The UK is very good at family days out. Some of its best museums are free, its castles put on proper shows, and there’s a theme park or a living history trip within reach of most weekends. These eleven picks span England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with the booking rules and seasons that matter.
The best things to do with kids in the UK
1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, England
Walk through the real sets, costumes and props from the Harry Potter films at Leavesden in Hertfordshire, just north of London. Tickets must be booked in advance; there are no walk-ups. Seasonal makeovers keep it fresh: Dark Arts runs until 8 November 2026, and Hogwarts in the Snow takes over from 14 November 2026 to 17 January 2027.
Best for: Harry Potter fans of every age.
2. LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, England
Rides, shows and Miniland’s LEGO cityscapes, aimed squarely at children aged roughly 3 to 12. The main season runs from March to early November, and outside it the park opens only for winter events. In 2026, Brick or Treat runs until 1 November and LEGOLAND at Christmas opens on selected dates from 21 November 2026 to 2 January 2027. Check the opening calendar before you pick a date.
Best for: younger children and a full day of rides.
3. Natural History Museum, London, England
Dinosaurs, the blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall and a building that looks like a cathedral to nature. Galleries are free. Book a free entry ticket to guarantee a place and skip the queue at weekends and in school holidays.
Best for: dinosaur lovers and rainy days.
4. Science Museum, London, England
Space rockets, steam engines and hands-on galleries, a short walk from the Natural History Museum. General admission is free, but you must book a free timed ticket. The interactive Wonderlab gallery has a separate charge. Children under 12 must be with an adult.
Best for: curious kids who like pressing buttons.
Tip: Pair the Natural History Museum and Science Museum on the same day in South Kensington, but book both free tickets before you travel.
5. Tower of London, England
Crown Jewels, armour, ravens and nine centuries of grisly stories, told best by the Yeoman Warders on tours included with entry. Allow at least three hours. Suitcases and large bags aren’t allowed and there’s no left luggage. Christmas at the Tower runs from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 and is included in admission.
Best for: history with a bit of gore.
6. National Railway Museum, York, England
Halls full of famous locomotives, a miniature railway and the hands-on Wonderlab, with free admission. It opens daily from 10am to 5pm. Booking a free ticket is recommended at busy times. See our full guide to things to do in York with kids.
Best for: train fans and a free day out.
7. JORVIK Viking Centre, York, England
A ride through a reconstructed Viking-age York, built on the excavation site where the real remains were found, followed by a gallery of finds. Pre-booking is essential. Arrive ten minutes early for bag checks.
Best for: primary-school children studying the Vikings.
8. Warwick Castle, England
A medieval castle run as a full day out, with what it calls Britain’s largest siege machine, a trebuchet you can see up close, and a huge bird of prey display. There’s also a Horrible Histories maze and the Castle Dungeon. Pre-booking guarantees entry. The Haunted Castle runs from 24 October to 1 November 2026, and Christmas at the Castle from 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Best for: knights, princesses and big outdoor shows.
9. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, England
Climb aboard famous warships, including Nelson’s HMS Victory and the Victorian HMS Warrior, and see the Tudor warship Mary Rose in its own museum. The dockyard is open all year. HMS Victory is under a major conservation project, so check what’s accessible before you go.
Best for: families who like ships and sea stories.
10. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns step down into the sea on the County Antrim coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site wrapped in giant legends. The coastline is open from dawn to dusk, and the visitor centre runs a paid experience with an exhibition and guided tours. Pre-booking is strongly recommended, and parking nearby is limited.
Best for: outdoor families and a road trip.
11. Zip World, Wales
Zip lines, underground adventures and forest courses in old slate quarries and woodland across North and South Wales. The flagship site at Penrhyn Quarry near Bethesda has one of the fastest zip lines in the world. Age and height limits vary by activity, so check the restrictions page before booking.
Best for: adventurous older children and teens.
How to choose
Match the trip to your children’s ages. Under-sevens love LEGOLAND, the Natural History Museum and the railway museum. Ages 7–12 are the sweet spot for the Studio Tour, JORVIK, Warwick Castle and the Tower. Teenagers will want Zip World and the Giant’s Causeway coast. On a budget, build a weekend around the free museums in London and York. For more ideas by city, see our best things to do in London, best things to do in Cardiff and best places to visit in England. If you’re heading south-east, Leeds Castle in Kent is another family favourite.
Tip: In school holidays, the big names sell out first. Book timed tickets before you travel, even for free museums.
FAQ
What is the best day out for kids in the UK?
It depends on age, but the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, LEGOLAND Windsor and the Natural History Museum are consistently among the most popular family days out.
What are the best free things to do with kids in the UK?
The Natural History Museum and Science Museum in London and the National Railway Museum in York are all free to enter. Some galleries and exhibitions charge extra.
Do you need to book the Harry Potter Studio Tour in advance?
Yes. Tickets must be booked in advance, and there are no walk-up sales. Book early for school holidays and the Hogwarts in the Snow season.
When is LEGOLAND Windsor open?
The main season runs from March to early November, with special winter events on selected dates. Check the official calendar for exact days.
