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Looking for inspiration for family days out by train? The Hull Trains route connects families to some of the UK's most exciting destinations, making it easy to swap traffic jams, parking costs and travel stress for a comfortable train journey together. From the historic attractions of Hull and the charming streets of Beverley to the world-famous sights of London, there are plenty of memorable days out waiting just a train ride away.
Travelling by train is not only one of the simplest ways to explore with children, but it can also offer great value. Children benefit from discounted fares, while families visiting the capital can take advantage of Hull Trains' 2FOR1 London attractions offer, helping you get even more from your day out. Whether you're planning a local adventure or a big family trip to London, this guide highlights some of the very best family-friendly destinations along the Hull Trains route.
The Deep - Hull's most famous family attraction, The Deep is one of the UK's largest aquariums and home to thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays and penguins. It's suitable for all ages and it's packed with interactive displays and fascinating exhibits, making it one of the top things to do in Hull with kids. As a paid attraction, it's worth allowing at least half a day to make the most of your visit.
Dinostar - Perfect for younger dinosaur enthusiasts, Dinostar is a small but engaging attraction featuring fossils, skeletons and hands-on exhibits. Best suited to children under 10, it's an ideal 2 to 3 hour visit and is within walking distance of Hull Paragon station located on the popular Humber Street. It's a great option for families looking for educational things to do in Hull that still feel like an adventure.
Hull Museums Quarter - Located in the heart of the city, the Hull Museums Quarter brings together several free attractions in one easy to explore area, making it ideal for family days out by train. Families can step between interactive galleries and historic exhibits that bring the city’s past to life, offering a mix of hands-on learning suitable for all ages. It’s a brilliant option for things to do in Hull for families, especially if you want to combine multiple experiences in a single visit.
Hull Maritime Museum & Spurn Lightship - After brand new renovations, both of these maritime related attractions bring Hull's maritime heritage to life and are a great addition to any day out in Hull. The historic Spurn Lightship has been transformed into a floating museum offering a unique glimpse into life at sea. It's free to visit and suitable for all ages. The Maritime Museum has many active exhibits, fascinating artefacts and stories of the city's seafaring past (this museum is due to reopen in Summer 2026).
Bonus Trip: Beverley - Beverley is perfect for a relaxed day out. Explore the Beverley Minster, one of the finest Gothic churches in England and completely free to enter. Browse the town's market squares, independent shops and cafés that make Beverley a lovely place to wander at your own pace. If you're looking for more things to do in Beverley, the town's compact centre makes it easy to explore on foot and a stress-free addition to your family day out. Discover more in our Beverley destination guide.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park - One of the UK’s leading wildlife parks, this award-winning attraction is home to over 400 animals including lions, polar bears, rhinos and giraffes. It’s suitable for all ages and makes a full day adventure ideal for families, though it does require a short taxi or bus journey from Doncaster station. If you're planning things to do in Doncaster with kids, this is the standout choice for a great day out.
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens - This preserved Victorian country house offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th century life, surrounded by beatiful gardens perfect for exploring on warm summer days. Suitable for all ages, it’s a paid attraction that works well as a relaxed half day visit. Families looking for a mix of history and outdoor space will find it a strong option among things to do in Doncaster.
Conisbrough Castle - Conisbrough Castle is home to one of the oldest circular keeps in England and offers a real step back into medieval history. It's ideal for children aged 5+ and it features interactive displays and plenty of space to explore, making it a great 2 to 3 hour visit. It’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Doncaster for families looking for a shorter trip from the station area.
For a full-day experience, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is the standout attraction, while Conisbrough Castle is ideal if you’re looking for something closer and more compact. Explore more in our Doncaster destination guide.
Belton House - A stunning National Trust property set within expansive parkland, Belton House is ideal for a full outdoor family day. Children of all ages can enjoy the deer park, adventure playground and wide open spaces, making it especially good for toddlers through to teenagers. It’s a paid attraction and one of the best things to do in Grantham with kids if you’re looking for fresh air and freedom to explore.
Easton Walled Gardens - A beautifully restored Elizabethan walled garden offering a peaceful and seasonal escape, Easton Walled Gardens is best suited to families looking for a slower paced visit. It is suitable for all ages and works well as a relaxed half-day outing with plenty of space to wander and explore. As a paid attraction, it’s particularly enjoyable during peak blooming seasons, so opening times should be checked before planning your visit.
Woolsthorpe Manor - Why not visit the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton! See his actual apple tree and enjoy interactive, hands-on science exhibits for kids Woolsthorpe Manor. The highlights of this attraction include the historic house, the apple tree, science centre and a gift shop. Check their website for opening hours and book time slots.2
Platform 9¾ - Once you arrive at London King's Cross, Platform 9¾ is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans and a perfect first stop. It’s free, suitable for all ages, and makes a fun photo opportunity to kick off your day of exploring things to do in King’s Cross with kids. Don't miss the Harry Potter shop located right next to it too! Please note there are often queues for the photo opportunity.
Natural History Museum - Around 45 minutes by tube from King’s Cross, the Natural History Museum is one of London’s most iconic attractions and completely free to enter. Best suited to all ages, it’s packed with fascinating exhibits, with the dinosaur gallery being a highlight for younger children. It’s ideal for a half day and one of the top picks for family days out by train in London.
Science Museum - Located next door to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum offers a hands on, interactive experience that’s best suited to children aged 5+. With engaging galleries covering space, engineering and technology, it’s easy to combine with the Natural History Museum for a full day of free, educational fun.
ZSL London Zoo - Set in Regent’s Park and accessible via tube from King’s Cross, London Zoo is one of the city’s most popular family attractions. Suitable for all ages, it features hundreds of animal species and immersive habitats, making it a full day activity. It’s also a key highlight of the Hull Trains train days out 2 for 1 offer, helping families save on a popular London attraction.
For the best itinerary, Platform 9¾, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are all easy to link together. For families looking to use the 2 for 1 London attractions offer, ZSL London Zoo is the standout option.
Ready to plan your next family adventure? Booking with Hull Trains means a comfortable, stress-free journey with free WiFi, USB and plug charging points, table seating and free kids activity packs available onboard to keep little ones entertained from start to finish. Visit our Travelling with Children page for top tips and head to our blog for things to do on a train with kids.
Book your Hull Trains tickets today!
Travelling by train is not only one of the simplest ways to explore with children, but it can also offer great value. Children benefit from discounted fares, while families visiting the capital can take advantage of Hull Trains' 2FOR1 London attractions offer, helping you get even more from your day out. Whether you're planning a local adventure or a big family trip to London, this guide highlights some of the very best family-friendly destinations along the Hull Trains route.
Days Out in Hull with Kids
Some of the best family days out by train can be found right at the heart of Hull. With many attractions within easy reach of Hull Paragon Station, it's a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun, affordable and hassle-free day out.The Deep - Hull's most famous family attraction, The Deep is one of the UK's largest aquariums and home to thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, stingrays and penguins. It's suitable for all ages and it's packed with interactive displays and fascinating exhibits, making it one of the top things to do in Hull with kids. As a paid attraction, it's worth allowing at least half a day to make the most of your visit.
Dinostar - Perfect for younger dinosaur enthusiasts, Dinostar is a small but engaging attraction featuring fossils, skeletons and hands-on exhibits. Best suited to children under 10, it's an ideal 2 to 3 hour visit and is within walking distance of Hull Paragon station located on the popular Humber Street. It's a great option for families looking for educational things to do in Hull that still feel like an adventure.
Hull Museums Quarter - Located in the heart of the city, the Hull Museums Quarter brings together several free attractions in one easy to explore area, making it ideal for family days out by train. Families can step between interactive galleries and historic exhibits that bring the city’s past to life, offering a mix of hands-on learning suitable for all ages. It’s a brilliant option for things to do in Hull for families, especially if you want to combine multiple experiences in a single visit.
Hull Maritime Museum & Spurn Lightship - After brand new renovations, both of these maritime related attractions bring Hull's maritime heritage to life and are a great addition to any day out in Hull. The historic Spurn Lightship has been transformed into a floating museum offering a unique glimpse into life at sea. It's free to visit and suitable for all ages. The Maritime Museum has many active exhibits, fascinating artefacts and stories of the city's seafaring past (this museum is due to reopen in Summer 2026).
Bonus Trip: Beverley - Beverley is perfect for a relaxed day out. Explore the Beverley Minster, one of the finest Gothic churches in England and completely free to enter. Browse the town's market squares, independent shops and cafés that make Beverley a lovely place to wander at your own pace. If you're looking for more things to do in Beverley, the town's compact centre makes it easy to explore on foot and a stress-free addition to your family day out. Discover more in our Beverley destination guide.
Family Days Out in Doncaster
Doncaster is a brilliant option for family days out by train thanks to its direct connection on the Hull Trains route and easy onward access to a mix of outdoor adventures, history and hands-on attractions. For families looking for train days out for kids, it offers everything from wildlife encounters to castles and museums, all within a short journey of the station.Yorkshire Wildlife Park - One of the UK’s leading wildlife parks, this award-winning attraction is home to over 400 animals including lions, polar bears, rhinos and giraffes. It’s suitable for all ages and makes a full day adventure ideal for families, though it does require a short taxi or bus journey from Doncaster station. If you're planning things to do in Doncaster with kids, this is the standout choice for a great day out.
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens - This preserved Victorian country house offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th century life, surrounded by beatiful gardens perfect for exploring on warm summer days. Suitable for all ages, it’s a paid attraction that works well as a relaxed half day visit. Families looking for a mix of history and outdoor space will find it a strong option among things to do in Doncaster.
Conisbrough Castle - Conisbrough Castle is home to one of the oldest circular keeps in England and offers a real step back into medieval history. It's ideal for children aged 5+ and it features interactive displays and plenty of space to explore, making it a great 2 to 3 hour visit. It’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Doncaster for families looking for a shorter trip from the station area.
For a full-day experience, Yorkshire Wildlife Park is the standout attraction, while Conisbrough Castle is ideal if you’re looking for something closer and more compact. Explore more in our Doncaster destination guide.
Things to Do in Grantham with Kids
Grantham is a great option for family days out by train if you’re looking for something a little different without heading all the way into London. It offers plenty of choice for a relaxed or action packed family stop off.Belton House - A stunning National Trust property set within expansive parkland, Belton House is ideal for a full outdoor family day. Children of all ages can enjoy the deer park, adventure playground and wide open spaces, making it especially good for toddlers through to teenagers. It’s a paid attraction and one of the best things to do in Grantham with kids if you’re looking for fresh air and freedom to explore.
Easton Walled Gardens - A beautifully restored Elizabethan walled garden offering a peaceful and seasonal escape, Easton Walled Gardens is best suited to families looking for a slower paced visit. It is suitable for all ages and works well as a relaxed half-day outing with plenty of space to wander and explore. As a paid attraction, it’s particularly enjoyable during peak blooming seasons, so opening times should be checked before planning your visit.
Woolsthorpe Manor - Why not visit the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton! See his actual apple tree and enjoy interactive, hands-on science exhibits for kids Woolsthorpe Manor. The highlights of this attraction include the historic house, the apple tree, science centre and a gift shop. Check their website for opening hours and book time slots.2
Things to Do Near King’s Cross with Kids
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Hull Trains for family days out by train is arriving directly into the heart of London King’s Cross where you can get fantastic value with Hull Trains’ 2FOR1 London attractions offer. It’s a brilliant way to make the most of your time in the capital, turning a day out into an affordable adventure with access to some of the UK’s best museums and family experiences.Platform 9¾ - Once you arrive at London King's Cross, Platform 9¾ is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans and a perfect first stop. It’s free, suitable for all ages, and makes a fun photo opportunity to kick off your day of exploring things to do in King’s Cross with kids. Don't miss the Harry Potter shop located right next to it too! Please note there are often queues for the photo opportunity.
Natural History Museum - Around 45 minutes by tube from King’s Cross, the Natural History Museum is one of London’s most iconic attractions and completely free to enter. Best suited to all ages, it’s packed with fascinating exhibits, with the dinosaur gallery being a highlight for younger children. It’s ideal for a half day and one of the top picks for family days out by train in London.
Science Museum - Located next door to the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum offers a hands on, interactive experience that’s best suited to children aged 5+. With engaging galleries covering space, engineering and technology, it’s easy to combine with the Natural History Museum for a full day of free, educational fun.
ZSL London Zoo - Set in Regent’s Park and accessible via tube from King’s Cross, London Zoo is one of the city’s most popular family attractions. Suitable for all ages, it features hundreds of animal species and immersive habitats, making it a full day activity. It’s also a key highlight of the Hull Trains train days out 2 for 1 offer, helping families save on a popular London attraction.
For the best itinerary, Platform 9¾, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are all easy to link together. For families looking to use the 2 for 1 London attractions offer, ZSL London Zoo is the standout option.
Ready to plan your next family adventure? Booking with Hull Trains means a comfortable, stress-free journey with free WiFi, USB and plug charging points, table seating and free kids activity packs available onboard to keep little ones entertained from start to finish. Visit our Travelling with Children page for top tips and head to our blog for things to do on a train with kids.
Book your Hull Trains tickets today!
Family Friendly Days Out By Train FAQs
Where can I visit by train with kids on the Hull Trains route?
The Hull Trains route offers a wide range of family days out by train, making it easy to plan everything from short local trips to big city adventures. In Hull, families can visit The Deep, Dinostar and the Museums Quarter for hands on educational fun, while Doncaster is home to the award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park for a full day with animals. Grantham offers outdoor and historic days out such as Belton House, Woolsthorpe Manor and Easton Walled Gardens, and London provides access to world-class attractions including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and ZSL London Zoo.
How do I get cheap family train tickets?
Train travel is more affordable for families than you might think. Children aged under 5 travel free, while children aged 5 to 15 get 50% off most adult fares, making family journeys more cost-effective. For even greater savings, the Family & Friends Railcard offers discounts of up to 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off child fares when travelling together. Booking in advance is a simple way to secure the lowest available prices for your trip.
