London is full of things to do, but sometimes you just need to get out of the city with the kids. Whether it’s to let them run wild, see real lions, or climb ancient stone walls, a day trip from London can turn an ordinary weekend into a memory. And the best part? You don’t need to fly anywhere. Some of the most fun, affordable, and unforgettable family spots are just an hour or two away by train or car.
Whipsnade Zoo - See Big Animals Without the Crowds
Whipsnade Zoo, run by the Zoological Society of London (the same group behind London Zoo), is the UK’s largest zoo. It sits on 600 acres of rolling hills in Bedfordshire, about 45 minutes from London by train (from Luton Airport Parkway) or an hour by car. Unlike crowded city zoos, here animals roam in open enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. Kids can watch elephants splash in the water, giraffes stretch their necks for food, and rhinos roll in the mud - all from walking paths that feel more like a nature trail than a tourist attraction.
There’s a free safari ride on a small train that takes you through the big animal areas - lions, tigers, and bison - without leaving your seat. It’s perfect for toddlers or anyone who doesn’t want to walk all day. The zoo also has a dedicated play area called Animal Adventure, where kids can climb, slide, and dig in sand pits shaped like dinosaur bones. And yes, you can feed the goats. Every single day, at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., you can buy a handful of food and hand-feed them. My six-year-old still talks about how one goat licked his palm.
Entry is £27 for adults and £19 for kids under 16 (as of 2025). It’s pricier than a city zoo, but you’re getting way more space, more animals, and zero queues for the restrooms. Pack a picnic - there are plenty of grassy spots under trees, and you can even rent a picnic table if you forget your blanket.
Windsor Castle - Walk Through 900 Years of History
Windsor Castle isn’t just a postcard. It’s the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Built in the 11th century, it’s still used by the royal family today. For families, it’s one of the most kid-friendly historic sites in England. The scale alone blows kids away - 39 acres of stone towers, courtyards, and gardens that stretch as far as the eye can see.
The highlight for kids? The State Apartments, where you can see gold-plated furniture, giant chandeliers, and paintings of kings with wild wigs. But the real magic happens in the Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. It’s a 1:12 scale replica of a real English country house, complete with working lifts, running water, and tiny food made from real materials - like a miniature ham made of real ham. My daughter spent 20 minutes just staring at the tiny library, counting the books (there are 1,800).
Outside, the gardens are perfect for running. The Home Park has wide paths, ducks, and a giant hedge maze that’s free to explore after you pay for castle entry. There’s also a play area near the entrance with climbing frames shaped like turrets. You can buy ice cream from a cart while you wait for the Changing of the Guard - which happens at 11:00 a.m. daily (weather permitting). The guards march slowly, but the drums and the bright red coats make it unforgettable.
Entry: £28.50 for adults, £16.50 for kids (under 17). Train from London Paddington or Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Central takes 30-40 minutes. Book tickets online - lines at the gate can be long on weekends.
Thorpe Park - Roller Coasters That Make Adults Scream Too
If your kids are over 12 and you want them to come home exhausted and buzzing, Thorpe Park is the place. Located in Surrey, just 30 minutes from London by train (from Staines), it’s one of the UK’s most intense theme parks. It’s not for toddlers - this is a park built for adrenaline. But if your family loves rides, this is the best day trip you can make.
The Amenity ride, a launched roller coaster that goes from 0 to 80 mph in under 2 seconds, is the star. It’s so fast, you forget to scream - you just go whoosh. Then there’s Derren Brown’s Ghost Train, a dark ride that uses real psychological tricks to scare you. No jump scares. Just slow, creeping dread. My 14-year-old still won’t talk about it.
For younger kids, there’s Amity Cove, a water play zone with mini slides and splash pools, and Junior’s Kingdom, a gentle ride area with carousels and mini trains. You can also get a Fast Track pass for £25 per person - it cuts wait times from 90 minutes to 15 on the big rides. Worth it if you’re short on time.
Entry: £49 for adults, £39 for kids (ages 3-15). Kids under 3 are free. Open March to October, with extended hours on weekends. Bring sunscreen. The park has almost no shade.
Hampton Court Palace - Tudor Secrets and Maze Madness
Hampton Court Palace feels like stepping into a Shakespeare play. Built by Cardinal Wolsey and later expanded by Henry VIII, it’s full of secret passages, royal bedrooms, and a kitchen so big it could feed 1,000 people. The palace is in East Molesey, Surrey, just 35 minutes from London Waterloo by train.
For kids, the real draw is the Great Vine - the oldest grapevine in the world, planted in 1768. It’s massive, with thick, twisting branches that look like a dragon’s tail. Then there’s the Hampton Court Maze, the oldest surviving hedge maze in the UK. It’s 1,000 square meters of tall yew hedges. My kids got lost for 17 minutes. They didn’t cry. They laughed. We all did.
The palace also has a Children’s Garden with water fountains, stepping stones, and a treehouse. You can rent a family audio guide - it’s full of funny stories about Henry VIII’s six wives, including one about how he once locked his second wife in a room for three days because she didn’t like his new hat. Kids love that stuff.
Entry: £27 for adults, £13.50 for kids (ages 5-17). Free for under 5s. The palace is open daily, but the maze closes at 4 p.m. so plan your visit accordingly. There’s a great café right outside the maze with proper fish and chips.
Chessington World of Adventures - Zoo + Theme Park Combo
Chessington is the perfect middle ground if you want animals and rides in one place. It’s a zoo with roller coasters, not the other way around. Located in southwest London, it’s only 15 minutes from the M25 by car, or a 20-minute train ride from London Waterloo to Chessington South.
The zoo side has over 1,000 animals, including meerkats, penguins, and a giant orangutan enclosure where you can watch them swing overhead. The Animal Adventure show lets kids pet goats and hold reptiles - supervised, of course. The rides? They’re not as wild as Thorpe Park, but they’re just right for families. The Dragon’s Fury coaster is a spinning ride that flips you sideways - great for kids 8 and up. The Kingswood Express is a slow train ride that circles the whole park - perfect for napping toddlers.
They also have a Sea Life Centre inside the park with a glass tunnel where sharks swim over your head. And the food? Surprisingly good. My kids ate real pizza with cheese that stretched when they pulled it apart.
Entry: £40 for adults, £34 for kids (ages 3-15). Under 3s free. You can buy a combo ticket that includes the zoo, rides, and Sea Life. It’s worth it. Open year-round, but weekends get busy. Arrive before 10 a.m. to beat the lines.
What to Pack for Any Family Day Trip
No matter where you go, these things make the day smoother:
- Snacks - fruit, granola bars, juice boxes. Even if the place has food, lines are long and prices are high.
- Water bottles - refill stations are common, but bring your own.
- Light rain jackets - English weather changes fast. Even on sunny days, a light wind can turn chilly.
- Portable phone charger - you’ll be taking 200 photos and using maps nonstop.
- Small first-aid kit - bandaids, antiseptic wipes, kids’ pain relief.
- Comfortable shoes - you’ll walk 8-12 miles. Trust me.
How to Pick the Right Trip for Your Kids
Not every family wants the same thing. Here’s how to choose:
- Under 5s? Go to Whipsnade Zoo or Chessington. Lots of space, gentle rides, animal feeding.
- 6-12s? Windsor Castle or Hampton Court. History feels like a game when you’re hunting for hidden doors and giant dolls.
- 13+? Thorpe Park. They’ll thank you later. Just don’t expect them to talk to you for the rest of the day.
- Multiple ages? Chessington or Whipsnade. Both have something for everyone.
Train Tips for Getting There
Most of these spots are easy to reach by train:
- Whipsnade: Luton Airport Parkway → 10-minute walk to the zoo entrance
- Windsor: Windsor & Eton Central (from Paddington or Waterloo) - 5-minute walk to castle
- Thorpe Park: Staines → 15-minute shuttle bus (free with ticket)
- Hampton Court: London Waterloo → 35-minute train, then 5-minute walk
- Chessington: London Waterloo → 20-minute train, then 5-minute walk
Buy tickets in advance on Trainline or National Rail. You can often save 20% if you book early. And don’t forget - kids under 16 travel half-price on most trains if you have a Railcard.
Final Tip: Go Early, Come Back Tired
The biggest mistake families make? Leaving too late. If you want to avoid crowds, get there by opening time. Most places open at 9:30 or 10 a.m. Arrive by 9:15. You’ll beat the buses, the parking chaos, and the snack lines. And by 5 p.m., you’ll be ready to collapse in the car. That’s the goal.
These trips don’t cost a fortune. They don’t require a passport. But they do require a little planning. And they give you something no screen ever can: real moments. The look on your child’s face when they feed a goat. The way they whisper, "That’s Henry VIII’s toilet?" in Windsor Castle. The scream they let out on the roller coaster - and then immediately beg to go again.
That’s why you go. Not for the photos. Not for the Instagram post. For the memories that stick.
Are these day trips from London suitable for toddlers?
Yes, especially Whipsnade Zoo and Chessington World of Adventures. Both have dedicated toddler areas, gentle rides, animal feeding, and plenty of shaded spots to rest. Windsor Castle and Hampton Court also have wide paths and outdoor gardens perfect for strollers. Just avoid Thorpe Park if your child is under 8 - most rides have height restrictions.
How much do these day trips cost?
Entry prices vary: Whipsnade Zoo is £27/adult, £19/child; Windsor Castle is £28.50/adult, £16.50/child; Thorpe Park is £49/adult, £39/child; Hampton Court is £27/adult, £13.50/child; Chessington is £40/adult, £34/child. Train tickets from London are usually £10-£15 one way. Pack your own snacks to save on food costs - meals at these places can be £15-£20 per person.
Can I do two of these in one day?
Not realistically. Even the closest ones - like Hampton Court and Chessington - are 30 minutes apart by car, and you’ll want at least 3-4 hours at each place. Trying to rush two will leave you exhausted and frustrated. Pick one and enjoy it fully. You can always come back next weekend.
What’s the best time of year to go?
Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal. The weather is mild, crowds are smaller, and the gardens are in full bloom. Summer (June-August) is busy but has longer hours. Winter visits work for castles and zoos - they’re open year-round - but theme parks like Thorpe Park close from November to February.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, especially on weekends and holidays. Windsor Castle, Thorpe Park, and Chessington all sell timed entry tickets. Booking online saves you time and often money. Whipsnade and Hampton Court allow walk-ins, but lines can be long. Always check the official website before you go - some places have special events or temporary closures.