Top 5 summer days out in outer London or nearby

Sunday, July 29, 2012
4:17 PM

If you fancy escaping inner London for a day out with the family, here are some ideas for the best places to visit on the outskirts of the capital or just outside the city limits.

The green Class 37 diesel (D6729) was based at Stratford when first built, and has been restored to its original colours. Picture: Clive Porter

Epping Ongar Railway

London Underground consists of some ghost lines and disused stations which are no longer open to the public. The Epping-Ongar railway is, however, allowing visitors to travel on the former section of the Central line and see heritage London Transport models.

Nearest station: Epping (Central line).

Cost (two adults, three children): 33.50.

www.eorailway.co.uk

The Bekonscot model village

Bekonscot Model Village

On a smaller scale, Bekonscot Model Village in Beaconsfield, Bucks, features a model railway. The village is set in the 1930s and is a detailed representation of life during that period. There is also a garden to enjoy, children's playground and remote-controlled boats.

Nearest station: Beaconsfield (Chiltern Railways from Marylebone).

Cost (two adults and two children): 26

www.bekonscot.co.uk

RAF Museum: Photo: Iain Duncan

RAF Museum

For those fascinated by planes or war, the RAF Museum at Hendon is an ideal place to visit. It features famous aircraft including the Spitfire and Hurricane as well as aviation artefacts and memorabilia.

Nearest Tube: Colindale (Northern line).

Cost: Free.

www.rafmuseum.org.uk

'The Making of Harry Potter' at Warner Brothers studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire. Photo Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire

Warner Bros Studios

This attraction has opened its doors for Harry Potter fans to show how the films were made. Fans can see Diagon Alley, where Harry bought his school supplies, as well as step into the Hogwarts' Great Hall. Props from the films, such as Harry's Nimbus 2000, can also be seen. A must for all fans of the hit series created by JK Rowling.

Nearest station: Watford Junction (connecting shuttle bus for 2 return).

Cost: (two adults, two children or one adult, three children) 83

www.wbstudiotour.co.uk

Box Hill, Surrey

Box Hill, which hosted part of the London 2012 cycling road races, is famous for its expansive view from Salomon's Memorial, from where you can see up to 26 miles across the Weald to the South Downs. The area also features wonderful walks for exercising and exploring, while children can have fun on the Natural Play trail.

Nearest station: Box Hill & Westhumble (Southern from Victoria).

Cost: Free.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The MyCityWay London24 app is an essential mobile city guide with more than 30 mini-apps to help before and during a day out, whether you're spending time in inner or outer London. Download the app for FREE for your iPhone or Android device. See www.london24.com/app for more details.