Children-friendly pub gardens in Kent

Fenn Bell Inn, St Mary Hoo

Gardens don't come much wackier than the one at this Sheps pub on the Hoo Peninsula. Since taking over two years ago, landlord Andy Cowell has turned the garden at the 17th century pub into a zoo packed with animals and birds of all shapes and sizes. Look out for squirrel monkeys, macaws, kunekune pigs, great grey owls and even a coati – a South American racoon. The pub's also well placed for a stop off after a visit to Chatham's Historic Dockyard.

Check it out at www.fennbellinn.co.uk

Plough Inn, near Whitstable

There aren't many top-notch pubs with good food plus a spacious garden where adults and children can relax side by side. However, the Plough in St John's Street at Swaleciffe ticks all of those boxes and then some. As well as the children's play area and well-priced menus, the pub is just a short stroll from the beach at Tankerton Slopes making it ideal for a pitstop on a family trip to the seaside. Tablet loving teenagers will also be impressed with the free wifi.

Check it out at theploughwhitstable.com

Swan On The Green, West Peckham

There may not be any swings, slides or ubiquitous sweet wrappers littering the grass but if you're looking for a slice of little England this is it. At the end of a no-through-road in a sleepy village between West Malling and Tonbridge stands this 17th century gastropub. There's tables on the large green and the kids can mess around in perfect safety against a backdrop of orchards and the village church. The food's pretty good too - the steak sandwich is a real winner - as is the beer that's brewed at the pub.

Check it out at www.swan-on-the-green.co.uk

The Woodlands, Gravesend

After sunning yourself in the beer garden at this Beefeater pub, nip next door with the your tribe to explore Woodlands Park, where there are swings, an assault course and plenty of wide-open green space. The bar does food from the restaurant, along with a children's menu. The park, which can be seen from the suntrap beer garden, also has basketball hoops and a mini-golf course, although you have to bring your own putter and balls.

Check it out at www.beefeater.co.uk

Zetland Arms, Kingsdown

One of the closest pub in the country to France, you can almost dip your toes in the English Channel while basking in the sun outside of the Zetland Arms. In reality the pub garden is actually the beach, but don't let that worry you as kids will love running around on the pebbles as you keep an eye from the tables on the terrace. On chillier days the walled garden at the back of the pub is a real suntrap.

Check it out at www.zetlandarms.co.uk

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