If you are staying in the area for a while, you may want to venture out of the city on some sightseeing day trips from London.
Sightseeing day trips are a great way to break up a long family vacation or to simply extend your trip beyond London’s boundaries. There are just as many things to do and see outside of the city’s limits as there are inside those limits, so it’s understandable if you hesitate when selecting a day trip destination. That’s why we’re here to help.
The following list will introduce you to some of the easiest sightseeing day trips from London. We chose destinations that are easy and enjoyable when traveling with children of all ages because we understand the chaos that ensues when a family day trip is more oriented to the adults. Everyone wants to have fun, and these easy London day trips should give the whole family some level of enjoyment.
Sightseeing Day Trips from London Kids Will Love:
Hever Castle & Gardens
While many adults enjoy exploring the beautiful castle located in Hever, it’s the surrounding grounds that create great memories for kids. It’s positioned in the countryside, so there’s ample room for your family to spread out and enjoy spectacular scenery throughout the gardens. You can drive there in less than two hours from Central London or ride the rail and take a taxi out to the castle.
Kids love making their way through the mazes, climbing around on the playground, boating across the lake, and exploring the tiny houses tucked into the landscape. With more than 120 acres of land, there’s plenty for children of all ages to explore.
Legoland Windsor Resort
Legoland is less than a one-hour drive from Central London, which makes it an easy trip even if you’re traveling with a baby, toddler, or grumpy teenager. The resort is also an adventure for kids of all ages with loads of rides and other amusements that are always family-friendly.
Kids love the excitement of the rides, but that’s not all there is to explore here. There’s an underwater adventure that allows every member of the family to cool off in the midst of a hot summer day, and Lego cars waiting for child-sized drivers. Pirating gold and browsing model Lego designs will give some children a thrill as well.
The simplest way to reach and return from Legoland Resort is to book a Golden Tour trip that includes coach travel to and from Central London. You can focus on keeping the kids happy while someone else handles the directions.
Lunch in the Cotswolds Tour from London
The meadows of the River Thames lead to a series of picturesque rolling hills just outside of London. You can see the hills and take in a series of beautiful cottages in the countryside by visiting the Cotswolds from London. The easiest way to make that happen is to take a coach tour. You’ll travel in a comfortable bus with air conditioning and live guides ready to answer questions and tell entertaining tales.
A bus tour to the Cotswolds should also include lunch and some time to explore the area on your own. This is a great way to escape the excitement of Central London and enjoy one day at a much slower pace.
Ruislip Lido
This is another easy London day trip that is within a one-hour drive from Central London. It’s located in the Hillingdon borough and features a large lake with multiple playgrounds and a beach. You can bring food and have a family picnic while enjoying the views or dine at the local café.
Ruislip Lido is the perfect way to escape the excitement of the city and enjoy Mother Nature in a less crowded environment. Take a ride on the miniature railway. Take a walk on the beach. Sit back and watch the kids build sandcastles and run wild on the playgrounds.
You can drive yourself to this lakeside beach, but be prepared for the confusion of finding a car park. It’s otherwise a quick trip that you can do with a private vehicle or hired car service.
Selecting a Family Day Trip from London
When venturing out of London for a day trip, try to add new experiences to your itinerary. Look for destinations that offer something that you can’t get within city limits or have chosen to bypass in the city. That ensures that the trip is a break from London, leaving you refreshed to get back to the Big Smoke.
If you want the ultimate in luxury, consider private day trips with live guides. You’ll have an experienced local dedicated to showing you the way and ensuring that all of your needs are met. If you can’t afford that luxury, look for smaller group tours that may provide some level of personal attention. What you don’t want to do is fade into a large group of tourists who have little to no tolerance for younger children.
The goal of a day trip is to relax and explore new regions. It’s all about fresh experiences and expanded viewpoints, so don’t hesitate to go somewhere you haven’t heard about before. Go explore London and its surroundings!