Family Day Trips from London
Family day trips from London that actually work with kids
London is a perfect base camp for families. In a single day you can swap double‑deckers for Lego bricks, stand inside a working royal castle, wander through medieval streets in Kent or walk the Great Hall where film wizards once stood, then return to the city before bedtime. In our catalogue of activities we gather the best family day trips from London with kids, by train and by coach, and in this guide we explain how each one feels on the ground, what ages it suits and how to fit it into a short stay without exhausting anyone.
📚 Choose your family day trip from London
Theme parks and Legoland
A full day of rides in Windsor built around bricks and imagination.
Windsor Castle and royal towns
Uniformed guards, castle walls and riverside walks near London.
Harry Potter studio magic
Sets, props and film secrets on a family friendly backlot tour.
Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover
Castles, cathedrals and sea air in the Kent countryside.
Bath, Oxford and classic cities
Honey‑stone streets, punting and Roman history in one day.
Day trips by train
Car‑free escapes under two hours from the capital.
Frequently asked questions
Distances, ages, timing and how many days out to plan.
Legoland Windsor: a full day built around children
Ask most children about their dream family day trip from London and Legoland Windsor appears very quickly. The day starts with an early coach pick‑up or a train ride to Windsor, then a short transfer up to the park. Once inside everything is scaled to child height, from gentle rides and driving schools to whole cities rebuilt in Lego. It is one of the safest bets when you want the best family day trips from London with kids who care more about rides than museums.
In our offer of experiences you will see two main formats. Some options combine Legoland tickets with roundtrip transport from central London, so you simply climb on the coach and let someone else deal with timings. Others focus on the park itself, ideal if you are already staying near Windsor or prefer to manage the journey on your own. Either way, plan to spend most of the day in the park and leave space for slow wandering between rides.
Legoland works especially well for children between about four and twelve years old, with toddler areas at one end and more exciting rides for older siblings. It is noisy and stimulating, so the families who enjoy it the most are those who keep expectations clear at the start of the day, choose a few unmissable zones together and accept that they will not cover every corner.
How a Legoland day usually feels
- Arrival during the first opening hour, when queues for the most popular rides are still short.
- Late morning dedicated to the areas the children have chosen, with a break in the shade or at an indoor show.
- A calmer afternoon in play zones and model villages before the coach back to London, when many younger children sleep.
Practical tips for Legoland with kids
- Check height requirements in advance so nobody is surprised at the entrance to a ride.
- Bring layers and a light waterproof in case the weather changes during the day.
- If you travel with a buggy, confirm in the product description how it is stored on the coach and inside the park.
Windsor Castle: royal history at child height
Windsor Castle is one of the easiest royal day trips from London with kids. Trains and coaches cover the journey in roughly one hour, then a short walk brings you to the castle walls. Once inside, children move between armour, decorated state rooms and St George’s Chapel, and many families use the audio guide versions designed for younger visitors to keep everyone engaged. The mood is grand yet surprisingly manageable as long as you allow time to wander through the town as well.
In our catalogue of activities you will find half‑day visits that concentrate on the castle itself and full‑day outings that pair Windsor with places such as Stonehenge, Bath or Oxford. The half‑day versions suit families with younger children who prefer a slower pace and want to be back in London by mid‑afternoon. The longer combinations are better for school age children used to being on a coach for several hours.
If royal stories are the highlight of your trip, our Windsor Castle tours from London guide brings together the main formats, from compact castle visits to routes that include nearby riverside walks and extra time in the town.
How to combine Windsor on a family trip
- For a first visit to the United Kingdom with small children, consider Windsor as the only focus of the day and keep the evening light.
- For pre‑teens and teenagers, a combined day that adds Stonehenge or Oxford turns the outing into a compact lesson in British history and science.
- If you are already planning Legoland, think of Windsor either as a separate day or as an overnight stop to avoid too much rushing.
Practical tips for Windsor Castle
- Check in advance whether the chapel is open, as royal events can occasionally limit access.
- Guard ceremonies attract crowds, so arrive early or choose a quieter corner to watch with smaller children.
- Use comfortable shoes; between station, town and castle you will walk more than it seems on the map.
Harry Potter Studio Tour London: behind the scenes with the whole family
For many families the most memorable day out from London is the Warner Bros Studio Tour. The day starts either on a dedicated coach or with a short train ride to Watford and a shuttle to the studios. Inside you walk through the Great Hall, explore Diagon Alley, stand next to the Hogwarts Express and spot tiny details in the props that only ever appeared for a second on screen. Even adults who are not deep fans tend to enjoy the craft behind the films.
Our offer of experiences includes several ways to approach the studio. Some products secure your entrance ticket and return transport, others add a guided walk through London film locations before or after the visit, and there are also transport‑only options if you have already arranged your own entry. For most families the sweet spot is a format that leaves enough free time inside the studios to go at the pace of the slowest reader.
To compare what is included in each format, the dedicated Warner Bros Studio Tour London page gathers the main choices, from simple coach transfers to combinations that also visit Oxford for an extra university and film link.
How long to allow for the studio tour
- The round trip from central London usually adds up to around one and a half hours of travel in total.
- Families tend to spend between three and four hours inside the studios, longer if children like to read every panel.
- Plan only light activities for the evening, as younger children often feel pleasantly exhausted afterwards.
Practical tips for the Harry Potter Studio Tour
- Book as early as possible, especially in school holidays, because family time slots sell out fast.
- Inside there are places to sit and snack, yet bringing some small snacks for impatient children can save the day.
- Check stroller and accessibility details in the product description if you are visiting with babies or toddlers.
Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover: castles, cathedrals and sea air
If your ideal family day trip from London mixes stories and open space, the Kent countryside is a smart choice. A typical route leaves London in the morning, reaches Leeds Castle through green parkland, continues towards the cobbled streets and cathedral of Canterbury and finishes with sea views near the famous white cliffs around Dover. Children move between towers, stained glass, lawns and seafront paths, which helps them reset between each historical stop.
In our catalogue of activities you will see day tours dedicated to Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover in one loop, as well as variations that change the order or focus. These are full days with several hours on the road in total, so they fit best with school age children who are comfortable napping or reading on a coach. The reward is an itinerary that shows a very different England compared with London without requiring you to change hotel.
The rhythm is usually gentle. There is time for children to climb safe sections of the castle grounds, watch boats in the harbour and enjoy an ice cream between visits. Families who love taking photos often find this one of the most photogenic family friendly day trips from London.
How this Kent day trip feels with kids
- A castle first, when everyone is still fresh and excited to explore walls and gardens.
- A cathedral visit that can be kept short for children, followed by free time on nearby streets.
- A final stop on the coast where wide horizons and simple games on the grass or shingle balance the day.
Practical tips for Kent with children
- Cobbled streets and old steps mean light pushchairs are easier to handle than very heavy ones.
- Wind by the cliffs can feel strong even on warm days, so bring an extra layer for everyone.
- Check whether meals are included in your chosen experience or whether you will have free time to eat where you prefer.
Bath, Oxford and other classic English cities with kids
Many families want at least one classic English city in their list of family day trips from London. Bath offers Roman baths, Georgian crescents and parks for picnics, while Oxford adds ancient colleges, museums and boats on the river. From London you can choose coach tours that combine these cities with Stonehenge or the Cotswolds, or you can travel by train for a lighter day with more free time.
Our offer of experiences includes full days that visit Bath and Stonehenge on the same route, others that link Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford, and small group options that favour more time in each place over the number of stops. The most intense versions give you a fast panorama of several highlights in one go, which suits motivated teenagers. Families with smaller children often prefer one city plus one countryside stop, or a simple out and back visit to a single city by train.
If you want to see the range of classic destinations at a glance, the dedicated Day trips from London page groups together the main cities, countryside tours and combined itineraries that start in the capital.
Which city to choose for your family
- Bath works well for children who like water stories, Roman soldiers and wide parks where they can run.
- Oxford is ideal for curious minds who enjoy museums, bookshops and film references from series and fantasy stories.
- Stratford‑upon‑Avon and the Cotswolds appeal more to older children and teenagers who already recognise Shakespeare or want village scenery.
Practical tips for classic cities
- Check travel times from London and avoid booking a very early start the morning after a long day in the city.
- Look at family tickets for major sights in Bath and Oxford, as they can reduce the cost versus individual entry.
- For train based trips, reserve seats where possible so the group can sit together and start the day calmly.
Easy family day trips from London by train
Not every family wants to spend the day on a coach. The good news is that several of the best family day trips from London are simple by train. Windsor, Brighton, Canterbury, Oxford and Cambridge all sit within roughly two hours of the capital, and direct services mean you can reach a new city, stretch everyone’s legs and be back in London that evening without driving at all.
Some parents prefer to book a guided experience that starts once they have reached the destination by rail, for example a walking tour from the station in Oxford or a structured visit in Bath. Others use our catalogue of activities for inspiration, then build their own day with a simple train ticket and a short list of must‑see places. Both approaches work, as long as travel times and meal breaks are realistic for the ages in your group.
When you compare family day trips from London by train, think less about the exact distance and more about the balance of sitting and moving. A destination that is one hour and a half away but easy to navigate on foot can feel less tiring than a closer place that requires several bus changes.
When train day trips are a better choice
- Families staying near major London stations who want to avoid extra transfers to coach meeting points.
- Children who enjoy looking out of the window and walking, rather than spending long stretches in traffic.
- Trips where you value flexibility to return earlier if the weather turns or energy drops faster than expected.
Practical planning tips for train based days out
- Travel outside peak commuter hours if possible so you have a better chance of finding seats together.
- Save tickets and confirmations in your phone in case children are already asleep on the way back.
- Check last train times before the day of your trip and plan a comfortable margin to reach the station.
At a glance: which family day trip from London fits your group
The table below helps you compare the main types of family day trips from London in one place. Use it as a quick filter to decide where to start, then dive into each section of the guide or explore the related pages we reference to see concrete experiences from our catalogue of activities.
| Type of day trip | Typical destination | Recommended ages | Approximate travel time each way | Best for | Examples from our catalogue of activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theme parks and Legoland | Legoland Windsor | Roughly four to twelve years | About one hour from central London | Children who want rides, shows and hands‑on play more than monuments | Legoland Windsor tickets with roundtrip transport, resort day trips for families based near Windsor |
| Royal Windsor Castle | Windsor and Eton | From about six years upwards | Around one hour by train or coach | Families who enjoy royal stories, uniforms and castle interiors without a very long journey | Half‑day Windsor Castle tours, combined days that add Stonehenge, Bath or Oxford |
| Harry Potter Studio Tour | Warner Bros Studio Tour London | From about seven years, younger fans also welcome | Roughly forty minutes of train and shuttle from London, or similar by coach | Families with at least one fan of the books or films who want a very immersive experience | Studio entrance with transport, studio visit plus London film locations, transport only for those with tickets |
| Kent castles and coast | Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover area | School age children and teenagers | Between ninety minutes and two hours by road, with stops during the day | Groups who like variety in a single day, mixing castles, cathedrals and sea views | Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover tours that start and finish in London |
| Classic English cities | Bath, Oxford, sometimes Stonehenge or the Cotswolds | From about eight years if you choose extended combinations | Around one and a half hours by train, longer on multi‑stop coach tours | Families who enjoy architecture, stories, light museum time and a sense of another city | Bath and Stonehenge in one day, Windsor plus Stonehenge and Oxford, small group city and countryside routes |
| Train based escapes | Windsor, Brighton, Canterbury, Oxford, Cambridge | Any age, especially good with buggies or prams | From about thirty minutes to under two hours, depending on the line | Car‑free trips where you prefer flexible timing and more walking than time on a coach | Guided walks that start near main stations, family friendly day tours that assume arrival by train |
Frequently asked questions about family day trips from London
Are there any good day trips from London with kids?
Yes, and the key is to pick days that match your children’s energy. Legoland Windsor and the Warner Bros Studio Tour are strong choices for younger families. Windsor Castle, Bath, Oxford and the Kent countryside around Leeds Castle and Dover work well for school age children. For older kids and teenagers, combined days that include Stonehenge or university cities keep things interesting without feeling too classroom‑like.
What is the best family day trip out of London?
There is no single winner for every family. If you want rides and colour, Legoland Windsor is often the favourite. For a mix of learning and spectacle, Windsor Castle or a Bath and Stonehenge combination stand out. Fans of the books and films usually remember the Harry Potter Studio Tour more vividly than anything else. Use the comparison table above to match each option to your children’s ages and interests rather than looking for a universal best.
Where can we go outside London with children if we only want to travel about one hour?
Windsor, Hampton Court Palace, St Albans and some parts of the Kent coastline sit within roughly an hour of central London. For a first trip, Windsor Castle or Legoland give you a lot of reward for relatively little time on the road. Brighton is another possibility if you are happy with a journey a little closer to ninety minutes and want a seaside day instead of castles.
What can we reach within about two hours of London by train with kids?
Within that window you can reach Bath, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Canterbury, many Surrey and Kent countryside spots and several small seaside towns. For family day trips from London by train, look for direct services from London termini such as Paddington, Waterloo, St Pancras, Victoria or King’s Cross, then choose an experience near the arrival station so you are not juggling several extra bus journeys with tired children.
Which city combines best with London on the same trip if we have kids?
Bath and Oxford are the easiest classic choices because they are compact, walkable and have plenty of green space. Bath gives you Roman baths, parks and Georgian streets. Oxford adds colleges, museums of natural history and riverside walks. Either works as a single day from London, and both are well represented in our day tours that start and finish in the capital.
What is the most beautiful village or small town near London for families?
For a village feel, the Cotswolds are famous, though many families find they work better as an overnight trip than as a simple day out. If you prefer a small town that fits inside one day, places such as Rye, Canterbury, Henley‑on‑Thames and some Cotswold‑edge towns included in combined tours offer cobbled streets and riverside paths without requiring you to move hotel. Several of our day trips that include the Cotswolds or Stratford‑upon‑Avon already take this balance into account.
Which London day trips are easiest without a car?
Legoland Windsor, Windsor Castle, the Harry Potter Studio Tour, Bath, Oxford, Brighton and Canterbury are all straightforward without driving. Many experiences in our catalogue include coach transport from central London, while others start near mainline stations so you can arrive by train. For car‑free travel, focus on routes that move between at most two stops in a day and avoid itineraries that squeeze in four or five different locations.
Is the Harry Potter Studio Tour a good family day trip from London?
If anyone in the family has read the books or seen the films, the studio tour is usually a highlight. It is indoors, works in all seasons and has plenty of toilets, places to sit and food options, which helps with younger visitors. The only families who may want to skip it are those with children who are very nervous about dark spaces or who have no interest in the stories at all. Everyone else tends to leave with a lot of photos and a very happy tiredness.
How many day trips should we plan in a one week London visit with kids?
As a rule of thumb, many families manage one or two full day trips in a week in London, with the remaining days spent in the city itself. Younger children often cope best with a pattern where a busy day out is followed by a lighter day in parks and neighbourhoods. Teenagers who are used to travelling can sometimes handle three day trips, but it still helps to keep at least one London day fairly open so everyone can slow down.
What is the best time of year for family day trips from London?
Late spring and early autumn usually give the most comfortable balance of daylight and temperature for family day trips from London. Summer brings long evenings but also crowds and stronger sun, which can be tiring on castle walls or at coastal cliffs. Winter works well for city based outings and the studio tour yet can limit time outdoors in places like the Cotswolds or Brighton. For specific opening times, details are often marked as Not indicated / Consult the provider in generic descriptions, so checking the product page before booking is important.
Are organised excursions better than doing family day trips on our own?
It depends on your priorities. Organised excursions remove the stress of timetables, transfers and tickets, which is valuable if you are juggling several children or visiting the country for the first time. Independent trips give more freedom to linger in a park or change plans on the spot. A common compromise is to choose guided experiences for longer or more complex routes such as multi‑stop days that include Stonehenge, and to do shorter train based escapes such as Brighton or Cambridge on your own.
Publication date: 2025-12-01
Data updated as of December 2025
