Fun Family Days Out in Kent on a Budget

School holidays with the kids are the perfect way to spend precious time with your children, making memories and having fun together. But when days out cost an absolute fortune nowadays, school holidays can become a source of worry. How can you have a fun week and keep your kids entertained without breaking the bank?

Well, this May half term break we have you covered with our 6 fun, family days out in Kent on a budget. Read on to discover some of Kent’s best value days out, which one will you visit?

1) CycloPark, Gravesend

The CycloPark is a bikers paradise with a plethora of cycling tracks to be enjoyed including a road circuit, mountain bike trails and BMX track. With entry priced per day and very good value there is plenty of fun to be had whether you are looking for a leisurely cycle, adventure on the mountain bike trails or if you’re a BMX pro! 

For younger families there is a fantastic outdoor play area with sandpits, climbing frames and slides; something for every child to enjoy! The play area also has fantastic equipment for riders of bikes and scooters making the CycloPark a unique and interesting place to take the kids over half term. 

Entry to the play park is £4.50 per family, making this another fantastic place to visit that won’t hurt your wallet.

There is so much going on here you need to check out their website to see all the fantastic facilities for yourself!

2) Jeskyn’s Woodland Park, Gravesend 

With all day parking at Jeskyn’s Woodland Park costing £3.60, this really is the perfect place for a fun family day out on a budget. More suited to little adventurers or fur babies, the park is home to a fabulous Gruffalo trail and enchanting fairy woodland. With 2 adventure play areas for children to burn off some energy complete with sand pit, there are endless hours of fun to be had! For the fur babies there are some lovely walks across open fields to keep a watchful eye on your pooch! There are also fenced areas – perfect for puppies.

Jeskyn’s Woodland Park is a great day out, just pack your picnic and weather appropriate clothing and you are good to go!

3) Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst

Scotney Castle, near Tunbridge Wells, looks like it belongs in a fairy-tale, the moated castle dates back to the 14th century and is surrounded by romantic gardens, the perfect place for a picnic or a charming stroll. The landscaped gardens are described as looking “seemingly untouched by human hand and its cloud-like planting of rhododendrons and azaleas creates a fairy-tale feel, with the ruins of the Old Castle at its centre” which makes for a truly stunning backdrop to all your family photographs and is beautiful come rain or shine.

Although you admission fees apply to enter the castle and the grounds, National Trust members will be able to enter for free. You can often find free National Trust passes in the newspaper or online which will give you free admission. There are also some beautiful walks in the surrounding countryside which you do no need paid entry to the castle and grounds to enjoy. The walking routes are not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. 

4) The Battle of Britain Memorial, Folkestone

A clifftop tribute to the brave heroes of the Battle of Britain offers an interactive, high-tech visitor experience alongside calm reflection on the conflict that changed the course of the Second World War.

At the centre of the site is the memorial, other attractions include the Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial wall, a replica Spitfire and Hurricane and a stainless steel Stuka sculpture. Inside, the interactive Scramble Experience is popular with visitors of all ages and a first-floor Cockpit Cafe with views of France make an interesting day out for families with older children.

Entry to the Memorial and The Wing is free, although parking charges apply (£2 for two hours or £5 for all day).

5) Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst

Bedgebury is a stunning place for a walk, cycle and or picnic this half term break. With wonderful walks amongst a world-leading collection of conifers and beautiful views across the lake, Bedgebury is a wonderful place for a day out in the sunshine. There are a number of fantastic play areas to keep children entertained all day. For older children there is a Go Ape on site but this has additional charges. 

Car parking on site is £14.50 for the day during weekends, bank holidays and school holidays, although pricey for parking this gives you admission to the pinetum and access to all the wonderful facilities. Pack a picnic, drinks and perhaps a flask of tea and you don’t need to spend any more money and therefore, earns a spot on our budget friendly days out list!

6) Betteshanger Park, Deal

With plenty of activities available at Betteshanger Park, there is something for everyone this school holiday. Home to the Kent Mining Museum which has free entry, there is plenty to keep your family occupied come rain or shine.

Outdoors, a newly installed play areas means the little ones have plenty to keep them busy.  With cycling tracks, gorgeous walks and running trails amongst other paid for activities you will have a fantastic day out.

There is a parking charge of £5 at weekends and £3.50 Monday – Friday.

We hope you have a wonderful half term break whatever you get up to! Why not share your budget friendly days out with us in the comments!

If you are looking for a career that fits round your family, the there are plenty of fantastic opportunities within education. From teaching, child support and a range of administration roles where you have the chance to make a difference to your local community. Search and apply for our term time only roles today.