#daytripideas

There's an abundance of options when it comes to one-day trips from Gurgaon. Many of these destinations include temples, hot springs and wildlife sanctuaries, so you'll find something that interests you regardless of whether you prefer history, adventure sports, outdoor activities or spirituality. The following are the best one day trip options from Gurgaon:

Neemrana Fort (122 km) will allow you to explore a 15th-century fort, go zip-lining through the forest and sample Rajasthani cuisine.

Sohna (45 km) will allow you to enjoy hot springs, visit temples, relax in the peaceful natural environment and soak up some sun.

Damdama Lake (60 km) ,which features both a large body of water and many recreational opportunities, is great for boating and adventure sports or for enjoying a peaceful picnic/lunch or taking photographs.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (180 km) is a favourite for bird enthusiasts, particularly those who love interacting with the local wildlife.

Christchurch Meadows is an ideal spot for a relaxing family outing. With its charming café, children’s play facilities, and level paths with plenty of benches for easy access, this picturesque spot truly caters to visitors of all ages and abilities.

Location

The Thameside Nature Discovery Park is located on a site that was once landfill that has now been given back to nature. The viewing platform at the top of the visitor centre offers 360-degree views over the Thames Estuary and surrounding wetlands.

The Nature Park is home to a wide variety of animals, including barn owls, short-eared owls, water voles, harvest mice, skylarks, cuckoos, and shrill carder bees. You might also spot local cattle grazing on the grassland throughout the year.

Thameside Nature Discovery Centre is open 7 days a week.

Winter opening hours:

10am - 4pm (4 November – 14 February)

Summer opening hours:

10am – 5pm (15 February – 3 November)

Christmas opening hours:

Christmas Eve (10am – 2pm)

Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day

New Year’s Eve (10am – 2pm)

What's There?

At the Thameside Nature Discovery Park, you will find:

Visitor Centre

Café – serving teas, coffees, and fresh smoothies

Picnic area

Outdoor play area

Gift shop – featuring nature books, soft toys, binoculars, and bird food

Walking and cycling trails

Modern toilets and accessible facilities, including a dedicated baby changing area

The visitor centre’s distinctive round design offers panoramic views from every angle. Inside, relax in the café or browse the shop for unique gifts and nature supplies.

There are three trails to suit visitors of all requirements, and with a well-equipped play area, there are attractions for all age groups.

Parking

The main car park is large, with space for 80 cars, and parking is free.

There are 4 blue badge parking spaces, located approximately 80 metres from the visitor centre.

Accessibility

All areas of the discovery centre, including the viewing platform at the top, are accessible via ramps. Plenty of seating is available on each floor.

The distance from the farthest end of the car park to the discovery centre is just over 200 metres.

The Estuary View Trail is short at 0.3 miles, featuring a gravel path with very minor slopes, access to the bird-spotting huts, and multiple benches along the way. This makes this short loop accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The other trails are longer and feature mown grass paths.

Conclusion

Overall, Essex Wildlife Trust’s Thameside Nature Discovery Park is the perfect destination for a family day out. With a variety of wildlife to see, walking trails, play area, café, and accessible features, the discovery park will appeal to visitors of all ages and abilities.

But for me, its the accessible viewing point from the top of the discovery centre really makes this location stand out.

Discover Ichetucknee Springs: A Tubing Paradise in Florida

Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a summer lifesaver: glassy, turquoise water threading through a cathedral of trees, a gentle current, and an abundance of wildlife. The park spans 2,669 acres, and the water stays a refreshing 72°F year-round—perfect for tubing, swimming, snorkelling, or just sitting in the shade.

Why do people keep coming back?

The springs' clarity and constant temperature offer instant relief from Florida's heat. The upper run is pristine enough to be a National Natural Landmark, and the roughly six-mile river is ideal for paddling and floating.

Timing like a pro

Weekends and late mornings fill up fast. To avoid long lines and crowded water, aim for early morning or late afternoon. If you arrive mid-morning, pack patience—waits can grow, especially during summer holidays.

What to pack (and what to rent there)

Water shoes (non-negotiable)

Sunscreen and a hat

Reusable water bottle

Lightweight dry bag for keys and phones

Tube or kayak rentals available on site (tram passes and rentals can be reserved online)

Quieter spots to explore

Most visitors float the main tubing corridor. If you want quieter swimming holes and clearer snorkelling, head to the north entrance or paddle upstream from the tram drop-off. The upper stretch rewards anyone who paddles a little farther.

Wildlife & trails

Beavers, otters, turtles, wood ducks, and more live in the park. Three nature trails wind through lush hammocks and sandhill pine—pair a float with a short hike for a fuller day outdoors.

A few rules & practical tips

Pay online if possible (day passes and rental reservations help in busy months).

No motorised boats on the spring run—preservation keeps the water calm.

Bring snacks if you dislike lines at the small gift shop.

Respect wildlife and observe from a distance.

Conclusion

Float a lazy mile, snorkel a spring, hike a short trail, picnic, and watch the light through the canopy. Leave refreshed and plotting your return.

Location

Portsdown Hill offers panoramic views over the city of Portsmouth. Additionally, Mick's Monster Burgers is open 24 hours, seven days a week, providing convenient dining options.

Parking

The car park extends approximately 150 metres and is free of charge. There is no height restriction, making it accessible for all vehicle types.

Accessibility

With wonderful views without even needing to leave your car, this location is suitable for people of all abilities.

Just a few minutes down the road, visitors can also find the aptly named "Big ol' Hill Top" car park as marked on Google Maps. This smaller, quieter alternative features benches and lunch tables on a slightly less steep section of the hillside, with equally spectacular views. However, it offers fewer amenities, lacking food options.

Conclusion

Portsdown Hill is an excellent destination for those looking for a place to stop for food at any time of the day, with spectacular views. The convenient parking makes this beauty spot perfect for visitors of all abilities.

Location

Stokes Bay is a shingle beach situated on the south coast of England, with views of the Isle of Wight.

With multiple car parks, cafes, and family attractions, it's no surprise that it's a popular destination during the summer holidays. The high winds also make the bay a hotspot for water sports such as sailing and windsurfing.

Dogs are welcome on the beach outside of the main holiday season, 1st Oct - 30th April.

What's there?

With lots of attractions spanning the length of the bay, we'll break them down between the three main car parks - Starting from the west with No. 2 Battery West Car Park, Pebble Beach Car Park in the centre, and Gilkicker Car Park on the east.

Parking charges are the same along the beach; you can pay with cash, card, or online/phone.

Summary

 Motor Vehicle  

 £1.70 per hour

 Trailer  

 £1.70 per hour

 Over 5 hours 

 £9.60 per day

 Motor Cycles 

 Free

Charges apply every day between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., and all have a height limit of 2.20 m.

No. 2 Battery West Car Park

When visiting the western side of Stokes Bay, visitors will find the Bayside Cabin Cafe and Diving Museum, as well as access to the coastal path, open green space and public toilets.

Bayside Cabin Cafe:

This charming cafe serves breakfast, snacks, hot food, and ice cream in a dog-friendly eatery with tables on a large beachside terrace.

Diving Museum:

Operated by volunteers, the Diving Museum provides an engaging insight into the history of diving. Exhibits include early diving helmets from the 1800s, as well as displays on commercial, military, and scientific diving explorations. It's a fascinating visit for those interested in underwater history and technology.

Admission:

Adults: £8.50

Youth (5-17 years): £5.50 (Disabled £4.50)

Family (two adults and up to three children): £23

Under 5s: Free

This location also has public toilets located next to the car park.

The car park has:

4 chargers for electric cars

11 blue badge parking spaces

MiPermit Location Code: 708521

Pebble Beach Car Park

Located at the center of the bay, Pebble Beach Car Park holds the most attractions for families with young kids.

At Pebble Beach Car Park, visitors will find:

Pebbles Fish & Wine Bar

Pebble Beach Cafe

Canadian D-Day Memorial

GoSport Splash Park and Kids Play area

Open green with picnic tables

Stokes Bay Sailing Club

Pebbles Fish & Wine Bar:

Pebbles Fish & Wine Bar is a coastal-themed restaurant that offers both indoor and outdoor seating, providing a relaxed and scenic dining experience. The menu includes a variety of options such as mains, side dishes, vegetarian choices, children’s meals, and desserts, all featuring freshly caught fish and seafood sourced from the local market.

The restaurant also hosts jazz evenings, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. With free parking available after 7:00 pm, this is a great spot for an evening meal.

The car park has:

10 camper spaces with no height restrictions

7 blue badge parking spaces

Electric car charging

Motorcycle parking

Parking payment MiPermit codes:

Location Code 708525

Location Code 708526 (2 bays - car & trailer)

Location Code 708546 (Motorhome bays )

Motorhome bays have a higher charge of £3.50 per hour and £18.00 for over four hours. No overnight parking.

Gilkicker Car Park

Gilkicker Car Park offers fewer amenities, with only public toilets, picnic tables on an open green, and access to the coastal path. The location is also home to the Gosport Lifeboat Station and Gosport Angling Club.

The car park has:

7 blue badge parking spaces

Motorcycle parking

MiPermit Location Code: 708510 (for 2 bays - car & trailer - Location Code 708511)

Accessibility

With plentiful beachside parking, Stoke Bay is ideal for visitors with limited mobility. There's the easy access to the promenade, which is level with frequent benches, making this location suitable for visitors using mobility scooters or wheelchairs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Stokes Bay is the perfect destination for a family day out. With play facilities, museum, and selection for cafes, there is something for everyone at this seaside retreat.

With convenient parking and an accessible promenade stretching 1.2 km along the bay, the beach can be enjoyed by visitors of all abilities.

Location

Aldershot Raceway hosts Stock Car, Hot Rod, and Banger Racing on sunday afternoons between February and October. Click here to find the next race dates. Stadium gates open at 9 a.m. for competitors and 10 a.m. for spectators at regular events.

At Aldershot Raceway, you will find:

Racetrack

Grandstand

Food stalls

Toilets

General Admission

£20.00

Concession: (66yr’s & over)

£18.00

Concession: Children (5-14yrs)

Under 5yrs go free

£8.00

Family Ticket: 2 Adults & 3 Children

£50.00

Programme

£3.00

Pit Pass

£2.00

Car Parking

£2.00

Payment is accepted on entry with cash or card. Prices are reduced when booking in advance.

Parking

The raceway features a large on-site car park with a parking fee of £2.00. There are a limited number of designated disabled parking spaces, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessibility

The level concrete surfaces from the car park to the track make this venue accessible for visitors using mobility aids such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Approximately one-third of the track is viewable from these level surfaces, primarily near the car park, with the remaining area consisting of a grassy bank.

The distance from the furthest point of the car park to the grandstand is approximately 125 metres.

Conclusion

Aldershot Raceway offers an exciting and accessible venue for racing enthusiasts and families alike. With reasonable ticket prices and convenient parking, it's sure to provide an enjoyable day out for all visitors.

Location

Bramber Castle is a ruined Norman motte-and-bailey castle situated in the village of Bramber, West Sussex, that overlooks the River Adur. It is currently managed by English Heritage and is free to enter.

What's there?

At Bramber Castle, you will find one tall section of the castle's walls structure remaining, as well as smaller sections of the wall dispersed around the surrounding grounds. There are also some remaining foundations that can be seen pictured at the bottom of the page.

Throughout the castle's grounds, visitors will find information plaques sharing details about the castle's history with illustrations depicting the castle before it became ruins.

St Nicholas' Church is located next to the castle on the hillside and dates back to approximately 1073. The church is still mainly Norman, with some rebuilding and restoration work from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The church is still practising today, with services held every Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

History

Bramber Castle was founded by William de Braose and was held almost continually by the de Braose family and their descendants from 1073 to 1450.

A descendant (also named William de Braose) was suspected of disloyalty, and when the king demanded his sons as hostages, Lady de Braose refused. The castle was confiscated, and she and her sons died in prison. King John briefly held Bramber Castle from 1199 until 1216 and even ordered its repair and restoration. It was later returned to the de Braose family before finally being held by the Mowbrays.

Subsidence on a large scale led to the ruin of the castle during the 16th century.

The castle ruins and its 12 acres of land were acquired by the National Trust in 1945 and are currently managed by British Heritage.

For more information about the castle's history: Click here

Parking

There is a medium-sized car park located approximately 50 metres from the castle.

It's open 24 hours a day, with a parking fee of £2 for non-British Heritage members.

There are no specified disabled parking bays.

There are large potholes, and many of the parking spaces are on a fairly steep slope.

Accessibility

The site features a steep slope leading up to the castle, which unfortunately will make it inaccessible for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

The slope is approximately 50 metres long; once at the top, the surfaces are grassy but fairly level.

Surfaces will be slippery after rain.

There are no benches at this location, apart from a single felled tree (pictured below).

Dogs are welcome at the castle.

Conclusion

Bramber Castle is a perfect location for a family picnic, with plenty of space for ball games. Although little of the castle remains, there's still plenty to learn about what at one time would have been a substantial structure.

It's unfortunate that the steep hilltop location may stop some visitors from being able to access the grounds.