Sporty days out in Kent for the family
Kent's got a great variety of places for a sporty day out - whether it's watching or taking part. Here's our pick of the best.
BRANDS HATCH
There’s not much better than sitting at the Graham Hill Bend basking in the sunlight, smelling fuel and sipping cold beer while watching racing cars go wheel-to-wheel. The race circuit on top of the North Downs at Longfield allows fans to get incredibly close to the action and admission prices, along with pit lane tours, are always reasonably priced. Under 12s can usually enter for free, making it an affordable place for a family day out. If you’re an early riser consider getting to the circuit when the gates to set up camp at the Paddock Hill Bend, a popular overtaking spot.
Postcode: DA3 8NG
Contact:www.brandshatch.co.uk
SPITFIRE GROUND, ST LAWRENCE, CANTERBURY
The famous lime tree may have long since gone and even the name of the ground has changed, but the county’s cricketing headquarters at Canterbury remains a great place to while away the hours. Most of the four-day championship games start on a Sunday, with the NatWest T20 blast matches primarily scheduled for Fridays, under floodlights. Throw in the Royal London One-Day Cup – played over 50 overs – and there is pretty much something for everyone. The club offers membership packages and there are usually discounts for those paying in advance with concessions for youngsters.
Postcode: CT3 1NZ
Contact: www.kentcricket.co.uk
SPEEDWAY, SITTINGBOURNE
The faint smell of fuel lingering in the air, the excited shouts of spectators and the roar of a 500cc engine shooting away from the start line – just some of the things that make speedway such an exciting sport. What’s more Cental Park Stadium is so family-friendly, with under-12s getting in free and other tickets costing up to £12. There’s also reasonably-priced meals. So get along to cheer on the Kent Kings on a Monday night this summer and enjoy an experience that will leave you with a smile all over your face. The season is now up and running and lasts until the end of September.
Postcode: ME10 3SB
Contact:www.kentkings.co.uk
CHATHAM SKI AND SNOWBOARD CENTRE
With the longest artificial slope in the South East, the centre on Capstone Road is great fun all year round. It is also part of the company which teaches more people to ski and snowboard than anyone else in the UK. The centre offers skiers and snowboarders of all levels the facilities to practise and learn new skills. There is an active ski club and snowboard club at the centre.
Postcode: ME7 3JH
Contact: www.jnlchatham.co.uk
SILVER BLADES ICE RINK, GILLINGHAM
The best ice rink in the South East has a full-size ice pad with seating for over 1,000 people within the arena. There are different kinds of skating sessions, plus lessons are available. Café Blu and Bar Blu offer food and drink plus there’s seating to watch your children having fun on the ice.
Postcode: ME8 0PU
Contact: www.silver-blades.co.uk
LYDDEN HILL RACE CIRCUIT
Nestled deep in the Kentish countryside between Dover and Canterbury lies Lydden Hill, the UK’s shortest race circuit at a mere mile in length. The track, known as the friendly circuit, is renowned for its ever-popular rallycross events and this summer hosts track days and race meetings. From bikes to cars to drift machines, there’s something for any petrolhead to enjoy as unparalleled views are offered of every twist and turn from the spectator banks. Tickets are reasonably priced, with under 12s free.
Postcode: CT4 6ET
Contact: www.lyddenhill.co.uk
RODMERSHAM SQUASH CLUB
Tucked away in a quiet country lane between Sittingbourne and Teynham, you’d be forgiven for driving straight past Rodmersham Squash Club. But it is well worth the effort of trying to find the family-friendly venue, which has six courts for squash, racquetball or table tennis, a fully equipped gym, dance studio, sauna, and conference room. New faces are always given a warm welcome and the patio garden is a great place to enjoy the Kent countryside and take advantage of the bar and free Wi-fi.
Postcode: ME9 0PR
Contact: www.rodmershamsquashclub.co.uk
