Summer is in full swing, and the school holidays are getting ready to roll out for the month of August, meaning only one thing – it’s time to fill those diaries with adventure, excitement, and (we can’t forget) a little bit of relaxing. We know the struggle of planning the perfect day out, certainly one that keeps every child, adult, dog, and wallet happy, so here are just some of the places in Herts that do just that. Whether you’re looking for free experiences, have a little wiggle room for spending, or want to make the most of the sunshine and really treat the family, you can find something that ticks any box, right here in our beautiful county.
FREE DAYS OUT
From coastal adventures, to cycle rides and days in the park, these family days out offer great value and hours of fun in the sun.
Medieval Season at Dover Castle
Free to English Heritage members
To the top of the White Cliffs we go! Dover Castle’s Medieval Season will be in full swing this summer holiday, with the chance to delve into life during the medieval times. Jester workshops, squire training, archery, storytelling and lessons in courtly etiquette – an afternoon at Dover Castle will soon have your littles forgetting all about the trappings of the digital world! Plus, English Heritage members, this one is completely free with your ticket.
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/dover-castle-medieval-season-22-july---3-september-2023/
Seashore Safaris
Suggested donation of £2 per person
The Isle of Thanet is always high on our list for a family summer spectacular, and with its chalky shores to be explored, the series of Sea Safaris this summer are the perfect day out for little adventurers. Discover chalk reef, rockpools and the habitats of underwater creatures. Run with the help of Thanet Coast Volunteers, these sessions are perfect for little ones aged 4-11.
thanetcoast.org.uk/events-and-activities/
Canterbury Cathedral
Children go free with a fee paying adult
Yes, one of Kent’s most iconic places offers free entry to kids, so what are you waiting for? Little historians can delve into the history and stories of the Cathedral with fun trails, fascinating facts and even the chance to spot fantastic beasts and mythical creatures along the way! Pack a picnic and be sure to explore the Precinct Grounds for the best view of the Cathedral around.
canterbury-cathedral.org/visit/visiting-with-children/
The Battle of Britain Memorial
Entry to the Memorial is free with a small charge for parking
While teaching younger generations about the sacrifices that were made during the Battle of Britain by The Few is invaluable, a visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial comes at a very low cost. Here you’ll find an atmospheric spot to reflect on those sacrifices, replicas of Spitfire and Hurricanes to help bring it all to life, not to mention the National Memorial and Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall which lists the names of The Few. And unbelievably all of this comes at just the cost of parking alone.
battleofbritainmemorial.org
Betteshanger
Free use of the cycle track with £3.50 parking charge
Pack up the bikes and head to Betteshanger; there are 250 acres to explore. These smooth, traffic-free trails are perfect for training up budding Victoria Pendletons, while off-road tracks are made for mountain-biking fun. After pedal power, the Betteshanger Play Park is beckoning, with its zip line, maze, swings and slides designed for kids big and small.
betteshanger-park.co.uk
Mote Park
Make memories at Mote Park as you explore 450 acres of green space. Enjoy a leisurely stroll beside the park's peaceful lake, let the kids run free at one of two children’s play areas, or plan your visit for a Sunday and be sure to pay a visit to the park's marvelous model railway.
The Tudor Trail
Take to two wheels on the Tudor Trail from Tonbridge Castle to Penshurst Place and you’ll be in for a 5.5 mile adventure from the heart of Tonbridge, along the River Medway and into the countryside to beautiful Penshurst Place. Once in Penshurst, we recommend heading to the Porcupine Pantry for tea, cake and treats to round off the day. After all, you’ve earned it!
explorekent.org/activities/tudor-cycle-trail
Lower Leas Coastal Park
Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Park is one of our favourite spots for a great value day out. With gorgeous views out to sea, pine trails through the park, blooming gardens and a whole fun zone with play areas for little adventurers to explore, it’s the perfect spot for a summer’s afternoon. Let little ones run around the largest free adventure play area in the South East (that’s some accolade), or hit the wild zone for the chance to reconnect with wildlife.
visitfolkestoneandhythe.co.uk/attractions/lower-leas-coastal-park-2249/
GOOD VALUE DAYS OUT
Castles, theme parks, designer shopping and riverboat tours, it’s time to make some memories with these thirteen plans for the holidays.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
You’re in for a wild day out with this one. As Kent’s original wildlife park, it’s only right that this one be on your summer hit list. There are over 390 animals at Howletts, from Kent’s only giant anteaters, and the largest herd of African elephants in the UK, to gorillas, leopards, monkeys and more. With so many rare and endangered animals to be spotted, not to mention brand new babies arriving this year, we can guarantee this will be a roar-some success with the whole family. Plus, with visits to Howletts from the likes of Paw Patrol, Bluey and Bingo, Hey Duggee, Peppa Pig and PJ Masks throughout August, there’s never been a better time to pick up the brand new Howletts and Port Lympne Annual Pass, which provides unlimited visits to both parks for a year!
aspinallfoundation.org/howletts
Chiddingstone Castle
Theatre in the gardens of a castle, what could be more magical than that? The Festival Theatre will be putting on a show in the beautiful Chiddingstone Castle Orangery, giving kids the chance to experience the wonders of The Grimm Sisters, Peter Pan Slapstick Picnic, or The Jungle Book in a relaxed way, on picnic blankets out on the lawns in one of the most picturesque theatre settings around.
chiddingstonecastle.org.uk
Dreamland
Yep, the all you can treat seaside destination was made for family fun in the sun! Treat yourselves to the Mega Saver Deal of 20 tokens for £40, and with most rides requiring just one token per person, that’s plenty of smiles (and maybe a couple of shrieks). The Chair-O-Plane, the Helter Skelter, The Scenic Railway…Dreamland’s mix of vintage-inspired and retro rides make for laughs-a-plenty this summer.
dreamland.co.uk/explore/rides/
Jousting at Hever Castle
Included as part of admission to Hever Castle
The knights are returning to Hever Castle this summer as the annual Summer Jousting Tournaments commence! Knights of Royal England will be put through their paces, entertaining visitors with exhilarating displays, action, stunts, falls, fights and all. Valiant knights will compete for points, to be crowned the season champion, while spectators can join the royal procession in the footsteps pf Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn before cheering these brave knights to glory.
hevercastle.co.uk
Jetstream Tours
Cue the Pirates of the Caribbean music, we’re setting sail with Jetstream Tours for our next day trip. It’s all aboard from Chatham and off on a nautical adventure taking in either the historic and explosive S.S. Richard Montgomery that has been shipwrecked since the 1940s, or the Maunsell Forts, eerie abandoned forts that still guard the shores just six miles from Whitstable.
jetstreamtours.com
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
We’re keeping on track with our nautical theme for this one. The Historic Dockyard Chatham is always a fab choice when it comes to big days out with the kids, but this year’s Monster’s of the Deep exhibition makes it even more intriguing. Discover ancient tales and monstrous stories that have long been a part of maritime history, before coming face to face with real-life specimens, the true monsters of the deep.
thedockyard.co.uk/whats-on/monsters-of-the-deep
Penshurst Place
Crafting and falconry on a Saturday, Sunday Garden Stories in the Stage Garden, or Wilderness Wednesdays and the chance to have a go at axe throwing, archery and the art of s’more making, Penshurst Place is the place for a whole host of kid-friendly fun this summer. To top it all off, there is of course the 1km Woodland Trail for wild adventures, and even the Toy Musuem for the chance to see toys of a bygone era…not an Xbox in sight.
penshurstplace.com
Ashford Designer Outlet
Tricky teens and picky tweens to entertain? Shopping is always a win. With outlet prices, the likes of AllSaints, Tommy Hilfiger, Levi's and Carhartt are all waiting to be snapped up. What's more, with Nando's, Five Guys and many more restaurants right here, shopping and dinner sounds like the perfect teen treat.
mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-ashford/
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
We promised to help keep the kids away from the screens, so allow us to present another adventure-packed day out. Get back to nature with a world-collection of conifers within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you can keep them still for long enough, it’s the perfect setting for a couple of family snaps, while cycle trails, the play trail and even high ropes action will set some incredible memories.
forestryengland.uk/bedgebury
Southeastern Kids for a Quid
Yes, you read that correctly take the train this summer and up to four children can travel for just £1 each with one valid adult ticket. We love a bargain, and we love not having to stress about traffic or parking with the kids in the car even more.
southeasternrailway.co.uk/tickets/ways-to-save/kids-for-a-quid
Wild Classroom Family Cooking Workshop at Belmont House and Gardens
It’s time to dust off the chef whites and step outside. Wild Classroom has set up their kitchen at Belmont and will be making full use of the freshest produce around from the Kitchen Garden. Gather together as a family, collect your produce for cooking and prepare to get cooking over fire in the great outdoors. What could be better? Or more delicious?
belmont-house.org/events/wild-classroom-family-cooking-workshop-3/
Canterbury Historic River Tours
All aboard the Canterbury River Tours sail around the historic city. This guided tour is the chance to see the city from a totally new angle, paddling under the King’s Bridge, one of the oldest working road bridges in Britain, and up to Greyfriars’ Island, once home to the Franciscans. Little ones will love seeing some of the historic sites of the city, like the sixteenth century Old Weaver’s House and the replica ducking stool, an infamous part of the city’s history.
canterburyrivertours.co.uk/our-tours/historic-tour
Spa Valley Railway
Head to Royal Tunbridge Wells and to the Spa Valley Railway Tunbridge Wells West Station for a heritage steam and diesel train experience through the Kent countryside. Travel along the line to Groombridge and we recommend heading to Groombridge Place Gardens for the countryside views and gorgeous gardens this area is famous for.
spavalleyrailway.co.uk
SUMMER TREATS
Whether you want to push the boat out with an experience they will never forget, or round up the whole crew and take a staycation, we’ve got your covered with these top treats.
Keepers Cottages
While we love a day out in Kent, we love an overnight stay even more! Discover hassle-free self-catering getaways right here this summer and avoid those airport queues and long, looong car journeys. Keepers Cottages has a range of beautiful homes away from home, many with sea views! From Sandy Villa, Westgate on Sea with its beach-side location and Stone Hall Farmhouse in Walmer with its HUGE garden, to Bowden Lodge in Kingsdown with its very own swimming pool, these spots are the perfect place to make some memories.
keeperscottages.co.uk
Bloom Stays
Bloom Stays has some incredible accommodation, ranging from little country cottages to grand manors, but if you want to get the whole family together, we recommend checking out Old Harrow Barn in Egerton. Sleeping 11 people and with a cinema room, games room and hot tub, this is one for those big family getaways, with granny and gramps in tow. For even bigger get-togethers, Perry Farm in Wingham sleeps 14 and is a true country house experience.
bloomstays.com
Kent Cookery School course
If you’ve got a budding chef in the house, one of Kent Cookery School’s adult and child courses has got to be on the hitlist. Together you and your mini-Jamie Oliver can choose between five different sessions, learning the art of doughnut making, tasting and making Mexican street food, trying your hard at Thai street food, sharpening up your skills with a pasta making workshop, or rounding off the summer with a Neapolitan pizza class. Perfect for kids aged 8-15, we can guarantee this will inspire them.
kentcookeryschool.co.uk
Port Lympne experiences
For the wild at heart Port Lympne’s Keeper Academy for teens aged 13-17 is the ultimate taster in working with animals. Young keepers will study animal observation, clean out the animals (picking up after the family dog will never seem like a hardship again), prepare their food, feed them, find out about enclosure design, conservation, and generally learn about the responsibility of caring for animals on this one-day course. For younger animal lovers the Junior Ranger day for kids 7-12 is a great behind-the-scenes glimpse at life as an Animal Keeper.
aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/experiences/animal-experiences/
