Active Day Trips From London With Kids by Train

Saturday morning. The kids are bouncing off the walls, the flat feels small and you already know how the day ends if you stay in: screens, snacks and squabbles. One of the best fixes I know is to get on a train. Within a short ride of the city there are forests, hills, beaches and cycle paths that will tire everyone out in the best way. Here are my favourite active day trips from London with kids, chosen because they are reachable by train, mostly free once you arrive and built around walking, cycling and outdoor play.

I coach in Archway, so these are planned from North London. The Northern line gets you to Euston and King’s Cross quickly, and other main stations are a change or two away.

Before you go: three rules for a good day out

1. Pick one main activity. A walk, a bike ride or a beach session. Not all three.
2. Match the distance to the smallest legs. As a rough guide, many 4 to 6 year olds manage 2 to 3 miles with stops, and 7 to 10 year olds can often do 4 to 6. You know your kids best, so plan short and add more if they want it.
3. Check train times and engineering works on National Rail or the operator’s website the night before. Weekend closures are common.

A Family & Friends Railcard takes a third off adult fares and 60% off fares for children aged 5 to 15, and under 5s travel free. If you do even two or three day trips a year, it is usually worth it.

Active day trips from London with kids: my top picks

Epping Forest (walking and woodland play)

The easiest escape on this list. Chingford station is on the London Overground from Liverpool Street, and the forest starts almost at the station. Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge is close by, and from there you can wander into the trees as far as little legs allow. Fallen logs, muddy paths and plenty of space to run make this perfect for younger children.

Box Hill, Surrey (a proper hill to climb)

Box Hill and Westhumble station sits at the bottom of the hill. The climb up is steep in places, which is exactly why kids love it: it feels like a mountain. At the top there are big views and space for a picnic. Go slowly, take breaks and let the kids lead the way down.

The Chilterns (woods and chalk hills)

Trains from Marylebone run out to Wendover, and from Euston to Tring for the Ashridge Estate. Both areas have woodland trails, open hillsides and routes of all lengths. These are great for families who want something that feels like proper countryside without a long journey.

Canterbury to Whitstable (a family bike ride)

The Crab and Winkle Way is a cycle route between Canterbury and Whitstable, ending by the sea. It is mostly off-road, with some hills, so it suits kids who are already confident on a bike. You can hire bikes locally or bring folding bikes on the train if the operator allows. Finish with chips on the beach and the train home.

Brighton and the Undercliff Walk (seaside walk or scoot)

Brighton is an easy train ride and the seafront is flat and wide. Walk, scoot or cycle along the Undercliff Walk towards Rottingdean, with chalk cliffs on one side and the sea on the other. On a calm day, add stone skimming and paddling.

Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven (for older kids)

From Seaford station you can walk along the coast towards Cuckmere Haven and the Seven Sisters cliffs. It is hilly, exposed and spectacular. Better for kids around 8 and up. Keep well back from the cliff edges at all times, as they can crumble.

What to pack

The difference between a great day and a meltdown is often what is in your bag. My checklist:

• Snacks, then more snacks. Fruit, oatcakes, cheese, sandwiches and one “emergency treat” for the last mile.
• Water for everyone. One bottle each, refilled at lunch.
• Layers and waterproofs. Hills and coasts are windier and colder than London.
• Proper shoes. Trainers with grip or walking boots. Not new ones.
• Small first aid kit with plasters and wipes.
• Suncream and hats from spring to autumn.

How to keep kids walking all day

• Give everyone a role. Navigator, snack keeper, photographer, nature spotter.
• Play while you walk. I spy, “first to spot a red door”, counting stiles, racing to the next tree.
• Stop before they are exhausted. Short breaks every 30 to 40 minutes keep everyone happy.
• Finish with something good. An ice cream, a playground or a paddle. Kids remember how a day ends.

If longer walks are a struggle in your family, my post on family walks in North London has shorter routes closer to home to build up to it.

Keep yourself fit enough to enjoy it

Often the hardest part of a day trip is your own legs. Carrying a backpack up Box Hill or a tired child for the last half mile takes strength and stamina.

Here is a quick routine to do twice a week at home in the weeks before a big day out:

• Step-ups on the bottom stair: 3 sets of 10 each leg
• Squats: 3 sets of 12 (to a chair if you need it)
• Backpack carry walk: 5 minutes around the house or up and down the stairs with a light loaded rucksack
• Glute bridges: 3 sets of 15
• Side plank: 3 holds of 20 seconds each side

Where a bootcamp class fits in

In my classes I train exactly the kind of fitness that day trips demand: strong legs for hills, a back that copes with carrying, and the energy to keep going all afternoon. Parents who come twice a week tell me family days out feel easier within a month or so. If your back or hips get stiff after a long walk, my SYP Unlock hip and back mobility class is a good place to start. For closer-to-home days, try my guide to a Hampstead Heath family day out.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to take kids on a day trip from London?

Book train tickets in advance where possible, use a Family & Friends Railcard, pack a picnic and choose free destinations such as forests, hills and beaches.

How far can young children walk on a day trip?

It varies a lot. Many 4 to 6 year olds manage 2 to 3 miles with breaks, and older children can often go further. Start short, plan escape routes back to the station and add distance over time.

Can I take bikes on the train?

Rules depend on the train company and time of day, and some services need a reservation. Folding bikes are usually allowed. Check with the operator before you travel.

Book your first class

If you would like more energy for weekends with the kids, come and train with me. SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes in Archway N19, indoors and weatherproof, with no more than 10 people and options for every fitness level. Each class is £15. Book your £15 class here or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215 and I will send the timetable. If you live just up the hill, you can also read about my 1-1 personal training in Highgate.

About the author

Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.