Things to Do With the Family in Kent
Where to begin with Kent? An authentic home county and a tapestry of pristine British countryside, this county is undisputedly one of England's best.
It's also especially good for families looking for places to have fun. Across the county, a collection of memorable experiences and fantastic days out await those who visit or live in Kent with their little ones. From wildlife parks with diverse animal populations, to beachside fun on the east coast, there's something to tempt everyone's palette, young and old.
We've collected some of our favourite days out in this handy guide, so take a look, take your pick, and head out into the beautiful 'Garden of England'.
Head off to dreamland
Ask any child if they'd like to go to a theme park and you can bet the answer will be yes. The good news for families in Kent is that this charming corner of England has its very own answer to Disneyland in the form of Dreamland. Found on the coast in Margate, Dreamland's merry, dizzying and extravagant rollercoasters rise above the waves of the English Channel, accompanied by gleeful (and petrified) screams of enthusiastic punters.
Naturally, there are also plenty of options for those not so keen on big thrills, and with free entrance and pay-as-you-go rides, a fun day can be had here by anyone. There are vintage attractions for the nostalgic, and gentle ones for the very young, and while you're here be sure to take a ride on the Scenic Railway, the queen of Dreamland.
Meet the animals of the Hop Farm Family Park
The great outdoors is an ideal place to take young bundles of energy. For those kids - and adults - who love animals, there are few places you can get as close to our furry friends as the Hop Farm Family Park. Meet ponies, llamas, goats, rabbits, reptiles, guinea pigs and much more in their natural habitats.
If you're not too much into the animals then fear not - a host of other indoor and outdoor activities are available including bumper cars, a fairy garden, a soft play area and giant jumping pillows. There are also regular events including magic shows, concerts, fireworks and fairs to beguile and entertain the whole family.
Go back in time at Leeds castle
While some of the other historical sites in Kent might not always tick the boxes of younger visitors, Leeds Castle is a sure-fire hit. With an enthralling history stretching back over nine centuries, Leeds Castle is packed full of things to see and do.
While the adults enjoy the refined architecture and manicured gardens, the kids are free to explore a smorgasbord of exciting features aimed at children. There are adventure playgrounds to discover, falconers to meet, and 12 holes of adventure golf to enjoy. If all that doesn't satisfy, the castle's hedge maze will keep intrepid young explorers busy.
Hit the beach
If the weather's good and the sun's out, the beaches of Kent beckon. Golden beaches stretch up, down and around the Kentish coast. Your best option if you need somewhere not too far from civilisation, cafés and toilets will take you to Margate Main Sands on Margate's seafront. For countless fossils and intriguing rock formations to clamber all over, Botany Bay is a fine choice for the palaeontologists among us. Finally, for the nature-lovers out there, the quieter Samphire Hoe Beach sits tucked under the indomitable White Cliffs of Dover and is dotted by grass and dunes with unique insect-life and thriving rockpools. Each beach is perfectly suitable for kids and parents for every season.
With its superb coastline, its pristine natural beauty and unique historical landmarks, Kent is an inspirational place to raise a family. More than that, it is ideally located for quick commuter access to London for the breadwinners. To help you realise your dream family life in Kent, we have a roster of properties ideally suited for families of all sizes. These include homes in Royal Tunbridge Wells, and Holborough, and all of our listings for Kent can be found here.