Beyond the Borough

We love our local spots, but sometimes, adventure calls a little further afield! Beyond the Borough is your go-to guide for family-friendly outings just outside our local area - anywhere from half an hour to two hours away. Whether it’s a seaside escape, a woodland walk, a must-visit attraction, or a hidden gem worth the drive, we’re here to help you plan your next great adventure.

​

30 Minutes

• Hampton Court Palace - Magic Garden (East Molesey) A magical adventure playground with turrets, tunnels, and mythical beasts, perfect for imaginative play.

• Bushy Park (East Molesey) One of London’s Royal Parks, home to roaming deer, woodlands, and great family-friendly walking trails.

• Cheeky Chops Play Cafe (Richmond) A cozy café with a soft play area, perfect for little ones to explore while parents enjoy a coffee.

• ​Epsom Downs (Epsom) A vast open space famous for horse racing, offering scenic views and great spots for picnics and walks.

• Garsons PYO Farm (Esher)  A popular pick-your-own farm with seasonal fruit and vegetables, a farm shop, and a garden centre.

• Hobbledown (Hounslow) An adventure farm park with indoor and outdoor play, animal encounters, and unique climbing structures.

• Hersham Recreation Ground and Splash Pad (Hersham) A local park with a fun seasonal splash pad, playground, and open green spaces.

• Safari Mini Golf (Hersham) A jungle-themed mini-golf course, great for family-friendly competition.

• Painshill (Surrey) 18th century landscaped garden with gentle pramable walk around it. Lots of interesting sections for little ones, such as the crystal grotto! 

• Piglets (Hersham) A charming indoor and outdoor play barn with activities for younger children and a café for parents.

• Jump In Adventure Park (Esher) A high-energy trampoline and adventure park with foam pits, dodgeball, and a dedicated toddler area.

• Morden Hall Park (Morden) A National Trust park with meadows, a river, and a natural play area, perfect for a family day out.

• Kew Gardens (Richmond) A world-famous botanical garden with treetop walkways, glasshouses, and an interactive children’s garden.

• Orleans House (Twickenham) A historic riverside gallery hosting creative workshops and themed children’s activities.

• Spelthorne Gymnastics (Sunbury on Thames) On Mondays and Thursdays they have an open play for under 5s with gymnastics, softplay and trampolines ( parent supervised) as well as a cafe and baby play area. Must book online in advance.

• Vine Road Recreation Ground (Barnes) A local park with a summer paddling pool and a well-equipped playground.

• Battersea

  • Battersea Park & Zoo, A spacious park with a children’s zoo, boating lake, adventure playgrounds, and scenic walking paths.

  • Battersea Power Station, A lively shopping and entertainment hub housed in a historic London landmark.

  • Battersea Park, A riverside park with sports facilities, gardens, and large play areas for kids.

• Dean City Farm (Wimbledon) A small working farm with animal encounters, pony rides, and a children’s garden.

• Wimbledon Splash Park (seasonal) (Wimbledon) A fun outdoor splash pad open during the summer months.

• Wisley Gardens (Woking) A beautiful RHS garden with seasonal trails, interactive displays, and plenty of space to explore.

 

45 Minutes

• Alice Holt Forest (Farnham) A scenic woodland with play areas, bike trails, and the popular Gruffalo sculpture walk.

• Brooklands Community Park & Skate Park (Weybridge)  A large green space with a modern skate park, play areas, and open fields.

• Brooklands Museum & Race Track (Weybridge) A fascinating museum showcasing aviation, motor racing history, and interactive exhibits.

• Bocketts Farm Park (Leatherhead) A working farm with animal feeding, tractor rides, soft play, and outdoor adventure areas.

• City Bouldering (White City) A climbing gym at Westfields Shopping Centre with a great offering for kids!

• Shere Village (Surry Hills) A picturesque village with lovely walks, a river and delicious cafe's. There is a playground located right at the Shere Car Park.

• Stoke Park (Guildford) A large park with a splash pad, playgrounds, and beautiful walking trails.

• The Spotted Cow (Farnham) A family-friendly pub with a great garden and a play area for kids.

• Giggleville Cafe (Guildford) A creative play café with themed role-play areas, ideal for little imaginations.

 

1 Hour​​+

• Leeds Castle (Maidstone) A fairy-tale castle with stunning grounds, playgrounds, and fun family activities.

• Cliveden House and Gardens (Maidenhead) A National Trust estate with breathtaking gardens, woodland walks, and play areas.

• East & West Wittering (Sussex) Only an hour and a half away, possibly the closest beach to us, if not, the sandiest! Also home to a National Trust site. 

• Godstone Farm (Godstone) A fantastic farm park with animal feeding, play barns, and a dinosaur trail.

• Horniman Museum and Gardens (Forest Hill) A family-friendly destination offering diverse exhibits, an aquarium, a nature trail, and beautiful gardens, providing an engaging and educational experience for all ages. 

• My Little Unicorn (Aldershot) A magical experience with pony meet-and-greets, unicorn-themed dress-up, crafts, and play.

• Natural History Museum (South Kensington) a family favourite, with towering dinosaurs, hands-on exhibits, and new gardens perfect for outdoor exploring.

• New Forest (Southampton) A perfect family destination with wild ponies, ancient woodlands, and miles of safe, scenic trails perfect for walking, cycling, and picnicking.

• Priory Farm Estate, Discovery Land (Redhill) A family adventure trail with nature play areas, interactive displays, and seasonal activities.

• Science Museum (South Kensington) featuring 'The Garden'—an interactive gallery designed for children aged 3–6. With areas dedicated to construction, light, sound, and a special water play section where they can learn about floating and sinking.

• Wellington Country Park (Reading) A huge outdoor play park with animal attractions, splash zones, and adventure trails.

• Adventure Play at Windsor Great Park (Windsor) A fantastic family destination, featuring the Adventure Play area with handcrafted treehouses, slides, and sculptures nestled in woodlands near The Savill Garden.

​

2 Hours+

• ​Camber Sands (Sussex) Not the closest beach to us from Kingston, but the beaches are sandy and it has a great secluded kitschy vibe to it!

• Studland Bay (Dorset) Calm & shallow waters with gorgeous blue water and soft white sand. Another National Trust site with ample parking, cafe & book store. They also have sauna's for hire on the beach, great if visiting during colder months! There is also a lovely coast hike to the top of 'Old Harry Rocks'.