Things to do

Leisure attractions across the UK offer special discounts for disabled people, and often, their carers too. You might need evidence for it, like a letter from the DLA or your blue badge. Places you can get discounts include:

• Theme parks – All Merlin Entertainment attractions including Alton Towers.
• Cinemas and theatres offer concessionary ticket prices – CEA Card gives free tickets to carers accompanying a disabled person to the cinema.
• London Zoo and UK zoos - see the ZSL London Zoo Access Card
• National Trust – a carer is allowed free entry with a disabled member.
• Many other events and leisure activities – always ask before you book.

Day trips near Waltham Forest

The following day trips have been recommended by local parents of children with SEND.

If you have any other suggestions for places to go and things to do, please send an email to localoffer@walthamforest.gov.uk. You can also email the Waltham Forest Parent Forum at walthamforestparentforum@live.co.uk

Ridgeway Park Miniature Railway

Ridgeway Park, Peel Close off Old Church Road Chingford E4 6XU

Sundays 2 to 5pm

Wednesday 7 to 9pm

Visit the Ridgeway Park page

Royal Gunpowder Mills, Waltham Abbey, Essex

Explore the secret history of gunpowder, explosives, and rocket propellants through engaging interactive exhibitions, science shows, and children's activities.

See the Royal Gunpowder Mills website

Audley End House Railway, Saffron Walden, Essex

Miniature railway and other attractions are nestled in the beautiful north Essex countryside.

Visit the Audley End Railway website

Epping Ongar Railway

Our vintage buses start from the front door of Epping and Shenfield stations, whisking you back in time with heritage steam and diesel trains.

See the Epping Ongar Railway website for more information.

Colne Valley Railway, Essex

A unique railway with a short running line. Family activities include:

• Full sized demonstration train ride
• Interactive Museum
• Interactive Indoor Model Railway
• Garden Model Railway
• Ride on Miniature Railway
• Signal box Visits
• Woodland Walk Educational Trail

Find out more on the Colne Valley Railway website

Hobbs Cross Farm, Theydon Garnon, Epping CM16 7NY

A modern working farm with breeding sows, beef cattle, sheep, hens, and goats. There is also a farm trail, playground, play barn, picnic area, restaurant/bar, and farm shop.

Call: 01992 814862

Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park

Lee Valley Park Farms is home to all those classic family favourites. With fantastic beasts, Alpine adventures, and a few prehistoric discoveries thrown in for good measure.

See the Lee Valley Farm website for more information.

Old MacDonald's Farm and Fun Park, Brentwood, Essex

Meet farm animals and enjoy family friendly attractions. You can also explore the indoor soft play areas and outdoor adventure play areas.

Visit the Old MacDonald's Farm website

Day trips further away

Thames RIB Experience

For those who like speed!  Take in the historical sights of London from Embankment or Tower Pier to Canary Wharf, or venture further to Greenwich and the Thames Barrier.  

Visit the Thames RIB Experience website

Willows Activity Farm, St Albans, Herts

A family activity farm with both indoor and outdoor activities

Willows Activity Farm website

Paradise Wildlife Park, Broxbourne, Herts

An animal park, previously known as Broxbourne Zoo

Paradise Wildlife Park website

The Gruffalo Trail, Thorndon Country Park, Essex

Discover the magic of the deep dark wood with this self-led trail searching for the amazing hand-crafted carvings of the Gruffalo characters.

Visit the Gruffalo Trail | Essex Wildlife Trust website for more information.

Great Notley Park, Chelmsford, Essex

Home to Essex's longest play trail and Sky Ropes, it's a perfect family day out.

Find out more on the Great Notley Country Park website

LEGOLAND, Windsor, Berkshire

A children's theme park and resort from Lego.

Visit the LEGOLAND website

Diggerland, Kent

Children and adults alike can ride, drive and operate REAL diggers, dumpers, and other full sized construction equipment.

Diggerland UK Theme Park website

Peppa Pig World, Paultons Park, Hampshire

An amusement park located in the New Forest National Park, near the village of Ower, Hampshire, with over 70 rides and attractions.

Visit the Peppa Pig World At Paultons Park website

Roald Dahl Museum, Great Missenden, Bucks

A great little family attraction about the famous children's author, right in the heart of Roald Dahl country, 

Visit the Roald Dahl Museum website for more information.

Sense-sational Festival!

Is a unique annual event at ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo welcoming children with special needs and their families. With more facilities and staff as well as interactive events and discounted entry, Special Children's Day is an exciting and exceptional event not to be missed.

Sense-sational Festival website

Accessible zoos in the UK

Animal Magic: Accessible zoos and animal parks website

Out and about in London

Transport for London 

Provides access to information about public transport in London (PDF)

Transport for All

Provides information and advice for disabled and older transport users in London..

Access London Theatre

Published three times a year, the Access London Theatre brochure features audio-described, captioned, signed, and relaxed performance listings. Available in large print, Braille and CD

SeatPlan

Reviews and rates theatre seats, and provides detailed access information about London theatres, including accessible seat numbers.

VisitLondon

London's official visitors guide.

Family holidays

Going on holiday can be difficult for lots of families. There are some useful advice, tips, and links available to help make the experience less challenging:

Disability and travel abroad on the GOV.UK website

Going on holiday on the autism website

Plan an accessible holiday with Disability charity Scope UK

UK Airport disabled access, Assistance and help with disabled holidays

Rough Guide to Accessible Britain on the Mobility website

Specialist disability holiday companies

Tailor-Made Disabled Holidays Abroad on the enabled website: Award-winning disabled holiday specialists providing accessible tailor-made holidays for wheelchair users with guaranteed adapted accommodation.

Limitless Travel provides Disabled friendly and accessible holidays.