Jurassic Falls

Dinosaurs and putting greens - not a combination you'd expect to find east of London, but Jurassic Falls pulls it off with enough charm to keep families entertained for a solid hour or so. The course winds through a prehistoric-themed landscape with waterfalls, caves, and those inevitable fibreglass T-Rex heads that kids either find hilarious or slightly unsettling. Eighteen holes of the sort of mini golf that doesn't take itself seriously, which is exactly the point.

It's aimed squarely at families with younger children - the difficulty sits somewhere between "toddler-friendly" and "actually requiring a bit of thought". Teenagers might find it a touch tame unless they're the type who genuinely enjoy a bit of daft fun. Adults often get more out of it if they're there with kids rather than looking for a serious afternoon's golfing.

If you're staying at Lee Valley Campsite or Fowley Mead Park nearby, this works as a decent half-day activity when the weather's decent and energy levels need burning off. It's the sort of place you'd tick off on a rainy Tuesday when outdoor hiking isn't happening. The location just outside London means it's not a detour if you're already in the area.

Break it into your wider park itinerary rather than making it a destination in itself. Pair it with a walk around Theobalds Park if you want the afternoon to have some actual substance beyond synthetic dinosaurs.