HAVING FUN IN KENT

Kent is a fascinating place for families looking for a fun and friendly holiday. You can discover years of Kent's amazing history from the Romans to World War II, join in a medieval re-enactment at Dover or Deal castles, take a step back in time at the Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction, or experience everyday life in a Roman town at the Canterbury Roman Museum that also has an amazing Rupert Bear Museum.

Everyone will enjoy the falconry displays at Eagle Heights, and be amazed by the badgers and beavers you can discover deep in the ancient woodlands at Wildwood. Howletts Wild Animal Park is set in 90 acres of beautiful parkland and is home to the largest group of captive bred Western Lowland Gorillas in the world and the largest herd of African Elephants in the UK, and the South of England Rare Breeds Centre has friendly farm animals such as golden goats, curly woolled sheep and spotted pigs, plus a playground and indoor play barn. Children will especially enjoy the opportunity to let off steam as parents sit back and enjoy the ride on Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway and take in Kent's coastal scenery, or try the Kent & East Sussex Railway to take a nostalgic trip behind a full-size steam engine on Britain's first light railway. The journey takes you over 10 miles through unspoilt countryside between Tenterden and the Sussex village of Bodiam, and the stations at Tenterden and Northiam conjure up the atmosphere of a bygone age.

Diggerland is a unique Adventure Park revolving around the fascination that children (and some parents!) have for mechanical diggers. Attractions include rides, drives and static displays, along with play areas and competitions for young children and infants. At the Hop Farm Country Park you can enjoy a full day of fun, excitement and discovery amongst the world's largest collection of Victorian Oast houses. This once working Hop Farm is now one of the South East’s most popular family attractions and there is something for all the family, including children’s play areas, animal encounters, interactive museums and the impressive Shire horses.

The Seven Wonders of the Weald are unique places to discover and offer visitors ample opportunity to experience a variety of different outdoor attractions. The diversity of the Seven Wonders of the Weald, and their setting, the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), makes visiting the attractions a must when venturing into the heart of the Kent & Sussex borders. Just 8 miles from Tunbridge Wells and less than 40 miles south east of London, this is an area of rolling hills draped with small irregular fields and grasslands, abundant woodlands and hedges, sunken lanes, captivating villages and farmsteads plus wonderful historic buildings to admire - all combining to make one of England’s finest landscapes.

Bayham Abbey is owned and managed by English Heritage and standing on the Kent and Sussex borders. This engaging, romantic ruin, set in the picturesque wooded valley of the River Tiese was built by the French ‘white canons’, a religious order of the 13th century. This is the perfect setting for a picnic, where you can sit back and enjoy the peaceful serenity of the site and admire the fine detail of the medieval master craftsmen, investigate the different building styles, and ponder the lifestyle followed by the canons who occupied this secluded valley some 800 years ago.

At Bedgebury you will find the largest collection of conifers on one site in the world, over 10,000 conifers provide the perfect place to enjoy a gentle walk, play a game of hide and seek or have a family picnic. The Pinetum is a haven of tranquillity and peace set in beautiful parkland with lakes, streams and rolling hills, and the conifers are interspersed with rare and unusual deciduous trees, home to rare wildlife, birds, dragonflies and butterflies. New recreational facilities include specially surfaced tracks to provide safe, all-ability walking, mountain biking, horse riding and orienteering, plus a new Visitor Centre and adventure play area.

Bewl Water is the South East’s largest body of water. Here you can stroll around the edge of the lake, or take a leisurely cruise on the “Swallow” cruiser followed by lunch at the Look-Out Restaurant whilst admiring the outstanding Wealden views. Flyfishing, Sailing, Canoeing, Rowing, Windsurfing and Cycle Hire are all available and there’s a Children’s adventure playground and acres of space. Within the Visitor Centre you can learn about the importance of water and visit the gift shop.

Lamberhurst Vineyard is a family friendly attraction that offers you the chance to learn about fine English wines in a beautiful Wealden setting. Children can play at the adventure playground or have fun with the animals at pets’ corner while parents enjoy wholesome food at the fully licensed Bistro, sip coffee whilst seated on the south facing Mediterranean style terrace or experience the vineyard’s very own gastro pub, The Swan at the Vineyard, where you can sample the local ales and wines.

Marle Place is an extensive and peaceful Wealden garden cared for and enlarged by the artist and tree loving owners of 40 years. All the family will enjoy the Victorian and Edwardian features, a gazebo, a rockery and an Italianate scented garden blend with modern planting and planning, including a mosaic terrace. Encircled by ancient woodland, a stream and ponds, all managed with wildlife in mind, the gardens enjoy a background of birdsong and a chance to see a wonderful variety of native flora and fauna. Sculpture and land art can be seen throughout the grounds; and in the studio and gallery there are exhibitions of work by contemporary artists.

Scotney Casle, owned by the National Trust, is a hidden gem and one of the most romantic gardens in England. This stunning picturesque garden provides a unique backdrop for a fairytale 14th century moated ruined castle and is the ideal place for families to stroll around in a magnificent setting at anytime of the year.

Useful contacts:

For tourist information:
www.kenttourism.co.uk
www.kentattractions.co.uk
www.visittunbridgewells.com
www.sevenwonders.org.uk
www.discoverhastings.co.uk

For accommodation in the area:

Heart of Kent - Accommodation Guide

Dale Hill Hotel & Golf Club
The family-friendly Dale Hill Hotel is ideally located for visiting the attractions and beaches in Kent. They have good family rooms and leisure facilities, and a restaurant with children’s menus.
www.dalehill.co.uk

email: info@gowithkids.com