UK days out

The best family days out in the UK

From LEGOLAND to Longleat and the Natural History Museum to Alnwick Castle, here are Britain’s best-loved family days out, with real ways to save on each.

Photo: E Mens on Unsplash

Scout’s verdict

Scout’s UK verdict

Mix one big paid day with a couple of free ones. Pair a theme park with a free museum or beach day and the holiday budget goes much further.

Best value: Free national museums
Best splurge: Studio Tour or a Merlin park
Best saving: Rail 2FOR1 & annual passes

UK family favourites

Yellow, red, blue and green toy building bricks

Photo: Xavi Cabrera / Unsplash

Theme park

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

Windsor, Berkshire, England

Built for families with children aged roughly 2 to 12: gentle coasters, driving schools, MINILAND models and plenty of hands-on play.

Ages 2–12Gentle ridesHotels on site

Included in Merlin Annual Passes
Listed on the National Rail Days Out Guide with a rail-ticket discount in 2026
Weekdays outside school holidays are usually the quietest and cheapest

Scout says: Under-3s go free, so it’s great value while they’re tiny. Check ride height limits before you promise anything!

Our LEGOLAND tips legoland.co.uk ↗

Riders with arms in the air on a roller coaster

Photo: Hannes Knutsson / Unsplash

Theme park

Alton Towers Resort

Staffordshire, England

The UK’s best-known thrill park, with big roller coasters for teens and CBeebies Land for little ones, plus a water park and hotels on site.

All agesThrill ridesCBeebies Land

Included in Merlin Annual Passes (check exclusion dates)
A Tesco Clubcard Reward Partner in 2026: check the Clubcard app for current exchanges
Book online before you go: gate prices are usually the highest

Scout says: Split the day: thrill rides first while queues are short, CBeebies Land after lunch when little legs need a slower pace.

Merlin pass guide altontowers.com ↗

People riding a spinning fairground ride

Photo: Ethan Hoover / Unsplash

Theme park + zoo

Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington, Surrey, England

A rare mix of family rides and a zoo in one ticket, which makes it a strong all-rounder for mixed-age families.

Ages 3+Zoo + ridesNear London

Included in Merlin Annual Passes
Animal areas are a calm break when queues build up

Scout says: Two days out for the price of one: plan your route around the animal talks and feeding times.

Merlin pass guide chessington.com ↗

A happy family running together in a sunlit garden

Photo: Aleksandra Sapozhnikova / Unsplash

Theme park

Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World

New Forest, Hampshire, England

Peppa Pig World is a toddler favourite, and the park’s new Viking-themed land, Valgard, opened in spring 2026 with bigger rides for older kids.

ToddlersPeppa Pig WorldValgard (2026)

Not part of the Merlin pass: check Paultons’ own annual passes if you live nearby
Closed in January and on some winter dates, so check the calendar first

Scout says: Peppa Pig World is busiest first thing. Head there in the afternoon and do the rest of the park in the morning.

Toddler days out paultonspark.co.uk ↗

A Platform 9¾ sign for the Hogwarts Express

Photo: Aditya Vyas / Unsplash

Studio tour

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

Leavesden, near Watford, England

Walk through the real sets, costumes and props from the films, including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9¾.

Ages 5+Pre-book onlyUnder-5s free

Children aged 4 and under go free, but still need a ticket
Book direct on the official site to avoid reseller mark-ups
Tickets can’t be bought on arrival, and school holidays sell out early

Scout says: Allow at least 3–4 hours. Save room for Butterbeer, and don’t rush the Gringotts and Hogwarts model sections at the end.

Studio Tour tips wbstudiotour.co.uk ↗

The vaulted Hintze Hall at the Natural History Museum, London

Photo: Claudio Testa / Unsplash

Free museum

Natural History Museum

South Kensington, London

Dinosaurs, a blue whale skeleton and an earthquake room. General admission is free.

All agesFree entryRainy day

General admission is free (some special exhibitions charge)
Book a free timed slot online at busy times

Scout says: The Science Museum and V&A are next door, so you can mix and match one free day.

Free London museums nhm.ac.uk ↗

Photo: Daley van de Sande / Unsplash

Zoo

Chester Zoo

Chester, England

One of the UK’s biggest zoos, run by a conservation charity, with a huge site to explore. Expect a full day.

All agesFull dayCharity zoo

Book online in advance
Membership can pay off if you live nearby and visit a few times a year

Scout says: Wear comfy shoes and bring snacks: it’s a big site with lots of walking.

Zoo & aquarium guide chesterzoo.org ↗

Photo: Carrie Borden / Unsplash

Zoo

London Zoo

Regent’s Park, London

The world’s oldest scientific zoo, run by the conservation charity ZSL, in Regent’s Park.

All agesCentral LondonCharity zoo

Listed on the National Rail Days Out Guide in 2026 (you need valid National Rail tickets)
Combine with a free picnic in Regent’s Park

Scout says: The Days Out Guide offer needs paper or e-tickets from National Rail; Oyster and contactless don’t count.

How 2FOR1 works londonzoo.org ↗

A safari vehicle driving through dry bush

Photo: Ed Wingate / Unsplash

Safari park

Longleat

Wiltshire, England

The UK’s first drive-through safari park outside Africa, plus a stately home, gardens and adventure play.

All agesDrive-through safariFull day

Book online ahead
Its Festival of Light (in winter) is a separate seasonal event: check dates

Scout says: Keep windows up where the signs say so: the monkeys love a car aerial!

Zoo & aquarium guide longleat.co.uk ↗

A visitor watching a penguin swim past the glass

Photo: Zachary Spears / Unsplash

Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh, Scotland

A hillside zoo run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, famous for its penguins.

All agesHilly siteCharity zoo

Kids Pass has listed discounts here: check the app

Scout says: It’s hilly, so a sturdy buggy or a carrier for tiny ones makes life easier.

edinburghzoo.org.uk ↗

Photo: Ian Murphy / Unsplash

Castle & film location

Alnwick Castle

Northumberland, England

The castle used for Hogwarts exteriors in the first two Harry Potter films. Families can join broomstick training in the very courtyard from the movies.

Ages 4+Film locationBroomstick training

Check whether tickets can be upgraded to an annual pass for free on the official site
Pair with Alnwick Garden next door

Scout says: Broomstick training is pure joy for young witches and wizards. Check session times when you arrive.

Filming locations alnwickcastle.com ↗

A steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands

Photo: Jack Anstey / Unsplash

Heritage railway

The Jacobite steam train

Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland

The steam train that crosses the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous from the Harry Potter films. It runs seasonally and sells out well ahead.

All agesSeasonalBook early

You can watch the train cross the viaduct for free from the Glenfinnan viewpoints
Book as early as possible for summer dates

A classic seaside park with historic coasters, right by the beach.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Pair it with free beach time to stretch the day.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Theme parks££ Mid-range

Photo: Ethan Hoover / Unsplash

Drayton Manor Resort

Tamworth, Staffordshire, England

Thrill rides plus Thomas Land, a whole area themed on Thomas & Friends for little engine fans.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Thomas Land is a toddler dream. Bigger kids can do the coasters.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Theme parks££ Mid-range

Photo: Jonny Gios / Unsplash

Flamingo Land

North Yorkshire, England

A theme park and zoo combined, with rides for every age.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Rides and animals in one ticket makes it great value for mixed ages.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Water parks & pools££ Mid-range

Photo: Konrad Burdyn / Unsplash

Sandcastle Waterpark

Blackpool, Lancashire, England

A big indoor water park on Blackpool’s seafront: slides, wave pool and toddler areas.

All agesIndoor

Scout: Indoor and warm, so it’s rain-proof. No longer on new Merlin passes.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

A family walking along a wooden boardwalk through a field at golden hour

Water parks & pools£££ Splurge

Photo: Jessica Rockowitz / Unsplash

Center Parcs

Forest villages across the UK and Ireland

Forest short breaks built around an indoor tropical pool, bikes and activities.

All agesIndoor + outdoor

Scout: A short break, not a day out. Midweek breaks are usually cheaper.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Zoos & aquariums££ Mid-range

Photo: Daley van de Sande / Unsplash

Chester Zoo

Chester, England

One of the UK’s biggest zoos, run by a conservation charity.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Comfy shoes! It’s a big site.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Zoos & aquariums££ Mid-range

Photo: Carrie Borden / Unsplash

London Zoo

Regent’s Park, London

The world’s oldest scientific zoo, run by ZSL.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Check the National Rail Days Out Guide offer first.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Zoos & aquariums££ Mid-range

Photo: Ed Wingate / Unsplash

Longleat

Wiltshire, England

A drive-through safari park plus a stately home and adventure play.

All agesIndoor + outdoor

Scout: Windows up where the signs say: monkeys love car aerials.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Zoos & aquariums££ Mid-range

Photo: Tomáš Malík / Unsplash

West Midland Safari Park

Bewdley, Worcestershire, England

A drive-through safari plus walk-through areas and family rides.

All agesIndoor + outdoor

Scout: Do the drive-through first, then the walk-round areas.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Zoos & aquariums££ Mid-range

Photo: Daiga Ellaby / Unsplash

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England

Walk-through wildlife park known for its polar bears.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Walkways are long but flat, which is good for buggies.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Zoos & aquariums££ Mid-range

Photo: Zachary Spears / Unsplash

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh, Scotland

A hillside zoo famous for its penguins.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Hilly, so bring a sturdy buggy or carrier.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

A toddler touching the glass of an aquarium tank

Zoos & aquariums££ Mid-range

Photo: Caroline Hernandez / Unsplash

SEA LIFE aquariums

Centres across the UK

Indoor aquariums with sharks, rays and penguins at some centres.

All agesIndoor

Scout: Perfect rainy-day rescue, usually 1.5–2 hours.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Museums & scienceFree

Photo: Claudio Testa / Unsplash

Natural History Museum

South Kensington, London

Dinosaurs, a blue whale skeleton and an earthquake room. Free general admission.

All agesIndoor

Scout: Arrive at opening for the dinosaur gallery.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

A museum hall with a whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling

Museums & scienceFree

Photo: Toa Heftiba / Unsplash

Science Museum

South Kensington, London

Space, flight and hands-on science. Free general admission.

Ages 5–11TeensIndoor

Scout: Some interactive galleries charge. Check before you go.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

A close-up of colourful toy building bricks

Museums & scienceFree

Photo: Sen / Unsplash

Young V&A

Bethnal Green, London

A free museum designed for children and young people, full of play and design.

Under 5sAges 5–11Indoor

Scout: Brilliant for under-10s on a wet day.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Looking up at a dinosaur skeleton in a museum

Museums & scienceFree

Photo: Aditya Vyas / Unsplash

National Museum of Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland

Dinosaurs, Dolly the sheep and hands-on galleries. Free general admission.

All agesIndoor

Scout: Head up to the rooftop terrace for city views.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

A boy leaning on the glass of an aquarium full of fish

Museums & science££ Mid-range

Photo: Nur Taufik Zamari / Unsplash

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

Halifax, West Yorkshire, England

A hands-on museum made for children, with play-based galleries.

Under 5sAges 5–11Indoor

Scout: Best for under-11s. Book ahead in the holidays.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Visitors exploring a dinosaur fossil gallery

Museums & science££ Mid-range

Photo: Chris Nguyen / Unsplash

National Space Centre

Leicester, England

Rockets, a planetarium and space galleries.

Ages 5–11TeensIndoor

Scout: Catch a planetarium show: check times on arrival.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Two adults and a child looking out at a mountain view

Museums & science££ Mid-range

Photo: Nils Huenerfuerst / Unsplash

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Greenwich, London

Stand on the Prime Meridian and catch a planetarium show.

Ages 5–11TeensIndoor + outdoor

Scout: Greenwich Park next door is free and great for a picnic.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Castles & history££ Mid-range

Photo: Ian Murphy / Unsplash

Warwick Castle

Warwick, England

A medieval castle with shows, towers and family events.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Climb the towers early, before queues build. It’s on the Merlin pass.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Castles & history££ Mid-range

Photo: E Mens / Unsplash

Alnwick Castle

Northumberland, England

Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. Try broomstick training.

Ages 5–11TeensOutdoor

Scout: Broomstick training is pure joy for young wizards.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Castles & history££ Mid-range

Photo: E Mens / Unsplash

Tower of London

London

The Crown Jewels, Yeoman Warders and nearly 1,000 years of history.

Ages 5–11TeensIndoor + outdoor

Scout: Join a Yeoman Warder tour: they’re great storytellers.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Castles & history££ Mid-range

Photo: Ian Murphy / Unsplash

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s famous castle, with the Honours of Scotland and city views.

Ages 5–11TeensOutdoor

Scout: Book a timed ticket online. Popular slots go fast.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Castles & history££ Mid-range

Photo: E Mens / Unsplash

Dover Castle

Dover, Kent, England

A huge medieval castle with secret wartime tunnels beneath.

Ages 5–11TeensIndoor + outdoor

Scout: English Heritage members go free.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Castles & history£ Budget

Photo: Ian Murphy / Unsplash

Caernarfon Castle

Gwynedd, Wales

A mighty medieval fortress cared for by Cadw.

Ages 5–11TeensOutdoor

Scout: Climb the towers for views over the Menai Strait.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

A family walking together on a grassy hill

Castles & history££ Mid-range

Photo: Seljan Salim / Unsplash

Stonehenge

Wiltshire, England

The world-famous stone circle, with a visitor centre and Neolithic houses.

Ages 5–11TeensOutdoor

Scout: Book ahead. Members of English Heritage go free.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Seasonal eventsFree

Photo: E Mens / Unsplash

Heritage Open Days

Across England, every September

Hundreds of historic places open for free, with tours and family events.

All agesIndoor + outdoor

Scout: Some events need booking. Check the website in August.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Nature & national parksFree

Photo: Seljan Salim / Unsplash

Lake District National Park

Cumbria, England

Lakes, fells and boat trips. Some of England’s best walking.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Pick a short lakeside walk with a café at the end.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

A family walking through a field with their dog

Nature & national parksFree

Photo: Kateryna Hliznitsova / Unsplash

Peak District National Park

Derbyshire and around, England

Caves, edges and trails, easy to reach from many cities.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Former railway trails are flat and great for bikes and buggies.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Two parents and a child holding hands on the seashore

Nature & national parksFree

Photo: Natalya Zaritskaya / Unsplash

Giant’s Causeway

County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Thousands of hexagonal basalt columns, and a legend about a giant.

Ages 5–11TeensOutdoor

Scout: Walking to the stones is free. The visitor centre charges.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Nature & national parks££ Mid-range

Photo: Aleksandra Sapozhnikova / Unsplash

Eden Project

Cornwall, England

Giant biomes with a rainforest inside, plus play areas and events.

All agesIndoor + outdoor

Scout: The rainforest biome is warm. Wear layers.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

A family relaxing on a picnic blanket in a park

Nature & national parks££ Mid-range

Photo: Liviu Boldis / Unsplash

Kew Gardens

Richmond, London

World-famous gardens with a treetop walkway and children’s play garden.

All agesIndoor + outdoor

Scout: The treetop walkway is a hit with all ages.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

A family walking on the beach holding hands

Beaches & seasideFree

Photo: Jennifer Kalenberg / Unsplash

Jurassic Coast fossil hunting

Dorset and East Devon, England

A World Heritage coastline famous for fossils on its beaches.

Ages 5–11TeensOutdoor

Scout: Search the beach, not the cliffs, and check tide times.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Zip lines & high ropes££ Mid-range

Photo: Nadiia Ganzhyi / Unsplash

Go Ape treetop adventures

Forests across the UK

Rope bridges, zip wires and Tarzan swings high in the trees.

Ages 5–11TeensOutdoor

Scout: Check the age and height rules for each course before booking.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Zip lines & high ropes££ Mid-range

Photo: Perry Grone / Unsplash

Zip World

Wales and the Lake District

Big zip lines, underground adventures and trampolines in caverns.

Ages 5–11TeensIndoor + outdoor

Scout: Weight and age limits apply to some rides. Check first.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Hot air balloons rising over the landscape

Zip lines & high ropes££ Mid-range

Photo: ian dooley / Unsplash

iFLY indoor skydiving

Centres in the UK and worldwide

Float on a column of air in a vertical wind tunnel. No plane needed.

Ages 5–11TeensIndoor

Scout: Check minimum ages and weight limits for your centre.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Surf & paddle££ Mid-range

Photo: Buddy AN / Unsplash

Surf lessons in Cornwall & Devon

North Cornwall and North Devon beaches

Beginner surf lessons with wetsuit and board included at many surf schools.

Ages 5–11TeensOutdoor

Scout: Pick a school with qualified instructors and lifeguarded beaches.

Scout’s guide

A surfer riding a wave on an orange board

Surf & paddle££ Mid-range

Photo: Joseph Greve / Unsplash

The Wave

Near Bristol, England

An inland surf lake with waves on demand, and lessons for beginners.

Ages 5–11TeensOutdoor

Scout: Check minimum ages for lessons before booking.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Snow & ice££ Mid-range

Photo: Brian Kyed / Unsplash

The Snowdome

Tamworth, Staffordshire, England

Real indoor snow for ski and snowboard lessons, sledging and ice skating.

Ages 5–11TeensIndoor

Scout: Beginner lessons are the best way in. Gloves are a must.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Snow & ice££ Mid-range

Photo: Brian Kyed / Unsplash

Chill Factore

Manchester, England

An indoor real-snow slope with lessons and snow play.

Ages 5–11TeensIndoor

Scout: Snow play sessions suit younger kids who aren’t ready to ski.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Seasonal events££ Mid-range

Photo: Cole Ciarlello / Unsplash

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park, London (winter)

A huge seasonal festival with rides, an ice rink, markets and shows.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: Weekday daytime visits are calmer. Some attractions are ticketed separately.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Trains & steam££ Mid-range

Photo: Jack Anstey / Unsplash

The Jacobite steam train

Fort William to Mallaig, Scotland

The “Hogwarts Express” route over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Seasonal.

All agesOutdoor

Scout: No tickets? Watching it cross the viaduct is free.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

Film & TV tours£££ Splurge

Photo: Aditya Vyas / Unsplash

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Leavesden, near Watford, England

Real Harry Potter sets, props and costumes. Under-5s free.

Ages 5–11TeensIndoor

Scout: Allow 3–4 hours and book direct.

Scout’s guide Official site ↗

A red steam locomotive on a railway line

Film & TV toursFree

Photo: B K / Unsplash

Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross

King’s Cross station, London

The trolley vanishing into the wall. Your own photo is free.

All agesIndoor

Scout: Go early to beat the queue.

Scout’s guide

Cost bands are a rough guide to a typical family visit, not prices. Always check current prices, ages and opening times on the official site.

Saving money on UK days out

Use the National Rail 2FOR1 offers, check whether an annual pass makes sense, swap Tesco Clubcard vouchers, and plan around school holiday dates, when prices peak.

Last updated: 14 October 2026

Frequently asked questions

What is the most popular family day out in the UK?

Big favourites include the Natural History Museum and Science Museum (free), LEGOLAND Windsor, Alton Towers, Chester Zoo and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.

How can I save on UK attractions?

Travel by train and use the Days Out Guide 2FOR1 offers, consider an annual pass if you’ll visit often, look for under-5s-free rules and book online ahead of time.

The best family days out in the UK

Scout’s UK verdict

UK family favourites

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

Alton Towers Resort

Chessington World of Adventures

Paultons Park, home of Peppa Pig World

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

Natural History Museum

Chester Zoo

London Zoo

Longleat

Edinburgh Zoo

Alnwick Castle

The Jacobite steam train

More UK adventures

Alton Towers Resort

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

Thorpe Park Resort

Chessington World of Adventures

Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Drayton Manor Resort

Flamingo Land

Sandcastle Waterpark

Center Parcs

Chester Zoo

London Zoo

Longleat

West Midland Safari Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Edinburgh Zoo

SEA LIFE aquariums

Natural History Museum

Science Museum

Young V&A

National Museum of Scotland

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

National Space Centre

Royal Observatory Greenwich

Warwick Castle

Alnwick Castle

Tower of London

Edinburgh Castle

Dover Castle

Caernarfon Castle

Stonehenge

Heritage Open Days

Lake District National Park

Peak District National Park

Giant’s Causeway

Eden Project

Kew Gardens

Jurassic Coast fossil hunting

Go Ape treetop adventures

Zip World

iFLY indoor skydiving

Surf lessons in Cornwall & Devon

The Wave

The Snowdome

Chill Factore

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

The Jacobite steam train

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross

Saving money on UK days out

Frequently asked questions

Keep exploring

Theme parks

Zoos

Free days out

Merlin pass

Where shall we go next?