Need thoughts about a day trip (or 2) from London that two older kids would like

Remember the beach at Brighton is not sand it’s pebble.

Portsmouth historic Dockyards. A variety of activities available.

I hope you are planning a trip to Greenwich as well.

Mardee, I love all these choices. In Windsor the kids might really enjoy walking around Eton and seeing an English view of education. When I was last there a Porter let me in to the courtyard for a better view. Your grandaughter would really enjoy the magnificent doll house you can view in the castle (Queen Mary's dollhouse.) Brighton would give them an a different 'view' of England and I love the Brighton Pavilion (palace) as it is so different from any other. Wherever you go on your day trip, a ride on the train is always fun. I've been to both Oxford and Cambridge and enjoyed both. Have they ever watched Morse/Lewis/Endeavour on tv? There is a tour you can take in Oxford for sights from those shows. If either of them like spy stories they might enjoy Bletchley Park, but I've not been there yet.

Cambourne, ha, don't worry, we'll have proper shoes on!

Carol NR, yes, I'm planning a whole day in Greenwich. I guess I didn't consider it technically to be a day trip since it's pretty close, but, that will be fun! And Portsmouth sounds interesting. I will check that out—thanks!

Laurie Beth, I know my granddaughter would love Queen Mary's dollhouse, so that's definitely an incentive. I loved it when I was there back in 1996. I still find it amazing that the miniature bottles have actual wine in them. :-) And you're right about Eton—I think they would like that. I've been to Oxford but not Cambridge. I've seen Morse/Lewis/Endeavor (loved them all; esp. Endeavor) but they have not and I don't think they would be that interested. But they would like the Tolkien references there as they both seen LOTR and the oldest read the books. Plus there is the Ashmolean Museum, which is so cool.

I thought about Bletchley Park but I'm just not sure how they would like it. i will bring it up to them and see. I'm in Florida right now (which you know) but when i get back, the 3 of us are going out for lunch and will talk about it then.

If the girl was 15, I’d say definitely Brighton but I’m not sure it really works for those ages.

I guess Brighton really has a couple of main elements of appeal:

It’s a brash seaside resort with a not particularly nice pebble beach, a pier full of tacky attractions and a tendency to attract hens and stags. You are probably familiar with public drunkenness in Britain - and Brighton gets a fair bit.

But Brighton also is the gay capital of the UK and alongside that it has an alternative artsy culture with really fun vintage and retro clothes etc in the Lanes area. The sort of thing I loved as a teenager.

And there’s the Royal Pavilion, which is unlike anything else

But I don’t really see its appeal for kids who might not understand or appreciate the British seaside vibe, because it sort of plays into a brash tradition that you need to have been brought up on to love… that’s my view, anyway. There are many many better beaches, put it that way.

Personally, while I loved it when I was in my 20s, I find Brighton all a bit too much now.

I quite like the suggestion of Portsmouth (my original hometown). A similar vibe to Plymouth, which I know you know, but with the fantastic historic dockyard. And unlike Plymouth it has a beach - Southsea beach is similar to Brighton in that it’s pebbled, and there’s a pier and a funfair and fish & chips, but it’s a bit quieter than Brighton.

I love Bletchley Park BUT I'm not sure it would be the best choice with kids in tow unless they are computer geeks and I think they are not, lol.

I'd vote for Windsor and Eton mostly because it's interesting, they may be able to see it from the air when your plane lands (so cool!!) and it's is just so easy to get to. Quick, 3/4 of a day if you stop for lunch somewhere in Windsor and then you are back to your hotel. There is a really nice path along the Thames there if you haven't walked enough in London, lol and if the weather is pleasant.

Have the kids been to FL? I do not want to hurt anyone's feelings about locations in England but if you want to take them to a beach, take them to FL.

Definitely something to think about, Golden Girl! I see what you mean about Brighton and maybe that's not such a good choice. But thanks for your thoughts on Portsmouth. I was looking at it after Carol mentioned it, and was a little put off because all the trains I saw were taking well over 2 hours to get there from London. However, I realized the times were set to late in the day. When i changed it to a morning departure, it's down to 1 hr, 39 min, which is doable. I do like that there are nicer beaches and I think that would work well for the second choice.

Ha ha, Pam, no they have not been to Florida (although they have been to Virginia Beach), and believe me, there were plenty of hints that I bring them along on this trip I'm on now. And of course, that's not a bad idea for the future. But I do like the idea of Windsor. She would love the doll house and he would be interested in Eton, I think. And the history of course. I think I will settle on that.

I will collect some information on it and open up both places to the two of them and see what they think. But I'm pretty sure they would like both Windsor/Eton and Portsmouth.

This is why this forum is so great! Thank you all!

I suggest you ask each child to choose a day trip/activity (whether from your list or from their own research; in London or outside) for discussion at your lunch meeting. Better yet, ask them to choose one the sibling would enjoy. I mean, what will be of interest to the 15yoa boy if his sister wants to spend 90 minutes looking at a dollhouse?
I want to echo what the other commenter mentioned about vintage stores. My teenager loves nothing more than rooting around in a charity shop. These are all over, of course, and need not be a destination in themselves. Ditto, used bookstores.
My son also finds out about weird things online that he decides he wants to see. Or shooting locations for TV shows and movies he likes. I'm a very big fan of Ted Lasso, and I actually found myself considering visiting Richmond to see the main shooting locations from that show.
Atlas Obscura is a great resource for the offbeat.

Regarding Oxford, don’t forget the University Museum in Parks Road. Also, try to go into one or two of the colleges, even if it’s just for the kids to get the feel of the place. Some colleges charge for entry (Christ Church excessively in my view), but not all do.

BTW - if a college says it is closed to visitors, but you’d still like to go in it’s worth speaking to the Porters in their “Lodge” (small office as you go in) saying how much you’d like to look around. They may let you in on the proviso that you are quick and quiet. Letting them know about a (fictitious) niece or nephew who’s really interested in attending the college may help your case. Even if they still won’t let you in, they’ll be very polite about it.

Southend is within easy reach of London, but is a bit less vibrant than Brighton, possibly veering into the depressing in places. All the ingredients you need for a fun day out at the British seaside are there nonetheless.

I liked both Oxford and Cambridge. Although they aren't the same, I think they're of equivalent interest. Since you've already been to Oxford, I think you should have no hesitancy is choosing Cambridge as the college town for this trip.

I spent a few nights in Brighton, pre-COVID, and liked it. I didn't encounter any drunks, but I may have been lucky; perhaps I was there mid-week (could you do that?). I particularly remember the Royal Pavilion and the sort-of-hippy vibe of the shops. Brighton does have a different sort of atmosphere. I liked my side trips to Arundel and Lewes, but those were primarily for architecture and general atmosphere and might not be of so much interest to the youngsters.

I spent a few nights in Brighton, pre-COVID, and liked it. I didn't encounter any drunks, but I may have been lucky; perhaps I was there mid-week (could you do that?).

Good point. To be fair, I was last there on a weekend in May. I’d loved it in the past but I really disliked the atmosphere. But that may have been weekend-specific.

I thought about Southend but then decided not to suggest it. I would use the C2C route from Fenchurch Street.
A traditional East end of London seaside resort.
It has the world's longest pier at over a mile long, so long it has its own railway. Seals are quite a common site off the pier.
I have to admit that the centre of Southend is rather tired in parts.
But Westcliff, the previous station, where I was in digs for 10 years, is rather more genteel. Interestingly Westcliff has quite a visibly large Jewish population.
I would also stop at Leigh on Sea and go down to the old town for the seafood stalls at the little harbour.
Tomassi's Italian restaurant is a good place to eat in Southend itself, been there since 1932, although the family had an ice cream shop from pre WW1 in County Durham.
Lowering the gastronomic tone quite a few notches Southend is also a good place for pie and mash shops!!

I think G3rryCEE's idea is the best. They could watch some of the videos on this website. When my daughter was in college she wanted to do a daytrip to Brighton. I wasn't impressed, but thought the old-timey aquarium was interesting. We didn't go inside the Pavilion because I wasn't going to pay that much money and not be able to take photos .

Golden Girl basically wrote my Brighton comment for me! :-)

We were there last weekend with friends (my 4th or 5th visit) and it reinforced my impression of “slightly manky and run down - but fun!” which might or might not translate for a 15 and 11 year old.

That said, they’d probably love all the trinket stalls and ice cream shops and candy opportunities - and the video games etc. on the pier - and in April you could get a super pretty blue skies day - so I wouldn’t rule it out.

Oh - and the Pavilion is marvellous. But might bore tweens/teens.

I'm not all that keen on Brighton, but the Lanes are fun, the seaside railway is neat and very historic, and the Pavilion is mad.

But at the time you are visiting the seaside railway will likely be closed, the seaside will be blowy and not particularly attractive, the Pavilion did nothing for me.

I've had my fill of stags and hens. I don't know how sheltered, or not, your niece and nephew have been brought up but a number of the locals dress interestingly and don't hide the light under a bushel - to ruin a metaphor. But it can be quite entertaining.

Not for me in March.

I love the idea of Portsmouth. Again not knowing the kiddoes, would they lie a ride on a real genuine Hovercraft over to the Isle of Wight and back across the Solent? A look at the Royal Dockyards is free but the attractions cost - go on a submarine, the HMS Victory, take a trip on the river to the Explosion Museum (they make things go bang), and so much more, A short walk from the train station.

Also nearby is the Spinnaker where you can ride up many stories for great views over the Solent.

Plenty in a day trip.

I also like the idea of asking them to plan a day for the other. That could be eye opening.

If they are the type who would like a castle, Dover is a great one. It was never taken by force, and you can see why. There are programs for children. They might like the White Cliffs, too.

A lot of good ideas here- tho personally I think the weather that time of year in Brighton might impact how much you enjoy the trip. It will be average of 6C/45F and very likely rainy. However, the shops and the Pavilion (which I've really enjoyed and kids might like) are indoors. If you're looking to travel somewhere new that's on the coast I would also suggest the Kent coast, especially Whitstable/Margate/Broadstairs/Ramsgate. They're easy to get to from London (fast train from St Pancras) and easy to get between on the bus or walking. You can even do a nice day trip with both Canterbury and Whitstable which is all very easy on the train and bus (I've done that in March and tho it was a bit chilly we all really enjoyed it). Good luck with the planning.

Another idea would be either of London's Theme Parks-

Chessington World of Adventures (35 minute train ride from Waterloo, and it's in London Zone 6)-
or
Thorpe Park (train from Waterloo to Staines, then bus, or Bus from Heathrow Terminal 4 (implausibly) or Hatton Cross (the tube station just before Heathrow)

I like Brighton. The temperature at the end of March would be nearer 10C, I think, although rain is likely on at least some of your days in the UK.

It’s easy to get to and the sights are an easy walk from the Station. As well as the Pavilion and the “old” Lanes (which are full of expensive shops) the “new” North Lanes - on the other side of North St - are full of all sorts of weird and wonderful shops, some cheap ish some not, and all sorts of exotic foods. Basically the woke-ist place I know.

BTW- Brighton is often described as the Gay capital of England (or even Europe). If this is an issue , then I’d suggest a day elsewhere.

G3rryCee, I sort of have been doing that but not in great detail. But I like the idea of having them research it ahead of time. i told them before I left that we would go out for sushi when i get back to discuss it more, but now maybe I'll give them some homework. They both love sushi so that should provide some motivation. And my granddaughter loves shopping so we would definitely be hitting some of the charity shops. And yes to Atlas Obscura! I totally forgot about that! Thanks!

BillS719, I do love Oxford, and if we decide on that, I will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks!

Gerry, Southend looks interesting and it's quicker to get to than Brighton, too. I will check it out—thank you!

acravan, we could go mid-week (we're there for 10 nights). I've always wanted to visit the Royal Pavilion, since it was prominently featured in several of the Georgette Heyer Regency books, but not sure that's a good enough reason to bring them. Thanks!

Stuart, Westcliff and Leigh-on-Sea both sound interesting also! Is pie-and-mash the dish that comes with eels? They might enjoy the novelty of that, lol!

cala, evidently the Royal Pavilion has changed its policy. I just checked and they do allow photography without flash. In fact, they encourage you to share your photos on social media. :-)

Volva and Nigel, I'm sort of rethinking Brighton as I do think that part of its appeal would lie in the weather. Although one thing I could do is leave a few days completely open, and if the weather is nice, maybe we just pick one of the seaside places at random. FWIW, they have not been sheltered so campy queens on the boardwalk would not faze them. :-) Nigel, I do like the idea of Portsmouth, though. I'm going to discuss that with them.

Amelot, I did enjoy the cliffs of Dover but not sure that and the castle would warrant a trip there. We are spending a day at Hampton Court Palace, although it's not your typical castle. :-) Thanks for the suggestion!

Cat VH, thanks for those suggestions! If I was going for history, I might consider Canterbury or even Hastings. But that would be for me, not them. I'm not sure how that would appeal to them, but it's definitely something I will bring up with them. And I will look at the Kent coast idea—that sounds nice!

Stuart, I really hate theme parks so it would have to be extra-special to get me there. :-) But I'll check them out and see what the kids think. Thanks!

BillS179, I'm still on the fence about Brighton at this time. But no worries about gays. I have 2 cousins, 1 niece, 2 nephews and quite a few good friends who are gay so it's never been a problem for me. :-)

Offering different options:

https://www.queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk/explore-park

Climbing the O2
Go ape in Battersea Park
Transport Museum
Portobello Road and Camden Market

Have they ever watched Wimbledon? Museum and tour there if there’s interest.

The Royal Observatory at Greenwhich. The view alone is fabulous.

Mardee,

Yes- Pie, Mash, Liquor and Jellied Eels. Liquor in this context is parsley sauce, not alcohol.

By the way I am at least being honest that the centre of town is not at it's best. Technically Southend is a city now. I was last there about 18 months ago (meeting a friend from University Days) and was somewhat surprised at how the central streets (not the seaside resort part ) side had gone the way of so many British high streets. Southend was made a city in the most unusual of circumstances- in memory of David Amess MP (Member of Parliament) who was murdered at a constituency meeting in 2021. An extraordinary event (especially for the UK) which shook the town to it's core.

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to the historic dockyard at Portsmouth, but my kids enjoyed it. I’m sure your grandchildren will like going round HMS Victory- the guides are good at explaining all the horrors of being a sailor in 1800 (presuming things are still much the same, you need to book a timed tour- do the booking first thing).

I’ve read several glowing reviews of the latest Mary Rose exhibition which covers life on a Tudor warship, although I haven’t seen it myself. That said, the previous incarnation was pretty good.

The only downside is the journey time to Portsmouth. Most trains to Portsmouth Harbour Station ( next to the entrance to the dockyard) take a bit over 2 hours. The quickest I could find was a little under 1 hour 40 minutes eg the services which leave Waterloo at 0800 or 0830. I’d guess the dockyard doesn’t open before 1000, so the earlier train might involve a few minutes of hanging around. But, by comparison, Brighton takes only an hour.

https://www.canalmuseum.org.uk/visit/boat-trips.htm?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAwaG9BhAREiwAdhv6Y9hDJGp3zdZz333ygEwZUxgrv_mDdcGjbmLCd7-C2hbfZ-6fNr_V2RoC5QUQAvD_BwE

How about this?
Boat trips on London’s canal system.

I visit Brighton quite regularly because my brother used to live there and still lives nearby. It’s a funny place really. Very desirable residential areas and extremely high house prices combined with the tacky pier and quite grotty in parts sea front and city centre. On warm weekends the place is absolutely heaving with day trippers, a lot of whom will be drunk.

Hove (which Brighton merges into) seafront is nicer but I went to Hove Lagoon one grey wintery day and it was honestly quite unbelievably bleak. Fat Boy Slim owns the cafe there and is Hove’s most famous resident.

People often describe Bristol (where I live) and Brighton as twins separated at birth. Both have strong Green Party support and an excess of old ravers and alternative lifestyle people.

I was replying to another poster on this forum and thought of you....have you considered going to Bristol? The Clifton Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain would appeal to your grandchildren, I think.