Looking for a fun and easy escape from the hustle and bustle of London with your little ones? Forget stressful car journeys and embrace the convenience and charm of train travel! Discover incredible destinations just a short ride away, perfect for creating lasting family memories. This guide will take you through some of the best day trips from London by train with kids, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable adventure for everyone.
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What are the most popular day trips from London? Many families find that historical sites, coastal towns, and famous landmarks offer engaging experiences for children of all ages, and luckily, many of these are easily accessible by train.
Is it worth doing a day trip from London? Absolutely! Day trips offer a fantastic opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and attractions surrounding London without the commitment of an overnight stay. Train travel makes these adventures accessible and enjoyable for families, creating cherished memories without the stress of driving and parking.
Windsor: Royal Fun for All Ages
A direct train from London whisks you away to Windsor in under an hour.
Windsor Castle: the official residence of the British monarch, this day trip is packed with history and pageantry. Kids will be thrilled by the Changing of the Guard ceremony (check the schedule in advance!), exploring the castle’s State Apartments, and perhaps even spotting a royal carriage. Buy your tickets for Windsor Castle on Trip.com.
Legoland Windsor: a short bus ride from the town centre, this is a fantastic addition for younger children. You can easily spend a full day exploring the rides, shows, and incredible Lego creations. Buy your tickets for Legoland Windsor on Trip.com.
Brighton: Seaside Adventures and Pier Thrills
For a breath of fresh sea air, hop on a direct train from London Victoria to Brighton. In just over an hour, you’ll find yourselves on the vibrant Brighton Pier, with its classic arcade games, thrilling rides, and delicious fish and chips. Stroll along the pebbled beach, explore the quirky shops in the Lanes, and marvel at the exotic architecture of the Royal Pavilion.
Why is Brighton the easiest day trip from London? Its direct and frequent train connections, coupled with the compact nature of the main attractions, make Brighton a very straightforward and enjoyable day trip, especially with children.
Bringing a toddler? Make sure you read all the best toddler beach safety tips before you go.
Check out the best attractions for kids in Brighton on Trip.com.
Bath: Roman History and Georgian Splendor
A direct train from London Paddington will get you to Bath Spa station in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, where you can step back in time to the Roman Empire. The city is very walkable and family-friendly, with the station conveniently located right in the center. From there, it’s a short stroll to the iconic Roman Baths, the famous Royal Crescent, the stunning Bath Abbey, and the Pulteney Bridge.
Children will love exploring the Roman Baths with the audio guide designed specifically for kids. You can also enjoy a leisurely walk through the Royal Victoria Park, complete with a fantastic playground.
The Cotswolds: A Quaint Countryside Escape
While the Cotswolds is a large region and not a single town, you can absolutely begin your adventure with a train journey! The key is choosing the right starting point. A direct train from London Paddington can take you to Moreton-in-Marsh in about 1.5 hours, or to Kemble for a taxi or bus connection to Cirencester. Once you’re there, you can explore the charming market towns and soak in the quintessential English countryside.
The Cotswolds offers a chance to explore the great outdoors. With children, you can wander through the picturesque streets of Moreton-in-Marsh, explore local shops, or even go for a gentle countryside walk from the station.
The catch: To see the iconic, scattered villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, or Castle Combe, you would need to either take a local bus or a taxi from the train station, as these villages don’t have train stops. For a stress-free day visiting multiple villages, a guided bus tour of the Cotswolds from London may be a better option.
Stonehenge: Ancient Wonders and a Combined Journey
While you can’t get a train directly to Stonehenge, you can travel to the closest major town, Salisbury, in about 1 hour and 30 minutes on a direct train from London Waterloo. From there, a dedicated shuttle bus provides a direct and efficient service to the ancient stone circle.
You can also get round trip transportation to Stonehenge from London to avoid transfers.
The journey itself is an adventure, and once you arrive, the sheer scale of the monument is awe-inspiring. Kids will be fascinated by the mystery of how the stones were transported and erected. The new visitor center is also packed with interactive exhibits to keep them engaged.
Tips for London Day Trips with Young Children
Traveling with toddlers and very young children requires a bit more planning. Here’s some advice for making your train day trip from London a success:
- Choose shorter journeys: Opt for destinations with travel times under 1.5 hours to minimize restlessness. Windsor and Brighton are excellent choices.
- Pack plenty of snacks and drinks: Keep little ones occupied and hydrated.
- Embrace flexibility: Be prepared to adjust your plans based on your children’s needs and energy levels. Don’t try to cram too much into one day.
- Consider off-peak travel: Trains are generally less crowded outside of rush hour, making for a more comfortable journey.
- Look for family-friendly facilities: Check if your chosen destination has accessible restrooms, baby-changing facilities, and stroller-friendly pathways.
- For the best cobblestone-approved travel strollers, check out our full guide on the Best Travel Strollers for Europe.
- Bring entertainment: Pack small toys, books, or a tablet with downloaded shows for the train ride.
- Plan for nap times: Try to time your train journey or a quiet activity around their usual sleep schedule.
- Involve them in the planning: Let older toddlers and preschoolers choose an activity or two to build excitement.
Wrapping it up
Taking day trips from London by train with kids is easier than you might think, thanks to the efficient train network. From royal residences and seaside fun to historic cities and ancient monuments, there’s a perfect day trip waiting for every family. By choosing train travel, you can relax and enjoy the journey, focusing on making the most of your time together.
If you’re excited to plan your family’s next day trip from London by train, share this article with other parents looking for easy and memorable travel ideas!
Protecting your UK vacation
The United Kingdom, a country of grand history and vibrant culture, promises unforgettable family adventures. Yet, like any grand journey, unexpected events can arise.
From unpredictable UK weather to the worry of lost luggage or sudden illness (especially with toddlers), make sure you protect your family vacation by getting travel insurance.
I personally use Arch RoamRight for all my travel, and recommend all my clients use the same. Get your personalized quote here!
UK travel resources
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