Sick of the city and want to get away with the kids for a day or a weekend? Here’s some suggestions for fun day trips from the British capital.
London can quickly feel claustrophobic when you live in the daily bustle. It helps to get out of the city, breathe some fresh air, and let the kids run around. Luckily, there are plenty of family-friendly day trips just waiting to be discovered.
Our British capital is well situated, and you could be on the beach in an hour. You could be in the rolling hills and countryside in 45 minutes. Today, we’re looking at some of the best family day-trips within the vicinity of London.
Brighton
Hop on the train from Victoria, and you’ll arrive in Brighton just an hour later. The iconic British seaside town is one of the most vibrant and exciting places in the country. But most important of all, there’s a beach for the children!
Pack up a big picnic, take the bucket and spade, and choose an empty spot on the pebble beach. The kids will love running around in the wide open space and paddling in the sea. Meanwhile, you can take a well-deserved rest in the sun. If you go at the weekend, children can join in clubs for football and beach volleyball too.
After a relaxing afternoon on the beach, you can treat the family to a meal out. The restaurants and cafes in Brighton are among the best in the country. Each has its unique style and quirkiness.
Before heading back on the train, you could take a walk around the Indian-style Pavilions. Wander through the crooked streets, and take home some beachside candy-floss. Don’t forget to see Brighton’s iconic pier, and play the arcade games right at the end.
Camping in Walton-on-Thames
Walton-on-Thames is a small, quaint town in Surrey. Just a short journey from central London, you’ll find yourself in lush, green surroundings.
The Thames flows through the centre of this beautiful town, with plenty of places to stop and play. Parents will love the outdoor beer gardens that stretch right down to the water’s edge. It’s the perfect way to unwind, and while away a long afternoon.
The kids, on the other hand, will probably drag you onto one of the many boat tours. You can hire a family rowing boat, and set sail down this quiet tributary of the mighty Thames.
By night, you can head to the large campsite just outside the town itself. It’s a vast area, and well kitted out with mod-cons. Don’t worry, there’s a working shower and modern bathroom facilities! Camping with the kids is a great way to spend time together as a family.
If it’s their first time, it’s probably best just to spend one night in the campsite. If they love it, you can always come back again later. If they hate it, well, you can head home the next day! If you light a campfire, cook some barbecue food, and tell ghost stories, the kids will love it.
Go-Ape!
This one isn’t for the feint of heart! Go-Ape is an adventure playground with a difference. It’s set high in the trees, 10 meters off the ground.
The family will have lots of fun hanging from the trees, and completing difficult obstacle courses. There are Go-Ape centres across the UK, many within easy distance of London. The most recent opened in Battersea, so you’ll have no trouble getting there. There’s another at Trent Park, within easy walking distance of Cockfoster tube station.
Your little monkeys can happily swing from the trees and zoom through the woods on zipwires. Meanwhile, you can take a long afternoon in the cafe! There is, of course, a height restriction, but most children above the age of six should be fine. The younger siblings can play at being monkeys on the smaller play park area near the cafe.
Lee Valley White Water Centre
Lee Valley is part of the official Olympic events, hosting the white water rafting in 2012. Now, you probably don’t want to put the kids on a boat in the raging white waters! However, there is lots more to see over at the watercourse.
For starters, there’s a beautiful lake area where you can hire kayaks and small boats. With each of the family in a kayak, you can spend a lazy afternoon paddling around the blue lake. You’ll find beginner courses if you’re not feeling too confident!
After your peaceful paddling, head to the white water course, and get a sense of the excitement. You needn’t go in, but do spend some time watching the professionals throw themselves down the course. Larger groups can also hire a big raft to try it for themselves.
The water park itself is just a forty minute train ride north of London. It couldn’t be easier, and it’s yet another iconic part of the Olympics to enjoy.
Chislehurst caves
The eerie and spooky caves at Chislehurst is something every family should see. This one really is on your doorstep, located at Bromley in south east London. You could be there and back within an afternoon.
These man-made caves are quite something, and only the bravest will venture into them! According to the tour guides, the caves are actually haunted, so watch out for ghouls. The hour-long tour will take you through the history of this strange underground world.
The caves themselves have a strange and wonderful history. First used as a storage place for weapons, they were subsequently turned into a giant bomb shelter. Later on, they became a popular underground jazz club. Nowadays, they exist to scare the willies out of children and parents alike. Don’t worry, there’s a nice cafe and gift shop on the way out to calm your nerves.
Families in London are spoilt for choice when it comes to day-trips. We don’t always make the most of this wonderful city and its surrounding delights. Next time you’re stuck for ideas, try something on this list, and you’ll have a wonderful time!
Have you got any ideas of your own to add? Where do you take your family when you’ve got a free weekend and you want to get away from the capital?
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