Family Days Out In Surrey This Spring

Theme Parks

The thrill-seekers paradise that is Thorpe Park throws its gates open on 27 March 2020, ready for a season of family fun however big the kids are. Famed for its metal beasts, older and taller riders will delight at the thought of shooting through a head-spinning 10 loops on Colossus, or being propelled from 0-80mph in just 2 seconds up a vertical curve before flying back down to earth on Stealth. Smaller riders are catered for on the likes of fun water rides such as Depth Charge and Rumba Rapids – see the delight on their faces as you spin and bop through the course. Chessington World of Adventures also comes to life this month with 10 themed lands sure to engage imaginations, including Pirates’ Cove and Wild Asia. In addition to the popular theme park the zoo, SEA LIFE Centre, Go Ape centre and daily shows and activities are all on offer; enough to entertain families on numerous return visits.

Nonsuch Park

Ideal as a cheaper alternative to local paid attractions, Nonsuch Park, situated between Cheam and Ewell Village, makes for a great day out – at least when the weather’s on side. Evidence of Iron Age settlements, Domesday Book references and the infamous Henry VIII’s fondness for the park that once covered a much larger area all make this a greatly historic plot to explore. Reward the family’s efforts after a long stroll through the park with some homely fare in the Nonsuch Pantry Café, or hop back in the car if the evening begins to draw in, stopping off by a warming pub fire in a quaint local village.

Brooklands Museum

Brooklands has a jam-packed schedule this season in addition to the usual displays and exhibitions on the history of aviation and motorsport, all aiming to keep families occupied throughout the spring months. Young car enthusiasts will certainly be enthused by themed days such as March’s Brooklands Mini Day, where Mini Coopers of all ages and designs are invited onto the grounds, or April’s London Bus Museum Spring Gathering. Vintage festivals, talks aimed at older visitors and an eclectic programme of Easter Holiday Fun are a few more things you can expect this season.

Guildford Castle

March sees this historic, mysterious Surrey landmark reopen for the season. Although it is assumed the castle was constructed shortly after the Norman invasion of 1066, there are no documents to explain its original foundations. Find out more about what is known of the site’s origins in the tower as you read the interpretation panels at leisure. See what you can spot from the rooftop visitor platform as you take in the natural beauty of the area, before descending again to the charming grounds, flourishing with an array of colourful flora.

Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park and Zoo

Sprawling over 50 acres, Hobbledown houses a number of spaces open to visitors big and little, year round. The multi-level play village is ideal for toddlers to explore as parents take it in turns to sprawl out with a picnic blanket and supplies nearby, whilst adventurous kids over 1.3m will relish the high ropes challenge as they navigate wobbly bridges and tricky crossings 3.5m above ground. Wear them out, or at least try, with a session in the zorbing arena as they bounce around in the bizarre, giant inflatable balls. Intergenerational entertainment and education is provided in equal measure with the animal experiences. Led by the zookeepers, get close and personal with the likes of sheep, camels, meerkats and the popular alpacas.