1 / 6Buckinghamshire packs an incredible range of family days out into one county, from miniature villages and codebreaking history to animal farms, theme parks and Chiltern woodland. Whether you have toddlers who want to feed goats or older kids fascinated by wartime secrets, here are eight brilliant days out with the children that we can genuinely recommend across Buckinghamshire.
🎟️See things to do in Buckinghamshire on GetYourGuide →Bekonscot Model Village & Railway
In Beaconsfield you'll find the world's oldest original model village, set across 1.5 acres of gardens filled with finely detailed 1930s model buildings, a ride-on miniature railway and self-drive boats. Kids love exploring a miniature world built at their scale, riding the little railway and steering the boats, and there's a children's play area too. It's buggy-friendly and easy for the youngest visitors, making it a gentle, magical day out.
Bletchley Park
Over in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, this WW2 codebreaking heritage attraction is where the Enigma code was cracked, with restored huts, immersive exhibitions and a Victorian mansion set in atmospheric grounds. Families are well looked after with Top Secret Mission Packs, a £1 Secret Mission Booklet full of codebreaking tasks and stamping stations, plus an outdoor playground and plenty of grounds to run around. Under 12s go free, so it's great value for a full day of hands-on history.
Waddesdon Manor
Near Aylesbury, Waddesdon is a French Renaissance-style Rothschild chateau (National Trust) with landscaped gardens, an aviary, seasonal displays and sweeping Chiltern views. For families there's a Woodland Playground, the aviary (one of Europe's smallest zoos) and wide grounds to roam, plus family holiday activities through the year. Grounds-only tickets are ideal for younger families who want to spend the day outdoors rather than touring the house.
Odds Farm Park
At Wooburn Common near High Wycombe, Odds Farm Park is a family animal and adventure farm home to cows, pigs, sheep, goats and small animals, alongside large indoor and outdoor play areas. Children can pet and feed the farm animals, enjoy tractor rides and let off steam in a giant indoor Playbarn with slides and ball pits, a big water-play area, sandpit and mini golf. With so much to do it's easily a five-hour day for young kids.
Roald Dahl Museum & Story Centre
In the village of Great Missenden, where Roald Dahl lived and wrote, this award-winning interactive museum has three hands-on galleries and a replica of his famous Writing Hut. Aimed at 6 to 12 year olds, kids can dress up as characters, pose with Matilda, peek into Fantastic Mr Fox's living room and join free craft activities. There are also free family walks into the countryside that inspired his stories, making it a lovely mix of indoors and out.
Cliveden (National Trust)
At Taplow near Maidenhead, Cliveden is a grand estate with formal gardens, riverside woodland and a famous 500-metre hedge maze surrounding an Italianate mansion. Children love the maze (the same size as Hampton Court's), the Storybook Play Den with its carved wooden figures, and the water garden's lily ponds and bridges. With acres for picnics and running around, it's a wonderful all-weather outdoor day.
Gulliver's Land
Set at Willen Lake in Milton Keynes, Gulliver's Land is a theme park designed for children aged roughly 2 to 13, with rides and attractions spread across themed lands. It's purpose-built for families rather than teens or thrill-seekers, with age-appropriate rides, all-day access, no hidden extras and free parking. That focus on younger children makes it a stress-free, great-value day out for the whole family.
Wendover Woods
Near Aylesbury at Wendover, this Forestry England woodland site in the Chilterns offers waymarked trails, a play trail, Gruffalo sculptures and cycling routes. It's free to enter (you just pay for parking), with a natural play trail, den-building, cycling, tree-climbing and endless space for kids to run riot. It's a brilliant low-cost outdoor option that works in most weather.
Tips for a family day out
- Check opening times and pre-book tickets online where you can, especially in school holidays and at peak weekends.
- Take advantage of free or low-cost options like Wendover Woods and grounds-only tickets at Waddesdon Manor to balance the budget.
- Pack layers, waterproofs and a picnic — many of these days out are largely outdoors, and Cliveden and Wendover Woods have plenty of picnic spots.
- Match the day to your children's ages: Bekonscot, Odds Farm Park and Gulliver's Land suit younger kids, while Bletchley Park and the Roald Dahl Museum are great for older ones.
- Arrive early at the busier attractions to make the most of a full day and beat car park queues.
FAQs
What are the best free days out with kids in Buckinghamshire?
Wendover Woods is free to enter (you only pay for parking) with a play trail and Gruffalo sculptures, while grounds-only tickets at Waddesdon Manor keep costs down. Bletchley Park is also great value as under 12s go free.
Which Buckinghamshire days out are best for toddlers and young children?
Bekonscot Model Village is buggy-friendly and gentle, Odds Farm Park has animals and soft play, and Gulliver's Land is built for children from around age 2, so all three suit younger families.
Are these attractions good for a rainy day?
Odds Farm Park has a large indoor Playbarn and Bletchley Park offers indoor exhibitions and huts, while the Roald Dahl Museum's hands-on galleries are all under cover, so there are plenty of options when the weather turns.
🎟️ Top things to do in Buckinghamshire
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