Are you looking to create magical memories on your next family vacation in the UK? Add thrilling, non-stop fun to the itinerary by choosing from one of the best family attractions in the UK.
Whether the kiddos prefer a day at the zoo or an afternoon riding roller coasters, it’s easy to have one of the best family days out in the UK. The country’s incredible history and modern cultural attractions make the UK a premier destination for all types of travelers, including families!
Even though it’s not always easy to travel with kids, with a little bit of forethought and planning, you can have a memorable and exciting family vacation. Here’s a curated list to make it easy to choose from some of the best family-friendly attractions in the UK.
1. Chessington World of Adventures
If there are future zoologists in your family, then you must book a trip to the jungle at Chessington’s World of Adventures. Part zoo, part theme park, part hotel, this exciting, wild attraction is guaranteed to make a memorable family day out in the UK. Your kids will meet beloved children’s characters, like Gruffalo, walk beneath big cat enclosures, or take a spin on over 40 rides and attractions. There’s enough fun to go around!
📍Where: Chessington in Greater London, about 12 miles southwest of Central London
🤸♂️What to do at Chessington World of Adventures: Swing like Tarzan on the Go Ape ride, walk through an ocean tunnel, and visit over 1,000 exotic animals at the zoo.
👨👧👦Best for: Ages 6-13
2. Thorpe Park Resort
One of the most thrilling theme parks in the UK, Thorpe Park Resort is for the adrenaline seekers in your family. You can scream to your heart’s desire on the steepest freefall coaster in the country or take the little ones for a spin on the teacups. There are over 30 exciting rides at one of the best family attractions in the UK. It’s easy to spend an entire day making memories at Thorpe Park.
📍Where: In the village of Thorpe, in Surrey, England
🤸♂️What to do at Thorpe Park Resort: Ride on the UK’s only winged rollercoaster, The Swarm, or get soaked on the 85 ft drop on the Tidal Wave. Visitors can also stay overnight at the Thorpe Hotel.
👨👧👦Best for: Ages 8 and up
3. LEGOLAND Windsor
A family favorite, this beloved theme park and resort is guaranteed to be the ultimate LEGO adventure. A colorful wonderland awaits you and the little ones at one of the UK’s most popular theme parks. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities, like learning how to drive an official LEGO car, training at Ninja camp, or riding a dragon through a medieval castle–the fun never stops! Grab your Legoland family ticket and enjoy one of the best family days out in the UK.
📍Where: Windsor, Berkshire
🤸♂️What to do at LEGOLAND Windsor: There are over 55 interactive rides at Legoland, like the popular Pirate Falls Treasure Quest, or you can walk through a model of the world’s most famous landmarks, made up of 40 million Lego bricks.
👨👧👦Best for: Younger kids, ages 5-9
4. Warwick Castle
The history buffs and medieval enthusiasts in your family will love the interactive exhibits at the stunning Warwick Castle. Get transported to the medieval period with over 15 epic live shows and attractions that capture over 1,100 years of history, magic, and adventure! Witness real-live jousting, a spectacular birds of prey show, or brave medieval horrors in the Horrible Histories Maze. There’s enough fun to pack in a whole day at this must-visit family attraction in the UK.
📍Where: Located in Warwick, England
🤸♂️What to do at Warwick Castle: Enjoy entertaining live shows like The War of the Roses, or hang with everyone’s favorite dragon, Zog, in Zog’s Playland.
👨👧👦Best for: Teens and kids above age 10
5. Cadbury World
Do you have a big sweet tooth? Chocolate lovers have a whole feast waiting for them at Cadbury World. One of the sweetest family attractions in the UK, visitors get to embrace chocolatey fun and learn all about how Cadbury chocolate is made. Kids can ride the Crunchies roller coaster or jump on the magical Cadabra ride for a 4D Chocolate Adventure full of delicious, thrilling surprises. Plus, there’s plenty of opportunities to eat chocolate!
📍Where: Located in Birmingham, UK, about 100 miles from London
🤸♂️What to do at Cadbury World: Discover the Cadbury story, try traditional chocolate-making techniques, or hop aboard the Cocoa Bean Mobiles!
👨👧👦Best for: Young children, ages 4-11
6. Madame Tussauds London
Who doesn’t dream about meeting their favorite athletes and celebrities? Well, here’s your chance for your kids to take pictures with your idols at Madame Tussauds London. Giggle and take funny pics with celebrity lookalikes like Ed Sheeran, The Rock, Lady Gaga, and over 150 other pop culture superstars. Pretend you’re on the red carpet at a movie premier and don your best apparel for this one-of-a-kind family day out in the UK.
📍Where: Located on Marylebone Rd in London, England
🤸♂️What to do at Madame Tussauds London: Take pics with famous singers like Harry Styles and Taylor Swift, or enjoy the special effects at the Marvel Universe 4D exhibition.
👨👧👦Best for: All ages
7. Shrek’s Adventure! London
One of the most talked about family attractions in the UK, Shrek’s Adventure London is a fairytale, interactive adventure perfect for the whole family. Meet the beloved cast of characters as you escape to the Kingdom of Far Far Away during this 70-minute interactive exhibition.
There are 12 hilarious interactive performances, a magical flying 4D bus, and visits from other DreamWorks characters, like Po the Kung-Fu Panda and Madagascar’s animals. Shrek’s Adventure London is sure to be one of your favorite family days out in the UK. Be sure to check out Shrek’s Adventure London Guide to answer all your questions before you set foot in Shrek’s Swamp!
📍Where: Located on Westminster Bridge Rd in London, England
🤸♂️What to do at Shrek’s Adventure! London: Board the 4D magical flying bus with Donkey before stepping into Shrek’s Swamp, the Poison Apple Pub, and other Far Far Away favorites before meeting Shrek!
👨👧👦Best for: Kids ages 6 and up
8. The London Dungeon
One of the spookiest family attractions in the UK, The London Dungeons guarantees to be a terrifying history lesson. Through immersive theatrical storytelling, The London Dungeon introduces you to London’s most notorious serial killers and their torturous ways. The family will be screaming, laughing, and running through the dungeon’s depths as they meet a creepy, entertaining cast of characters. This is a ghoulish family day out in the UK, so enter… if you dare!
📍Where: Located along London’s South Bank
🤸♂️What to do at The London Dungeon: Enjoy 10 interactive shows featuring creepy characters from London’s dark history, hop aboard the choppy Tyrant Boat Ride, or face a terrifying descent on the Drop Dead ride!
👨👧👦Best for: Teenagers, ages 12 and up
Looking for fun London activities for teenagers? Check out The 13 Best Things to Do in London with Teenagers.
