Days out with children near dover.

[katherinez]

We have just booked a holiday on the coast, near dover. Can anyone recommend any places to take small children (under 4's) around the area?
Was wondering which beaches are best. Also, whether any of the castles in the area have much to offer in terms of lo's.
TIA.

[Pinkchampagne]

I live on the coast near Dover, so may be able to help you here.

Dover castle is great, there's lots to do & see there, but be prepared for lots of walking!
Deal castle is a bit boring IMO, but Walmer castle has lots to see, and it has great gardens. My boys love running around in the grounds of Walmer castle!

If you want a sandy beach, you are best of heading to the Thanet area, where there are great sandy beaches. Deal, Dover & Folkestone beaches are pebbly.

There are soft play areas in Whitfield (nr Dover)and there are a couple of good ones in Folkestone. (Huff & Puff in Folkestone is a good one) There is also a great outdoor adveture playground in Folkestone, which has loads to keep the children entertained.

Kearsney abbey is a lovely park in the Dover area. You could easily spend a whole day there when the weather is good!

Deal has a swimming pool called Tides, which has slides & a wave machine. It also has a gym, which offers special baby gym sessions for the under 5s on Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday mornings.

[katherinez]

Thankyou Pinkchampagne, very useful info. Have been googling Thanet. Just what I was looking for!

[Pinkchampagne]

There are lots of lovely beaches in the Thanet area, we are off on a school trip to one of them tomorrow, so I am praying it doesn't rain!

[Tortington]

isn't there a tractor place along the M20? or am i having delusions at 80 MPH ....again

[Pinkchampagne]

There's Digger Land, is that what you are thinking of, custy?

[Tortington]

it sounds rather similar - yes thatmight be it.

i always think " ohh that looks like fun...diggers...." then remember my children are teenagers .....i think this grandchildren idea may actually be ok but not yet.

[katherinez]

Hope you had a good day out, not too wet I hope! Digger Land sounds like a good plan. Dh will be up for that one I'm sure.

[Pinkchampagne]

LOL at the grandchildren idea!

Digger Land is great fun! They have loads of good digger rides, and they even have snow slopes from what I remember!

My trip to Reculver beach was not the most enjoyable! It was very very cold & very wet!
Would have been great if the weather had been nice, but today that certainly wasn't the case!!