Bingham Riverhouse
London, United Kingdom (UK)[16 miles]
A lovely, tranquil retreat for those who want to dip in and out of central London. Richmond Park, Hampton Court and The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are on your doorstep.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
Mercedez-Benz World
Credit Shutterstock.com/Pajor Pawel
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Whether you want a (Mercedes) fast car racing experience around the iconic Brooklands racetrack, or to ogle the supercars in the three floors of exhibition spaces, Mercedes Benz World is heaven for car enthusiasts. Petrolheads of all ages can hone their skills on race car simulators, while younger children have their own indoor race track.
Driving experiences include track days and off-roading, and there are ‘driven’ experiences for those who want to feel the speed without actually being behind the wheel. There are also displays by the Silver Arrows, 3D footage and an amazing Formula One art installation, alongside displays of prototype and classic cars from 100 years of Mercedes history.
While you’re there
Be sure to spare some time to visit the excellent Brooklands Museum next door, which celebrates the birthplace of British motorsports and aviation with a large collection of historic racing cars and aircraft, along with F1 and Concorde simulators.
The 2.75-mile racing track at Brooklands, completed in 1907, was the world’s first purpose-built motorsports venue. Remnants of the steeply banked track can be seen around the edge of Mercedes-Benz World.
Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 5+
When: All year around
Duration: 5 hours
Getting there & doing it
Just off the M25, Mercedez Benz-world is around 40 minutes’ drive from London. Alternatively, it is a mile’s walk from Weybridge station, which is approx 30 minutes from London Waterloo. There is also a regular shuttle bus service from Weybridge station.
Booking is required for the Driving Experience, but not for general admission. The main building and exhibitions are free; simulators and driving experiences attract a separate charge.
When to do it
The centre is open all year round, seven days a week.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Richmond Harbour Hotel
London, United Kingdom (UK)[16 miles]
A colourful and stylish ‘countryside retreat’ atop leafy Richmond Hill, overlooking the Thames and just 20 minutes from the city centre. Kew Gardens and Hampton Court are virtually next door.
Official star rating:
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Hampton Court Palace
London, United Kingdom (UK)[10.5 miles]
England’s greatest Tudor estate and the former home of Henry VIII and his succession of wives, preserved for the public to explore.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25
Windsor Castle
Windsor , Berkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[17.2 miles]
The largest working castle in the world, Windsor is steeped in 900 years of history and is the Queen’s favourite royal residence.
Best for ages: 10+ | £24
Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
London, United Kingdom (UK)[18.2 miles]
Legendary botanical gardens dating back to 1759, now housing more than 30,000 species of plant. The original, biggest and best botanical garden in the world.
Best for ages: 4+ | £13
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Thorpe Park
Chertsey, Surrey, United Kingdom (UK)[6.4 miles]
The UK’s second biggest theme park (behind Alton Towers). Main attractions include The Colossus, Nemesis and Inferno rollercoasters and the UK’s fastest rollercoaster Stealth.
Best for ages: 4+ | £35 | 12 hours
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Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington, Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)[10.4 miles]
One of Britain’s best adventure parks, boasting thrilling rides, a sea life centre and an impressive zoo.
Best for ages: 4+ | £30 | 1 day
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Sunningdale Old Course
Sunningdale, Berkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[11.8 miles]
A terrific test of golf that couldn’t be more beautifully situated, surrounded by glorious pines and sturdy oak trees. The surfaces are carpet-like and fast and it all comes together with remarkable elegance, best appreciated on the elevated 10th hole.
Best for ages: 13+ | £275
Richmond Park
London, United Kingdom (UK)[16.5 miles]
Charles I’s deer-roamed royal park that remains little changed since the Middle Ages. Woodland, grassland, and cycleways make for a rural treat of a city retreat.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free