Looking for an easy family getaway without the long car journey? Whether you’re after seaside fun, outdoor adventures, or hands-on history, there are plenty of fantastic destinations just a train ride from London. Here are ten of the best family-friendly short breaks that promise excitement for all ages.
1. Brighton – Seaside fun for everyone
Journey time: Around 1 hour from London Victoria or London Bridge
Brighton is the perfect spot for a classic British seaside break, packed with fun activities for kids and parents alike. Spend the day on Brighton Palace Pier, where you’ll find fairground rides, arcade games, and delicious fish and chips. Visit the SEA LIFE Brighton aquarium to get up close with sharks, turtles, and seahorses. If the weather is warm, enjoy a paddle in the sea or build sandcastles on the pebble beach. For a quirky adventure, explore the famous upside-down house or take a ride on the i360 tower for amazing views over the coast.
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2. Windsor – Castles and legoland adventures
Journey time: Around 40 minutes from London Paddington
Windsor is a fantastic short break destination, offering a mix of royal history and family fun. A visit to Windsor Castle is a must. Kids will love watching the Changing of the Guard and exploring the grand State Apartments. For a full day of excitement, head to Legoland Windsor Resort, where you’ll find rides, live shows, and interactive Lego experiences. Take a boat trip along the Thames for a relaxing way to see the town. If you need some downtime, Alexandra Gardens has a great play area for little ones to burn off energy.
3. Cambridge – Punting, museums, and outdoor fun
Journey time: Around 50 minutes from London King’s Cross
Cambridge is a great mix of learning and adventure, making it perfect for curious young minds. Definitely take a guided punting tour along the River Cam; the kids will love gliding past historic university buildings while spotting ducks along the way. Visit the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, which has loads of space for little explorers to run around. The Fitzwilliam Museum is full of fascinating treasures, and best of all, it’s free! Round off the day with a picnic on Jesus Green, where there’s plenty of space for outdoor games.
4. Oxford – Harry Potter magic and museums
Journey time: Around 1 hour from London Paddington or Marylebone
Oxford is a brilliant place for families, especially those who love Harry Potter! Many of the university’s stunning colleges were used as filming locations for Hogwarts, and you can take a guided tour to see them. The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is a big hit with kids, featuring dinosaur skeletons, interactive displays, and even a dodo! Nearby, the Story Museum brings children’s literature to life with fun exhibitions and storytelling sessions. For a relaxing break, take a walk along the Thames or enjoy a riverside picnic in Christ Church Meadow.
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5. Hastings – Castles and seaside adventures
Journey time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes from London Bridge
Hastings is a great mix of beach fun and history, making it an ideal family break. Explore Hastings Castle, the first castle built by William the Conqueror, and let kids imagine life in medieval times. Smugglers Adventure is a fascinating underground experience where you can learn about the town’s hidden tunnels and pirate past. The Blue Reef Aquarium is home to fascinating sea creatures, from rays to colourful tropical fish. Of course, no trip to Hastings is complete without an ice cream on the beach and a ride on the funicular railway for amazing views.
6. Margate – Beaches and Dreamland thrills
Journey time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes from London St Pancras
Margate is a fantastic family-friendly destination, offering beautiful beaches and loads of fun attractions. Spend the day at Dreamland, a retro-style amusement park with vintage rides, a roller disco, and live entertainment. The golden sandy beach is perfect for paddling, building sandcastles, and enjoying fish and chips by the sea. Kids will love the Shell Grotto, a mysterious underground passageway decorated with millions of seashells. If you fancy a bit of culture, the Turner Contemporary gallery has fun interactive art exhibitions that even little ones will enjoy.
7. Warwick – A castle adventure
Journey time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes from London Marylebone
For a magical weekend filled with history and excitement, Warwick is hard to beat. Warwick Castle is the main attraction, offering live jousting, a fantastic dungeon experience, and a maze to explore. Kids can meet knights, watch birds of prey shows, and even try their hand at archery. The town itself is charming, with lovely riverside walks and quirky shops. If you have time, head to nearby St Nicholas Park, which has playgrounds, a mini-golf course, and boat hire for a relaxing afternoon.
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8. The New Forest – Ponies and outdoor adventures
Journey time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes from London Waterloo to Brockenhurst
For a nature-filled family break, the New Forest is a fantastic choice. Kids will love spotting the famous wild ponies that roam freely through the countryside. There are endless opportunities for cycling, walking, and even horse riding through the scenic landscape. Visit the New Forest Wildlife Park, where you can see otters, owls, and even wolves up close. Beaulieu, home to the National Motor Museum, is another great stop, offering vintage cars and fun activities for all ages. Stay in a cosy woodland lodge for a real back-to-nature experience.
9. Stratford-upon-Avon – Shakespeare and river cruises
Journey time: Around 2 hours from London Marylebone
Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare and a great destination for families. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace, where kids can dress up in Tudor costumes and learn about life in the 16th century. Take a fun river cruise along the Avon or hire a rowboat for a family adventure on the water. The Butterfly Farm is a magical experience, with hundreds of colourful butterflies flying all around you. If your children love theatre, check out the Royal Shakespeare Company’s family-friendly performances.
10. Bournemouth – Beaches and beach fun
Journey time: Around 2 hours from London Waterloo
Bournemouth is the perfect place for a classic seaside holiday with plenty of activities for kids. The long sandy beach is ideal for building sandcastles, paddling, and playing beach games. Visit the Oceanarium, where you can see sharks, turtles, and even penguins! For some adventure, take a zip wire ride from Bournemouth Pier straight onto the beach. If the weather turns, head to RockReef, an indoor climbing and adventure centre with rope courses and caves to explore.
Whether you fancy a beach escape, a castle adventure, or a weekend of outdoor fun, these destinations are all easy to reach by train from London. Pack your bags, grab the kids, and enjoy a hassle-free family getaway!
The Hattie 