Thinking about a South East England family road trip? Quintessential coastal towns, cobbled streets and medieval haunts make South East England a magnet for locals, day trippers, and tourists alike. Home to superb museums, award-winning cuisine and a host of hidden gems, you won’t struggle to find something to do.
Now imagine all the fun you can have on your next family road trip. From letting your little one’s imaginations run wild in an escape room or having a close encounter with rare wildlife, this is a place where lasting family moments are made.
So get ready and buckle up! Here are our favourite 5 top-rated family-friendly attractions in South East England: to take in on a South East England family road trip:
Oxford Museum of Natural History
Come face to face with the world-famous Oxford Dodo. Discover the world’s first scientifically described dinosaur, the Megalosaurus bucklandii. And touch one of the oldest objects on Earth on display, the Nantan meteorite!
Oxford Museum of Natural History is a treat for all dino enthusiasts, space explorers, earth diggers and more! Kids of all ages (and grownups, too!) will love all the fun interactive displays and the incredible collections the museum has to offer.
The award-winning museum is a pivotal place for scientific research, fieldwork and collection. It plays host to a programme of events, exhibitions and activities all year round. Highlights include the family-friendly specimen-handling sessions:
- ‘Out of the Deep’ – exploring the underwater world of marine reptiles
- ‘Awesome Animals’ – where you can find out all there is to know about the museum’s vast array of weird and wonderful creatures
The museum is completely free and perfect for rainy afternoons or escaping the hot summer sun!
Exciting Escapes
Uncover dark secrets. Revel in the mysteries. And overcome challenging puzzles, solve clues and crack the case wide open!
Exciting Escapes invites you and the family to go on a thrilling adventure like no other. With sixty minutes on the clock, you will need to unleash your inner detective and make your escape before it’s too late.
Choose from the award-winning Southampton or Portsmouth’s top-rated escape rooms for the most unique experience of your lives! Fully immersive and placing you right at the heart of whatever game you choose, you’re all in for a real treat at Exciting Escapes.
Try the family-friendly 1990s-inspired Danger on the Dancefloor and save Santa! Head back to the 1960s and thwart an assassination attempt in Murder at the Movies. Or travel forward in time to 2050 and uncover the saboteur on a British spaceship!
While younger children may struggle with some games, you know your child better than anyone! Test their logic and creative thinking and help them to understand what it is like to work as a team to reach your goal. Check out their children’s parties to take their next birthday to the next level!
Are you up for the challenge? Book your game today for an unforgettable time with your family.
Solent Sky Museum
Southampton’s Solent Sky Museum is a celebration of everything that made this wonderful city a world-leading hub for aircraft experiments and development. And nothing stands out more than the iconic WWII fighter plane, the Spitfire.
The whole family can marvel at exquisite planes built during the golden age of aviation. Climb onboard a Supermarine Swift and Harrier Jump Jet, sit in the cockpit and make your best aeroplane sounds!
Wander around the 18 complete airframes on display and get a real sense of the magnitude and power hidden within each plane’s design and engine.
Immerse yourself in original stock footage of some of the fastest races in history before looking at the Schneider Trophy Exhibition’s magnificent record-breaking centrepiece S6a. An afternoon well spent!
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is not only the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, but you can step through the portcullis and see it inside and out for yourself. What’s more, The Queen continues to spend most of her private weekends at the castle, and you can too!
You can explore 1,000 years of royal history from William the Conqueror to HRH Elizabeth II. It has been home to 39 monarchs, and during your visit, you can find where many notable characters are buried, such as Henry VIII, Charles I and George V.
Kids will love Scorch the Dragon, who will guide you around the castle and tell you about all the fun facts and secrets of this fascinating place. Imaginations will run riot as you take on one of the many family activities and trails around the grounds! Find the ten buried kings, and earn extra points for some of the trickier ones!
Make sure you pop over to the Lady Chapel and St George’s Chapel during your visit.
British Airways i360
Soar through the skies and see the best views in Brighton on the fantastic British Airways i360 viewing tower. Think of a futuristic Willy Wonka’s glass elevator, and you’re not far off!
Once onboard, you will gently glide up to 450 feet (138 metres) above ground and have an unhindered, 360-degree view across the city. You’ll be able to see the sweeping South Downs landscape and, on the clearest days, all the way to the eye-catching Isle of Wight.
Expect your kid’s faces to be pressed up against the glass as they take in all the spectacular views and spot tiny ships, people and cars in the distance.
Eat and drink in the Nyetimber Sky Bar on board the pod. Or pop down to the casual, family-friendly West Beach Restaurant Bar and West Café Bar with its spectacular sea view terrace for a special treat out.
From abseiling down the side of the tower to relaxing at a Sunset Grand Piano Concerto at 450ft, this is a one-of-a-kind experience you can take to the bank!
Planning a South East England family road trip? The South East of England has it all. From high sky pursuits to exploring ancient castles and unusual but brilliant experiences, you won’t struggle to impress tots, teens and tweens alike! Did any of our favourite top-rated attractions make your list?
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