Great Family Daytrips from London

London offers a world of things to see and do for all ages, but don’t overlook these places that are just a short ride away. Trains and buses are easy to use, and many of these nearby attractions are accessible on organized daytours from London.

Stonehenge

Nothing is more appealing to kids than a mystery, and the enigmatic circle of giant stones is one of history’s greatest puzzles. Who built Stonehenge, when and why have been the subject of study and conjecture for centuries. In addition to seeing and walking around these megaliths, kids can learn about them in engaging audio-visual exhibits and hundreds of actual ancient artifacts in the visitors’ center. They can see how prehistoric people lived in the authentic replicas of Neolithic houses.

England, Magna Carta, Stonehenge. Photo Credit: Stillman Rogers

Hampton Court Palace

Only 45 minutes by train from Victoria Station, Hampton Court Palace is not only the most interesting of Britain’s royal palaces, but it has a lot to appeal to kids. First, it is impressively large and filled with the pomp and glitter of royal life in the Renaissance and later. But it is inhabited by a lively cast of characters from its history who may appear at any time reenacting incidents from the palace’s past. Visitors, especially kids, may find themselves participants instead of spectators in these mini dramas, and may also find docents explaining some feature of the palace with actual artifacts kids can handle. Printed material for kids includes treasure hunts and other activities and if the weather is good they are sure to want to try their skills in the maze garden.

Hampton Court Palace in England, Great Britain. Photo Credit: Stillman Rogers

Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio

Chances are your kids already put this on their wish list, but Harry Potter fans will clamor to tour the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio in Leavesden, near Oxford. The actual studio where the films were produced recreates the magical world with the original sets, costumes, props and effects. Kids can stand on Platform 9 ¾ and see the “real” Hogwarts Express, and examine the labels and creepy contents of hundreds of potion jars on the classroom walls. Best of all, they will learn how some of the special effects were achieved, how some of the mythical characters were brought to “life” and how characters could fly.

Warwick Castle

Medieval Warwick Castle is guarded by impressive ramparts and towers, which have remained in good condition over the centuries. Your family can tour the entire complex, as kids envision themselves as knights defending the towers and princesses dancing in the lavishly decorated halls. There is always something happening, perhaps a jousting match or demonstration of falconry, and special programs for kids give them plenty of hands-on options.

Brooklands Museum

Teens fascinated by cars and planes will want to visit Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey, the birthplace of British automobile racing and aviation. A highlight is the Concorde and the racing car collection, but you’ll also find a collection of historic aircraft representing more than 80 years of flight, including a Wellington bomber.