Whether your child loves to play dress up or run around in the great outdoors, there is a UK day out perfect for your family. Many places cater to adults as much as they do kids, so you’re bound to have a great day out too. From museums and castles to parks and beaches, hop on a train with CrossCountry and discover the best place to visit in the UK with family.
Eden Project, Cornwall
Eden Project is an amazing spot where plants and people come together in the most fascinating ways. As one of the top family attractions in the UK, you can walk through the largest indoor rainforest in the world, which has over 1,000 species of plants, enjoy the canopy walkway, and even see how rubber is tapped from trees to make wellie boots.
Bringing along some little thrill-seekers? They can zip across the Eden Project on England’s longest zip wire or take a ride on the giant swing for some proper heart-pumping fun. It’s super family-friendly too, with wide paths for pushchairs, wheelchair access, and even sensory-friendly spaces to make sure everyone is included. With plenty of hands-on activities and room to explore, it’s the perfect mix of education, adventure, and fun for all ages.
If you're taking a train to The Eden Project, the best stations to head to are St Austell or Par, both of which can be reached with ease on a CrossCountry service. Just hop on a train from nearby locations like Exeter St Davids and Plymouth, or somewhere further afield like Bristol Temple Meads.
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh
Immerse yourself in optical illusions at Edinburgh's historic Camera Obscura. The museum has been attracting visitors for over 150 years, with its mind-blowing effects, tricks and puzzles. The five floors hold interactive exhibits where your kids will enter an altered visual reality.
Beyond the fun, there’s a fascinating story to discover. Learn all about the history of the camera obscura, one of the earliest imaging devices, and how it influenced photography as we know it. At the top, the panoramic rooftop terrace provides stunning views of Edinburgh - an ideal spot for snapping family photos.
Perfect for all ages, Camera Obscura combines history, art, and a whole lot of laughs. With its central location and easy access from Edinburgh Waverley, it’s an unforgettable addition to any day out in Edinburgh. Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for quirky souvenirs to remember your visit.
Cadbury World, Birmingham
Who doesn't love Cadbury World? Step into the magic as you learn how your favourite chocolate treats are made, from bean to bar. Little ones will love the interactive chocolate-themed games, while budding chocolatiers can get hands-on with activities like writing their names in liquid chocolate. Don’t miss the 4D cinema experience, where you’ll dive into a chocolatey world of thrills and spills.
Of course, the highlight for most visitors is the samples. From warm melted chocolate to iconic Cadbury bars, you won’t leave empty-handed. Plus, the world’s biggest Cadbury shop is on-site, perfect for picking up treats to take home.
Cadbury World is a fifteen minute walk from Bournville Station, which is a short journey from Birmingham New Street, with trains running every ten minutes.
Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth
Bournemouth is a brilliant destination for a fun day out in England. With something for everyone, it’s the perfect spot to make lifelong memories. Start your adventure at the aquarium, where kids can marvel at fascinating sea creatures, or head to the bowling alley or one of the many seaside arcades. On sunny days, pack a picnic and relax in one of Bournemouth’s beautiful parks or explore the seven miles of golden, sandy beaches. Little ones will love building sandcastles, trying their hand at water sports, or splashing in the English channel.
Rain or shine, there’s always something to do in Bournemouth, making it an unbeatable family-friendly destination. Getting there is no trouble either, just take a bus from Bournemouth Station, and you’ll be at the beach in under ten minutes, or enjoy a walk through the town.
We The Curious, Bristol
One of the best science museums in England, covering space, technology and the human brain, you and the kids will love We The Curious. Removing boundaries between science, art, people and ideas, the venue encourages its visitors to get their hands dirty and get curious about the exhibits. With workshops, science shows and the UK’s only 3D digital planetarium, you can easily spend a whole day exploring the museum.
The UK’s only 3D digital planetarium is a standout attraction, offering an incredible journey through space that’s perfect for aspirational astronomers. Younger visitors will love experimenting in the Tinkering Space or creating their own animations, while adults can learn something from the thought-provoking art installations and science demonstrations.
We The Curious is a twenty minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads, making it an easy and accessible day out.
Crystal Maze, Manchester & London
Step into the ultimate adventure game at the Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, inspired by the hit 90s TV show. This is a family outing like no other, where you’ll work as a team to tackle a series of fun, brain-bending challenges across four themed zones: Aztec, Medieval, Industrial, and Futuristic. Whether it’s solving puzzles, testing your physical skills, or racing against the clock, every task helps you collect crystals for extra time in the finale, The Crystal Dome.
It’s perfect for families with older kids (aged 9 and up), making it a great way to bond while embracing a little friendly competition. Conveniently located in Manchester or London, the experience is easily accessible by train, making it an ideal choice for a unique day out.
CrossCountry can get you to the Manchester location with ease as it's just a short bus ride from Manchester Piccadilly. Hop on a train from areas like Stoke-on-Trent and Wolverhampton.
Hadrian’s Wall, Newcastle
Pack a picnic, venture outdoors and follow in the footsteps of the Romans as you explore the historic sites along the length of Hadrian’s Wall. Housesteads Roman Fort is a great option if you’re visiting with kids. From the visitor centre, it’s about a ten minute walk to the fort. Wander the barrack blocks and the hospital, peer into the oldest toilets you’ll ever see and admire the stunning panoramic views from the fortress. There is even an interactive museum, showcasing objects belonging to Roman soldiers, and a mini cinema which will take you on a journey through time.
If you are travelling on one of our services to Newcastle, there are connections via an alternative provider to Hadrian’s Wall Country along the Tyne Valley Railway.
Trentham Monkey Forest, Stoke-on-Trent
If your family loves animals, they’ll go bananas for Trentham Monkey Forest. Home to 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques, this enchanting woodland lets you and your family walk among the monkeys as they swing through the trees and scamper across the path in front of you. There are no barriers, making this a truly immersive wildlife experience.
Watch the monkeys interact in their natural habitat and don't miss the feeding times, where keepers share fascinating facts about these endangered creatures. For extra fun, there’s also a play area, picnic spots, and a café serving family-friendly food.
Getting a train to Trentham Monkey Forest is easy with short taxi rides available from Stoke-on-Trent station, which is served by CrossCountry, making it an easy and environmentally friendly trip.
Techniquest Science Discovery Centre, Cardiff
For a day of interactive education, head to Techniquest Science Discovery Centre in Cardiff Bay. The science hub is perfect for curious minds of all ages, with over a hundred exhibits that let you experiment, build, and explore. Younger kids will love the water play area and bubble stations, while older children and parents can test their skills with puzzles and challenges. Techniquest regularly hosts live science shows and workshops, so every visit offers something new.
Cardiff Bay is a short bus or taxi ride from Cardiff Central, which can be accessed with CrossCountry from stations like Newport and Nottingham.
Up at the O2, London
If you're seeking a little adventure, you need to climb one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Experience unbeatable 360-degree views of the capital at Up at the O2. The climb is fully guided and suitable for kids ages 8 and up, with safety equipment provided. There are daytime, sunset, and twilight climbs to suit your schedule and it's an unforgettable activity that will leave everyone buzzing whatever time of day you choose to go.
If you’re planning a great family day out, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Seb