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Best Days Out in England

England is home to all kinds of attractions and destinations, perfect for a family day out. Whether it is the Summer, Half Term or you are just looking to have a weekend to remember, there are plenty of tourist attractions, both locally and more of a road trip distance away!

This comprehensive guide to the greatest days out in the UK is a treasure trove of attractions and activities designed to delight families of all sizes and ages. From the thrilling rides at theme parks to the serene beauty of national parks, it meticulously covers a diverse range of experiences to ensure there's something for everyone.

Historical landmarks, interactive museums, and exciting zoos are just a few highlights that promise to educate and entertain. 

Here is a list of our top spots for enjoying a fun and exciting day out all across England...

Dorset

Farmer Palmers

Farmer Palmers Farm Park

Distance from Dorset: 0 miles

About: Farmer Palmer's Farm Park will keep you and the kids entertained all day with their fantastic indoor and outdoor play areas, farm animals, woodland trails and seasonal events. And you won't go hungry either as they have the 'Hen House Restaurant' serving delicious home-cooked food. 

Donkeys, Guinea Pigs, Goats, Chickens, Ducks, Deer, Cows, Sheep and Pigs; there are so many animals to meet. And every half an hour, there is a chance to feed, stroke and cuddle some of the animals.

Location: Wareham Road, Organford, Poole, Organford, Poole BH16 6EU

Telephone: 01202 622022   

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Monkey World

Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre

Distance from Dorset: 0 miles

About: Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is conveniently located already within Dorset and there is plentiful free parking. This is a fun day out for all ages and you're sure to leave with a smile. The primates living at Monkey World include Chimpanzees, Orang-utan's, Gibbon's (who love a good sing-song!), and Marmoset's.

It's really easy to get around and it's all buggy friendly. There are regular keeper talks and the option to have a guided tour and there are three fantasic play park for the kids to enjoy while parents can relax and refuel in the Tree Tops cafe situated right by the parks.

Location: Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Telephone: 01929 462537

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Go Ape

Go Ape

Distance from Dorset: 0 miles

About: Go Ape are England's number one go to outdoor activity company, perfect for a day out filled with adventure and activity. The Treetop Challenge is their biggest attraction, featuring six new crossings for 2024, new tree-to-tree ziplines and a 120m zip line finale. Also enjoy their Treetop Adventure for youngsters, and Treetop Adventure Plus for more confident kids.

Location: Moors Valley Country Park & Forest Country Park, Horton Rd, Ringwood, BH24 2ET

Note that Go Ape have over 30 locations, so that you can have a Go Ape day regardless of where you are in the country.

Telephone: 01603 895500

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Hampshire

Paultons

Paultons Park, Home Of Peppa Pig World

Distance from Dorset: From 15 miles

About: Paultons Park is ony 45 minutes away from Poole and provides a great day out for toddlers and adults! This theme park has a selection of incredibly thrilling rides for all ages. From roller coasters, water rides, to train rides and flat rides, this amusement park provides an unforgettable day out. 

They have an array of themed worlds but one in particular we think your toddler would love is Peppa Pig World. From Peppa's Big Balloon Ride, George's Dinosaur Adventure, to Grampy Rabbit's Sailing Club and Daddy Pig's Car Ride, your little ones will have a blast in this park.

Location: Ower, Romsey, SO51 6AL

Telephone: 023 8081 4442

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Wiltshire

Longleat

Longleat Safari Park

Distance from Dorset: 30-50 miles

About: Renowned for being the first Drive Through Safari Park outside of Africa, Longleat invites you to wind up the windows and hide all the sandwiches because… you’re going on an adventure that’s wilder, furrier and growlier than you ever dared imagine. Count cheetah spots, wave at wolves and have a giraffe. Just watch out for the monkeys!

And don’t forget to put your walking shoes on to meet furry, scaly and feathery friends on foot. From snoozing Southern koalas to snapping Cuban crocodiles, see how many animals you can spot on the Walking Safari.

Location: Longleat Safari Park, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

Telephone: 01985 844400

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Windsor

legoland

Legoland Windsor Resort

Distance from Dorset: From 80 miles

About: Take your daytrip out to Legoland for an fun filled day with thrilling rides, interactive attractions, and captivating shows, all in a creative world built from millions of LEGO bricks. There's something for everyone, from gentle rides for the little ones to exciting roller coasters for older kids and adults. 

Also within Legoland, there's a captivating realm known as Miniland, showcasing iconic landmarks from Europe and America constructed from over 40 million LEGO bricks. The insane attention to detail is amazing to see, with atmospheric sounds, traffic, and boats enhancing the immersive experience.

Location: Winkfield Rd, Windsor, SL4 4AY

Telephone: 01753 626416

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London

Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds

DIstance from Dorset: Roughly 100 miles

About: Come face-to-face with over 150 incredibly lifelike figures of the most popular and influential people in film, music, and politics at London's Madame Tussauds. Spend a day at one of the world's most beloved attractions. Plus, with its prime location near the London Eye and the River Thames, you can easily enjoy multiple iconic sights and activities in one trip.

Location: Marylebone Rd, London, NW1 5LR

Telephone: 020 7487 0351

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theatre

London's West End

Distance from Dorset: Roughly 100 miles

About: Experience the dazzling lights of London’s prestigious West End and its fantastic musicals during a day out in the city.

Renowned as one of the best places for theatre, London’s West End boasts over 40 stage shows at any given time, ensuring endless entertainment options.

Choose from world-class musicals like Les Miserables, Billy Elliot, and Jersey Boys, or enjoy family favorites such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Lion King.

Location:  West End, London

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Harry Potter

Warner Bros Studio Tour London

Distance from Dorset: Roughly 100 miles

About: Take a break from your busy schedule to immerse yourself in the wizarding world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Experience the magic of the films as you explore the iconic set pieces, participate in interactive wizarding activities, and enjoy some of your favorite wizards' preferred food and drink.

Plan your trip right and experience Hogwarts during Halloween or Christmas! 

Location: Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford, WD25 7LR

Telephone: 0800 640 4550

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Surrey

Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures

Distance from Dorset: Roughly 100 miles

About: Enjoy a wild family day out at one of Britain's top destinations. Chessington World of Adventures offers a full theme park experience, plus a Zoo and Sea Life Aquarium. If you want to extend your stay, choose from two themed hotels or try glamping for a unique experience!

Location: Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE

Telephone: 01372 731657

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thorpe park

Thorpe Park

Distance from Dorset: Roughly 85-100 miles

About: Adrenaline-seekers, make sure to consider Thorpe Park when planning your day out! The theme park is home to 25 thrilling attractions for everyone to enjoy. Plan your day out at Thorpe Park, home to some of Europe’s premier rides and attractions, including The Swarm, Colossus, Tidal Wave, Samurai, and the famous Stealth.

Location: Staines Rd, Chertsey, KT16 8PN

Telephone: 01932 577131

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Brighton

sea life

Sea Life Brighton

Distance from Dorset: Roughly 100 miles

About: Did you know that Sea Life in Brighton is the worlds' OLDEST functioning Aquarium? There is a Sea Life closer to home in Weymouth, but why not make a day of it and visit the oldest aquarium in the world if you're going to go. This aquarium is renowned for its diverse marine life exhibits, showcasing everything from tropical fish to sharks and sea turtles. Visitors can explore interactive displays and learn about conservation efforts while enjoying close encounters with fascinating creatures like rays and octopuses. 

Location: Marine Parade, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, BN2 1TB

Telephone: 01273 647707

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Birmingham

cadbury world

Cadbury World

Distance from Dorset: From 150 miles

About: Cadbury World in Bourneville near Birmingham is a must-visit for chocolate lovers of all ages seeking a delightful day out. Packed with enjoyable indoor activities, it's ideal for a road trip or rainy day adventure. Uncover the secrets of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk and witness its creation process up close. And don’t miss the chance to customize your own Cadbury treats with extras like jelly babies or mint chips, while also indulging in delicious samples along the way.

Location: 69 Linden Rd, Birmingham, B30 1JR

Telephone: 0121 828 9300

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Staffordshire

alton towers

Alton Towers

Distance from Dorset: From 200 miles

About: Head to Alton Towers and experience the UK's largest theme park! With attractions for all ages, including a special area just for little ones...

If your kids are big fans of Cbeebies, it's time to bring their favorite TV shows to life at Cbeebies Land in Alton Towers. Cbeebies Land at Alton Towers is packed with family-friendly rides, shows, and attractions.

Location: Farley Ln, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 4DB

Telephone: 01538 704096

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Blackpool

Blackpool Circus

Blackpool Tower Circus

Distance from Dorset: From 280 miles

About: This one may be more ideal for a weekend away if you're travelling up from Dorset. Enjoy a thrilling and invigorating experience at Blackpool Tower Circus (which has been entertaining tourists for 125 years!), perfect for young and old alike. Delivering incredible stunts with belly laughs aplenty, meet legendary clowns Mooky and Mr Boo as you experience the UK's biggest and best Circus.

Location: Blackpool Tower, The, Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 4BJ

Telephone: 01253 622242

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