Dreamland, the thrilling 100-year-old amusement park which is house to the UK’s oldest wood curler coaster.
You too can discover Iron Age stays contained in the Margate caves and go to the ornate Shell Grotto – an uncommon sequence of passageways mysteriously lined in thousands and thousands of shells.
- Trains to Margate from London take round 90 minutes from St Pancras, or barely longer from Victoria. It takes round 1 hour 45 minutes to drive to Margate.
Canterbury, Kent
As soon as an essential pilgrimage web site, commemorated in Chaucer’s well-known Canterbury Tales, the charming metropolis of Canterbury in Kent remains to be a well-liked place to go to from London for the day with children.
Older children will get pleasure from exploring the spectacular Canterbury cathedral, wandering the traditional Medieval partitions, and visiting the fascinating Canterbury Roman Museum, considered one of my favorite Roman locations within the UK.
Youthful youngsters are positive to like embarking on the Canterbury Spy Mission Path as a enjoyable technique to discover the town’s historic streets, or you may get one other view by heading to the water, and punting on the river.
- Select a quick prepare to Canterbury from London St Pancras and you may get to the town in an hour. There’s one other route from Victoria to Canterbury East station, in addition to to Canterbury West from Charing Cross, however you’ll want to permit at the least one other half-hour. Each stations are round 10 minutes stroll from the cathedral. It takes round 75-90 minutes to drive to Canterbury from London.
Dover Citadel, Kent
In the event you’re seeking to go to one of many UK’s historic castles on a day journey from London with children, you’re spoiled for selection, with an entire string of implausible castles in Kent alone. However one of the spectacular, which can be one of many best to go to is Dover Citadel.
Relationship again over 900 years, the inside is adorned as it might have been again when a few of England’s Norman kings (and queens), and their Plantagenet successors, would have visited – full with roaring fires within the coronary heart on chilly days.
When you’ve explored the massive maintain and the fort grounds, there are medieval tunnels in addition to newer historical past within the Second World Conflict tunnels, plus some fabulous views out throughout the English Channel and to the White Cliffs of Dover.
Learn my overview of a day trip at Dover Citadel with children
- Trains to Dover Priory station run from a number of stations in London – the route from London St Pancras is quickest, with trains taking simply over an hour. You too can journey from London Bridge, which takes round 1hour 40 minutes, or Victoria, which takes slightly below two hours. It’s simply over a mile on foot from the station (enable round half-hour) though there are a number of bus routes to take you all or a part of the way in which. It takes round two hours by automotive.
Wish to go to extra castles in Kent?
In the event you’re hoping to go to one other fort, Hever Citadel and Leeds Citadel are each implausible household days out however much less accessible by public transport.
Hever Citadel is simply a mile from Hever station, with direct trains from London Bridge taking round 45 minutes – these depart as soon as per hour, and you’ll have to stroll as there aren’t any taxis at this small station. Alternatively you’ll be able to take the prepare to Edenbridge and get a taxi from there.
To go to Leeds Citadel, there are direct trains from Victoria to Bearsted station however you’ll want a taxi for the three-mile journey from there (until you wish to take two buses and stroll). In both case, it’s price reserving upfront (and guaranteeing you’ve a plan for the return journey).
Brighton, East Sussex
One among my favorite UK cities, Brighton can be one of many best day journeys from London with children if you wish to hit the seaside.
The seaside itself is shingly and pebbles relatively than sand, however there are some nice household sights within the metropolis, together with Sea Life Brighton, the world’s oldest aquarium, a string of quirky museums and a few unbeatable views from the Brighton i360 remark tower.
Try my prime issues to do in Brighton with children for extra concepts
Don’t miss the enduring Royal Pavilion too, with a path for youthful children to comply with, and loads of opulent royal residing to make your jaw drop. Teenagers will love wandering the Lanes with their classic retailers and retro homewares, or testing the stalls on the Open Market.
- Trains to Brighton from London Victoria take round an hour – you can even journey from Blackfriars and London Bridge, which takes one other 5-10 minutes. It takes round 1h 45 minutes to drive to Brighton: parking is commonly at a premium so be ready for prime costs or to discover a area exterior the centre.
Sussex seashores
In the event you’re on the lookout for sandy seashores close to London, the Sussex coast is likely one of the closest stretches to the capital for a paddle and an opportunity to construct a sandcastle.
There’s a sensible choice of days out from London with children as properly, from Camber Sands to Littlehampton and West Wittering.
Each Camber Sands and West Wittering are backed by dunes, with tide swimming pools when the tide is out: each also can get very busy on sunny summer time days!
Or Littlehampton has some extra conventional seaside enjoyable at its jap finish, with sand when the tide is out and the UK’s longest bench, whereas the western finish is extra unspoiled with dunes to discover.
- Trains to Littlehampton from London take from round 90 minutes, and it’s a 15 minute stroll all the way down to the beachfront, or it takes slightly below two hours to drive, with parking simply off the seaside. The others are tougher to succeed in by prepare: the closest station to Camber Sands is fairly Rye, round three miles away, which takes simply over an hour by prepare, or it’s round two hours by automotive. Realistically, a day journey to West Wittering is simply sensible by automotive however prebooking a parking area on the seaside automotive park is strongly suggested.
*First printed 2021, final up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM LONDON WITH KIDS
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