Family Fun in London, Oxford & Bath: Wizards, Castles, Museums & Countryside - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in London, "Horrible Histories" Cruise Along the Thames 

Welcome to England! Upon arrival at the airport, you and your family will be met by your driver and transferred to your central London hotel. England's capital is a dynamic, family-friendly city filled with inspiring museums, parks, and attractions for kids of all ages and interests. Once you've checked in to your hotel and settled in, it's time to start your UK adventure with a cruise along the River Thames.

No ordinary river cruise, this 45-minute tour is based on the award-winning children's BBC TV show and book series "Horrible Histories." As you glide along the Thames with your family, your guide will enthrall the kids (and adults) with London's history as you see sights, including the Tower of London, London Bridge, the Palace of Westminster, and more. Expect gruesome, witty stories that capture the kids' imaginations with a re-telling of London's history that will inspire them for the rest of the trip.

Day 3: Day Trip to Hampton Court Palace & Magic Gardens

Hampton Court Palace lies in the leafy Greater London suburb of Kingston upon Thames, and today, you'll take a short train journey from Waterloo Station and step back in time to the opulent world of Tudor and Stuart monarchs. If the little ones were paying attention to their "Horrible Histories" cruise, they'll know this famous palace is the one-time home of King Henry VIII. On a family-friendly guided tour, you'll wind your way through the grand state apartments, marvel at the ornate tapestries, and see the famous Tudor kitchens where the corpulent king's grand feasts were prepared.

Families are particularly well catered to at the palace, and the kids can immerse themselves in interactive exhibits, try on Tudor costumes, and take part in historical re-enactments. The fun continues outside, too. Weave your way through Hampton Court's famous maze, stroll through the formal gardens to the enchanting rose garden, and end your day with a visit to the Magic Gardens. If the little ones need to burn off some energy, this is the place. With tunnels, slides, rope swings, aerial walkways, and battlements to climb, there's plenty to engage everyone from curious toddlers to whimsical tweens. 

Day 4: Chauffeured "Harry Potter" Tour of London, Rooftop Cinema Experience

Fans of the boy wizard are in for a treat today as you and your family follow in the footsteps of Harry and friends with a two-hour "Harry Potter"-themed tour around the capital. To make the experience extra special, you'll also have a private chauffeur, along with your guide, to help ferry little legs across the city. Start at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, where the Weasley's Ford Anglia takes off in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," and see key sights mentioned in the tales, such as London Zoo, where Harry makes a window disappear in the Reptile House, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square.

The tour finishes at the iconic King's Cross Platform 9 ¾, where your guide will help choreograph you and your family for the perfect shot. In the evening, you'll combine views of the world-famous London skyline with an open-air rooftop cinema experience. Sit back and relax in your comfy deck chair (blankets are provided if the weather's nippy) while you and the kids snuggle up and watch an iconic movie with state-of-the-art wireless headphones. Your backdrop is the city skyline with views over landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, and St Paul's Cathedral. 

Day 5: Explore the Tower of London, Family-Friendly Food Tour of Borough Market

This morning, the kids will be able to put all their newfound Tudor knowledge to the test with a guided tour of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, this landmark has served as a castle, a royal palace, a prison, and a place of execution. As you and the kids step back in time and explore the ancient corridors, your guide will help bridge the gap between history and imagination with tales of ravens, ghosts, and Tudor kings and queens.

Part ways with your guide, and if all that exploring has helped build an appetite, you're in luck. You and your family will spend the afternoon on a guided tour of London's famous Borough Market. Stroll beneath the restored Victorian railway archways and hear how the market has evolved over the centuries (there's been a market on the site since the 12th century) while you feast on fresh produce and introduce the kids to delicacies from all over the world, as well as plenty of sweet treat options and crowd pleasers. 

Day 6: Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Ampersand Science Afternoon Tea

You've ticked off foodie London's history, royalty, and food, and today, you and your family will delve into the natural world with a guided tour of the Natural History Museum. Perfect for kids of all ages, the museum has 36 permanent galleries spread over four zones that explore the history and evolution of our planet. Little ones will undoubtedly make a beeline for the Dinosaur Gallery to see the T Rex skeleton, while the whole family will be astonished to see the jaw-dropping blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling and measuring 82 feet (25 m) in length.

After your tour, there's more curiosity to be kindled at the Science Museum, just a minute's walk away. The kids will delight in the vast number of interactive displays that encourage exploration, problem-solving, and creativity, and there's plenty to keep teens and adults enthused, too. Don't miss the Wonderlab gallery, where you and your family can watch spectacular live science demonstrations. 

It wouldn't be a trip to England without at least one afternoon tea, and you'll even manage to keep the science and dinosaur theme going as you head to the nearby Ampersand Hotel for a midafternoon feast. Take your seat in the Drawing Rooms, and you'll be served an elegant and creative spread that delivers refined sandwiches, scones, cakes, and pastries with interactive flair and an imaginative twist! Sip on Champagne and nibble indulgent bites while the kids tuck into the Ampersand's award-winning Sci-Fi Tea.

Day 7: Visit Warner Bros. Studio, Tour the "Harry Potter" Film Set

The "Harry Potter" theme continues apace this morning with a behind-the-scenes tour of the fantasy films' movie sets at the Warner Bros. Studio. Your foray into the wizarding world starts just where Harry's did, in the cupboard under the stairs. Then, after an introductory video featuring favorite cast characters, you'll be welcomed into the Hogwarts Great Hall, where no detail has been spared. With the dining table set for a feast, you'll see the costumes and wigs worn by prominent cast members and witness the talent, craftsmanship, and imagination that went into bringing this beloved world to life. 

The tour continues to many more familiar sets with plenty of famous characters. You'll stop at the Forbidden Forest, see masked Death Eaters, visit Aragog's Lair, walk along iconic Platform 9¾, and step inside the Hogwarts Express. The kids will be bowled over when you finally reach Diagon Alley, home to dusty Ollivanders Wand Shop, where inside, you'll find 17,000 individually labeled wand boxes.

Day 8: Drive to Oxford, Chauffeured Punting Trip & Picnic 

Today marks the start of your adventure west, when, after breakfast, you pick up your rental car and drive a couple of hours northwest to Oxford. Dubbed the "City of Dreaming Spires," the town is home to one of England's oldest and most prestigious universities. Once you've checked in to your hotel and settled the kids, you'll head down to the riverbank for a relaxing tour of the city along the River Cherwell. You'll travel on a chauffeured punt (flat-bottomed riverboat), gliding gently along the water and passing the city's iconic sights as you and your family enjoy a light lunch from a picnic hamper.

Your knowledgeable chauffeur will point out landmarks such as Christ Church College (where Lewis Carroll taught in the mid-19th century and wrote "Alice in Wonderland"), the lush Botanic Gardens, and the playing fields of Magdalen College. Afterward, you'll return to the boathouse, where the rest of the afternoon is yours to relax back at the hotel or head out for dinner at one of the town's family-friendly restaurants. 

Day 9: "Harry Potter" Tour of Oxford University, Pitt-Rivers Museum

If yesterday was all about seeing Oxford's college backs from the water, today's half-day tour focuses on the famous university's interior, woven together with a family-friendly "Harry Potter"-themed tour. You'll start with a visit to the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest in Europe; it's home to over 13 million books. See the Bodleian's historic rooms, including Duke Humfrey's Library and the Divinity School, whose historic interiors and Gothic vaulted ceilings have featured in the films of J.K. Rowling's much-loved books. 

After exploring the libraries, you and the kids will tour New College and Christ Church while your guide reveals behind-the-scenes stories about the production and actors and the many similarities between Oxford and Hogwarts. Then, follow in the footsteps of Harry, Hermione, and Ron as you wander the staircase at Christ Church, which leads to the college's Tudor Dining Hall, whose resplendent interior, filled with ancient portraits, inspired the Hogwarts Dining Hall. Along the way, you'll not only learn the history of the colleges but test your Hogwarts knowledge with a themed family quiz. 

If the last nine days have fired up the kids' thirst for adventure, there's no better place to take them next than the Pitt-Rivers Museum. Founded in 1884 by General Pitt-Rivers, the museum is filled with fascinating objects, ranging from centuries-old weaponry to ancient boats and toys, celebrating human ingenuity across the globe. After a few hours of roaming the galleries and exhibitions, you'll return to your hotel, where you can take a breather ahead of this evening's dinner plans.

The UK has its fair share of castles, 4,000 to be precise, and Warwick Castle regularly makes the top 10 list. Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, the medieval fortress is also brilliant for families. Set out early for the one-hour drive north to make the most of the castle and its attractions. Visit the Great Hall, walk the castle's ramparts, and head down to the dungeon. You and the kids will hear plenty of spellbinding tales and ancient legends from your guide while outside; activities including falconry, jousting shows, archery, and a "Horrible Histories" maze are sure to be big hits with the kids.

Once the kids have tired themselves out, hop back in the car and embark on a tour of the Cotswolds. Armed with a beautifully designed treasure trail map, you and your family will explore the area's rolling green hills, thatched-roof cottages, and ancient church towers. Task the kids with spotting historical landmarks from the Roman Britain era and stop to visit the picture-postcard villages of Stow-on-the-Wold, Chipping Campden, and Bourton-on-the-Water. 

Day 11: Tour the Cotswolds (Southern Loop), Drive to Bath

Today, you're off to Bath. One of the jewels of southern England, its vast array of architectural gems and Georgian architecture has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The surrounding countryside is quintessential England, and you'll have time to appreciate this close-up as you take your time on the drive southwest, weaving your way through country roads to tour the southern loop of the Cotswolds Discovery Trail at your own pace. 

There's more Roman history and landmarks to be discovered, and your first stop is Cirencester, home to the remains of one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in Britain. Continue to Bibury, a picture-perfect village along the River Coln; home to the Arlington Row of Weaver's Cottages, the town remains one of the most photographed places in the Cotswolds. You'll want to take your time here and stroll the quiet lanes before hopping back in the car and following the river through a series of postcard-worthy villages along the Coln Valley.

Other highlights include the lookout point of Painswick Beacon, where a short hike to the top reveals sweeping views of the area, and the village of Painswick, dubbed the "Queen of the Cotswolds." Your last stop before reaching Bath is Minchinhampton, a market town perched on a hill amid fields filled with wildflowers and grazing cows. In around an hour, you'll arrive at your accommodation, where the evening is yours to hang out with the kids at the hotel or grab a bite to eat at one of the town's many family-friendly restaurants. 

Day 12: Longleat Wildlife Experience

Today, you'll combine adventure playgrounds, mischievous monkeys, adorable meerkats, and an astonishing 16th-century stately home with a visit to Longleat Safari Park. An easy 30-minute drive from Bath, the Longleat Estate is the family seat of the Marquesses of Bath and, since 1966, the first place outside of Africa to open a safari park. Spend the morning exploring the estate's play area, where the kids can opt for clambering, climbing, and whizzing through the air on ziplines at the Adventure Castle, while little ones can let their imaginations run wild in the Little Explorer's Garden.

Refuel with delicious stone-baked pizza at one of the on-site restaurants, then tackle Monkey Mayhem on a drive-through safari in your car. You'll encounter the park's myriad animals, which range from zebras, giraffes, and lions to crocodiles, koalas, and two-toed sloths. There's plenty to do outside the animal enclosures, too. Take a tour of the home's priceless artwork, grand libraries, and banqueting hall, ride on the scenic Longleat Railway, and lose yourselves in one of the world's largest hedge mazes. 

Day 13: Family-Friendly Bike Tour to Bradford-on-Avon, Owl Encounter

Your next stop after a well-earned lunch break is the village of Newton St Loe, a 10-15 minute drive west of Bath. Home to an award-winning bird of prey center, you and your family will get to meet your own "Hedwig" with a 1.5-hour Owl Encounter. Under the careful guidance of one of the instructors, you'll get to handle, feed, and fly three different owls varying in size and species. With plenty of opportunities to snap pics of the kids with their feathered friends, you'll learn about these wonderful birds' characteristics, hunting techniques, and habitats. 

Day 14: Drive to London via Stonehenge

It's your last morning in Bath, and you can make the most of your idyllic surroundings with a stroll to see the city's top sights, such as the Roman Baths, the Jane Austen Centre, Pulteney Bridge, and Bath Abbey. When you're ready, rally the troops and embark on the journey back to London. 

An hour into your drive, you'll stop to see one of the UK's most fascinating landmarks and a testament to human ingenuity: Stonehenge, a prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain. Explore the site at your own pace and discover the theories surrounding the construction of the mighty sarsens and bluestones at the visitor center. Although you and the kids won't be able to touch the stones themselves, you can get close enough for the mysterious stone circle to leave a lasting impression.

Afterward, you'll continue for another couple of hours on the drive back to London, where the afternoon is yours to relax at your hotel before raising a toast to your UK vacation with one final family meal in the capital. 

Day 15: Depart London

Your family holiday in England has come to an end. Round up the troops and meet your driver, ready for your transfer to the airport and flight home or onward journey. Safe travels!

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