Remote Control Toys

Discover the Best Remote Control Toys in the UK: Top Stores, Picks, and Buying Tips

Why remote control toys still captivate kids and adults alike

Remember the thrill of watching a little car zip across the carpet or sending a tiny drone wobbling into the sky for the first time? Remote control toys have this magical way of turning ordinary afternoons into mini adventures. Whether you’re chasing speed, precision, or just a bit of playful noise, RC toys offer immediate hands-on fun and a gentle introduction to engineering and coordination. They’re not just for kids—grown-ups love them too, and that’s why the UK market is stocked with everything from beginner-friendly trucks to race-ready 1:10 scale racers.

Where to shop for remote control toys in the UK

If you’re hunting for the best selection, the UK has a healthy lineup of shops that cater to RC fans. Stores featured in the data like Menkind and Ebebek carry exciting lines ranging from licensed Ferrari models to chunky kid-friendly excavators. Beyond those, big retailers such as Smyths Toys, Argos, The Entertainer, Amazon UK, and John Lewis offer wide choice, competitive prices, and helpful customer reviews. It’s worth dipping into specialist hobby shops and comparison sites too if you’re looking to compare specs and deals quickly.

Menkind — quirky tech and branded RC models

Menkind is a great place to find licensed and novelty remote control toys. Think Ferrari Laferrari models and high-detail Maisto replicas. If you crave that authentic look—full body decals, scale details, and realistic styling—Menkind often stocks 1:24 and 1:10 scale collectibles like the Maisto Ferrari Laferrari and the Maisto F1 SF-23. These are eye-catching pieces for display and play, appealing to collectors and kids who want something that looks the part.

Ebebek — family-focused, toddler-friendly options

Ebebek tends to focus on family-friendly toys for younger children. You’ll find chunky, durable models like the Tonka Steel Classics Toughest Mighty Excavator or Clementoni’s “My First Lamborghini” RC cars—great for little hands. These are built to survive tumbles and backyard rough-and-tumble play, and they introduce basic remote-control concepts without overwhelming new drivers.

Smyths Toys, Argos and The Entertainer — broad range and convenience

Major UK retailers such as Smyths Toys, Argos, and The Entertainer are dependable go-to stores. They stock everything from budget-friendly micro racers to mid-range hobby vehicles and beginner drones. The advantage here is convenience: many stores have nationwide availability, frequent seasonal offers, and useful buyer ratings so you can quickly compare which model matches your needs.

Amazon UK and John Lewis — selection and reviews

Amazon UK is unbeatable for variety and user reviews, while John Lewis provides trusted quality and good aftercare for certain branded items. On Amazon you’ll find everything from Red5 Gyro Flyers and motion-controlled UFOs to RC submarines, backed by hundreds of buyer comments that can reveal real-world battery life and durability. John Lewis tends to stock more premium items where presentation and warranty matter.

Types of remote control toys and what they offer

Remote control toys aren’t one-size-fits-all. Cars dominate the market, but there are lots of other categories: drones for aerial fun, boats and submarines for water play, trucks and construction vehicles for imaginative play, and novelty motion-control toys that respond to gestures. Choosing between them comes down to where you’ll play, the age of the user, and how hands-on you want the experience to be.

RC cars — from tiny racetracks to off-road brawlers

RC cars range from small 1:24 scale models meant for indoor tracks to 1:10 scale beasts built for outdoor speed and control. Brands like Maisto and Red5 offer models like the Ferrari Laferrari 1:24 and the Maisto F1 Ferrari SF-23 1:10 scale RC car. If you want speed and agility, look for lower-scale racers with responsive steering. For backyard fun, pick 1:10 scale buggies or trucks with larger tires and suspension—these survive grass, gravel, and mild jumps.

Drones and aerial toys — find the right balance between control and camera features

Drones are hugely popular, but they vary massively. Lightweight motion-control drones are fun for indoor flights and basic tricks, while camera drones let you capture first-person views. For beginners, a stable, gyro-assisted model with short flight times is a good teacher. Remember to pick models with prop guards if you’re flying inside or around people.

Water toys — from RC boats to submarines

If water-based play appeals, RC boats and submarines open a different kind of thrill. Toys like the Red5 RC Submarine provide a pocket-sized underwater adventure, while small speedboats give high-speed fun on ponds or calm lakes. Make sure the toy’s water rating suits where you’ll use it; some are splash-proof and others are truly waterproof and able to submerge.

Construction and role-play RC toys

Construction-style RCs like the Tonka Steel Classics Mighty Excavator bring real-world role-play to life. These models are typically slower but strong and tactile: great for sensory play and encouraging imaginative scenarios. They’re perfect for younger children who enjoy structured play with trucks, diggers, and trains.

How to choose the right RC toy for age and skill level

Start with age recommendations but look deeper: is the user a nervous beginner or a speed demon-in-training? For toddlers and preschoolers, chunky remote toys with simple two-button controls work best. Primary-age kids can handle proportional steering and throttle, while teens and adults might prefer 1:10 scale hobby-grade cars that accept upgrades like better batteries, metal gears, and stronger motors.

Beginners — keep it simple

Beginners should aim for straightforward controls and sturdy builds. Models like Clementoni’s “My First Lamborghini” or other basic Tonka vehicles are forgiving and fun. Look for longer controller ranges measured in feet—100 to 200 feet is a comfortable start for outdoor play.

Intermediate and hobbyists — look at scale and upgrades

If you’re stepping up, consider scale (1:10 is common) and upgradeability. Hobbyists often replace batteries, tires, or motors to squeeze more speed and durability. Brands such as Maisto and Red5 offer models that are both playable out of the box and enjoyable to tweak for better performance.

Battery life, charging, and runtime tips

Battery care makes or breaks the RC experience. Many electric RC cars and drones run for 8–20 minutes on a single charge depending on size and power. That might not sound like much, but short, intense sessions are part of the fun. Keep spare batteries charged and rotate them to extend play sessions. Remember that colder weather reduces runtime, so keep batteries warm before use.

Maintenance and simple repairs you can do at home

A little maintenance extends your toy’s lifespan. Clean grit from gears, check suspension arms and screws, and replace worn tires before they shred. For cars and trucks, lubricate moving parts sparingly and inspect the receiver and transmitter antennas—poor reception can feel like a brake on performance. Many retailers sell replacement parts for popular models; keep a small toolkit handy.

Safety and rules to keep in mind in the UK

Safety is key, especially with drones. Keep drones under about 400 ft above ground and away from airports and crowds. Stay at least several hundred feet from people and property when flying outdoors. For ground vehicles, avoid busy streets and keep away from moving cars. Wear eye protection during high-speed RC races—tiny parts can become missiles when springs fail or batteries vent.

Best picks for different budgets and interests

Want to know what to buy? Here are some ideas based on both the HTML data and popular UK offerings. For collectors and model lovers, the Maisto Ferrari Laferrari 1:24 and 1:10 Maisto F1 SF-23 bring authenticity. For action-focused players, the Red5 Wild Rider remote control truck and Red5 Remote Control Dune Buggy 1:10 scale offer rugged outdoor fun. If you’re buying for little ones, Tonka Steel Classics excavators and Clementoni’s toddler RC cars provide safe, easy-to-use play. For novelty and indoor motion-control toys, Red5 Gyro Flyer and Motion Control UFOs are fun conversation pieces.

Budget-friendly options

On a tight budget? Micro RC cars and simple dump-truck toys give big smiles for little cash. These usually run on AA or AAA batteries and are sturdy enough to survive rough play. Stores like Argos and Smyths frequently stock these basics.

Mid-range favourites

Mid-range picks balance performance and value. Look for better materials, longer battery life, and improved controllers. Products in this range often include Maisto and Red5 mid-level models which are great for weekend races or family fun in the park.

High-end and hobby-grade choices

Serious hobbyists should aim for hobby-grade 1:10 or 1:8 models with brushless motors, metal gearing, and upgrade paths. These toys are faster, tougher, and able to be tuned for specific driving styles. John Lewis and specialist hobby stores are good places to start your search for premium kits and parts.

Where to find the best deals and make comparisons

Prices and stock change fast, so using a price comparison site can save you time and money. Comparison tools aggregate listings from Menkind, Ebebek, Smyths Toys, Argos, The Entertainer, Amazon UK, and other sellers so you can compare prices, specs, and user reviews at a glance. Sign up for alerts on models you want and check seasonal sale periods for the biggest discounts.

Conclusion

Remote control toys are a timeless way to spark curiosity, build coordination, and have a blast—whether you’re steering a tiny Ferrari across the living room or coaxing a submarine through backyard puddles. UK retailers like Menkind and Ebebek offer a wide range of picks from detailed collectibles to toddler-proof construction toys, and larger retailers add convenience and choice. Match the toy to the user’s age and skill, keep safety and maintenance in mind, and don’t forget spare batteries. With the right model and a little practice, every outing becomes an adventure.