9 Kent attractions to visit with the family for the summer holidays
There’s not long left before the kids break up for the summer holidays and parents all over the country are faced with six weeks of keeping everyone entertained.
Luckily, we’ve got some great attractions right here in Kent that are perfect for the whole family, from roar-some wildlife parks to historic castles, with plenty to do over the summer months.
1 BLUEWATER, Greenhithe
An adrenaline-packed attraction tucked away behind this giant shopping centre is launching a brand new activity for the summer. Hangloose Adventure Bluewater has added a splash-tastic aqua park to its offering, which already boasts the UK’s only outdoor skydive machine, a 700 metre zipwire and Europe’s largest swing. The new water park features an inflatable floating playground with slides, obstacles and splash zones.
Details: Hangloose Adventure at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe, near Dartford. Book online here.
2 DOVER CASTLE
Fans of TV’s Taskmaster can step into the challenge-based show at Dover Castle. While you explore the historic grounds, you can tick off activities from your Taskmaster scorecard and see how many points you can rack up compared to your friends and family. You’ll get a reward for completing the tasks and can even snap a selfie in the finishing zone before you go.
Details: From Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, August 31 at Dover Castle. Book online here.
3 HEVER CASTLE, Edenbridge
An immersive experience that takes visitors on a nautical adventure is setting sail this summer. The Seas of Time is a new interactive trail coming to Hever Castle, with characters from different historical periods, including Queen Elizabeth I, who needs help defeating the Spanish Armada, and the Vikings, who are going into battle on the high seas. You can also spend time exploring the award-winning gardens, outdoor playgrounds and, of course, the majestic castle.
Details: Wednesday, July 23 to Monday, September 1 at Hever Castle in Edenbridge. Book online here.
4 HISTORIC DOCKYARD, Chatham
The Dockyard’s current exhibition, Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in Lego Bricks, has proved so popular that it’s been extended until November, so there’s still plenty of time to immerse yourself in this hands-on brick-building display. During the summer holidays, there will be a number of activities themed around the exhibition, including completing Lego challenges, meeting characters from Britain’s maritime history, collecting passport stamps, answering quiz questions and more.
Details: Wednesday, July 23 to Sunday, August 31 at the Historic Dockyard Chatham. Book online here.
5 HOWLETTS WILD ANIMAL PARK, near Canterbury
If you’re quick, you can nab a great deal to kick off the school holidays at this wildlife park. Howletts’ animal encounters are currently on offer until the end of July, with prices slashed in half for many of these up-close-and-personal experiences. You can meet snow leopards, lions, rhinos, gorillas, elephants, tigers, lemurs and more, for as little as £12.
Also, from Wednesday, July 23, Howletts’ Wild Summer celebration begins, with £10 tickets for kids, as well as the new adventure playground Joshi’s Jungle, different animal-themed weeks, reptile displays and more.
Details: Animal encounters offer runs until Thursday, July 31 at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Bekesbourne, near Canterbury. Discounted entry for kids runs from Wednesday, July 23 to Tuesday, September 2. Book online here.
6 KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, Tenterden
Enjoy a scenic journey through the Kent countryside aboard an authentic steam engine – and the best part is, kids go free. Throughout the summer, passengers under 16 can join the fun without charge, including events such as a hands-on toy train play zone, the Tenterden bus rally and the model railway exhibition.
Details: Wednesday, July 23 to Saturday, August 30 at the Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden. Book online here.
7 LEEDS CASTLE, near Maidstone
Follow the castle’s new woodland trail and find the friendly creatures that live amongst the historic grounds. The interactive activities include meeting animal characters, completing tasks and learning more about local wildlife. The castle also has a man-made beach, outdoor adventure playgrounds, a maze and grotto, and you can also head inside to see the stately rooms in all their glory.
Details: Saturday, July 26 to Sunday, August 31 at Leeds Castle near Maidstone. Book online here.
8 PORT LYMPNE HOTEL AND RESERVE, Hythe
Learn all about different rare and endangered animals from across the world at Kent’s biggest wildlife park. Port Lympne is home to more than 900 animals across 600 acres, with safari trucks taking you off-road to see giraffe, zebra and more roam the Kentish savannah. This summer, there will be a focus on the park’s conservation efforts, including successful breeding programmes and releasing animals back into the wild.
Details: Monday, July 21 to Sunday, August 31 at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Hythe. Book online here.
9 QUEX ADVENTURE FARM PARK, Birchington-on-Sea
Get ready for a swashbuckling summer filled with buccaneering pirates at Quex Adventure Farm Park. This year, the park will be transformed into a treasure island filled with a giant paddling pool where you can splash around in the hot weather. There will also be a pirate-themed show, tractor rides, dance parties, foam and bubble zones and outdoor activities.
Details: Saturday, July 19 to Sunday, August 31 at Quex Adventure Farm Park in Birchington-on-Sea. Book online.
