Make sure your school holidays are memorable with some great days out in south London. We’ve picked out 8 of the best to give you some inspiration.
Chessington World of Adventures
As if this one even needs explaining...Thrill-seekers will be in their element with more than 40 rides and attractions in 10 themed lands – and that’s just the theme park. The site also includes a zoo and a Sea Life aquarium so there’s plenty for everyone.
Day tickets cost from £27 in advance and there are often plenty of offers around. Go to chessington.com
Maritime Greenwich
Not strictly one attraction, though you could just about squeeze them into a day if you get your skates on. The National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, Cutty Sark and The Royal Observatory between them add up to a whole lot of adventure, history and wonder. Learn about the nation’s proud naval history or time and the wonders of the universe. Handily, it’s all in one place on the web, rmg.co.uk
Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill
There’s nothing dull about this museum, with plenty for kids and adults to see and do. As well as natural history exhibits including its famous stuffed walrus, an acclaimed aquarium and gorgeous gardens, there are regular exhibitions, animals and other wildlife, and lots of workshops and entertainment. Go to horniman.ac.uk
Swanley Park
‘But south London has lots of parks’, I hear you scream. Yes, it does and lots of them are great. But what Swanley has is the miniature New Barn Railway. The 950m track picks up passengers from the car park in New Barn Road and takes them to its own tiny station.
There are 16 locomotives (dieselm steam, petrol and electric) and 30 carriages and it cost just 70p for a child single. On top of that, the park has boat hire, a paddling pool and battery-powered bikes/cars to rent. Go to swanleypark.co.uk
Crystal Palace Park
Yes, another Park, but this one has DINOSAURS. And a maze and a children’s farm and a fishing lake and a play area.
Up at The O2
It’s not all gigs and diners at the old Millenium Dome, y’know. You can also pop on a climb suit, boots, harness and latch-on to a wire for a guided hike up for a pretty unique view of the capital. Tickets cost from £28. Go to theo2.co.uk
Firepower Royal Artillery Museum at Royal Arsenal, Woolwich
Take aim and fire towards Woolwich to find out about big military weapons – from catapult to drone - and the Royal Arsenal’s role in the nation’s history. For youngsters, there’s a chance to have a go on the firing range, bungee run or shoot from one of the big guns. Entry costs £5.30 adults and £2.50 for children aged 5 to 15. Go to firepower.org.uk
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo
Hang out with the monkeys, chinchillas, snakes and, er, Guinea pigs at the family-friendly zoo in the park. There’s also a play area for little ones to climb and swing around as well as sand for sandcastles, colouring, trampolines and a big red tractor to sit on. Entry costs £8.95 adults and £6.95 children from 2 to 15 years. Go to batterseaparkzoo.co.uk
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