If youre planning a campervan trip in Europe, you may enjoy reading those articles: If you enjoyed this article, you might want to read the following articles: other hings to do in london with the family, Best Destinations for Visiting Spain With Toddlers, Spain Itinerary: A 14 Days Family Adventure, Our 12 Best European Road Trips For Families, 13 Best Places to Go Camping in Canada with Kids, Where to Stay in Zion National Park That Are Family Friendly, Imperial War Museums and the Churchill War Rooms, the Warner Bros Studio Tour London for Harry Potter fans. Ad Choices. By this point, the kids little legs are probably pretty tired. Day Three: June 22, 2023. The whirlwind tour is the ideal tonic for shaking off burnout and reminding yourself of the beauty on your doorstep. Abigail Malbon. A short walk away is the huge 8km pebbly beachthe section near the Palace Pier is dotted with stripy deckchairs and usually buzzing from spring to autumn (and often absolutely crammed in summer). The best day trip from London for: nature enthusiastsHow to get there from London: The drive to Romney Marsh via the A20 and M20 takes 2 hours. Make sure to visit the Natural History Museum, one of the best museums to explore with children. However, the trusted favorite among New Forest devotees, Chewton Glen continues to lure weary urbanites with its coveted position wedged between woodland and the coast and commitment to the good, old-fashioned service and comforts of a country club. But the closest three (3) ones are: London City (LCY), London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW). The Parkside Kiosk is next to Potters Fields Park, a lovely green park. WebFind activities that will suit the whole family, whether you're looking for things to do for your baby, toddlers, or even teens. At the heart of the centre is the Story World and Story Garden, which have been designed to spark children's curiosity and imagination - they can creep through caves, jump over alligators and visit a treehouse with chicken legs. And its not just people either, Madame Tussauds is even home to a waxwork figure of Internet sensation, Grumpy Cat. A Parliament tour may not be interesting for all children, especially the little ones, but its ok. You can simply take some time for a photoshoot outside Big Ben as its a beautiful building. Round off the day with a cozy pub meal at The Albion, an Indian fine-dining experience at Nutmeg or a hearty pizza at Bosco around the corner on Whiteladies Road.Cordelia Aspinall. Buckingham Palace is open to the public from July to October. Theres not a whole lot to do here but theres so much to see, and so much to pique your curiosity that youll spend the journey back Googling the area. London is still largely tourist-free. Below are 21 of our favorite day trips from London, in no particular order. but plenty of places to visit with children in London. Dont miss the fresh salads and fish lunches once youve been pummeled in the spa or worked up an appetite in the Grecian-style pool. Located in the southwestern corner of the park, close to Buckingham Palace, youll find a great playground with sand and rocks to climb. Adults from 26.50, child 17.25 I Best for all ages I Best on a sunny day I Paid onsite parking | Camden Town station 1 mile I Super saver tickets available Nov - Feb. London Zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1828, which makes it the world's oldest scientific zoo. During this short scenic walk, youll see the famous Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. After breakfast at Whitehouse Ryeorder the halloumi hashpick up a new read at The Tiny Book Store (the clues in the name) and window shop for that fantasy mansion at striking antiques shop Strand House Interiors. If youre escaping the city (and the kids), however, check in at Grayshott Health Spa, a traditional country home with cutting-edge treatments. If you decide to stay over: Gravetye Manor is a very English Elizabethan country-house classic and one of our favorite weekend breaks in the UK. There's an audio guide that shares fun facts and thrilling tales as well as interactive exhibitions. Weve rounded up our favourite museums, sights and attractions for a range of budgets, guaranteed to keep the kids happy London is a fantastic city for children of all ages, jam-packed with famous sights, brilliant museums, award-winning theatre, leafy parks with large playgrounds and much more. Its a steep climb down, but Falling Sands Beach is quiet and sandy and well worth the adventure. When youve breathed in just enough country air, the train journey home serves up afternoon tea, depositing you back in the city just in time for sundowners. Today the 36-acre park puts animal welfare and conservation at the heart of everything it does. WebThey didn't track their food but estimated that they were eating about 2,000 to 2,500 calories a day. 894646. If you decide to stay over: Should you choose to forego the train ride home in favor of waking up somewhere new, The Newt is a Jane Austen dream, whether you choose a room in the Georgian house or the converted outbuildings, barns and stables. If independent shops, cafs and beaches are on the agenda, its best to head to Lymington instead, as this one-and-a-half-hour loop around the pub on the edge of the New Forest is blissfully rugged and remote. If youre planning on visiting more of the United Kingdom after your stay in London and do a UK road trip, I would recommend renting your car on the last day of your London itinerary. Pros: Beautiful building, enough to see for a full day; free entry, Cons: Can get very busy during school holidays and on rainy days, Read the full MFM Natural History Museum review, Tickets from the Natural History Museum, Picniq, and TripAdvisor, Family ticket from 41.25 I Best for ages 2+ I Best on sunny days I Restricted street parking nearby I Kew Gardens station 0.7 miles. MFM reviewer Elizabeth says that the museums layout is clever, working like a timeline for kids to follow and that interactivity is key, there's a lot to touch, play on and play with. Read our complete London travel guide here. Take them to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for a reminder of London 2012. From the moment the curtains go up, they are immersed in an incredible world where elephants lumber through the stalls, birds swoop and a rhinoceros ambles across the stage. Bikes from 6pp plus 8 hire (visitleevalley.org.uk), They roll out the red carpet for little ones at Kew, with a special garden the size of 40 tennis courts. Plus, it has a lovely playground. Then head off to the Kensington Garden. Get out of the house on a Saturday, leave the others and the mess, and go out to the nearest tube station for a mystery destination. Open Wednesday to Sunday, the entry fee is 6 and that gets you access to the beautiful open landscape for a self-guided wander (although you have to stay on the paths! There's The Salisbury Arms Hotel, said to have been the place where Oliver Cromwell stayed during the Civil War and home to a number of ghosts; the 16th-century White Horse; the 17th-century Blackbirds; and the riverside Old Barge (exact age unknown, but 'old' is part of the name). Founder of Smugglers Records Will Greenham (ex singer and guitarist of the band Cocos Lovers, whove supported Mumford & Sons on tour) is at the heart of the towns music scene, and in terms of art, Linden Hall Studio is a contemporary gallery in a converted chapel that wouldnt look out of place in Mayfair.Tabitha Joyce. Primary-school aged children will recognise Andys clock from the CBeebies show Andys Dinosaur Adventures. The eight best family days out in the southeast of England. If you booked a babysitter, however, grab a drink at the brilliant Freud bar in Jerichoa stained-glass church-turned-cool-cocktail-bar that is grown-up enough to feel sophisticated but student-y enough to have plenty of atmosphere and frivolity in the air (or perhaps its something in the drinks). Indeed, Hertford quiet market town by day and more bustling nightspot come evening specializes in pubs, particularly old-world ones. British Royal Family Rolls Out For Garter Day at Windsor Castle. An intimate hotel and members club brings a note of stylish hedonism to a genteel corner of Mayfair. Finish the day with a pint; Harveys Brewery is the only independent brewery in Sussex and provides the John Harvey Tavern over the road with local cask ales (download the self-titled app to find out where you can get it in London). It comes courtesy of the master baker Peggy Porschen, who has created a smorgasbord of pink cakes that includes lemon and elderflower tartlets, salted caramel and popcorn cupcakes, and lemon, raspberry and rose layer cake served with sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, of course. them to the Lanesborough for the ultimate sugar-fest. Failing that, further up the road, Steep Street sells specialty coffee, homemade cake and books. Theres something for everyone at the Postal Museum, a fun and family-friendly museum that explores the history of the postal system over the last 500 years. The best day trip from London for: soaking up historyHow to get there from London: The train from London Victoria takes 1 hour 20 minutes. Daily events include talks and feeding times and there are always fun family activities taking place during the school holidays. The kids might like the free time there. There is plenty to see and to do in London, from worldwide renowned tourist places to small hidden kids playgrounds, to keep the entire family busy for 4 full days. Nearest Tube: South Kensington 2. The City of London also offers many free activities for kids (or at discounted rates). For lunch, foodPark is a top hawker convoy of Sri Lankan curries, wood-fired pizza and open-wide burgers that sets up from 12pm until 2pm in varying locations around Cambridge from Wednesday to Friday. Make sure to book in advance if you want to visit the exhibitions or join a storytelling session. With its higgledy-piggledy, pastel-colored buildings and cobbled streets, this county town serves up a slice of English antiquity thats postcard-pretty enough to satisfy both shiny-eyed visitors from further afield and weary Londoners searching for fresher air, shorter queues and somewhere different to look at for the day. Its on your route from the seafront to the mysterious Shell Grotto, a spooky set of underground tunnels covered in more than four million shells. Its a good job Hyde Park is across the road: youre going to need a very, very long walk afterwards.Details 54pp (oetkercollection.com), This summer a Family River Roamer ticket on Thames Clippers Uber Boat is 36.70 for two adults and up to three children (thamesclippers.com). Packed full of exciting days trips for children and fun things to do with the family. There are lots of hands-on and interactive exhibits as well as the chance to dress up. Enter a wonderful world of stories and make believe at the Discover Children's Story centre. When the weather is good, there are a couple of brilliant walking routes to try: the six-mile Bath Skyline, for example, is a short stroll from the city centre and tramps through woodland, meadows and orchards with views of the buildings below. Buckingham Palace has been home to the UK's kings and queens since 1837, so a visit to the State Rooms is perfect for families There is a wide variety of birds to spot throughout the reserve and going to see the otter is a must! With trains running every half hour, its possible to find yourself marching around its 15th-century castle grounds (check ahead for cinema screenings, talks and events), net fishing from a sandy cove in Hartham Common or wandering about its dinky museum within the hour. Sonya Barber. Mind you, your children will probably be just as fascinated by what lies beyond, in the rest of Kews 300 acres. If you decide to stay over: Parts of The Falstaff Hotel date to the 13th century, and original features such as fireplaces and oak beams are a nod to the citys medieval history. Kids of all ages will love this, from babies hypnotised by the aquatic views to fact-absorbing teens, but its a special experience for preschool and primary aged children in particular. With the annual pass, we've definitely got our money's worth!". After your bus tour, visit the famous Hamleys Toy Shop with seven floors of toys, games and crafts. If youre not in a hurry to get home, head to Lintons car parklocally known as the viewpointfor sunset. While entry is free, some of the paid-for activities that are well worth the price too, such as the 3D films at the IMAX cinema and the Wonderlab, which is a brilliant space filled with experiments and demonstrations. The Kings elite club goes back to the mid-1300s. Some 79% of the more than 12,000 reviews on TripAdvisor rate the show as very good or excellent, with family visitors raving about the spectacular songs and costumes, calling it a magical night my kids will remember and A truly unforgettable experience. Where the pubs are as old as the monuments. There's also a Rainforest Section, home to piranhas, poison dart frogs and Cuban crocodiles; Ocean Invader where kids can learn more about jellyfish; and Penguin Point, which is home to ridiculously cute Gentoo Penguins. And dont miss out on a walk down Royal York Crescentone of the most expensive streets in Bristol, which was also once reputed to be the longest terrace in Europe. Start your third day in London with kids by taking the underground towards Kings Cross St Pancras. Finish your day with the choral evensong at Kings College Chapel around 5.30pm: goosebumps guaranteed. Located in Forest Hill, South East London, this is one of London's best museums for kids but it is relatively unknown. Few places so close to London feel like such an adventure; the journey can take less than two hours and, if you time it right, you can order the catch of the day for lunch from roadside hut the Snack Shack, which does the freshest fish, lobster rolls and ice-cold cans of San Pellegrino. MadeForMums Consumer and Commerce Editor, and mum of 1, Gemma Cartwright, says: ""The London Transport Museum is one of my favourite places as it offers so much for different ages. The Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is included in the London Explorer Pass or can be purchased online. Sculptor Marie Tussauds eponymous museum has been filled with waxwork figures modelled on celebrities from the world of sport, art, entertainment, politics and more since 1835. Wed suggest this one is best for ages 8+ toddlers will love the spectacular site of the tower, but the cobblestones and stairs make visiting with a buggy a challenge, and some parts may be scary for younger kids. Step into a tube train simulator, hop on board a double decker bus or "fly" through the sky on an Emirates cable car. Youll be served plenty of food and drink by friendly staff. Girl, 11, who was found dead with family had not been to school for four days. Everyone knows Londons Natural History Museum but you can also find Britains oldest natural history museum in London too, with 67,000 Connect with nature at Kew, too, where the Royal Botanic Gardens are open to the public all year round. London; Madame Tussauds; SEA LIFE London Aquarium; Monopoly Lifesized; KidZania London Pros: A fascinating historical insight; great activities for 6+ up to teens. Not only does London have incredible outdoor spaces (parks, playgrounds, etc.) The Buckingham Palace is another beautiful historic building filled with English history. A stroll through the gardens, a meal at the Orangerie, a visit to the Kew Gardens gift shop and perhaps dinner in the evening at a pub in Kew Village adds up to a perfect day's outing!, Pros: Easily a full day of activities, a fun playground, family events during the school holidays, Cons: Food options can be expensive, the large gardens can be tiring for little legs, Free I Best for ages 3+ I All-weather attraction I I NeaQueen's Gate parking 0.4 miles | South Kensington station 0.3 miles I Book a timed museum slot in advance. After your visit to the Tower of London, cross the Tower Bridge and grab some food at Parkside Kiosk. You can watch the street performers, browse the interesting shops and markets The iconic sailing ship sits in the borough of Greenwich in South East London, and has plenty for kids to enjoy while absorbing a spot of history. Nicknamed Margates little sister, its a much cosier, countryside version of its arty neighbour. You can break up your day by grabbing a takeaway sandwich and snacks in Prt Manger cafe. One of the highlights is undoubtedly walking through Ocean Tunnel, while fish glide above you, and seeing sharks in the Pacific Wreck gallery. Tickets from the WWT London Wetland Centre and Picniq, Adult from 16, child 9 I Best for all ages I All-weather attraction I YourParkingSpace 0.2 miles I Kings Cross station 0.8 miles. Pros: Great for children of all ages, easy to get around with buggies and wheelchairs, full day of fun, lots of picnic tables, Cons: Animals might be sleeping or hiding, tickets are expensive, Family ticket 31 per person | Best for 8+ | All-weather attraction | NCP London Marylebone Road Car Park 0.2 miles | Baker Street station 0.1 miles. Tickets from the Horniman Museum and Picniq, Family ticket from 41.50 I Best for all ages I Best on a sunny day I Free onsite parking I Barnes station 0.8 miles. There are plenty of family-friendly exhibitions and fun interactive galleries where your children can fuel their imagination. Some of the cant miss highlights include the Dinosaur Gallery, home to an enormous animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex (be aware that very young children might find it a little too realistic), followed by the earthquake simulator in the Earth Hall. 1. The Kensington Palace was also the home to young royals for many years.