days out in Kent

[Othersideofthechannel]

Thinking of meeting up with my brother and his kids in Kent. Suggestions for a good day out with 4 kids under 5 very welcome, particularly locations with both fair and wet weather options.
Thanks.

Where abouts in Kent, its a big place!

Our favourites.
Joss Bay
Broadstairs
Bedgebury Pinetum
Bodiam Castle
Hever Castle
Dungeness
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
Rare Breeds Centre Ashford
Port Lymne
Howletts
Wildwood Park

Somewhere not too far from the M20

The zoo is a good choice then.

Looks great!

It's brilliant - but it is HUGE! Pushchairs very useful - even if the dcs have grown out of them. There's a nice playground bit and a picnic area. We usually take a picnic then buy some chips to eat with it!

Groombridge and the Enchanted Forest walk

Museum of Kent Life - contains real houses and activities inside them for wet weather . Yes, it's close to a motorway, but in a funny way that works quite nicely (particularly for vehicle-obsessed small boys). You can get a boat there from the centre of Maidstone (possibly seasonal, so check first).

Yes, I was wondering whether the zoo looked a bit ambitious.
We haven't seen each other since June so the cousins are going to be excited enough as it is.
I suppose what we really need is a small town with a good park, something that can be done indoors (even swimming) and a child friendly place to have lunch because I doubt we'll want to picnic in late October or November.

If it is late November (24th onwards) then there is the lapland experience in bedgebury see this. Otherwise if weather is good then I'd go for Wildwood as there is a great play area at the end and it's an easy walk for toddlers and lots of badgers/foxes etc to see.
If weather is bad then maybe the swimming pool in herne bay - there is a particularly good cafe there which you can 'access' from both the swimming side and the 'dressed' side. And there is a big slide and stuff.

For that time of year and your requirements I think in Kent Canterbury is your best bet. Dover Castle is a v. interesting day out, but maybe not if all are under five.
If weather turns out nice, Leeds Castle might be good, but our big favourites are all mentioned already: Groombridge, Bedgebury, RHDR Kent & East Sussex Rlwy and Bodiam Castle

Thanks

you need to be a bit more specific regarding the M20 as it is a long motorway

I haven't been for (very) many years but there is a fab little RAF Battle of Britan museum in Hawkinge which is near Folkestone.

Somebody who has been more recently might be able to advise.

Well it doesn't really matter whether it is close to London or closer to the coast, because my brother is coming from Cambridgeshire and we are coming from France so whereever we meet we'll all have a long drive.

Groombridge - the Enchanted Forest

Oh see LIZS has already said it. Wouldn't reccommend Dover Castle for under 5

Leeds Castle has got a nery good playground right at the end and a maze too for older kids

Not everywhere is open in November. Some places close after half term in October

leeds castle near maidstone would be about half way and is two minutes off the motorway. There is an excellent kiddies play area and a small aviary with lovely birds of prey. They do food too though it is just as nice to take a picnic.
www.leeds-castle.com/goto.php

yes, we haven't actally fixed a date for it yet but will definitely check opening times in advance.

I regularly go to both Port Lympne & leeds castle (I have annual passes) both are great on a dry day, but on a wet day I prefered the zoo as they have a safari truck (for 5pounds extra pp over 4)which you can sit on for half the zoo. I have a 21month old and she loves it.

The main inside part of leeds castle may not entertain the kids for too long though is good for adults and the play park & Aviary is great if it's a sunny day.

We went to the Rare breed centre and had a lovely time. The cakes in the café were delicious!