- This May half-term enjoy up to 50% off entry to a host of family friendly events and attractions across Britain, when you travel by train, with National Rail’s Days Out Guide – including London Zoo, Leeds Castle, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and many more.
As the Spring Bank Holiday and half-term break approaches, families across the country will be gearing up for a week of fun, exploration, brighter evenings and (hopefully) some sunshine. Whether you’re looking for last-minute ideas to keep the kids busy, or planning a great British day out, let National Rail’s Days Out Guide inspire your week of adventure for less.
From iconic landmarks to great gardens and marvelous museums, there are many fun and affordable days out to be discovered when you travel by train.
You can also save 1/3 off your rail fare with a Family and Friends Railcard which applies for up to 4 adults, and 60% off up to four kids aged 5-15 years when travelling together. Big savings means more opportunities for half-term fun!
Check out our top 10 picks below.
Family Days Out in London
· Reptile record breakers at London Zoo
25 May – 2 June: London Zoo is celebrating the opening of their brand-new exhibit, The Secret Life of Reptiles & Amphibians. Many of the reptiles have record breaking strengths so they’re challenging you to see how you match up against them!
Price for family of 4 with Days Out Guide: £66; was £111.20. Total Savings: £45.20*
Days Out Guide offer: London Zoo
Nearest station: London Euston
· All aboard the Cutty Sark!
It is all happening on board Cutty Sark this half-term – lots of fun and free family activities to enjoy on the iconic tea clipper. Meet colourful characters from Cutty Sark’s past and hear astonishing stories about life at sea in the age of sail.
Price for family of 4 with Days Out Guide: £30, was £60. Total Savings: £30
Days Out Guide offer: Clipper Ship Cutty Sark
Nearest Station: Greenwich
· Prepare to be dazzled at Tower of London
As well as taking a Yeoman warden tour of the Tower, meeting the famous ravens, and discovering the dazzling history of the crown jewels, you can also enjoy some medieval mayhem this half term – fairy tales and frolics are unfurling at the tower!
Price for family of 4 with Days Out Guide: £69.60, was £104.40. Total Savings: £34.80
Days Out Guide offer: Tower of London
Nearest Station: London Fenchurch Street
· The Magic Garden at Hampton Court Palace
This half-term children will love the truly unique play landscape at Hampton Court Palace. The magic garden is inspired by the myths and legends of the Tudor court – a fun and interactive way for your family to explore the history of the palace.
Price for family of 4 with Days Out Guide: £54.40, was £81.60. Total Savings: £27.20
Days Out Guide offer: Hampton Court Palace
Nearest Station: London Fenchurch Street
Family Days Out in Great Britain
· Kent: The Queen’s Joust at Leeds Castle
25-27 May: Visit Leeds Castle over the late May bank holiday for an exciting weekend of exhilarating displays, combat and action, elegant and unusual equestrian, and medieval living and feasting.
Price for family of 4 with Days Out Guide: £70, was £104. Total Savings: £34
Days Out Guide offer: Leeds Castle
Nearest Station: Bearsted
· Oxford: Elmer the Elephant at The Story Museum
Wish Elmer the Patchwork Elephant a Happy Birthday this May half-term! There will be plenty of fun with storytelling, crafts, and themed food in the museum cafe.
Price for family of 4 with Days Out Guide: £28, was £56. Total Savings: £28
Days Out Guide offer: The Story Museum
Nearest Station: Oxford
· Dudley: Made in the Black Country at the Black Country Living Museum
25 May – 2 June: Celebrate the bostin’ things, people and products that came from the Black Country, from filmmakers and sporting heroes to internationally significant industries. Meet iconic historic characters including Dudley’s Dorothy Round who became a World tennis champion, and Thomas Newcomen, who built the world’s first successful steam engine in Dudley, 1712.
Price for family of 4 with Days Out Guide: £51.90, was £66.50. Total Savings: £14.60
Days Out Guide offer: Black Country Living Museum
Nearest Station: Tipton
- Hastings: Family Day at Hastings Contemporary
30 May: In the learning studio, Natasha Cossey from Radiator Arts will introduce Walking the Fish 2024, a celebratory parade through Hastings this summer. Help Natasha make a big fish sculpture by decorating individual fish scales. Around the gallery there will be activities, art hunts and lots more. Expect fun and creativity for the whole family.
Price for family of 4 with Days Out Guide: £10, was £20. Total Savings: £10
Days Out Guide offer: Hastings Contemporary
Nearest station: Hastings
· Birmingham: Beauty and beats at Birmingham Botanical Garden
Starting Sunday 12 May: After exploring the natural beauty housed within the 4 magnificent glasshouses, throw on your dancing shoes as Live music returns to the Gardens iconic bandstand this summer, with performances taking place on the second and fourth Sunday of each month.
Price for family of 4 with Days Out Guide: £17.00, was £25. Total Savings: £8
Days Out Guide offer: Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Nearest Station: Birmingham New Street
· Brighton: Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Brighton Fringe takes place from May 3 – June 4, and the Toy Museum are getting into the spirit with a host of family friendly shows lined up for half-term, including Meg in the Magic Toyshop, Tales in the Key of Terror, Mariam Morevna & The Moth and It Just So Happened. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to see the iconic Peel P50 – the world’s smallest car!
Price for family of 4 with Days Out Guide: £16, was £26. Total Savings: £10
Days Out Guide offer: Brighton Toy and Model Museum
Nearest Station: Brighton (East Sussex)
Discover more discounted offers and enjoyable days out for the whole family when you travel by train at daysoutguide.co.uk **