Budget-friendly days out in London

Cheap days out in London for under £10 a head - small admission, low-cost activities and family-friendly spots that won't blow the weekend budget.

10 activities

Chislehurst Caves
£

Chislehurst Caves

Chislehurst Caves Ltd · London

Explore miles of mysterious man-made caves and tunnels beneath Chislehurst on a lamp-lit tour. Guides share stories of druids, Romans, and wartime shelters. Children love the underground adventure and spooky atmosphere in these ancient chalk mines.

6–1011–16
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Discover Children's Story Centre
£

Discover Children's Story Centre

Discover Children's Story Centre · London

East London's award-winning arts centre brings stories to life through imaginative play zones, storytelling sessions, and creative workshops. Children step into different story worlds, from enchanted forests to outer space. Every corner encourages reading, creativity, and dramatic play.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Half day
Emirates Air Line Cable Car
£

Emirates Air Line Cable Car

Transport for London · London

Soar above the Thames on London's only cable car, connecting the O2 Peninsula to the Royal Docks. A short but memorable ride with brilliant views across the city.

3–56–1011–16
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Florence Nightingale Museum
£

Florence Nightingale Museum

Florence Nightingale Museum Trust · London

Next to St Thomas' Hospital, this museum tells the story of the Lady with the Lamp through interactive exhibits and her personal belongings. Children try on Victorian costumes, discover real nursing history, and learn about this remarkable woman's life and legacy.

6–1011–16
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Horniman Aquarium
£

Horniman Aquarium

Horniman Museum and Gardens · London

While the main Horniman is in your directory, the aquarium deserves special mention as a separate paid experience. Explore British coastal waters, Amazon rainforest, and coral reef tanks. The new underwater-themed design immerses visitors in different aquatic habitats.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Half day
Hounslow Urban Farm
£

Hounslow Urban Farm

Hounslow Urban Farm · London

This community farm in West London offers hands-on animal encounters, pony rides, and seasonal activities like lamb feeding. Children collect eggs, groom ponies, and learn about farm life. The organic café uses produce from the farm's gardens.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day
Little Angel Theatre
£

Little Angel Theatre

Little Angel Theatre · London

A beloved puppet theatre in Islington staging professional shows for babies through to older children throughout the year. An intimate and magical experience.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Museum of Brands
£

Museum of Brands

Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising · London

This Notting Hill museum displays 12,000 items of consumer culture from Victorian times to today. Parents delight in nostalgic brands from their childhood while children discover how toys, food, and fashion have changed. The time-tunnel layout makes history feel tangible and fun.

6–1011–16
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Half day
Pollock's Toy Museum
£

Pollock's Toy Museum

Pollock's Toy Museum Trust · London

This quirky Georgian townhouse museum displays historic toys, dolls, and toy theatres across creaky rooms connected by narrow staircases. It feels like exploring a Victorian collector's magical attic. The tiny museum shop sells traditional toys and paper theatres.

3–56–10
Setting
Indoor
Duration
Under 1 hr
Ruislip Lido Railway
£

Ruislip Lido Railway

Ruislip Lido Railway Society · London

A miniature railway runs around the edge of Ruislip's lake through woodland. The 12-inch gauge track and authentic steam and diesel locomotives delight train-loving children. Combined with the beach, playground, and woodland walks, it's a proper West London day out.

0–23–56–10
Setting
Outdoor
Duration
Half day