A Family Day Out in Kent

Kent, The Garden of England. Also home to some very exciting and fun filled days out for the family. If it’s wild animals you like, then you have your pick of zoos to choose from in Kent and with a vast array of beautiful beaches along the South East coast, choosing where to stop for a paddle and an ice cream is going to be difficult! Here are a handful of ideas for a wonderful day out with the family.

Discover 2024’s top lodges with hot tubs in Kent here.

Family Day Out in Kent Ideas

Go Wild at Wingham Wildlife Park

Although in close proximity to a couple of other wild animals parks, Wingham Wildlife Park is a clear winner. Get there early enough and you will witness the penguins going for their daily walk around the park! From Lions and Tigers, to Giraffes and Orangutangs, they really do have something for everyone. And with plenty of picnic benches and a couple of eateries, you can stop and eat lunch in between feeding the Meerkats and playing in the adventure playground.

You could easily spend anything from a couple of hours to a whole day strolling around Wingham Wildlife Park and if you are local then it’s well worth getting their annual pass.

Visit a Kent castle!

Leeds Castle, (which despite it’s name is in Kent!) is another fun filled day out. As you enter the beautiful grounds the vast, majestic castle is in the distance. Be sure to look out for the black swans which are resident at the castle! It’s also a good idea to look out for whats on at the castle, as the jousting days in the summer and the Christmas Fair in Winter are highlights not to be missed!

There are adventure playgrounds, mini golf, birds of prey displays, not to mention the inside of the castle itself to explore. And if you fancy taking your day out to even greater heights, then be sure to book in to the Go Ape that is just outside the front of the castle grounds.

Head Outdoors and Back to Nature

If it’s outdoor and nature you are after, then Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is the place for you. Bedgebury is a Grade II listed landscape, with over 1,800 species of trees, many of which are rare or endangered. You can choose to walk or cycle around Bedgebury Pinetum and you can even hire bikes there if you haven’t taken your own.

Pick up a map, go off the beaten track and discover some hidden treasures of the park. There are also various activity sheets you can pick up to keep the kids entertained. When you’re all walked out, rest your legs with a cup of coffee from the cafe in front of the lake and watch the ducks.

Take in some History

Right on the edge of the county, bordering Kent and East Sussex, you will find the magnificent Groombridge Place. As you walk past the beautiful historic home to enter the grounds, you may be forgiven for thinking you have entered Pride and Prejudice times. That is because the 2005 film was filmed there. Whilst you can’t actually go in the house, the grounds of Groombridge Place offer enough to keep you entertained all day long.

There are the formal gardens with its giant chessboard and The Secret Garden to discover on one side of the grounds. Then grab an ice cream and watch the Birds of Prey show before heading to the board walk which takes you to the other side of the grounds. Try the giant swings in the trees (if you’re brave enough!) and make your way through the Enchanted Forest, to Crusoe’s World, looking out for the odd dragons egg or teepee on the way! If after all that fun, your legs need a rest, then why not take a little trip on the canal boat back to the main formal gardens at the end of the day.

Beach Fun on the Kent Coast

Finally, if it’s sun, sea and sand you are after, then there are plenty of beaches to discover in Kent. Dymchurch is a vast, sandy beach that stretches for miles along the South East coast. If you really want to make a day of it, catch the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway train from Hythe. This miniature steam train is a fun way to start your day out and is sure to be a hit with the kids and adults alike! Disembark at Dymchurch, where you are greeted with Dymchurch Amusement Park. There are rides and amusements for the children a plenty.

Stock up on your tokens have some fun! Then it’s time for fish and chips and ice creams on the beach. When you’ve dipped your toes in the sea and had your fill of sandcastles, it’s time to head back to the little steam train.

Fancy staying over? Check out our lodges with hot tubs in Kent »