Family-Friendly UK Destinations by Train – Plus Smart Ticketing Tips to Keep Costs Down
Planning a family trip can feel like organising a military operation — especially when kids are involved. But it doesn’t have to be stressful, expensive, or packed into the backseat of a car. With hundreds of UK destinations just a train ride away, there are plenty of fun, accessible places you can enjoy as a family — without the tantrums, traffic jams or toll roads.
From castles and aquariums to steam trains and sandy beaches, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to travel with kids by train. Even better? We’ll show you how to get there for less using split ticketing, Railcards, and family-friendly fare tips to keep things simple.
Why Train Travel Works for Families
Let’s be honest — family travel is easier when you’re not driving:
- No “are we there yet?” every 5 minutes
- Kids can walk around, nap, or play games
- No need to worry about parking, petrol, or bathroom breaks
- You can focus on the journey, not the sat nav
And when you factor in cheap train tickets through split ticketing, off-peak travel, and family Railcards, it can actually be more affordable than driving too.
York
Best for: Trains, vikings, chocolate — a family triple win
Train station: York (well-connected on the East Coast Main Line)
York is a dream for kids and parents alike. Walkable, packed with hands-on museums, and full of history that doesn’t feel like homework.
🧭 Top attractions:
- National Railway Museum – massive trains, play zones, free entry
- Jorvik Viking Centre – time-travel ride through Viking York
- York’s Chocolate Story – interactive, delicious, educational
💸 Travel tip: Off-peak day returns with a Family & Friends Railcard offer great savings.
London
Best for: Iconic museums, big days out, city energy
Train station: Multiple mainline stations (Paddington, King’s Cross, etc.)
Image Credit: Stephen Kidd | Unsplash
Big, bold, and full of options — London is perfect for family-friendly train travel. You’ll arrive in the heart of the city, ready for museums, parks, and free attractions galore.
🧭 Top attractions:
- Natural History Museum – dinosaurs, space, volcanoes — and it’s free
- Science Museum – hands-on zones and kid-focused exhibitions
- London Transport Museum – trains, buses, and interactive fun for little explorers
💸 Travel tip: Book early and consider GroupSave options. Kids under 5 travel free, and under 16s travel at a discounted rate with a Family & Friends Railcard.
Warwick
Best for: Knights, castles, and adventure
Train station: Warwick or Warwick Parkway (both walkable to town centre)
If your kids are into dragons, armour, and epic battles, Warwick Castle will light up their imaginations. It’s one of the most interactive castles in the UK, complete with shows, trebuchets, and live history experiences.
🧭 Top attractions:
- Warwick Castle – falconry, archery, and immersive exhibits
- St Nicholas Park – perfect for a post-castle ice cream and playground stop
- The Mill Garden – a quiet, pretty spot for picnics
💸 Travel tip: Off-peak is usually quieter — and more kid-friendly!
Bristol
Best for: Curious minds, floating harbours, and science play
Train station: Bristol Temple Meads
Image Credit: Ian Kelsall | Unsplash
A city with a creative heart, Bristol is full of activities for kids who love to learn, climb, build, or simply stare in awe at big boats.
🧭 Top attractions:
- We The Curious – hands-on science and discovery
- Bristol Aquarium – sharks, rays, and tropical tanks
- SS Great Britain – climb aboard Brunel’s legendary steamship
💸 Travel tip: Check GWR family fare offers and weekend deals for added savings.
Tenby, Wales
Best for: Beaches, rock pools, and seaside ice cream
Train station: Tenby (direct trains from Swansea)
Tenby is a colourful harbour town with family-sized charm. It has clean beaches, car-free streets, and a relaxed pace that’s ideal for younger kids.
🧭 Top attractions:
- Castle Beach – perfect for paddling and sandcastle-building
- Tenby Museum & Art Gallery – small, local, and child-friendly
- Boat trips to Caldey Island – seals, monks, and wildlife
💸 Travel tip: Tenby is on the scenic West Wales line, and off-peak fares are often much lower, especially for day returns. Pairing this with a Family & Friends Railcard or Two Together Railcard can save up to 60% on child fares and 1/3 on adult fares — perfect for a coastal day out or weekend.
Alton (for Alton Towers)
Best for: Older kids and thrill seekers
Train station: Stoke-on-Trent, then a bus or taxi to the park
Image Credit: Jonny Gios | Unsplash
Alton Towers is one of the UK’s top theme parks — and while there’s no station on-site, the train to Stoke-on-Trent plus a shuttle or taxi still makes it doable (and more relaxing than driving straight there).
🧭 Top attractions:
- CBeebies Land – for little ones
- Roller coasters and water park – for big kids (and brave parents)
- Gardens and shows – for everyone in between
💸 Travel tip: Trains get you as far as Stoke-on-Trent, and from there, booking a taxi or minibus transfer ahead of time (especially for groups or families) can be more affordable and less stressful than trying to grab one on the day. Some local operators offer fixed-price family shuttles — and you'll avoid long queues for the bus, especially in peak season.
How We Help Make Family Travel Easier
We know family travel can be full-on, so we’ve built tools and support to help you travel smart:
✅ Split ticketing made simple – Automatically find the cheapest fare combinations
✅ Live journey support – Real-time updates and route help
✅ E-tickets – No need to print or queue
✅ Flexible options – Easy refunds and changes if plans shift
✅ Customer service – From train times to tantrum delays, we’re here to help
Quick FAQs for Family Train Travel
Q: Do kids need their own train tickets?
A: Children under 5 travel free. Kids aged 5–15 usually pay half price.
Q: Is there a Railcard for families?
A: Yes! The Family & Friends Railcard gives up to 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids' fares.
Q: Can I use split ticketing for a family group?
A: Absolutely — and it can save you even more when paired with a Railcard.
Q: Are trains family-friendly?
A: Most services have accessible toilets, space for prams, and advance seat reservations — perfect for planning ahead.
Save Big with a Family & Friends Railcard
Want to save even more on your family adventures? With a Family & Friends Railcard, you can get 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids' fares and it covers up to four adults and four children travelling together. It pays for itself in just a couple of trips, and works across most train operators. Whether you're heading to the seaside or a castle, it’s one of the easiest ways to make family rail travel more affordable.
Buying from us means you can grab your Railcard without the hassle, and get back to what really matters your next adventure (or, you know, that relaxing weekend getaway).
Got Questions About Travelling With Kids?
If you’re unsure how to plan your journey, wondering about ticket options, or just trying to keep things simple — we’ve got you.
👉 Contact us here and we’ll help you get from station to destination — tantrum-free and fully prepared.