Family day out London / SE for 8&12 yr old

[thisgirlrides]

We were all set to go to Chessington later this week and finally sat down with the dc to choose which rides we fancied and it soon became apparent that ds2 takes after me and has pretty much declared every ride we looked at as far too scary .. It's an expensive day out and it seems pointless when neither ds2 nor I will go on any rides (I didn't mind as was good no for dc/DH) obviously It would have been helpful if he'd said this before as our other option was Harry Potter studio which is long-since booked up

Ds1 is disappointed but happy to go with DH on their own another time (we've already bought 2 tickets with our club card vouchers!) but we now don't know what to do for our eagerly awaited family day out! Grandparents are taking them to a show & London Eye just before Christmas & don't really just want to wander around sightseeing. Any suggestions (or ways to get last minute HP tickets!)

Dover castle is good if you've not been before .

Hampton Court Palace? They often put on extra entertainment and activities during half term.

Castles & museums got a distinctly lukewarm reception (nice day out but not when compared to chessington or HP ) Dh suggested go-karting which is the current favourite so may just end up doing that & going out for lunch and booking in to HP next half term. Thanks for the suggestions

Not done it yet but have heard great things about the Thames RIB experience - could that be an option?

www.thamesribexperience.com/the-experience/thames-rib-experience-thames-barrier/

Legoland? A good variety of rides ad activities.

and

Portsmouth historic dockyard is good. Some proper museums but also action stations which is very hands on and good for this age group. Victory is good and you get a trip to see the warships including the recently Queen Elizabeth.
Train to Portsmouth Harbour. Some good lunch places at Gunwharf Quays too or just outside Gunwharf is a very good burger place which do ‘proper’ burgers in a tiny ‘ under the arches’ cafe.

We recently went to Bekonscot model village near Reading and it was absolutely brilliant. Would highly recommend it. However, it might be a bit of a trek if you're based in the SE.
Leeds castle near Ashford is fantastic and it has an awesome maze, adventure playground, falconry displays, Segway treks and Go Ape.
The RAF museum in London might interest your boys, especially if you mention that there are several 4D flying experiences (£5 each) and a £10 Spitfire encounter.
Alternatively, you could do a chocolate workshop. There are quite a few about and both you and DH could join in too www.chocolateraindrops.co.uk/chocolate-workshops.html You could combine this with a trip to Diggerland which is very nearby

www.daysoutguide.co.uk/kidzania-london

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g504170-d3348711-r157355812-Hobbledown-Epsom_Surrey_England.html

The Shard is free for children at half-term but you do have to book

Unicorn Children's Theatre, Tooley Street

HMS Belfast

Tower Bridge, you can go up and walk across (covered)

All in the same area with plenty of places to eat.