Being Kent, Gateway to the world and the Garden of England, we are lucky to have access to a grand variety of fantastic days out.
Coast
With Miles of coastline to the North, east and south, choose from sandy, pebble or city beaches. Here are our favourites and what they offer:
To the North: Our favourite Whitstable and Tankerton. Visit the lovely shops, independent restaurants, craft pubs and Oyster houses. End the day with a sunset dinner at The Lobster Shack, or Samphire in the high street.
To the South: At Dungeness visit Derek Jarmans Prospect house, and Camber sands with its miles of sand dunes and sandy beaches.
To the East: Viking Trail and Joss Bay, Dreamland, vintage shops and art galleries in the old town at Margate, Broadstairs overlooking the town beach for dinner.
Villages, Towns and Cities
Lenham: Our closest village, with medieval buildings, tithe barn and church as well as cutesy shops, bakery and pub.
Faversham: historical town, good for a brewery visit, but best of all the Faversham Quays with its fine array of antique and vintage shops. Stop at Macknades food hall to stock up on fine food; excellent butchers and local fish.
Canterbury: A great city day out, Many independent shops, bars and restaurants and of course Canterbury Cathedral. Dont miss The Goods Shed to pick up the best of Kentish produce for your feast.
Natural environment, English heritage and Castles
Kent Wildlife trust, Bedgebury Pinetum and The Singleton Centre are just some of the places where you can educate your family about importance of the natural environment and see how its beauty is preserved and cared for by its wardens.
Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, Sissinghurst Castle, Dover Castle, Bodiam Castle… The list is long but for a kids day out catch a steam train after a walk around the lovely town of Tenterden to Bodiam Castle, or one of the little trains across Romney marshes.
Leeds Castle is only a short drive from Welsummer or a good hours walk, but is well worth the visit if you can get there for the whole day. The gardens are beautiful, and they have some fantastic play areas and additional attractions happening most holidays.
If attraction parks are unavoidable for the kids you could plan a visit to Headcorn’s Big Cat Sanctuary, Kent Life, Port Lympne and Howlett’s animal Parks, the Rare Breeds Centre or The Hop Farm.
For a connaisseur’s Vineyard visit Biddenden is a must, Chapeldown also offer some great romantic packages and a renowned restaurant along with some excellent wines.
For more information check out the Visit Kent website or The Woodland Trust for some other great ideas.
