Family days out in a post-coronavirus world

Do you need ideas for a family day out?

In a COVID-19 world, it’s hard to know where you can and can’t go for family outings, day trips, and afternoons out with the kids.

I’ve been investigating the different options in and around West London (less than 1hr from Ealing) and have compiled a list below of recommendations (and their current lockdown restrictions), accurate at as 16/07/2020.

Coronavirus sucks

I’ve already written here about how coronavirus has impacted our lives, and the struggles we’ve had to endure as parents (not to belittle the struggles non-parents have also been through), so I won’t repeat myself, other to say that all parents are awesome considering what they’ve been through this year.

Our lives are made harder at the moment as it’s so hard to know where you can go for mornings out, and what restrictions are in place, so I’ve compiled a list for lockdown-friendly family trips.

Where to go this Summer 2020

It’s Summer 2020. We’re still in lockdown… sort of. In England, playgrounds have been open since the 4th of July, but many families may be avoiding such places for various reasons (reducing exposure risk, to shield family members, etc.).

Luckily, there are still PLENTY of options for family days out and afternoon activities (some activities will have links to longer reviews and photos from our own visits):

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Currently OPEN with restrictions (as at 16/07/2020)

• Hanwell Zoo
  • Limited numbers. Pre-book for a 1hr slot.
• Osterley Park (National Trust)
  • Pre-book parking, rope swings closed on nature trail, manor house currently closed.
• Ruislip railway / lido / woods
  • Railway and woods open, but beach and playground closed. Cafe open for takeaways only. Cash-only meters in visitors parking.
• Gruffalo Trail (Horsenden Hill)
  • Horsenden Farm car park closed, but parking opposite Ballot Box pub available. Parking also available on residential roads south of the canal.
• Copas Farm, Iver & Langley Park
  • Pre-booked fruit-picking slot essential. Parking, cafe, playground and toilets now open at Langley Park (which is just down the road from Copas Farm, Iver)
• Rickmansworth Aquadrome
  • Cafe open for takeaways only. Toilets closed at cafe, but open near the Waterski Club. Car parks open.
• Cliveden House (National Trust)
  • Pre-book for entry. Gardens, woods, kids play trail, and toilets open. Cafe open for takeaway only. Bookshop, maze and playground all closed. Main car park is open, but woodland car park is closed.
• Runnymede (National Trust)
  • Car park open, but on a first-come-first-served basis. Cafe closed.
• Museum of Water & Steam
  • Garden open only, 16th July – 29th August Thursdays-Saturdays only, 11am-3pm. Free entry.
• Ham House (National Trust)
  • Pre-book parking. Gardens, toilets and cafe open, manor closed.
• Virginia Water / Windsor Great Park
  • Pavillion, toilets and playground closed. Some takeaway catering available. Recommended to park at Savill car park first. Parking closed at Valley Gardens. Pre-book for entry to Savill Garden.
• Black Park
  • Parking, cafe, playground and limited toilets now open.
• Odds Farm
  • Pre-booking essential for entry, with designated timeslot.
• Lego Land
  • Pre-booking essential for entry. Running at reduced capacity, so blessedly short queues.
• Windsor Liquid Leisure
  • Pre-booking essential for entry.

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Still CLOSED (as at 16th July 2020):

• Natural History Museum
  • Open from 5th August for pre-booked timeslots.
• Science Museum
  • Open from 19th August, pre-book only, including separate pre-booked tickets for Wonderlab.
• V&A Museum
  • Selected galleries reopening from 6th August, Thursdays-Sundays only, 11am-3pm.

No confirmed reopening dates as yet (16/07/2020):

• London Transport Museum
• Hounslow Urban Farm
• Ravenscourt Park paddling pool
• London Sea Life Centre (aquarium)
• Shrek’s Adventure
• Shepperton Lakes

Obviously the usual social distancing rules apply to any family trip out of the house; keeping your distance from others, washing hands, using hand gel, sneezing and coughing into tissues, minimising use of public transport, facemasks if wanted/required, etc… Of course, this is all on the basis that you’re not presenting any symptoms. Please keep up-to-date on latest guidelines using the government website.