There’s a variety of competitors for my favorite UK county – however for those who’re counting most visited, it’s most likely Kent which tops the checklist. Not least as a result of there are such a lot of fab days out in Kent with youngsters.
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However there’s additionally an enormous number of issues to do in Kent with youngsters: go to the coast, discover a string of castles, head into the countryside, discover animal sights… you’ll be able to even drive big diggers or go to a classic theme park.
And whereas there’s lots to fill a UK household vacation, Kent can be ultimate for those who’re in search of days out from London. So for those who’re questioning the place to go in Kent with youngsters, listed here are my high picks to begin you off.
Kent castles and historic homes
Hever Fort
One in all my all-time favorite Kent days out with youngsters, there’s plenty to suit right into a go to to Hever Fort – if we lived only a bit nearer, I’d be tempted to get the annual membership.
In addition to with the ability to discover the Fort itself, the place Anne Boleyn grew up and which nonetheless homes items from Tudor occasions, you’ll be able to wander the grounds with a maze, a water maze, a lake, gardens and extra to see.
However among the best components are the characters wandering round: Henry VIII known as me a peasant (declare to fame!) earlier than taking his Queen and knights all the way down to the joust – tip: both get to the joust early for good views, and watch for the royals to reach, or observe them down from the citadel entrance.
For my full evaluation of a day trip at Hever Fort, Kent, click on right here
Dover Fort
One other fabulous Kent fortress filled with historical past. There’s greater than historic historical past to be found at Dover Fort too, with wartime tunnels used for naval operations in the course of the Second World Struggle, though the positioning has seen centuries of use with an Iron Age Fort and Roman lighthouse constructed close to the Norman citadel.
The citadel itself has lots for teenagers to get arms on, together with employees dressed up in medieval costume to indicate them learn how to card wool within the kitchens, plus bedchambers adorned as they may have been for royal inhabitants, proper all the way down to video games to play.
Even once we visited on a cold winter’s day, the grounds had been nice to wander round with views all the way down to the English Channel, whereas older youngsters may even benefit from the underground hospital.
Learn my full evaluation of a go to to Dover Fort with youngsters
Leeds Fort
Not removed from Maidstone and the village of Leeds (not the extra well-known metropolis in Yorkshire), Leeds Fort is well one of the crucial stunning historic websites in Kent – and there’s loads of competitors for that exact title.
Sitting mirrored within the lake, with peacocks roaming the grounds, this has at all times struck me (and my daughter) because the form of citadel to deal with princesses quite than a fearsome fortress.
As soon as house to Catherine of Aragon, lots of the rooms are adorned in lavish Nineteen Twenties fashion, though you’ll additionally discover ones straight from medieval occasions. Outdoors, together with these peacocks, there’s an journey playground and falconry shows plus journey golf within the grounds.
Try my evaluation of visiting Leeds Fort with a toddler
Scotney Fort
There’s two for one whenever you go to Scotney Fort, not removed from Tunbridge Wells – not solely the ruined 14th citadel itself, which appears nearly frozen in time surrounded by its moat and parkland, but additionally a Victorian nation home to discover.
There’s a priest gap to spy within the citadel and secret door in the home, which continues to be adorned as if the household had merely stepped out for a couple of minutes, proper all the way down to the retro tins within the kitchen. You possibly can even discover the footprint of an Iguanadon within the quarry backyard (closed, alas, once we visited).
In the event you’re visiting Scotney Fort with youngsters, there’s plenty of room to race round in between the historic buildings too, though the pure play space is a big temptation with loads of choices to play with, so be ready to spend a big chunk of the go to right here.
Learn my full evaluation of our go to to Scotney Fort, Kent with youngsters
Knole
On of the highlights of a go to right here is with the ability to see a herd of untamed deer, in addition to a powerful assortment of Seventeenth-century furnishings on a visit to Knole close to Sevenoaks, which began life as a medieval archbishop’s house earlier than discovering its means into Henry VIII’s arms.
Mary I lived right here earlier than it handed to the Sackville household, who made it their house for hundreds of years – there’s now a superb assortment of portraits for anybody concerned about artwork.
Children get the chance to decorate up in Tudor period garments as nicely, whereas there’s additionally a treasure path geared toward ages 6 to 12 to observe by way of the rooms. Carry a pencil and paper and you may attempt your hand on the nature-themed brass rubbing as nicely.
Ightham Mote
There are some enjoyable trails to observe for teenagers at Ightham Mote, though the grounds, gardens and crooked beamed home with its moat are at all times successful too.
With on a regular basis gadgets like a classic rocking horse and extra ugly historic sights, together with an oubliette, there are many issues to catch youthful guests’ consideration too. Outdoors, you’ll be able to hunt for the key backyard in addition to strolling previous the lake to the pure play space – or observe one of many strolling trails if you wish to enterprise additional.
Not removed from Sevenoaks, Ightham Mote can be a fantastic possibility for those who’ve solely bought a few hours in Kent with youngsters to spare, though you would additionally fortunately spend loads longer right here, particularly on a sunny day.
Right here’s what we bought as much as on a brief go to to Ightham Mote with youngsters
Chartwell
Residence to the Churchill household from the 20s, there are gardens, woodland and floor to discover past the home at Chartwell, together with a pure play space and dens. Observe the ‘Life and Legacy Path’, one in all a number of walks with details in regards to the Churchills alongside the way in which.
Preserve an eye fixed out for Jock as you discover too – Winston Churchill’s will acknowledged that there ought to at all times be a marmalade cat named Jock, with a white bib and 4 white socks. The present furry inhabitant is quantity 6.
For a fantastic place to remain close to lots of the space’s Nationwide Belief websites, take a look at my evaluation of luxurious glamping in Kent with youngsters in one of many Luna Domes at Hoath Home
Groombridge Place
There’s an enormous quantity for households at this nation property on the Kent-East Sussex border, a personal household house for hundreds of years till it was opened to the general public in 1994.
Past the formal gardens and 200 acres of parkland so that you can discover at Groombridge Place with youngsters, you’ll discover an enchanted forest, play areas and different actions.
Wander forest paths previous swimming pools, tree swings, zip wires, a maze and even a recreated pirate ship to climb and swashbuckle in.
Throw in big swings, an enormous chess set, a wide range of animals from rooster to deer and even an owl and raptor centre with flying shows, and also you’ll want greater than in the future to discover. Older youngsters will love the Sherlock Holmes museum too, with its tribute to writer Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Sussex with youngsters, take a look at my high picks for those who’re additionally venturing throughout the border
Animal sights
Port Lympne
In the event you fancy visiting a small slice of Africa with out having to get on a airplane, it’s onerous to beat Port Lympne, close to Hythe – this safari park is house to some implausible wild creatures from giraffe to gorillas and massive cats.
And together with the animals, you too can uncover a really convincing dinosaur forest, plus some beautiful views throughout the English Channel.
Much more excitingly, you’ll be able to keep right here in a single day too. We spent an evening in Rhino Lodge, a transformed gatehouse with rhinos on the backside of the backyard, however you too can wake nearly head to head with tigers and lions too.
Try my full evaluation of a keep and go to to Port Lympne
The Huge Cat Sanctuary
If it’s massive cats which are the most important attraction for you, you too can get the safari expertise with out having to go to the airport at The Huge Cat Sanctuary in Ashford (although simply with cats right here).
In addition they provide experiences the place you’ll be able to see the cats up shut, together with the possibility handy feed one in case your youngsters are over the age of 16, or control their open days.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
At Howletts Wild Animal Park you’ll be able to rise up shut and private with an incredible number of animals, from anteaters to elephants, and even lemurs on the sister park to Port Lympne.
Howletts, close to Littlebourne, is house to the most important herd of elephants within the UK and there are greater than 390 animals to identify throughout your go to – plus as you get pleasure from your self, you’re serving to their conservation efforts.
When you’re there, you would additionally hop in a safari jeep and discover the park simply as you’ll for those who had been in Africa. There are additionally choices for spending the night time that can mean you can be immersed within the lives of the lions or rhinos as nicely.
The South of England Uncommon Breeds Centre
The right day trip in Kent with younger youngsters, the Uncommon Breeds Centre is a toddler and preschooler favorite. The main target is on serving to defend and preserve uncommon breeds (the one one in Kent to be accredited by the Uncommon Breeds Survival Belief) though from youngsters’ perspective, it’s a superb probability to get near smaller cattle.
You possibly can pet a number of the littlest, together with big rabbits and guinea pigs, plus there are goats, horses and extra to see, together with grounds to roam, delicate play and tractor rides on the website close to Ashford.
Learn my evaluation of a day on the Uncommon Breeds Centre in Kent with a toddler
Kent Life
One other fabulous household day trip in Kent with toddlers and youthful youngsters, Kent Life close to Maidstone has an out of doors play space in addition to indoor delicate play for wet days in Kent with youngsters, the possibility to experience donkeys, rampage round in pedal tractors, take a experience on the land practice or tractor trailer, and to color pots.
Plus there are animals galore to fulfill, together with bottle feeding the lambs at Easter, and seeing different cattle corresponding to pigs, horses, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and alpacas.
It’s additionally house to the Kent Owl Academy, with 12 completely different owls, together with dwell exhibits and a few particular experiences appropriate for teenagers aged six and up.
Try this nice evaluation of a household day trip at Kent Life from My Tunbridge Wells
Wildwood Belief
Wildwood Belief (previously Wildwood Discovery Park) close to Herne Bay is a conservation park that focuses on British wildlife, with over 200 animals, together with some that you simply simply gained’t see within the wild anymore like bears and wild cats.
Their work contains tasks to return species to the wild, plus some intelligent enclosures allow you to spot hibernating and nocturnal animals, in addition to scrambling by way of rope walks above the bear enclosure.
Adults may even get shut (safely!) to bears, wolves, and the lovable arctic foxes of their particular experiences, plus there are additionally choices for youthful youngsters corresponding to changing into junior rangers for the day for ages seven to 11.
Kent theme parks
Diggerland
The prospect to play with real diggers is each toddler’s dream come true – and simply as a lot enjoyable for greater youngsters. Together with very massive youngsters, as I found once we visited Diggerland in Kent.
It’s an surprising thought for a theme park, however with rides and the digger actions, plus different play areas to discover, it is a implausible household day trip.
Learn my full evaluation of what it’s prefer to play with a JCB at Diggerland
Dreamland Margate
Step again in time at Dreamland, the place youngsters (and adults) can uncover classic thrill rides, together with conventional favourites which are excellent for youthful youngsters.
There’s additionally a particular play space only for youngsters below eight and a curler disco for the entire household in addition to greater thrills for older ones (and you may verify any peak restrictions on the web site).
You purchase tokens to make use of as you go (ideally paying utilizing contactless) relying what number of rides you fancy. Beforehand, you’ve been in a position to purchase wristbands upfront for limitless rides to get essentially the most to your cash, however this selection has been stopped in the intervening time.
Museums in Kent with youngsters
Canterbury Roman Museum
With its lengthy historical past, there’s lots to find in Canterbury aside from its well-known cathedral (although that’s value a glance as nicely!) – not least a number of attention-grabbing museums.
And among the best museums for teenagers in Canterbury is the Roman Museum; set underground and constructed across the stays of a Roman city home, it’s an effective way to visualise your self again in Roman occasions as you enterprise all the way down to the unique avenue degree.
In addition to seeing the implausible mosaic flooring, nonetheless in place, there’s an introduction to Roman Canterbury plus actions for teenagers corresponding to making an attempt on a toga, making your personal mosaic, dealing with actual Roman objects and even making an attempt to uncover treasure.
It’s value understanding that pricing has modified from April 2023 – beforehand there was no cost for youngsters, which was nice for those who had been in search of funds and free days out in Kent with youngsters – however now kids aged 5+ pay a 50% charge.
For extra concepts of Roman websites within the UK to go to with youngsters, take a look at this submit
Dover Transport Museum
One other nice possibility for younger youngsters fascinated with completely different types of transport – the Dover Transport Museum is house to various kinds of classic transport, set amongst some retro store fronts.
There’s additionally a mannequin railway to play with and a taxi and bus hunt for youngsters – plus it is a nice one to take the grandparents to.
Your ticket additionally will get you free return entry for the following yr.
Maidstone Museum and Bentliff Artwork Gallery
The museum homes over 6,000 artefacts together with native historical past but additionally items from farther afield, corresponding to historic Egypt and Japan. There are additionally collections specializing in archaeology and costume, plus you’ll discover non permanent exhibitions and faculty vacation actions.
Primarily based in an Elizabethan mansion – Chillington Manor – there’s additionally a dinosaur part, together with info on those which might as soon as have stalked this a part of Kent. Maidstone even has a dinosaur on its protect!
Even higher, there’s no entry cost (aside from a number of the particular actions and non permanent exhibitions) for those who’re in search of free days out in Kent with youngsters.
Historic Dockyard, Chatham
This can be a implausible slice of British historical past, the very dockyard the place a number of the ships that helped conquer the world’s oceans had been constructed – and there’s the possibility to find the whole lot from a Victorian Sloop to a Second World Struggle Destroyer and a Chilly Struggle submarine.
Greater than 400 warships had been constructed right here, together with the three which you’ll board and discover.
And in addition to exploring the completely different ships, there are different excursions and experiences to find together with the centuries-old methods of grasp ropemakers, whereas youngsters can attempt finishing Mission Discover with a code to crack for those who tick off the missions and details to find alongside the way in which.
Tickets to the Historic Dockyard Chatham are legitimate for a yr – be sure you e-book on to any excursions you need to take, together with the HM Submarine Ocelot, as quickly as you arrive.
Lashenden Air Warfare Museum
There’s a powerful assortment of components of planes from Second World Struggle wrecks on the Lashenden Air Warfare museum close to Headcorn – not removed from Leeds Fort, for those who’re in search of a few completely different Kent days out with youngsters in the identical space.
In addition to classic plane and different uncommon shows corresponding to a gyro kite and the world’s solely absolutely restored and operational pillbox of its kind, you too can see dwell flybys and there are festivals in the course of the summer time that are nice for households.
Different household days out in Kent
Whether or not you’re trying to get outdoor to discover or for different methods to maintain youngsters entertained, attempt these different issues to do in Kent with youngsters, together with loads of inspiration for sunny days.
The Hop Farm household park, has lengthy been a favorite day trip in Kent with youngsters however shall be closed all through 2023 for upkeep – reopening tbc.
Druidstone Park
EDIT: At the moment closed: This fantasy park set within the countryside with dragons, goats, and enchanted mushrooms, it’s certain to spark the creativeness of kids of all ages.
In addition to feeding animals, there’s a implausible journey play space at Druidstone Park, in Blean, plus the Enchanted woodland with its deer and carpet of bluebells for those who go to in spring.
Jeskyns Fairy and Elf Village
Fairy and elves have arrange slightly village within the woods, with even the smallest legs having fun with this magical little stroll at Jeskyns Fairy and Elf Village close to Cobham.
Good for youthful youngsters, you’ll find tiny residences together with Acorn Flats, Mushroom Manor, The Outdated Boot Inn and Tree High Village, plus a sand pit play space and completely different strolling trails.
In the event you’re visiting Kent together with your canine, it’s value understanding that sadly the elves are terrified of them so no four-legged mates allowed inside.
Bluebell Hill Nature Reserve
Not purely for bluebell season, Bluebell Hill is a beautiful place to go for a picnic and probability to get outdoor, in addition to to see a few of Kent’s pure beauties.
Preserve your eyes peeled and also you may even see voles on the nature reserve close to Aylesford. There’ll nearly definitely be butterflies in the summertime when the grass is dotted with wild flowers.
Canterbury Spy Mission Path
One in all my favorite methods to discover a brand new place with youngsters, there are two treasure trails to select from in Canterbury, together with the spy mission treasure path – excellent for taking in a number of the highlights, in addition to taking you to corners you may simply miss in any other case, it’s a really enjoyable solution to get youngsters exploring.
The 2-mile loop path takes round two hours to finish as you crack the case to finish your mission (and you will get some clues by textual content if you must).
For one more enjoyable solution to uncover Canterbury, you too can go punting to get one other view of the town and calm down on the identical time.
Kent & East Sussex Railway
There’s nothing just like the novelty of driving a steam practice and at Kent & East Sussex Railway, you’ll be able to get pleasure from chuffing across the countryside in one of many traditional carriages or cease by to look at the engines.
The route from Tenterden will take you into Sussex with the final cease inside strolling distance of Bodiam Fort.
Preserve an eye fixed out for particular appearances from Thomas the Tank Engine, and with older youngsters, there are additionally quite a lot of strolling trails for those who’re trying to mix a journey with a hike.
Pirate Cove Journey Park
There’s not 18 however 36 holes of journey golf at Pirate Cove, all with a swashbuckling theme – you’ll enterprise onto a pirate ship and into smugglers caves as you apply your strokes on the 2 programs.
There’s additionally a real boating expertise for those who fancy testing your sea legs too, with shark-themed boats, all subsequent to Bluewater procuring centre.
Kent seaside
There are seashores galore to find in Kent, together with traditional British seaside, unspoiled wild stretches, sand, shingle and rockpools – so many miles to discover that I may write an entire separate submit simply on one of the best Kent seashores!
Till that time, I’ve picked just a few of my favourites on this nook of the south east, whether or not you’re in search of a day journey or an extended keep on the Kent seaside.
Whitstable
One in all my favorite spots on the Kent coast, it’s as a lot enjoyable in search of shells on the shingle seaside, combing by way of the treasures because the waves crash, as wandering previous all of the little boutiques (some for teenagers, lots for adults) or selecting up some nice fish and ice cream too.
In the event you’re in search of sandy seashores, you must head alongside the coast in direction of Margate, however we’ve very fortunately crammed a weekend break right here with out sandcastles, and it’s nice for crabbing, in addition to being canine pleasant.
There are some implausible cycle paths right here to discover additional, together with the fabulously named the Crab and Winkle Approach which results in Canterbury, plus some nice avenue artwork in Whitstable itself.
Try my favorite issues to do in Whitstable with youngsters
Broadstairs
One in all my very own favourites, it’s additionally one of many first UK seashores my daughter ever went on – be sure you cease at Morelli’s for ice cream sooner or later, whereas there are useful boardwalks for those who’re visiting Broadstairs with a child (no canines allowed from Might to September).
In addition to all of the open stretches of sand, Botany Bay in Broadstairs is nice for fossil searching and rock pooling – once more, there are restrictions on canines on the seaside between Might and September.
Or you’ll be able to be part of the Viking Coastal path cycle and strolling route right here too.
Herne Bay
A go to to Herne Bay at all times jogs my memory of seaside breaks from my very own childhood – a correct old school household funfair, together with helter skelter and carousel, in addition to extra shingle seaside and shallow swimming pools to discover with a internet.
There’s fish and chips galore too, plus ice cream after all, and for those who wander slightly farther from the city, these brightly colored seaside huts which at all times appear so quintessentially English to me. Away from the primary seaside, you’ll discover areas that are dog-friendly too.
You possibly can pop into the Seaside Museum when you’re there too, with its mammoth tusks and a show of some fossils discovered domestically.
For extra concepts of nice UK days out with youngsters, verify up my round-up of one of the best from throughout the nation
*final up to date 2023*
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Predominant picture/Leeds citadel picture/bluebells/Canterbury courtesy of Depositphotos; Wildwood wolf/Historic Dockyard Chatham copyright Go to Kent; Dreamland Margate copyright Go to Kent/Kallaway PR; all others copyright MummyTravels
