30 Fantastic Family Days Out in the UK

Alton Towers

📍 Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

The largest theme park in the UK, there’s no place quite like Alton Towers. Home to more than 40 rides and attractions, including seven world-class rollercoasters, there’s plenty to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Ride The Smiler’s world-record 14 inversions, face your fears on Oblivion and for little ones in tow, meet some famous faces in CBeebies Land. 

Warwick Castle

📍 Warwick, Warwickshire

Britain’s ultimate castle for a great family day out, Warwick Castle is filled with more than 1,100 years of history and intrigue. Children will make a beeline for the Zog Playland, teenagers can scare themselves silly at the Dungeons, and adults can marvel at the unbeatable panoramic views offered by the 64 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens. 

Whipsnade Zoo

📍 Dunstable, Bedfordshire

The UK’s largest zoo, Whipsnade Zoo is set in over 600 acres of the beautiful Chiltern Hills countryside. There are over 10,000 amazing animals to discover, including lions, tigers, rhinos and elephants. Other exhibits worth a visit are the rockhopper and African black-footed residents of the penguin pool, the Aquarium and Butterfly House. 

Warner Bros. Studio London Tour - The Making of Harry Potter 

📍 Leavesden, Hertfordshire

One for the Harry Potter fans! From the Great Hall to Diagon Alley, Warner Bros. Studio’s Harry Potter tour is a magical family day out. Find never-before-seen treasures and see the actual props, costumes, special effects and animatronics from the ground-breaking film series. 

Silverstone Interactive Museum - An Immersive History of British Motor Racing

📍 Towcester, Northamptonshire 

The years between toy trucks and driving lessons pass very quickly. Fill the gap with a day celebrating the past, present and future of Silverstone and British motor racing at their interactive museum. There are over 60 hands-on exhibits to explore, as well as iconic cars and bikes on display that have played a pivotal role in the 70-year history of the circuit. The visit ends with a thrilling lap of Silverstone brought to life in a special-effects cinema. 

Legoland Windsor Resort

📍 Windsor, Berkshire

Few homes containing children are devoid of Lego bricks, and most parents accept a trip to Legoland is basically a rite of passage for every child. Far more than just a collection of intricate Lego models, the theme park is packed with over 55 interactive rides, attractions and live-action shows. In the summer months, families can cool down in the exciting rides at Pirate Shores or Drench Towers, and come Christmas, the park transforms into a winter wonderland.

SEA LIFE

📍 Blackpool or London

Whether you’re after a bit of excitement or a relaxing afternoon, SEA LIFE aquariums are a fantastic day out in the UK. Dive into the deep and explore a magical underwater world, filled with fascinating creatures and amazing exhibits. Get up close to marine life including sharks, while learning about supporting ocean conservation and marine welfare.

Shrek’s Adventure!

📍 Southbank, London

Based on the modern classic movie of the same name, Shrek’s Adventure! is an interactive and immersive walkthrough experience. Journey through Far Far Away and meet a star-studded cast of characters, from Cinderella and Puss in Boots to Pinocchio and the Muffin Man. With 12 laugh-out-loud fairy-tale themed shows, captivating storytelling and special effects, there’s something for both big and little kids alike. 

Chessington World of Adventures Resort

📍 Chessington, Surrey

Billing itself as Britain’s wildest adventure, Chessington is one of the UK’s most popular theme parks. With over 40 rides and attractions, a zoo and SEA LIFE centre, it makes for a great family day out. In 2023, Chessington also unveiled a world-first in their new Jumanji themed land with three new roller coasters and some truly incredible theming. 

Bounce Below

📍 Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales

The first facility of its kind in the world, Bounce Below is a subterranean playground hidden in a 176-year-old disused cavern. Available throughout the year in all manners of weather, here you’ll be able to discover six levels of bouncy trampoline nets, slides the height of two double decker buses and colourful illuminated décor. 

Port Lympne Reserve

📍 Hythe, Kent

If you thought you had to go abroad for an African safari, think again. Bring your clan on a truck safari in Kent’s Port Lympne Reserve. The large site is home to over 900 animals across 75 species, including the county’s only spectacled bears. A 60 minute truck safari will allow you to see African and Asian animals up close, accompanied by expert knowledge from a ranger guide.

The Slide at The ArcelorMittal Orbit

📍 Arcelormittal Orbit, London

Guaranteed to set your family’s hearts racing, descend the world’s tallest and, at 178m, the world’s longest tunnel slide at the capital’s ArcelorMittal Orbit. Spiral down the UK’s tallest public artwork, while breathing in dramatic cityscape views. Cruising at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour, it’s certainly a family day out to remember. 

Diggerland

📍 Devon, Durham, Kent, Yorkshire

There’s no two ways about it: kids just love diggers. Available at four parks across the UK, families can enjoy a full day of rides and drives in real full-sized diggers. Fun for all ages, from as young as 3 and 90cm tall, there are over 18 exciting attractions to explore, including Dippy Duck, Skittles and Spin Dizzy.

Madame Tussauds

📍 Marylebone, London

Whether your kids want to pose with Royalty, embrace Mo Farah, or get on stage with Dua Lipa, Madame Tussauds can make their dreams come true. The London attraction is home to over 150 realistic waxworks across 14 exciting, interactive zones - including the greats of the Star Wars Universe. 

The Wave

📍 Easter Compton, Gloucestershire

For a family of outdoor enthusiasts, you really can’t go wrong with a visit to Bristol’s The Wave. Catering for every level of surfing, beginners can start their surf journey, while those more advanced can progress into bigger waves. 90 minute sessions are also available with fully qualified coaches, mixing land-based and water-based training. 

BikePark Wales

📍 Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan

Tucked away in Merthyr Tydfil is a bike park like no other. Whether you’re beginners or a family that regularly frequents your local cycle routes, BikePark Wales is suitable for you. With experienced mountain hosts on hand, feel the thrill of descending the longest beginner downhill trail in the UK. 

Kew Gardens

📍 Richmond, London

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the epitome of botanical garden royalty, Kew Gardens is rightfully one of the UK’s top attractions. The lush expanse is a natural playground for little ones, meanwhile adults can be fascinated by the sheer range of climates, native and exotic plants on display. Don’t forget to stroll the tree-top walkway, see the serene lake and step into the tropical rainforest in the Palm House. 

Blackpool Tower Dungeon

📍 Blackpool, Lancashire

Take a journey to the Blackpool Tower Dungeon (if you dare) for some spine-tingling fun on this quirky family day out. Descending in a mediaeval lift, uncover 1000 years of grisly history as live actors and immersive sets bring Lancashire’s chequered past back to life. See, smell and hear the ghastly history before facing the ultimate thrilling Drop Ride to the Death and the spooky mirror maze.

Kidzania

📍 Westfield, London

A sprawling, inspired world of adventure and endless possibility, KidZania is the perfect family day out. Designed to empower and entertain kids from 4 to 14, the attraction combines learning through interactive role-play in a range of job professions within a scaled city replica of real life. 

Peter Rabbit™: Explore and Play

📍 Blackpool, Lancashire

Based on the award-winning TV series, hop into Peter Rabbit™: Explore and Play. Across five fluffy-tailed themed zones, complete tasks using rabbit-like senses, mental and physical skills, and of course plenty of imagination. Splash into Jeremy Fisher’s sensory pod, crawl around McGregor’s garden and unveil Mr. Bouncer’s Invention Workshop. 

Pop Golf

📍 Wembley, London

If you want to hit the right note when it comes to your next family day out, Wembley’s Pop Golf is the answer. Far more than just your run-of-the-mill crazy golf, this nine hole course is uniquely designed around pop music and videos, from Drake to Kylie Minogue. The friendly team will offer expert tips and tricks,  as well as ensuring you have all the equipment you need. 

Zero Latency

📍 Multiple Locations

Virtual Reality experiences are taking the world by storm and Zero Latency is a prime example of why. For families with a love of the latest and greatest technology, there’s no better place for a day out. Using state-of-the-art VR, navigate on foot around a virtual world, taking on swarms of zombies and finding a cure in a thrilling 45-minute session.

Stadium Tours

📍 Multiple Locations

If nothing bonds your family quite like the beautiful game, then you’ll want to hit up the myriad of stadiums that offer behind-the-scenes tours to loyal fans. Whether it’s Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester United, the family team can gain exclusive access to areas normally reserved for players and officials. 

Paddington Bear Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

📍 Northumberland Avenue, London

B Bakery has designed the perfect kid-friendly afternoon tea in the form of their Paddington Bear bus tour. Hopping onboard an iconic Routemaster bus, tuck into an array of sweet and savoury treats, served alongside some of London’s best sights. (Hint: if you want to make sure it’s worth it, check out our review of the day).

Thames Rockets Speedboat Ride

📍 London Eye Pier,  London

We’re sure that when you think about sightseeing in London, skimming across the Thames on a boat isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But this is undoubtedly the most entertaining way to see Central London. Hold on tight as you pass iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and the London Eye, before the speed is amped up to add some real adrenaline to the equation. 

iFly Indoor Skydiving

📍 Multiple Locations

Welcoming flyers aged 3 and upwards, iFly is located in Manchester, Basingstoke, Milton Keynes and The O2. Simulating the experience of skydiving, thrill-seeking families will see themselves suspended in mid air by a 120 mph airstream. Ten indoor skydiving flights can be shared by up to five people and the result is a family day out like no other. 

Edinburgh Zoo

📍 Edinburgh Zoo

Home to the UK’s only Giant Pandas, Edinburgh Zoo gives animal-loving families the chance to see over 1,000 animals. Sprawled out across 82 acres, meet the likes of koalas, monkeys, pelicans and snakes. Don’t forget to stop by the Tiger Tracks, where the magnificent creatures roam right over your head. There is also a dynamic programme of daily events to find out more about your favourite animals! 

Crystal Maze

📍 London or Manchester

They might not be old enough to remember the TV show, but they’re sure to remember a day spent at Crystal Maze. It’s a frenetic, funny, and thoroughly immersive test of mental and physical abilities. Head through the Industrial, Futuristic, Medieval and Aztec zones, before facing up to the final test in The Crystal Dome.

Brooklands Museum

📍 Weybridge, Surrey

While they may not quite appreciate the evolution of aviation and motorsport, children are still sure to get a kick out of a visit to Brooklands Museum. Relive the age of supersonic flight at the Home of Concorde, see the cars that raced on the historic track at Britain’s first Grand Prix and for really little ones, go wild in the soft play area. 

Summary

Hopefully by now, you’ve discovered the destination for your next family day out. If not, don’t panic - browse our full Family Days Out range, boasting over 200 epic adventures for both big and little kids alike.