15 Best Family Day Trips From London (By Train, Car & Easy Walks)
Looking for the best day trips from London with kids that don’t involve long drives or complicated planning? One of the greatest things about living in or visiting London is how quickly you can swap city streets for forests, beaches, castles and countryside villages.
Within one hour of London by train, you can be walking through ancient woodland, exploring a fairytale castle, wandering along the coast or discovering charming market towns perfect for family adventures.
These are some of our favourite family day trips from London by train, with easy walks from the station, outdoor space for kids to run free and plenty of places for coffee, cake and lunch along the way.
Many of these also make wonderful weekend staycations near London, so we’ve included ideas for overnight stays too.
Jump to your preferred destination;
Epping Forest Adventure (Essex)
Just on London’s doorstep, Epping Forest is one of the easiest nature escapes from the capital. This ancient woodland stretches for miles across Essex and East London and is perfect for family forest walks, bike rides and muddy adventures.
The forest feels wonderfully wild but is surprisingly accessible thanks to the Central Line, making it a brilliant quick day trip from London with kids.
From Epping station you can step straight into woodland paths where deer roam, giant oak trees tower overhead and trails lead to cosy forest pubs and cafés.
Travel from London
• Train: Central Line to Epping Station
• Duration: approx 35–40 minutes from central London
Walk from station
• Forest entrance: 10 minutes
What to see and do
• Walk to Connaught Water lake loop (around 3km)
• Visit Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge in Chingford
• Picnic in the open meadows at High Beach
• Stop at Butler’s Retreat café for lunch
• Look for deer in the quieter woodland areas
Great for
• Forest walks with kids
• Cycling and picnics
• Autumn leaf adventures
Stay overnight
Perfect for a countryside reset without travelling far.
Hotel suggestions:
The Royal Forest, Chingford
Related read: Hidden Gems in London for Families
Whitstable Beach Day (Kent)
If you’re craving sea air, Whitstable is one of the most charming coastal day trips from London. This colourful seaside town on the Kent coast is famous for its beach huts, fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere.
Kids will love exploring the pebble beach, harbour and independent shops, while parents will appreciate the laid-back seaside cafés.
Travel from London
• Train: London Victoria or St Pancras to Whitstable Station
• Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
Walk from station
• Beach: 10–12 minutes
What to see and do
• Walk along Whitstable Beach collecting shells
• Explore Whitstable Harbour Market
• Grab fish and chips by the sea
• Walk the coastal path to Tankerton Slopes
• Spot colourful beach huts along the promenade
Great for
• Family seaside days
• Coastal walks
• Ice cream stops and harbour exploring
Stay overnight
Whitstable is perfect for a slow weekend by the sea.
Hotel suggestions:
Fisherman Huts, Whitstable
Related read: Best Winter Walks in Kent
Box Hill Countryside Walk (Surrey)
For one of the most scenic countryside walks near London, head to Box Hill in the Surrey Hills. Famous for its sweeping views across the valley, this National Trust landscape offers fantastic family hiking trails just an hour from London.
The stepping stones walk is a favourite with kids and feels like a mini adventure.
Travel from London
• Train: London Victoria to Box Hill & Westhumble Station
• Duration: 50 minutes
Walk from station
• River stepping stones: 15 minutes
What to see and do
• Cross the River Mole stepping stones
• Walk the Box Hill woodland trail
• Climb to the viewpoint over the Surrey Hills
• Spot butterflies in summer
• Picnic in the open grassland
Great for
• Scenic countryside walks
• Family hiking trails near London
• National Trust days out
Stay overnight
Turn your walk into a relaxing Surrey countryside staycation.
Hotel suggestions:
Sunday Box Hill Hotel, Surrey
Saffron Walden Village Escape (Essex)
For charming streets, medieval buildings and one of the prettiest market towns in Essex, Saffron Walden is a wonderful slow travel day trip from London.
It feels worlds away from the city with its historic market square, independent shops and beautiful parks.
Travel from London
• Train: Liverpool Street to Audley End Station
• Duration: 55 minutes
Walk from station
• Taxi or bus to town: 10 minutes
What to see and do
• Visit the stunning Bridge End Gardens
• Explore Saffron Walden Market (Tues & Sat)
• Walk around the ruins of Walden Castle
• Picnic in The Common
• Browse independent bookshops and bakeries
Great for
• Slow countryside days
• Market town exploring
• Family picnics
Stay overnight
Perfect for a relaxed Essex countryside weekend.
Hotel suggestions:
The Cross Keys, Saffron Walden
St Albans Historic City Walk (Hertfordshire)
Just north of London, St Albans blends Roman history with a lively market town atmosphere. It’s an easy day trip from London with kids by train, with parks, cafés and historic streets to explore.
The huge cathedral and surrounding park make this a great place for families to wander.
Travel from London
• Train: St Pancras to St Albans City
• Duration: 20 minutes
Walk from station
• Cathedral: 12 minutes
What to see and do
• Explore St Albans Cathedral
• Walk through Verulamium Park
• Visit the Roman ruins and museum
• Stop at the weekly street market
• Feed the ducks by the lake
Great for
• History-loving kids
• Park picnics
• Easy train adventures
Stay overnight
Turn your visit into a historic Hertfordshire weekend break.
Hotel suggestions:
The Samuel Ryder Hotel, St Albans, Hertfordshire
Mersea Island Coastal Walk (Essex)
For something that feels wonderfully off-grid, head to Mersea Island on the Essex coast. This peaceful island is famous for oysters, quiet beaches and huge open skies.
It’s a brilliant nature-filled day trip from London with kids.
Travel from London
• Train: Liverpool Street to Colchester
• Duration: 50 minutes
From station
• Taxi or bus to West Mersea
• Duration: 25 minutes
What to see and do
• Walk along West Mersea Beach
• Explore colourful beach huts
• Visit Cudmore Grove Country Park
• Look for seals along the estuary
• Try fresh seafood at the harbour
Great for
• Quiet coastal walks
• Wildlife spotting
• Beach days without crowds
Stay overnight
A peaceful Essex seaside staycation.
Hotel suggestions:
The White Hart Inn, West Mersea Island
Leeds Castle Family Adventure (Kent)
Often called “the loveliest castle in the world,” Leeds Castle is one of the most magical family days out near London.
Surrounded by water and parkland, it feels like stepping into a fairytale.
Travel from London
• Train: Victoria to Bearsted Station
• Duration: 1 hour
From station
• Taxi to castle: 10 minutes
What to see and do
• Explore the historic castle interiors
• Walk around the castle moat and gardens
• Visit the maze and grotto
• Enjoy the playground and woodland trails
• Take a boat ride across the lake
Great for
• Castle adventures
• Family picnics
• Seasonal events and festivals
Stay overnight
Leeds Castle is perfect for a Kent weekend staycation.
Hotel suggestions:
The Oast House, Maidstone, Kent
Related read: Best Winter Walks in Kent for Families
Rye Seaside Village (East Sussex)
With cobbled streets, medieval buildings and sweeping coastal views, Rye is one of the most picturesque day trips from London.
It’s ideal for wandering slowly, climbing church towers and exploring nearby beaches.
Travel from London
• Train: St Pancras to Rye
• Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Walk from station
• Old town: 5 minutes
What to see and do
• Walk along Mermaid Street
• Climb the tower at St Mary’s Church
• Visit nearby Camber Sands Beach
• Explore antique shops and bakeries
• Enjoy fish and chips by the sea
Great for
• Cute seaside villages
• Photography and history
• Beach days with kids
Stay overnight
Rye is one of the best weekend escapes from London.
Hotel suggestions:
The Lookout, Rye
More Family Day Trips From London Worth Exploring
If you're planning a few weekends of adventures, these are also fantastic easy day trips from London with kids.
• Greenwich Park & Blackheath Village (London)
• Henley-on-Thames riverside walks (Oxfordshire)
• Canterbury Cathedral & medieval streets (Kent)
• Hastings Old Town & beach (Sussex)
• Dedham Vale countryside walks (Essex)
• Richmond Park deer spotting (London)
• Seven Sisters cliffs walk (Sussex)
Planning Your Family Day Trips From London
The beauty of living in or visiting London is that adventure is never far away. Within an hour or two you can swap busy streets for ancient forests, seaside towns, historic castles and peaceful countryside walks.
Whether you’re looking for free days out with kids near London, scenic walking routes or a quick weekend staycation in the countryside, these destinations are perfect for slowing down and exploring somewhere new.
Save this guide for inspiration and start ticking off your next family day trips from London.
