While central London is packed with world-class family attractions, some of the best days out for families are found on the outskirts of the capital. These attractions offer more space, lower prices, and the chance to escape the crowds of the city centre while still being within easy reach of London. From safari parks and historic houses with adventure playgrounds to theme parks and country parks, the area around London is rich in family-friendly destinations that can make for an unforgettable day out.
\n\n
In This Article
Theme Parks and Adventure Parks
\n
The outskirts of London are home to some of the best theme parks in the south of England. Thorpe Park, in Chertsey, Surrey, is the UK’s premier thrill ride destination, with rollercoasters such as The Swarm, Stealth, and Nemesis Inferno that cater to teenagers and adults. For younger children, Chessington World of Adventures, in Chessington, Surrey, offers a mix of theme park rides, a zoo, and the SEA LIFE centre, all in a compact and family-friendly setting. Legoland Windsor, near the historic town of Windsor, is designed specifically for families with children aged 3 to 12, with rides, shows, and the spectacular Miniland featuring Lego models of famous landmarks. The Paradise Wildlife Park in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, combines a zoo with an adventure playground, a miniature railway, and a soft play area, making it an ideal day out for families with young children who want a mix of animal encounters and active play.
\n\n
historic Houses with Family-Friendly Facilities
\n
Some of the grandest historic houses in the UK are located on the outskirts of London and offer excellent facilities for families. Hampton Court Palace, on the banks of the Thames in south-west London, is one of the finest Tudor palaces in the country, with the famous maze, the Magic Garden adventure playground, and the opportunity to explore the kitchens, the chapel, and the state apartments. Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, offers the Changing of the Guard, the State Apartments, and St George’s Chapel, along with family-friendly audio guides and activity trails. Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, in Kent, has a water maze, a yew maze, and a large adventure playground that keeps children entertained for hours. The gardens of these houses are often as impressive as the interiors, with space for children to run and play while adults enjoy the landscaping and the views.
\n\n
Outdoor and Nature-Based Attractions
\n
For families who prefer the outdoors, the outskirts of London offer a wealth of nature-based attractions. The London Wetland Centre in Barnes, south-west London, is a WWT reserve that offers the chance to see water voles, kingfishers, and rare wetland birds from hides and boardwalks. The centre has a children’s activity area, pond dipping sessions, and guided walks. The Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire, a National Trust property, offers miles of walking and cycling trails through ancient woodlands and across the open chalk downland of the Chiltern Hills. The Bedgebury National Pinetum in Kent is one of the finest conifer collections in the world, with adventure trails, cycle hire, and Go Ape high ropes course. The Wakehurst Botanic Gardens in West Sussex, a satellite of Kew Gardens, offers wild landscapes, a children’s play village, and the spectacular Millennium Seed Bank.
\n\n
Have you explored the family-friendly attractions on the outskirts of London and found a favourite day out for your family? Which attraction outside the city centre do you most recommend for a family day trip?
\n\n\n\n
\n \n
If you’re planning a trip to London and want to stay a little further out, you can take advantage of some of the many exciting family attractions that surround the capital city. Here, we look at just three of the most popular attractions for families with children.
\n
Legoland Windsor
\n
Fun for both adults and children alike, Legoland Windsor is split into different zones that you can explore, including Pirates Landing where you can learn swashbuckling skills at the Pirate Training Camp, the Land of the Vikings where you can sail and explore the Nordic maze and many others including Duplo Land for younger guests. Rides at the park include Laser Raiders – a laser gun ride, the Dragon roller coaster ride, the Vikings’ River Splash ride, the Orient Expedition train ride and many more. The latest attraction at Legoland is the Star Wars Miniland Experience recreating some of the well-known scenes of the films.
\n
Legoland Windsor is situated outside Windsor, close to the M3, M4 and M25. It’s about a twenty minute drive from High Wycombe.
\n
\nModel of Tower Bridge in Miniland, Legoland Windsor, England, UK by Cherryguy93
\n
Thorpe Park
\n
Another theme park option is Thorpe Park which would suit families with older children as the rides here are not to be laughed at! The latest addition to their roller coaster offering is the Swarm, the first winged roller coaster in the UK. Other favourites include SAW – a horrifying roller coaster that has a worse than vertical drop, Stealth – a super-fast ride that catapults you from 0-80mph in less than two seconds and finally, Nemesis – one of the original terrifying rides of the park.
\n
For those who prefer to stay away from the intense, high speed, sick inducing roller coasters, there are plenty of other rides to enjoy including the Rumba Rapids, Loggers Leap log flume and tea cup rides.
\n
Set near to Staines, Thorpe Park is close to the M25 and M3 and is only a thirty minute drive from High Wycombe.
\n
\nThorpe Park, England, UK by ThorpePark1000
\n
Harry Potter Studio Tour
\n
Any budding little witches and wizards would appreciate a trip to the Warner Brothers studios London to see the ‘Making of Harry Potter‘. The studios are situated in Leavesden near to Watford which is a thirty minute drive from High Wycombe. At the studios, you can see the sets used in the films including Diagon Alley, Hogwarts Castle, Hagrids Hut and the potion’s classroom. You can see props used in the films such as Hagrid’s motorbike and Harry’s Nimbus 2000 broomstick. Tickets must be bought in advance and sell out quickly, especially for popular days such as weekends and bank holidays so book ahead in order to avoid disappointment.
\n
\nHarry Potter Studio Tour, England, UK by Rev Stan
\n
If you’re planning a trip to London and are looking for a hotel in the High Wycombe area, take a look at the Holiday Inn website for great offers: https://www.hihighwycombehotel.co.uk/\n
