Family adventures, stress-free travel and how to save while you’re at it
You don’t need a car to plan an unforgettable day out with the kids. From thrilling theme parks to world-class zoos and sea-life centres, the UK is full of family attractions you can reach by train. That means no traffic, no parking stress, and no “are we there yet?” every 5 minutes.
Even better? You can save money on your journey with tools like split ticketing, Railcards, and off-peak fares keeping your big day out big on fun, but small on cost.
Here are some of the best UK attractions that are rail-accessible and family-approved plus how we help make the journey easier.
Image credit: Fineas Anton | Stock Snap
Chessington World of Adventures (Surrey)
Nearest station: Chessington South (5–10 min walk)
Wild rides, zoo animals, sea creatures and live shows all in one place. Chessington is perfect for kids of all ages, with a great mix of high-energy thrills and toddler-friendly zones.
Don’t miss:
- The Gruffalo River Ride
- Vampire coaster for braver riders
- Chessington Zoo and SEA LIFE
💡 Travel tip: Direct trains run from London Waterloo. Use a Family & Friends Railcard to cut ticket costs and avoid driving through the M25.
Chester Zoo (Cheshire)
Nearest station: Chester (15 min bus or taxi)
As one of the UK’s top zoos, Chester is known for its immersive habitats and conservation work. It’s a brilliant day out for curious kids with elephants, tigers, and even monorails.
Don’t miss:
- Islands zone with boat rides
- Bat caves and butterfly house
- Baby elephants!
💡 Travel tip: Use our journey planner to automatically check for split ticket options via Crewe or Warrington, it’s a simple way to find cheaper fares. Once you arrive at Chester Station, local buses and taxis make it easy to reach the zoo.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Lancashire)
Image credit: Mark McNeill | Unsplash
Nearest station: Blackpool Pleasure Beach (right next to the park)
Looking for classic British seaside thrills? Pleasure Beach is one of the UK’s oldest amusement parks, with everything from giant wooden coasters to family rides and Nickelodeon Land.
Don’t miss:
- The Big One (if you dare!)
- Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic
- Ice skating shows and arcades
💡 Travel tip: Trains from Manchester, Preston, or Leeds connect easily. Look out for Advance fares and GroupSave discounts if travelling in a group.
ZSL London Zoo (Regent’s Park)
Image credit: Richard Cook| Unsplash
Nearest station: Camden Road or Euston, then short walk or bus
Right in the heart of the capital, ZSL London Zoo is one of the most accessible animal parks in the UK. It’s packed with engaging exhibits, walk-through habitats, and keeper talks.
Don’t miss:
- Gorilla Kingdom and Tiger Territory
- Land of the Lions
- Penguin Beach!
💡 Travel tip: Use an Off-Peak Day Travelcard to combine rail and tube. Kids under 5 travel free, and up to 4 kids under 11 go free on TfL services with a fare-paying adult.
Drayton Manor & Thomas Land (Staffordshire)
Nearest station: Tamworth, then short taxi (10 mins)
Home to Thomas Land for younger kids and full-size rollercoasters for older ones, Drayton Manor strikes a great balance for mixed-age families.
Don’t miss:
- Ride with Thomas, Percy & friends
- 15-acre zoo
- Adventure Cove’s family rides
💡 Travel tip: Book Off-Peak returns and a Family & Friends Railcard for major savings. Taxis from Tamworth Station to the park are easy to pre-book.
SEA LIFE Brighton (East Sussex)
Image credit: Rachel Claire | Pexels.
Nearest station: Brighton (10–15 min walk)
Brighton’s SEA LIFE is the world’s oldest operating aquarium, but it’s full of modern, kid-friendly features — like glass tunnels, touch pools and glowing jellyfish.
Don’t miss:
- Ocean tunnel with sharks and rays
- Rainforest Adventure
- Seahorse nursery and rockpool zone
💡 Travel tip: Look for Off-Peak Day Returns from London or the South East. Brighton is a popular day trip, book early to secure the cheapest seats.
LEGOLAND Windsor (Berkshire)
Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central or Slough (plus shuttle)
With dozens of themed rides, immersive LEGO zones and splash areas, LEGOLAND is one of the UK’s top picks for kids aged 3–12.
Don’t miss:
- Miniland (tiny LEGO landmarks!)
- Driving School
- Mythica: World of Imagination
💡 Travel tip: Trains to Windsor run via Slough, some journey planners automatically suggest it. Booking early + a Railcard = big savings.
Edinburgh Zoo (Scotland)
Image credit: Andrew Dawes | Unsplash
Nearest station: Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket, then local bus
Perfect if you're planning a Scottish city break. Edinburgh Zoo is home to the UK’s only giant pandas (for now!) and the famous Penguin Parade.
Don’t miss:
- Daily Penguin Parade
- Koalas, big cats and rhinos
- Hilltop views over Edinburgh
💡 Travel tip: Combine rail with Edinburgh's Day Bus Pass for flexible local travel. Use split ticketing via Newcastle or York to reduce long-distance fares.
How to Save on Big Days Out by Train
Planning a fun family trip? Here’s how to cut the cost:
✅ Split ticketing – Buying separate tickets for different legs of your journey can be cheaper than one through-fare.
✅ Family & Friends Railcard – 1/3 off adult fares, 60% off kids’ fares (covers up to 4 kids and 4 adults).
✅ Travel Off-Peak – Trains are cheaper and quieter mid-morning or midweek.
✅ Advance bookings – Cheapest tickets usually released 8–12 weeks ahead.
✅ GroupSave – If you’re travelling in a group of 3–9 adults, many operators offer discounts.
Save More on Your Big Day Out with a Family & Friends Railcard
Planning a theme park thrill ride or a zoo adventure? With a Family & Friends Railcard, you’ll get 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids’ fares and it covers up to four adults and four children travelling together. It’s ideal for family outings by train, and it usually pays for itself in just one or two trips.
Buy your Railcard through us for a quick and easy setup. No fuss, no faff, just more budget for ice creams, gift shop dinosaurs, or that extra ride on the log flume.
Quick FAQs
Q: Can I bring a buggy on the train?
A: Yes! Most services have space for prams. Avoid busy peak hours for more room.
Q: Do kids need their own tickets?
A: Under 5s travel free. Children aged 5–15 usually pay 50%, or 40% off with a Railcard.
Q: What if I miss my connection?
A: If you're delayed due to train issues, you’re usually covered, speak to station staff and they’ll help rebook you.
Need Help Planning Your Big Day Out?
From finding the right route to working out how split ticketing works, we’re here to make your journey as smooth as possible. Whether it’s a zoo, a rollercoaster or a tank full of jellyfish we’ll help you get there for less.
👉 Contact us here and let the adventures begin.