Days out in the South East will have you happy and exhausted - there's so much to do. We've done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the top 20 things to do and see that are DEFINITELY worth packing up the family and leaving the house for.
Being the third largest region in the UK, it's no surprise the South East of England is bursting with brilliant attractions to explore with kids during the school summer holidays. Famed for its beautiful countryside including the New Forest and the South Downs, there are also plenty of vibrant cities in the area. Buzzing Brighton and happening Southampton are just two of the many to add to the list, meaning the South East is perfect for those seeking quiet countryside activities or families wanting a more urban adventure.
Travelling to the South East is straightforward, especially for those who don't have their own transport or want to travel sustainably. There are direct links from all London mainline stations, and local routes stopping near the top attractions. Excellent road links mean easy accessibility by car or coach travel is just as simple. Public transport is now often disability friendly and plenty of the South East's destinations are accessible, meaning the region is welcoming for all.
If that doesn't sound enough reasons to gather the family and dash to the South East, it also ranks as one of the top five safest regions in England. Dover, Ramsgate and Chichester have higher than average crime rates and you might want to exercise caution if visiting those areas, but the main attractions and areas of natural beauty fall in the safe areas. From a trip to one of the best UK theme parks to a castle visit with children, this round up of affordable places to visit cater for families looking for art, history, or adventure - there's certainly something for everyone.
20 of the best family days out in the South East:
1. Port Lympne Safari Park Hythe
Best for inquisitive kids.
Mum-of-two, Steph tells us; "Did you know it's pronounced 'Port Limm'? I didn't until I heard a radio advert. I'd been calling it Port Limp-knee. Anyway, yes I recommend a day out here, not the cheapest but it will both engage and tire your kids out. Be warned you have to go through the gift shop to get out of the place."
Get up close and personal with some of the biggest and most fascinating creatures of the animal kingdom at Port Lympne in Hythe. You'll find free-roaming giraffes, grizzly bears, and a chance to glimpse some rare rhinos on an exclusive truck safari. Plus little ones will love the UK's largest dinosaur exhibition and letting off steam at one of three adventure playgrounds along the zoo route.
Information: Opening times: Monday - Sunday, 9.30am - 5.30pm | Price: Adult tickets from £29, child aged 3 - 15 from £26 | Age suitability: Suitable for all ages, but some add-ons and experiences have age restrictions | Parking: Yes - free, and on-site | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: Yes | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog-friendly: No - guide dogs only
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2. Windsor Castle, Windsor
Best for history loving kids.
History lovers will not want to miss out on a chance to visit the late Queen's favourite royal residence, that also happens to be the oldest Castle in the world. Steeped in royal history with stunning gardens to explore, Windsor Castle is great for exploring during the school summer holidays. With this South East attraction boasts special holiday activities for kids, and a rich programme of rotating exhibitions.
Information: Opening times: Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Open 1 March - 31 October from 10am - 17:15pm, 1 November- 28 February 10am -16:15pm| Price: Adult tickets from £28.00, young person (18-24) £18.00, child (5-17) £15.50, disabled £15.50| Age suitability: Better for slightly older children over the age of 7| Parking: No | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: There is an activity centre but no play area | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No, guide dogs only
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3. Chessington World of Adventures, Surrey
Best for adventurous kids.
A theme park and safari park in one - Chessington World of Adventures is one of those perfect family day outs in the South East that's sure to satisfy every household member. Little ones will love the teacups, log flume and the extra-special Gruffalo ride. Whilst big kids will get a thrill from classics like Rattlesnake, the Vampire and the new 'World of Jumanji', the world's first Jumanji themed land.
Information: Opening times: Monday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm, all year round | Price: Tickets from £64 for both adults and children, under 3s go free | Age suitability: Best for those between the ages of 6 - 13 with a height of at least 1.3m to gain access to rides | Parking: Yes - free, and on site | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: Yes | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No, guide dogs only
VIEW CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES
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4. The Mary Rose, Portsmouth
Best for history loving kids.
The Historic Dockyard in Portsmouth is the place to head for family adventures in the South East. Explore HMS Victory, HMS Warrior or the Mary Rose - you can now dive the Mary Rose in 4D. Learn about the final moments of the Mary Rose (King Henry VIII's favourite warship) before it sank in the Battle of the Solent in 1545, and arm yourself with many more impressive historical facts.
Information: Opening times: Summer hours 10am - 5.30pm, Monday - Sunday, winter hours 10am - 5pm, Monday - Sunday | Price: Adult tickets from £29, child £24, carers and under 3s go free | Age suitability: Some experiences are not suitable for under 4s, and very young children might find it boring | Parking: No | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: No | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No, guide dogs only
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5. The New Forest, Hampshire
Best for kids who love the outdoors.
There's plenty of things to do in the New Forest whatever the season. From cycling to stopping to admire the 5,000 local ponies, the whole family will love a day out here. You can also camp close by, explore the area on horseback or take a long-distance hike through the impressive grounds.
Information: Opening times: Always open | Price: N/A | Age suitability: Suitable for all age groups | Parking: Yes | Disabled access: Yes, there are disabled parking bays and some disability friendly trails | Children’s play area: Yes, several can be found catering for all ages and abilities | Toilet on site: Yes, in 23 areas of the district | Dog friendly: Yes
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6. Bodiam Castle, Bodiam
Best for history loving kids.
With a stunning backdrop and surrounded by a beautiful moat, this castle really does bring history to life. Built during the reign of Richard the Lionheart, kids will love exploring and getting involved with all the great activities. They can visit the Medieval town, become a knight or princess and find out what Medieval food tasted like (surprisingly good!). This won't be just any trip to a castle, it will be an unforgettable day, soaked in history and learning.
Information: Opening times: Open Monday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm. | Price: Free for National Trust members, or adult £12, child £5.50, and family ticket options available | Age suitability: Suitable for all ages but very young children may find it boring | Parking: Yes - free for National Trust members of £4 for non members | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: Yes | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: Dogs welcomed in the grounds, but not inside the castle.
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7. Canterbury City Centre Trail, Canterbury
Best for outdoor and adventurous kids.
Indulge your kids' imaginations with this great spy-themed, self-guided walk around the historic city of Canterbury. As you follow the route, try to solve the clues and crack the code to solve the mission. Have your kids got what it takes to be a spy? This is a great and really cheap way to get little ones to explore local cities and really notice their surroundings. And while you're there why not check out Canterbury Cathedral? These great value treasure trails are available in a number of cities across the country so have a search to find your nearest one.
Information: Opening times: Take the trail at your leisure, but some included areas close at dusk so you will need to complete the trail before then | Price: £9.99 per family | Age suitability: More suited to older children as lots of walking and clues to solve | Parking: Yes, you can park in any Canterbury car park you find suitable - charges could apply | Disabled access: No, the trail is unsuitable for wheelchair users | Children’s play area: You will find some along the trail | Toilet on site: Toilets can be found along the way - it will be best to look them up the night before you take part in the trail | Dog friendly: Yes
VIEW CANTERBURY CITY CENTRE TRAIL
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8. Hastings Aquarium, Hastings
Best for inquisitive kids.
Head to an underwater world in this great aquarium. With fish of all shapes and colours - not to mention a few sharks - your kids won't be disappointed with what's on offer. Attend the ocean presentation to learn more about the fish and get a front-row view at shark feeding time. There's even a chance to get up close and personal with the creepy crawlies at the reptile-handling session. No matter what you do, you are guaranteed to have a great, if somewhat fishy, day out.
Information: Opening times: Open every day from 10am - 5.30pm | Price: Tickets from standard (age 13 - 64) £13.50, Junior (age 3 - 12) £10.50, family of four £46. Concessions available | Age suitability: Suitable for all ages | Parking: No - there is a pay-and-display car park nearby | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: No | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No - guide dogs only
VIEW BLUE REEF AQUARIUM HASTINGS
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9. Hastings Adventure Golf, Hastings
Best for sporty kids.
Hastings top-rated adventure golf is based right on the seafront, and boasts 3 x 18 course mini golf courses that are suitable for players of all ages. Expect all the usual windmills and water mills with the traditional crazy golf course, and have fun tackling the pirate course complete with two shipwrecks! There's also plenty of snack stands to grab quick bites from whilst making your way around the courses.
Information: Opening times: Open daily from 8.30am - 10pm | Price: Adult tickets from £8.50, child £4.25, various family size deals available | Age suitability: Suitable for all ages, but some young children might find it difficult | Parking: No - there is a pay-and-display car park nearby | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: Yes | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a lead
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10. Legoland, Windsor
Best for outdoors and adventurous kids.
Legoland is the ultimate kids entertainment experience, with so much to do and see! There are lots of clever ways to make a visit more affordable - many visitors take advantage of cereal box offers or newspaper promotions allowing you to go for free. From the hilarious live pirate shows, the thrilling rides to the cool 4D cinema, there is something to suit all ages and tastes. It can be demanding to do Legoland all in one day, so you might consider staying overnight in the brand new knights-and-wizards-themed Castle Hotel located in the theme park, or there are affordable accommodation options nearby.
Information: Opening times: Open daily from 10am - 5pm | Price: Adults and children from £34 with various packages available | Age suitability: Best suited for kids aged 3 - 12 | Parking: Yes - on site but chargeable | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: Yes | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No, guide dogs only
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11. Harbour Park, Littlehampton
Best for outdoor loving kids.
You'll have bucket loads of fun with the kids at Harbour Park and they can cool down in the sea nearby (weather permitting!) after their adventures. With lovely picnic greens and riverside walks, you don't have to spend a lot of money to have a lovely time here. The attractions are best suited for children aged between two and 12. If the weather turns there is also an indoor area for over 3s.
Information: Opening times: Open daily from 10am - 6pm, with rides opening at 11am | Price: Adults and children from £19 | Age suitability: Most rides and attractions designed for children aged 2 - 12 | Parking: No, parking is payable on the seafront car park | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: Yes | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a lead at all times
VIEW HARBOUR PARK LITTLEHAMPTON
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12. Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park
Best for adventure loving kids.
Take a trip on one of these fantastic vintage trains through the beautiful Sussex countryside. Bluebell Railway was one of the country's first preserved heritage lines, with services beginning in August 1960. During your visit, you can learn about the history and science of the industrial age, and experience first-hand the mechanics of a working steam locomotive. There are interactive exhibitions for the kids, and the current All Day Rover ticket allows you to hop on and off as much as you like all day.
Information: Opening times: Train times are constantly subject to change and should be checked regularly | Price: Tickets from adult £25, children £12.50 | Age suitability: Suitable for all ages | Parking: No - pay-and-display parking a four minute walk from the site | Disabled access: Yes, but at times can be limited | Children’s play area: Yes| Toilet on site: Yes, but not all trains have disabled toilets | Dog friendly: Yes
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13. Guildford Spectrum, Guildford
Best for sporty kids.
Treat your kids to one of the greatest days out in the South East at Guildford Spectrum. From the smallest baby to the most rebellious of teens, they have activities to provide a great day of active fun. Take a dip in the swimming pool, which boasts water wheels, fish squirts and a shark shower. For those braver kids there's a diving pool with boards at 1, 3 and 5 meters high. Don't forget to check out the ice skating rink, open all year round and suitable for kids of all ages. If that's not for you, the Spectrum also contains ten pin bowling, Specky's Pirate Ship and a range of sporting activities. We promise you, you will not get bored here!
Information: Opening times: Open daily from 6.30am - 10pm, and open until 10.30pm on weekends | Price: Swimming, ice skating and bowling all priced differently - please check the website | Age suitability: There are activities for all ages | Parking: Yes - free, and on site | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: Yes | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No
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14. AirHop, Guildford
Best for sporty kids.
Keep your kids active with this great indoor trampoline park. With trampolines lining the floor and walls, bouncing has never been more fun! Your kids will go crazy for this amazing way to get active and burn off some energy. This also makes for a great activity if the classic British summer isn't looking great outdoors...
Information: Opening times: Mon: 10am – 7pm, Tue, Wed, Thu: 4 – 7pm, Fri: 10am – 8pm, Sat: 9am – 8pm, Sun: 9am – 6pm, Bank & School Holidays: 9am – 7pm | Price: A 60-minute standard jump starts from £14.50 per person, with various packages available | Age suitability: Those jumping must be over the age of four | Parking: Yes - free, and on site | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: Yes | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No, guide dogs only
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15. Tulleys Farm, Crawley
Best for outdoor loving kids.
The attractions at Tulleys Farm change seasonally, and the farm is famed for it's changing line up of escape rooms. The current five rooms have different difficulty levels, allowing you to choose the right one for your family. Although these might be more suited to older children, younger ones can explore the adventure playground, take a tractor ride or play frisbee golf. Your kids will be begging you to come here, time and time again.
Information: Opening times: Open daily from 9am - 5pm, but there are many seasonal events throughout the year - check the website for the time you plan to visit. | Price: Prices vary depending on activities required - please check the website. General entry from adult £12, children £12 | Age suitability: The farm is suitable for all ages, but events are generally suited to teenagers | Parking: Yes - free, and on site | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: Yes | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No, guide dogs only
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16. Chiselhurst Caves, Kent
Best for adventurous kids.
Head underground and explore the expansive caves in Chiselhurst, running up to 22 miles long. Take a guided tour as you discover mystery and history beneath your feet. Originally dug for chalk, they are now a huge tourist attraction, with stories on the Druids, Roman, Saxons, smugglings and even murder! For adventurous kids, this is a day trip that they will never forget, if you can find your way out, that is...
Information: Opening times: The caves are open Wednesday to Sunday, on Bank Holidays (except Christmas and New Year) and every day during local school holidays, from 10am and the last tour is at 4pm | Price: Adult tickets from £8, children and seniors £6, under 3’s 1p to book online | Age suitability: More suited to over 3s as young children can be frightened by the caves | Parking: Yes - free, and on site | Disabled access: Yes, but with a warning that terrain can be difficult and bumpy to navigate | Children’s play area: No | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No, guide dogs only
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17. Royal Pavilion, Brighton
Best for history loving kids.
The Brighton Pavilion is one of the city's most iconic buildings, and one South East attraction you don't want to miss. Built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV over 200 years ago, this historic house mixes Regency grandeur with the visual exotics of India and China. Plug in your audio guides and get taken back in time, then finish your visit with a picnic within the beautifully manicured gardens. The nearby beach is just a 5 minute walk away, and a must-visit whilst in the area.
Information: Opening times: April – September, 9.30am – 5.45pm (last admission 5pm) October – March, 10am – 5.15pm (last admission 4.30pm) | Price: Adult tickets from £18, child (age 5-18) £11.00 - this includes free return visits for a year from date of purchase | Age suitability: Best suited to those aged 5 - 12 | Parking: No - pay-as-you-go parking nearby | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: No | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: Yes, but only in the gardens
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18. The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden
Best for inquisitive kids.
This great little Museum is aimed at 6-12 year-olds and their families and is situated in Roald Dahl’s home village of Great Missenden. Learn some of Roald Dahl’s best quotes, along with details about his life and stories. Touch-screen monitors, hands-on exhibits and activities bring everything to life in an engaging way for kids. Unlock your inner storyteller, and view the author’s original Writing Hut and amazing treasures from the archive in the heart of Roald Dahl country. Workshops, events and free storytelling take place at weekends and in school holidays.
Information: Opening times: Summer Holidays: Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 4.30pm. Half term: Monday to Sunday 10am - 4.30pm. Term-time: Thursday to Sunday 10am - 4.30pm | Price: Tickets for everyone aged 5+ £7.50, under 5s go free, and other concessions are available | Age suitability: Aimed at those aged 6 - 12 | Parking: No - there is a pay-and-display car park a five minute walk from the museum | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: No | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No, guide dogs only
VIEW THE ROALD DAHL MUSEUM AND STORY CENTRE
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19. Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford
Best for inquisitive and history loving kids.
Give the kids something to aspire to, with a trip to Oxford University and it's Natural History museum. This stunning building is home to some incredible exhibitions and researchers paving the way with conservation. Stare in awe at the huge in-house skeletons of whales, dinosaurs and many more, and check out their changing line up of special exhibitions.
Information: Opening times: Monday – Sunday 10am – 5pm | Price: Free entry | Age suitability: Lots for all ages to look at, with some activities aimed at those aged 3 - 11 | Parking: No - it is recommended to use the park and ride or public transport | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: No | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No, guide dogs only
VIEW OXFORD UNIVERSITY MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
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20. Diggerland Kent
Best for adventurous kids
Kids are often fascinated with diggers, and a lot of them love rides - Diggerland combines these two childhood fascinations into one incredible day out. You'll find 20 different main rides and have the opportunity to drive and operate diggers, all included with one ticket. Optional extras include the Dodgems, Quad-Bikes and Super Digs which are priced at £1 per go - with no cash machine on site, bringing spare change is a must to enjoy coin operated rides. There's also an indoor soft play and safari ride options, to mix up the digger-orientated experience a little.
Information: Opening times: Open Selected dates in June, September and October and every day in July and August, from 10am - 5pm. Open selected dates in October and November from 10am - 4pm. Closed the rest of the year | Price: Adults to age 65 and children 100cm or over £32, children under 100cm free. There are concessions available | Age suitability: Aimed at kids aged 4 - 14, but some height restrictions apply | Parking: Yes - free, and on site | Disabled access: Yes | Children’s play area: Yes | Toilet on site: Yes | Dog friendly: No, guide dogs only
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For more staycation ideas if you're planning to explore the UK, these Wales family days out showcase the best the country has to offer. If you're heading to Cornwall and the weather isn't looking great, we have the best rainy day activities for you to make use of in the county. If it's the capital you want to explore with the kids, our guide to London family days out has you covered.
