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Father’s Day is the perfect time to show your dad just how much you love him. With 18 June fast approaching, if you’re wondering how you can make this year’s Father’s Day the best one yet, we’re here to help.
From theme parks to woodland retreats, we’ve created a list of the top things to do this Father’s Day. These thrilling days out are guaranteed to be loved by not just the dads but by the whole family. Dads shouldn’t have to drive on their special day; that’s why each location is easy to reach using our South Western Railway network.
The best indoor activities for Father’s Day
Come rain or shine; there are plenty of fun indoor activities to try with Dad on Father’s Day.
Enjoy a round of crazy golf
Challenge your dad to a round of crazy golf, one of the top rainy-day activities for families. Enjoy friendly competition with themed courses and quirky props, and see if anyone can get a hole-in-one! Here are some of the top crazy golf courses in London:
- Plonk Crazy Golf, London Bridge (Borough Market) – With graffiti walls and an urban skate park feel.
- Jurassic Encounter Adventure Golf – Life-size dinosaur figurines keep you company at this family-friendly mini golf course.
- Putt in the Park, Battersea – Outdoor mini golf with a delicious pizza restaurant.
Watch a theatre show
London’s theatre shows are some of the best in the world, with lavish stage sets and top actors. Many performances are held on Father’s Day. Some of the most spectacular shows include The Lion King, Wicked, Back to the Future and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Ready to book your tickets? Enjoy 10% off a variety of musicals and plays with SWR Rewards.
Our trains to London run frequently to central locations, including London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction.
Go bowling
There’s nothing like an old-school game of bowling to bring the family together on Father’s Day. Many bowling alleys promote Father’s Day deals and packages, like 2-for-1 games and free lunches. The South West is home to some of the best bowling alleys, so you won’t have to travel far for your fun-filled day out.
Solve a mystery at an escape room
Escape rooms are a fantastic option if your family prefers collaboration over competition, and there are many to choose from across the South West. You’ll work together to solve clues, puzzles and physical tasks to beat the clock and claim victory. At the end, there’s usually a fun photo opportunity where you can show off your win or admit defeat.
The best outdoor activities for Father’s Day
Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, so sunny weather should be on the cards. Treat your dad to one of these days out and make the most of the British summertime!
Visit a GoApe adventure centre
Thrill-seeking dads will love a trip to a Go Ape Adventure Centre. Channel your inner Tarzans as you swing through the treetops in a high ropes course that’s packed full of fun obstacles. With unstable platforms, climbing walls and ziplines, there’s lots to get your heart pumping.
There are several Go Ape locations across the UK, and the centres below are easy to reach on our network. When you buy train tickets direct with us you get 22% off the Tree Top Challenge at Go Ape for two people with SWR Rewards.
Go Ape Bracknell – Pack the most amount of fun into your day at Go Ape Bracknell, as this course comes with four adventures to choose from! The nearest train station is Martins Heron, a 30-minute walk away or a seven-minute taxi ride.
Go Ape Chessington – Thrill seekers can take on the Treetop Challenge in a sheer test of bravery and skill, while little ones can build their confidence on the slightly lower Treetop Adventure course. From Chessington South, take the number 71 bus to Chessington World of Adventures, then walk for 15 minutes from the theme park entrance.
Go Ape Southampton – Both treetop courses are on the upper level of the Go Ape height scale, requiring the utmost bravery. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of beautiful water meadows and woodland. From Southampton Airport Parkway, it’s an eight-minute taxi ride to Go Ape Southampton.
Go Ape Alice Holt – The high platforms and crossings on the Alice Holt Challenge course are ideal for thrill-seekers, while the Adventure route has been created for the younger, less experienced learners. Go Ape Alice Holt is a six-minute taxi ride from Bentley.
Go Ape Battersea Park – Battersea Park is the closest Go Ape facility to central London. You’ll need a head for heights for this course, as Battersea’s Treetop Challenge crossings are twice the height of most Go Ape locations. Queenstown Road is the nearest station to Go Ape Battersea Park. It’s an 18-minute walk, or you can catch the number 44 or 344 bus towards Clapham Junction.
Picnic at the park
A picnic at the park is a fun, low-cost activity, perfect for this time of year. Instead of heading to your local park, why not try somewhere new?
Richmond Park might only be 20 minutes away from central London, but its lush green fields span 2,500 acres, making it the perfect spot for bike rides, picnics, or leisurely strolls through the woodland. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a herd of wild deer.
How to get there: The nearest train station to Richmond Park is Richmond station. From the station, catch the number 371 or 65 bus to Petersham, then walk for around nine minutes.
Head to a theme park
Is dad a thrill seeker? Theme parks are a guaranteed fun day out! Many are easily accessible from our network, so you can treat your dad to a day off driving this Father’s Day.
Chessington World of Adventures
Create special Father’s Day memories and treat the whole family to a fun-packed day at Chessington World of Adventures. You’ll find plenty of thrills for people of all ages.
Once you’ve exhausted the rides, continue the fun at Chessington Zoo, or head to SEA LIFE for some underwater fun. Both the zoo and the aquarium are included in your theme park entry ticket.
How to get there: Chessington South is just a three-minute bus journey to the park entrance. From stop B, catch the number 71 to Chessington World of Adventures.
Thorpe Park
Thorpe Park has an exhilarating mix of high-speed rollercoasters and relaxing rides. Adrenaline junkie dads can make the most of over 30 thrilling rides and attractions, including Stealth, the UK’s fastest rollercoaster. You must be 1.4m or above for most of the bigger rides, but you’ll find plenty without restrictions for younger guests.
How to get there: The nearest station to Thorpe Park is Staines. From there, take the 950 Express Bus to Thorpe Park, which runs every 15-20 minutes.
Paulton’s Park
Paulton’s Park is a family theme park with six thrilling themed lands to explore, including the kid-favourite Peppa Pig World. There’s also a miniature zoo, six playgrounds in the theme park and beautiful gardens that make the perfect backdrop for a Father’s Day picnic.
How to get there: Catch the train to Southampton Central and continue with a 20-minute bus journey on the Salisbury Reds X7.
Visit an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The UK is home to an impressive 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so you won’t have to travel far to find a beautiful location this Father’s Day.
New Forest
The New Forest is the perfect day out for families of all ages, and since it’s relatively flat, it’s ideal for walking or cycling. It’s also home to 9,000 free-roaming ponies, donkeys and cattle, so you’ll never be short of some animal company.
How to get there: Head to Ashurst train station to begin your journey in the heart of the forest.
South Downs
Head to South Downs National Park for a memorable Father’s Day out. This national park welcomes thousands of visitors every year. With rolling green pastures, ancient woodlands and gushing streams, it has been named one of ‘Britain’s Best Breathing Spaces’.
How to get there: From Haslemere train station, catch the number 70 bus to Midhurst.
Dorchester
This historic town in Dorset has been attracting day-trippers for centuries thanks to its bustling market town atmosphere and charming shops, cafés, and restaurants. Nestled in the beautiful English countryside, Dorchester makes for the ideal day trip or a long weekend for the whole family.
How to get there: Dorchester South station is just a five-minute walk from the town centre.
Top London dining spots for Father's Day
Heading to England’s capital for Father’s Day? Here are some of the top places to dine:
The Abbey Tavern – Enjoy a Sunday roast and a Father’s Day pint at this vibrant Kentish Town pub
Mr White's Steak, Pizza & Gin House – Tuck into a selection of delicious eats and cocktails in a central London location, with a menu created by Marco Pierre White
The Jugged Hare – Visit London’s leading Gastro Pub restaurant for top-quality meat and wine
The New York Bar – The closest you’ll get to being in the Big Apple without leaving London, with a generous cocktail menu and scrumptious, American-inspired light bites.
Bar and Block – Steak and pints at numerous locations across London, including King’s Cross.
Southbank Centre Food Market – One of the best food markets in London, with many cuisines to choose from.
Top dining spots in the South West for Father's Day
If you’re dining in the South West this Father’s Day, here are some of the best restaurants:
The Larder House, Bournemouth – European bar and restaurant serving small plates and cocktails. Get there from Bournemouth station.
The Galley Bistro, Weymouth – Set in Weymouth’s picturesque harbour serving authentic pub food and carveries. Get there from Weymouth station.
Riverside Inn, Bournemouth – A stylish waterside pub in the heart of Bournemouth. Get there from Bournemouth station.
The Terrace, Exeter – This rooftop hangout serves delicious cocktails and nibbles. Get there from Exeter Central.
Luciano's, Dorchester – An authentic, al fresco Italian restaurant created by Marco Pierre White. Get there from Dorchester South.
Save money by journeying with SWR
However you choose to celebrate this Father’s Day, South Western Railway can help you get there. Search our ticket types to find cheap train tickets, and save more by travelling off-peak. Don’t forget to check if you can benefit from Railcards and discounts, GroupSave and SWR Rewards.
