There’s lots of competitors for my favorite UK county – however should you’re counting most visited, it’s most likely Kent which tops the record. Not least as a result of there are such a lot of fab days out in Kent with youngsters.
incorporates affiliate hyperlinks*
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 may even drive large diggers or go to a classic theme park.
And whereas there’s loads to fill a UK household vacation, Kent can also be very best should you’re on the lookout for days out from London. So should you’re questioning the place to go in Kent with youngsters, listed below are my prime picks to begin you off.
Kent castles and historic homes
Hever Fortress
Considered one of my all-time favorite Kent days out with youngsters, there’s plenty to suit right into a go to to Hever Fortress – 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 Fortress itself, the place Anne Boleyn grew up and which nonetheless homes items from Tudor instances, you may wander the grounds with a maze, a water maze, a lake, gardens and extra to see.
However probably the greatest elements 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 await the royals to reach, or comply with them down from the citadel entrance.
For my full assessment of a time out at Hever Fortress, Kent, click on right here
Dover Fortress
One other fabulous Kent fortress filled with historical past. There’s greater than historical historical past to be found at Dover Fortress too, with wartime tunnels used for naval operations through the Second World Conflict, though the location has seen centuries of use with an Iron Age Fort and Roman lighthouse constructed close to the Norman citadel.
The citadel itself has loads for teenagers to get fingers on, together with workers dressed up in medieval costume to indicate them how you can card wool within the kitchens, plus bedchambers embellished 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 assessment of a go to to Dover Fortress with youngsters
Leeds Fortress
Not removed from Maidstone and the village of Leeds (not the extra well-known metropolis in Yorkshire), Leeds Fortress is definitely one of the vital lovely historic websites in Kent – and there’s loads of competitors for that specific title.
Sitting mirrored within the lake, with peacocks roaming the grounds, this has at all times struck me (and my daughter) because the sort of citadel to accommodate princesses relatively than a fearsome fortress.
As soon as house to Catherine of Aragon, lots of the rooms are embellished in lavish Twenties type, though you’ll additionally discover ones straight from medieval instances. Outdoors, together with these peacocks, there’s an journey playground and falconry shows plus journey golf within the grounds.
Try my assessment of visiting Leeds Fortress with a toddler
Scotney Fortress
There’s two for one once you go to Scotney Fortress, not removed from Tunbridge Wells – not solely the ruined 14th citadel itself, which appears virtually 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 remains to be embellished 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).
For those who’re visiting Scotney Fortress with youngsters, there’s plenty of room to race round in between the historic buildings too, though the pure play space is a large 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 assessment of our go to to Scotney Fortress, 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 formidable 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 approach into Henry VIII’s fingers.
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 wonderful assortment of portraits for anybody fascinated with artwork.
Youngsters get the chance to decorate up in Tudor period garments as effectively, whereas there’s additionally a treasure path aimed toward ages 6 to 12 to comply with by means of the rooms. Carry a pencil and paper and you’ll strive your hand on the nature-themed brass rubbing as effectively.
Ightham Mote
There are some enjoyable trails to comply with for teenagers at Ightham Mote, though the grounds, gardens and crooked beamed home with its moat are at all times a success too.
With on a regular basis gadgets like a classic rocking horse and extra grotesque historic sights, together with an oubliette, there are many issues to catch youthful guests’ consideration too. Outdoors, you may hunt for the key backyard in addition to strolling previous the lake to the pure play space – or comply with one of many strolling trails if you wish to enterprise additional.
Not removed from Sevenoaks, Ightham Mote can also be a fantastic possibility should you’ve solely bought a few hours in Kent with youngsters to spare, though you might additionally fortunately spend quite a bit 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
Dwelling 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. Comply with the ‘Life and Legacy Path’, certainly one of a number of walks with details in regards to the Churchills alongside the way in which.
Preserve a watch out for Jock as you discover too – Winston Churchill’s will said 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 assessment 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 non-public 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 large swings, a large chess set, a wide range of animals from hen to deer and even an owl and raptor centre with flying shows, and also you’ll want greater than sooner or later to discover. Older youngsters will love the Sherlock Holmes museum too, with its tribute to creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Sussex with youngsters, take a look at my prime picks should you’re additionally venturing throughout the border
Animal sights
Port Lympne
For those who fancy visiting a small slice of Africa with out having to get on a aircraft, it’s exhausting to beat Port Lympne, close to Hythe – this safari park is house to some improbable wild creatures from giraffe to gorillas and massive cats.
And together with the animals, it’s also possible to uncover a really convincing dinosaur forest, plus some beautiful views throughout the English Channel.
Much more excitingly, you may 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 it’s also possible to wake virtually head to head with tigers and lions too.
Try my full assessment of a keep and go to to Port Lympne
The Large Cat Sanctuary
If it’s massive cats which can be the most important attraction for you, it’s also possible to get the safari expertise with out having to go to the airport at The Large Cat Sanctuary in Ashford (although simply with cats right here).
Additionally they supply experiences the place you may see the cats up shut, together with the prospect at hand feed one in case your youngsters are over the age of 16, or regulate their open days.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
At Howletts Wild Animal Park you may stand up shut and private with a tremendous 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 biggest 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.
Whilst you’re there, you might additionally hop in a safari jeep and discover the park simply as you’ll should you had been in Africa. There are additionally choices for spending the night time that can permit you to be immersed within the lives of the lions or rhinos as effectively.
The South of England Uncommon Breeds Centre
The right time out in Kent with younger youngsters, the Uncommon Breeds Centre is a toddler and preschooler favorite. The main focus is on serving to defend and preserve uncommon breeds (the one one in Kent to be permitted by the Uncommon Breeds Survival Belief) though from youngsters’ viewpoint, it’s a wonderful probability to get near smaller cattle.
You possibly can pet a few of the littlest, together with large rabbits and guinea pigs, plus there are goats, horses and extra to see, together with grounds to roam, gentle play and tractor rides on the website close to Ashford.
Learn my assessment of a day on the Uncommon Breeds Centre in Kent with a toddler
Kent Life
One other fabulous household time out in Kent with toddlers and youthful youngsters, Kent Life close to Maidstone has an outside play space in addition to indoor gentle play for wet days in Kent with youngsters, the prospect 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 akin 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 stay exhibits and a few particular experiences appropriate for teenagers aged six and up.
Try this nice assessment of a household time out 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 initiatives to return species to the wild, plus some intelligent enclosures allow you to spot hibernating and nocturnal animals, in addition to scrambling by means of rope walks above the bear enclosure.
Adults may even get shut (safely!) to bears, wolves, and the lovely arctic foxes of their particular experiences, plus there are additionally choices for youthful youngsters akin to turning 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 improbable household time out.
Learn my full assessment 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 can be excellent for youthful youngsters.
There’s additionally a particular play space only for youngsters underneath eight and a curler disco for the entire household in addition to greater thrills for older ones (and you’ll 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 prematurely for limitless rides to get essentially the most on your cash, however this selection has been stopped in the meanwhile.
Museums in Kent with youngsters
Canterbury Roman Museum
With its lengthy historical past, there’s loads to find in Canterbury other than its well-known cathedral (although that’s price a glance as effectively!) – not least a number of fascinating museums.
And probably the greatest museums for teenagers in Canterbury is the Roman Museum; set underground and constructed across the stays of a Roman city home, it’s a good way to visualise your self again in Roman instances as you enterprise all the way down to the unique avenue stage.
In addition to seeing the improbable mosaic ground, nonetheless in place, there’s an introduction to Roman Canterbury plus actions for teenagers akin to making an attempt on a toga, making your individual mosaic, dealing with actual Roman objects and even making an attempt to uncover treasure.
It’s price realizing that pricing has modified from April 2023 – beforehand there was no cost for youngsters, which was nice should you had been on the lookout for finances 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 publish
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 subsequent 12 months.
Maidstone Museum and Bentliff Artwork Gallery
The museum homes over 6,000 artefacts together with native historical past but additionally items from farther afield, akin to historical Egypt and Japan. There are additionally collections specializing in archaeology and costume, plus you’ll discover momentary exhibitions and college vacation actions.
Based mostly in an Elizabethan mansion – Chillington Manor – there’s additionally a dinosaur part, together with data on those which might as soon as have stalked this a part of Kent. Maidstone even has a dinosaur on its defend!
Even higher, there’s no entry cost (apart from a few of the particular actions and momentary exhibitions) should you’re on the lookout for free days out in Kent with youngsters.
Historic Dockyard, Chatham
It is a improbable slice of British historical past, the very dockyard the place a few of the ships that helped conquer the world’s oceans had been constructed – and there’s the prospect to find all the things from a Victorian Sloop to a Second World Conflict Destroyer and a Chilly Conflict submarine.
Greater than 400 warships had been constructed right here, together with the three which you’ll be able to 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 strategies of grasp ropemakers, whereas youngsters can strive finishing Mission Discover with a code to crack should you tick off the missions and details to find alongside the way in which.
Tickets to the Historic Dockyard Chatham are legitimate for a 12 months – be sure to 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 formidable assortment of elements of planes from Second World Conflict wrecks on the Lashenden Air Warfare museum close to Headcorn – not removed from Leeds Fortress, should you’re on the lookout for a few completely different Kent days out with youngsters in the identical space.
In addition to classic plane and different uncommon shows akin to a gyro kite and the world’s solely totally restored and operational pillbox of its kind, it’s also possible to see stay flybys and there are festivals through the summer time that are nice for households.
Different household days out in Kent
Whether or not you’re seeking to get outside to discover or for different methods to maintain youngsters entertained, strive 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 time out in Kent with youngsters however will probably be closed all through 2023 for upkeep – reopening tbc.
Druidstone Park
EDIT: Presently closed: This fantasy park set within the countryside with dragons, goats, and enchanted mushrooms, it’s positive to spark the creativeness of youngsters of all ages.
In addition to feeding animals, there’s a improbable journey play space at Druidstone Park, in Blean, plus the Enchanted woodland with its deer and carpet of bluebells should you go to in spring.
Jeskyns Fairy and Elf Village
Fairy and elves have arrange just a little 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.
Excellent for youthful youngsters, yow will discover tiny residences together with Acorn Flats, Mushroom Manor, The Outdated Boot Inn and Tree Prime Village, plus a sand pit play space and completely different strolling trails.
For those who’re visiting Kent along with your canine, it’s price realizing that sadly the elves are terrified of them so no four-legged associates 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 outside, 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 virtually definitely be butterflies in the summertime when the grass is dotted with wild flowers.
Canterbury Spy Mission Path
Considered one of 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 few of the highlights, in addition to taking you to corners you may simply miss in any other case, it’s a really enjoyable strategy 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 an additional enjoyable strategy to uncover Canterbury, it’s also possible to go punting to get one other view of the town and calm down on the similar time.
Kent & East Sussex Railway
There’s nothing just like the novelty of using a steam practice and at Kent & East Sussex Railway, you may get pleasure from chuffing across the countryside in one of many basic carriages or cease by to observe the engines.
The route from Tenterden will take you into Sussex with the final cease inside strolling distance of Bodiam Fortress.
Preserve a watch out for particular appearances from Thomas the Tank Engine, and with older youngsters, there are additionally various strolling trails should you’re seeking 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 follow your strokes on the 2 programs.
There’s additionally a real boating expertise should you fancy testing your sea legs too, with shark-themed boats, all subsequent to Bluewater buying centre.
Kent seaside
There are seashores galore to find in Kent, together with basic British seaside, unspoiled wild stretches, sand, shingle and rockpools – so many miles to discover that I might write an entire separate publish simply on the perfect Kent seashores!
Till that time, I’ve picked a number of of my favourites on this nook of the south east, whether or not you’re on the lookout for a day journey or an extended keep on the Kent seaside.
Whitstable
Considered one of my favorite spots on the Kent coast, it’s as a lot enjoyable on the lookout for shells on the shingle seashore, combing by means of the treasures because the waves crash, as wandering previous all of the little boutiques (some for teenagers, loads for adults) or choosing up some nice fish and ice cream too.
For those who’re on the lookout for sandy seashores, you must head alongside the coast in the direction of Margate, however we’ve very fortunately stuffed a weekend break right here with out sandcastles, and it’s nice for crabbing, in addition to being canine pleasant.
There are some improbable cycle paths right here to discover additional, together with the fabulously named the Crab and Winkle Means which ends up in Canterbury, plus some nice avenue artwork in Whitstable itself.
Try my favorite issues to do in Whitstable with youngsters
Broadstairs
Considered one of my very own favourites, it’s additionally one of many first UK seashores my daughter ever went on – be sure to cease at Morelli’s for ice cream sooner or later, whereas there are useful boardwalks should you’re visiting Broadstairs with a child (no canine 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 canine on the seashore between Might and September.
Or you may 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 seashore and shallow swimming pools to discover with a web.
There’s fish and chips galore too, plus ice cream after all, and should you wander just a little farther from the city, these brightly colored seashore huts which at all times appear so quintessentially English to me. Away from the primary seashore, 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 regionally.
For extra concepts of nice UK days out with youngsters, verify up my round-up of the perfect from throughout the nation
*final up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN KENT WITH KIDS
Disclosure: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Foremost 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
