11 fun day trips from Ealing now the Crossrail is finally open

We’ve been patiently waiting for it and now Crossrail is finally here… The London Tube Map with the new Elizabeth Line has been revealed, and residents in Ealing have been treated to some major improvements at Ealing Broadway station in light of this.

The station has enjoyed a major facelift but the changes aren’t just aesthetic, there are new lifts, real time information screens that are easier to read, and more signage to make it easier to navigate. Accessibility has been a big focus, the station now has step-free access and staff will be available to provide boarding ramps for those who require them.

Stretching from Reading, in Berkshire, and Heathrow Airport, the new Elizabeth Line reaches across the capital to Shenfield in Essex and Abbey Wood in West London, with some handy stops across London in between. Passengers can commute to Paddington, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, and Shoreditch High Street in faster times, with enhanced capacity.

Trains will run every five minutes between 6.30am and 11pm and the plan is to ramp this up to have trains every three minutes from Autumn 2022. It is important to note that the Paddington to Abbey Wood section of the Elizabeth Line will not be open on Sundays to begin with.

This is great news for those who rely on public transport to commute to work. Journey times should be faster, efficient, and more comfortable thanks to the new trains, as well as spacious stations and walkways for a more pleasant overall journey. Those considering a new job have a wider area to consider too!

There are 41 stations on the Elizabeth Line, providing great new links that allow easier travel for work from Ealing Broadway, especially to Reading, Slough, Heathrow, Canary Wharf, Woolwich, and Romford that were previously difficult to get to via public transport. In addition, there are also plenty of options for fun family days out. Let’s take a look at some ideas for your next day trip from London by train with the kids…

1. Crossrail Acoustic Sessions

Traditionally thought of as a business area, Canary Wharf has become a destination in itself, offering great shopping, a vast array of fantastic spots to eat and drink, and plenty more.

Saturdays during the summer see the Crossrail Acoustic Sessions at Crossrail Place Roof Garden, offering a variety of artists for you to enjoy in the 80-seater amphitheatre from 1pm until 5pm. The sessions are free to attend and help to give some of London’s best buskers the chance to shine and enhance their music careers. In addition to enjoying the beautiful music, wandering among the exotic plants will help you feel a sense of calm and relaxation.

For a list of artists and performance dates, click here.

2. Family Film Club

While the music sessions in Canary Wharf might appeal to your older children, the Family Film Club at Canada Square Park and Union Square offers something for all age groups on Saturday and Sunday mornings throughout the summer.

Bring a blanket (portable furniture is not allowed) and a picnic and settle back to enjoy family favourites including Encanto and The Incredibles. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid disappointment as space is limited and operates on a first come, first served basis. Don’t worry though, the Ealing Broadway to Canary Wharf Crossrail time is just 40 minutes, meaning you can get there in plenty of time to select your perfect spot.

Discover film times and dates here.

3. The Cutty Sark

Take the new Elizabeth Line from Ealing Broadway to Canary Wharf, and change on to the DLR to Cutty Sark to take in a little of the rich history London has to offer. From tea and wool clipper to cadet training ship, discover the history of the beautiful Cutty Sark and find out the journey she has taken to bring her to reside in Greenwich.

Experience incredible views of London and the Thames by booking a Cutty Sark Rig Climb, pretend to be captain for the day by taking the helm and visiting the Captain’s Cabin, walk the main deck and take in the surrounding scenery, and much more.

Plan your visit here.

4. London ExCel

The new Elizabeth Line offers a direct link to Custom House, which is the nearest station to London ExCel, making it great for accessing the wonderful events throughout the year. London ExCel hosts many specific corporate shows, making this a great addition for those who need to attend business events for work.

There are also a wealth of shows suitable for the general public, covering a variety of interests from food to fitness and everything in between. You can enjoy events including  

The Autism Show, Comicon, the Allergy & Free from Show, the Just V Show, The London Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Musical Con, and the London International Horse Show.

For a full list of events at ExCel London, visit the website.

5. Paddington Bear and Little Venice

Just two stops from Ealing Broadway is Paddington Station, where all family members will enjoy seeing the Paddington Bear statue, plaque, bench and gift shop – we’re sure this will melt the hearts of even the grumpiest of teenagers!

From the station, head to Little Venice to discover and oasis of calm in the middle of the bustling city, it’s like stepping into another world. While you won’t find any gondolas, you will see plenty of canal boats cruising the river. Enjoy a bite to eat or grab a coffee from the Waterside Café Canal Barge, where you can sit and look direct onto the canal. Alternatively, try Café Laville that sits on a bridge at the top of Regent’s Canal where you can watch the river boats heading into the Maida Hill tunnel.

Of course, one of the best ways to enjoy Little Venice is by boat, so it’s well worth booking a canal cruise in advance here, or hire your own here.

6. Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II spends the majority of her weekends, making it the oldest, and largest, occupied castle in the world. The great news is that it is open to visitors throughout the year, and it is now easier than ever to make the visit from Ealing Broadway. Take the Elizabeth Line to Slough then change on to Great Western Railway to Windsor & Eton Central.

A tour of Windsor Castle will take you through the State Rooms, the Grand Reception Room, the Waterloo Chamber, and the Semi-State Rooms. As well as learning the history of the Castle, you will also be able to see Queen Mary’s Dolls House and various other treasures.

Don’t forget to catch the Changing of the Guard, which happens on Thursdays and Saturdays just before 11am.

Discover why Windsor Castle offers the perfect family day out by visiting the website here.

7. Legoland Windsor

For a full-on day of family fun, head west on the Elizabeth Line to Slough, and jump on the 703 bus (30mins), or take a taxi (less than 10 mins) to Legoland Windsor. Tickets start from just £30 per person and it’s definitely a good idea book online before arrival for huge savings.

Your little Lego enthusiasts and tiny thrill seekers will love their time at Legoland with plenty of rides, attractions, and shows for them to enjoy. You can even make a break of it by staying at the Legoland Resort Hotel or the Legoland Castle Hotel.

8. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

The Olympic Games found their home in London in 2012 and the legacy lives on in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which is open seven days a week and is completely free to enter. There is so much on offer here that you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice, making it a great destination for multiple days out filled with family fun. Just hop off the new Elizabeth Line at Stratford station and walk to the park.

Pack a picnic and enjoy the gorgeous gardens and open spaces, such as the London Blossom Garden created as a space to reflect upon events, remember lost loved ones, and pay tribute to the heroes of the Coronavirus pandemic. You can also take in plants from around the world in the 2012 Gardens, relax in the Park Meadows, and much more. Let the kids run riot in the Tumbling Bay Playground while you enjoy a snack or a drink from the Timber Lodge Cafe.

You can make the most of your Queen Elizabeth Park experience by following one of the five trails, or take a 90-minute guided walking tour from one of the expert volunteers – there’s no better way to discover new facts about the area.

There are always plenty of live music, theatre, and sporting events happening at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, so it’s worth checking out the schedule here in advance to see if anything takes your fancy.

9. ArcelorMittal Orbit

Although situated on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, we felt that the ArcelorMittal Orbit deserved its own spot on this list as it is arguably the most famous attraction on the Park.

Enjoy the view of London from the observation walkway 80m above the ground, where you’ll be able to see across the Olympic site as well as landmarks such as Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral. If you’re feeling brave, take The Slide instead of the 455 steps back down the Earth, enjoying every twist, turn, and drop on the way down. The real thrillseekers can step over the edge of the ArcelorMittal Orbit thanks to The Abseil – the UK’s highest freefall abseil.

Discover more and book your experience here.

10. Hatton Garden and the Leather Lane market

While it has always been easy to reach Central London from Ealing Broadway, thanks to the Central Line, the new Elizabeth Line provides a direct link to Farringdon station, giving you the perfect excuse to step into London’s Diamond District. If you are in the market for a new piece of jewellery, or just fancy window shopping at its finest, a stroll along Hatton Garden offers the perfect day out.

Film and crime enthusiasts will want to stop at 88-90 Hatton Garden, which is where the underground safe deposit facility, owned by Hatton Garden Safe Deposit Ltd, was burgled in April 2015 by six elderly, experienced thieves.

There are plenty of pubs, cafes and restaurants to stop at for a bite to eat, with everything from British, French, and American cuisine, to tasty food stalls at the nearby Leather Lane weekday market. The market has been in business for 400 years, originally starting life selling clothes and footwear. Today you will discover a street food paradise, with vendors offering everything from juices and smoothies to falafel. There are still traditional vendors here too, making this a great destination for a bargain if you didn’t blow the budget on diamonds!

11. Abbey Wood

At the very end of the Elizabeth Line, you’ll find Abbey Wood station. If you’re searching for a short break with the kids, look no further than Abbey Wood Experience Freedom Glamping site, which is just a short walk from the station.

The luxury glamping pods sleep two adults and two children, and include en-suite bathroom facilities and cooking equipment. Alternatively, there are smaller camping pods available, as well as tent pitches if you fancy getting a little closer to nature.

The site features a playground to keep the kids entertained while you relax, a dog walking area, dish washing and laundry facilities and that all-important Wi-Fi. It’s a great base for those who want to enjoy everything London has to offer, but alternatively it offers an oasis of calm without having to travel to far from the city to find it. Relax in the leafy, spacious grounds, enjoy a bike ride, or head to nearby Greenwich if the kids (or you) are craving a slice of city life!

Check out availability here.