The best family days out in London and beyond rated by kids and teens
Average K-Rating based
on 23 K-Rating reviews
Looking for a majestic day out with the kids? Hampton Court Palace is the perfect destination for families seeking a blend of history, adventure, and fun.
Step back in time as you wander through the stunning architecture of Hampton Court. The kids will love exploring the magnificent state apartments, filled with opulent furnishings and intriguing stories of Henry VIII and his court. Don’t forget to visit the Great Hall, where they can imagine the grand feasts that took place centuries ago.
For an extra dose of excitement, visit the Magic Garden. This whimsical playground is designed to spark the imaginations of children, with its dragon-themed slides, battlements to climb, and hidden tunnels to discover. It’s the perfect spot for kids to burn off some energy while you relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
If your family enjoys a bit of mystery, you won’t want to miss the famous Hampton Court Maze. Watch as your kids navigate the winding paths and celebrate as they find their way to the centre of the oldest surviving hedge maze in the UK.
Throughout the year, Hampton Court Palace hosts a variety of family-friendly events and interactive exhibits. From Tudor cookery demonstrations to ghost tours and historical reenactments, there’s always something exciting happening.
Surrounded by lush gardens and scenic riverside views, Hampton Court Palace is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or have a meal at one of the palace’s charming cafes after your adventure.
If you enjoy visiting royal palaces and castles, why not see what our KidRaters thought of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle?
I loved going to Hampton Court as a teenager. There’s so much interesting history there that keeps you hooked. I especially liked seeing the kitchens. I never knew the ways in which they stored milk and cheese and other perishables. Absolutely fascinating. The best bit was probably the chocolate kitchen though… might have to keep that in mind for my own house one day.
You can find loads more information by Laura Porter at aboutlondonlaura.com
The palace is overwhelmingly large, BUT there are some great activities to participate in on some weekends. Our favourite place to go is the kitchen, where re-enactors hold demonstrations of how food was prepared. They are excellent at letting kids get involved and demonstrating pie moulds and talking about roasting meats on spits, which is much more intersting than it sounds. Of course there are apartments and art work, which might become tedious for younger visitors. There really is a load to take in. Kids will likely enjoy the maze outside. It might be best for older kids and teens who have a keen interest in history.
How much would I need outdoors compared to indoors with kids? Wondering if I can handle the cold…
Weather reports say it’s going to warm up half way through the week so something to look forward to!
My kids love it here. The maze, the actors playing the parts of Henry and his posse of wives, little secret gardens round by the great vine, and the arsenal room. Warm up by the kitchen fire in the winter.