With the excitement of Christmas behind us, and the cold Winter days drawing in, we thought we would compile our favourite family days out in the UK for all your little Dotty explorers!

After scouring the internet for the best family days out in the UK, here are our top 10 events for both children and adults to enjoy!

Harry Potter World

We had to kick off our list of best family days out with a trip to Hogwarts courtesy of Warner Bros studios just outside Watford in London.

From 20th January, they are holding their Magical Mischief event, which takes little (and big ones) behind the scenes of how they created the trickery within the film. A must-visit for any Harry Potter film buffs!

Visitors will experience the magic of the Invisibility Cloak, and see how Harry’s flying acceptance letter was created in the film.

Your little ones will also be able to create their very own origami Howler, like the one Mrs Weasley sends to Ron in the second film, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Mrs Doubtfire - The Musical

The rumours are true! This epic 90s childhood movie, Mrs Doubtfire is now an all-singing, all-dancing musical theatre show in London!

For those of you who haven’t seen this film, please stop reading this immediately and go and watch it! A classic, 90s feel-good movie all about the strong bonds of love no matter what your family looks like. Starring Robin Williams, Sally Fields, and Pierce Brosnan, this is a hilarious feel-good classic that the whole family will enjoy.

Now, the hit film is appearing in London’s West End at Shaftesbury Theatre. The show is rated for audiences over 7 years old.

Winter Lights - Canary Wharf

From 17th January until Saturday 27th Jan, enjoy the Winter Lights festival at Canary Wharf. Open from 5pm - 10pm daily this is one of our most magical family days out.

Soak up the stars at Union Square with a larger-than-life laser projection, as well as lots of other spectacular light creations. Explore the gardens as the festival combines nature with technology through 13 different art installations.

This is a free event, and great for something a bit different after dark. Make sure to wrap up warm, our dungarees with a thick jumper and winter coat make the cosiest outfit.

We think this will be a photographer’s dream! Great for taking some interesting Instagram shots.

Marwell Zoo - Winchester

To celebrate outdoor adventures this year, Marwell Zoo in Winchester is offering a special gift for any visitors in January and February. Buy a ticket during these months and receive 30 days of free entry!

With lots to explore across 140 acres including 5 adventure play areas, hundreds of animals including giraffes, penguins, tigers, meerkats, and leopards, as well as a cosy cafe to relax in, we think this is one of our most fun family days out in the UK.

To redeem their special offer, make sure to visit in January and February for an additional 30 days of entry (excluding the February half-term dates).

Stargazing at Kynance Cove - Cornwall

If you have any young astronomers in your family, you may enjoy a stargazing trip. The early dark nights this time of year are perfect for stargazing!

The National Trust has lots of beautiful sites across the UK, perfect for family days out. Their property, Kynance Cove in Cornwall has been recommended for stargazing due to its low light pollution.

Get wrapped up warm in lots of layers, our dungarees make the perfect cosy outfit for nighttime exploring. Bring a hot flask, snacks, and some binoculars, and head outdoors to see the stars!

The Go Stargazing team have lots of recommendations on how to make the most of your stargazing trip. Firstly they recommend choosing a dark night with very little moonlight as this will impact visibility. You can check their dark sky calendar to choose the best date in January.

They also have a useful What to Take Stargazing Guide to help you best plan your trip. Be aware of the impact white light can have on your night vision. They recommend bringing a red-light torch as it doesn’t impact your night vision as much. 

Burns Night - Scotland

25th January marks the celebration of Burns Night in Scotland and will surely be one of the most fun family days out this month!

Burns Night celebrates the birthday of Robert Burns, a famous Scottish poet. He is celebrated all over the country with a traditional feast of haggis, neeps and tatties. The evening is full of poetry, music, dancing, and whiskey of course!

A fun evening out for all the family, Burns Night is a lovely way to celebrate good food, music, and art, bringing local communities together.

If you do not live in Scotland, Burns Night is also celebrated in England. Look out for London events at top restaurants and venues.

Brick Wonders Exhibition - South Shields

Calling all Lego enthusiasts! For something a bit different this January, visit the Brick Wonders exhibition at The Word in South Shields. This is sure to be one of the best family days out this January.

Wonders of the world have been re-created in Lego form to realistic effect! The Lego artworks include the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon, London Bridge, and lots more, from the tiny to the magnificent.

The creator, Warren Elsmore has been captivated by the world of Lego since the age of four, and now works full-time with companies to create their own Lego masterpieces.

This event is free, and children can have a go at creating their own masterpieces at the exhibit. We expect adults can have a go too! Ends on 14th April.

Hatton Adventure World - Warwick

The Critter Carnival is now running at Hatton Adventure World in Warwick on all weekends in January. There are lots of opportunities to get up close to some familiar furry faces like their guinea pigs and ponies, as well as some cold-blooded reptiles. One of the best family days out for brave little explorers!

There is lots to do at Hatton Adventure Park from family shows, guinea pig feeding and cuddling, pony grooming, soft play areas, a falcon show, and getting up close to some reptiles.

With quite a few undercover areas, we think this is one of the best family days out in January for adventure and fun!

Illuminate at The Blue Pool - Wareham

Feast your eyes on the incredible lights at The Blue Pool in Wareham. Walk through the beautiful gardens and see the colourful light displays surrounding the blue pool. Back for a third year, the event will also include moving waterside lights to music for a dazzling treat!

One of our more peaceful family days out this January, this beautiful event takes place until 25th February.

After a leisurely stroll, stay cosy by the terrace firepit for some toasting of marshmallows! Or head to the Art Deco tearooms for some much-needed TLC this January with refreshments throughout the event.

For more information and tickets, visit EventBrite. The event closes at 8pm with last entry for the light trail being 30 minutes before this.

Puss in Boots Pantomime - Lyndhurst

Missed the Christmas panto season? Not to worry, the Lyndhurst Drama and Musical Society are putting on their very own production of Puss in Boots this January.

Complete with an almost all-kids cast, and some very talented adults, this will be a fun evening full of silliness and laughter, with the odd dance routine thrown in too!

Join them from Thursday 25th January at the Vernon Theatre in Lyndhurst for a musical extravaganza and lots of laughs for both children and adults. The am-dram group will be performing on Thursday 25th, Friday 26th, and Saturday 27th Jan evenings, with a matinee on Saturday 27th January.

Our Marketing Manager, Naomi is the Dance Choreographer for the show, so we may be slightly biased but just wait for the finale routine!

BONUS: Silent Disco at Natural History Museum

We couldn’t compile our best family days out without including something especially for you! Now this is for adults only but these can be a lot of fun so thought it was worth mentioning.  

Silent discos in London are back, this one is being held at the Natural History Museum. So not only do you get an educational trip, but you also get an opportunity to dance to the songs you like best!

These are a lot of fun, the best part being that you can easily catch up with your friends while having a boogie! With three different DJs to choose from, select the music you like best and dance with your friends.

This event is on Friday 26th Jan and starts at 10pm so you may need a quick nap first! It will definitely be a fun and memorable experience!

Big thanks to Let’s Go with the Children, Picniq Blog, and Day Out with the Kids, for all of this information on family days out in the UK this January.

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We love seeing you and your little ones out and about in a pair of Dottys so make sure to tag us in your January adventures @dottydungarees on Instagram.

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