From a Local: Cheap Days Out in Kent
Things have gotten pretty expensive recently so it’s always great to find things to do near home that aren’t going to cost you a fortune. Which is why I’ve decided to list a few of my favourite budget friendly days out in Kent. In this post I’ll tell you my top cheap days out in Kent.
I’ve lived in Kent my whole life and often take it for granted. It’s one of my favourite counties in the whole country for so many reasons, yet sometimes I forget how many beautiful places are right on my doorstep. So, here are a few of my favourite cheap days out in Kent when I want fun days out without spending lots of money.
Best Places to Stay in Kent
There are lots of gorgeous places to stay in Kent, whether you fancy a hotel, spa, cabin in the woods or cottage in the countryside. Airbnb is a great place to find somewhere unique to stay, or if you prefer a hotel, there is lots to choose from on Booking.com.
Some places I have stayed in and LOVED include:
Cheap Days Out in Kent
Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats
Okay I had to put this one at the top of the list (not that these are in any order) because it’s one of my favourite places to go in Kent! Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats is an amazing sanctuary and home to over 140 goats from all over Kent. You can visit the sanctuary for the day and spend some time with the goats, take a peek at their little homes and go for a little walk around the grounds.
Admission is very affordable, with adult tickets costing £5, and child tickets only £3. If you love it, you can also get an annual pass and come back as many times as you like!
Knole Park
No Kent guide would be complete without my favourite place in the world, and that is Knole Park! I’ve spent years exploring the world and yet Knole Park will always remain on top. I think it’s because my family visited so often when I was a child, and I have so many magical memories there.
Knole Park is a National Trust site in Sevenoaks full of deer. The grounds are huge so you can walk for hours around the park spotting deer and exploring the forest areas, (just please don’t feed the deer). Knole Park is free to visit, you’ll just need to pay for parking if you wish to park there, and you do now need to reserve a space online before you visit. Or else, you can park somewhere in Sevenoaks and walk in, making it an amazing cheap day out in Kent.
Mote Park
Mote Park makes another amazing cheap day out in Kent, it’s a huge park with a lake, huge play area for kids and lots of paths to explore. It’s free to enter, all you have to do is pay for parking if you are visiting by car, and an ice cream or coffee if you fancy one. There is also a skatepark, outdoor gym and the park often hosts events so it’s worth checking to see if anything exciting is going on.
Mote Park also has an amazing leisure centre on site with a gym, pool, kids soft play and more. Obviously this will make your day out cost a little more, but depending on what you choose to do, it’s still a very affordable day out.
Canoe Wild
If you love time out on the water, spent in nature then Canoe Wild makes an amazing day out in Kent. Canoe Wild offer kayaks, canoes, SUP (paddle boards) and more, in Fordwich and Grove Ferry. You can choose an hour hire in either locations or opt for hire to make your way along the water from one to the other, and the fee includes a free lift back to your starting point. This makes such a fun family day out in Kent, especially on a sunny day!
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle is one of my favourite places to spend the day in Kent as the grounds are huge and there is so much to do here, for the whole family. Whilst entry to Leeds Castle isn’t ‘cheap’, I’ve included it in this list because an entry ticket grants you admission for the entire year, so even if you only visit once a month, it works out to be extremely good value for money.
Leeds Castle is so beautiful, in fact it has been named, ‘the loveliest castle in the world’, with over 900 years of history, as well as lots of activities and events to keep you busy all day. As well as the beautiful castle, you’ll also find huge grounds to explore, gardens, a lake, impressive play areas for children, a maze and grotto, birds of prey shows and so much more. Honestly this is one of the best places to visit in Kent, and if you plan to visit multiple times throughout the year, it definitely counts as a cheap day out in Kent too.
Rochester Cathedral
Rochester Cathedral is one of the best cheap days out in Kent. The cathedral is England’s second oldest castle, founded in AD 604, making it over 1400 years old. The cathedral is beautiful and has a LOT of history. It’s right on the Rochester High Street so you can make a day of it with some shopping, cafe shopping and also pop to the castle whilst you’re there. It’s a must visit if you’re planning days out in Kent!
Admission to Rochester Cathedral is free with donations welcomed. It is open for visitors Monday-Saturday, so plan accordingly! Rochester Castle is an English Heritage site, with entry fees of £9.50 per adult and £6.50 per child, so if you wanted to combine the two sites for your day in Rochester, it is still a very affordable day out in Kent.
Margate to Broadstairs Walk
If you love a good walk and being near the beach then this is one of the best days out in Kent and, it’s free! The walk from Margate to Broadstairs is about 10km long, you’ll pass lots of beautiful beaches, some are well-known, whereas others are real hidden gems, even as someone who lives in Kent, I hadn’t heard of some of these gorgeous beaches!
The easiest option is to park up in Margate or take the train there, then head towards the coast. From there you can walk along the coast all the way to Broadstairs, most of which is along the coastline but there are a few detours here and there, so look out for the signs. I have a full blog post on this walk that should answer all of your questions so make sure you read it before you go.
White Cliffs of Dover Walk
Another amazing walk in Kent is the White Cliffs of Dover Walk. This is a National Trust area so it’s well protected and maintains it’s beauty, year-round. The best way to see the cliffs is to take a walk along the coastal path towards South Foreland Lighthouse. There are various paths to take here and you can walk as much or as little as you like. There are beautiful viewpoints within a 20 minute walk, or you can walk all the way to Deal if you feel up to it, the path to Deal is around 17km long.
It’s free to walk this path, you’ll just need to pay for the car park, unless your a National Trust member, then it’s free. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see France from the top of the cliffs which is amazing! This is also a great spot for picnics so if you don’t plan to walk too far, make sure you bring a picnic blanket and some snacks and enjoy the view up there.
Mini Golf in Hastings
If you’re heading to Hastings then you can’t miss the mini golf! It’s right on the seafront, you can’t miss it and it’s such a fun thing to do to keep the family entertained for an hour or so. It’s child-friendly and a lot of fun, with 3 different courses to choose from and a chance to win a free game at the end!
Prices are £4.85 for children and £9.75 for adults, but it’s you’re visiting as a family it’s worth getting a family ticket to save some money! Nearby, there are amusement parks, go karts, play areas and of course, plenty of fish and chips and ice cream if you want make a full day of it! There are also plenty of picnic benches and spots on the beach if you fancy bringing your own picnic to Hastings, just be aware of the seagulls as they’ll try to steal your food if you’re not looking.
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest is run by Forestry England, and is a huge forest area with trails for walks, running, cycling and more. There’s a cafe, as well as various fitness activities and lots of events throughout the year so it’s worth seeing what’s on when you plan to visit.
It’s free to enter the forest, but if you’re visiting by car you will have to pay for parking. You can pay for a couple of hours, or a full day costs £14.50. Take a picnic and bring your bikes or walking shoes and this makes a great cheap day out in Kent!
As always, love Elise x
P.S. This post contains affiliate links, which helps me continue to write travel blogs for you! It doesn’t cost you any extra, but I get a small amount of commission from the sale.
FAQ
Where is Kent in England? Kent is a county in the south east of England, often referred to as the Garden of England thanks to its rolling countryside, vineyards and beautiful coastline. It is easily accessible from London and is actually the closest part of England to France, with the famous White Cliffs of Dover looking out towards mainland Europe.
How do I get to Kent from London? One of the best things about visiting Kent is how easy it is to reach. You can take a high speed train from London St Pancras to places like Canterbury or Whitstable in under an hour, and there are regular services from London Victoria and London Bridge to towns across Kent. If you are driving, the road links are simple and well connected, making it ideal for a weekend escape.
What are the best places to visit in Kent? There are so many gorgeous spots to choose from. Canterbury is known for its historic streets and the beautiful Canterbury Cathedral, Whitstable is famous for oysters and relaxed coastal charm, Margate has a creative seaside feel, and Dover is home to those iconic white cliffs. You also have Broadstairs for traditional beach days and plenty of countryside villages if you prefer slower, nature filled escapes.
When is the best time to visit Kent? Late spring and summer are ideal if you want warmer weather and long evenings by the sea. Autumn is also beautiful, especially for countryside walks and vineyard visits when the landscape changes colour. Even winter can feel cosy in historic towns like Canterbury, particularly in the run up to Christmas.
Is Kent good for a weekend break? Yes, absolutely. Kent is perfect for a weekend away from London because you can properly explore one town, enjoy good food, walk along the coast and still feel like you have had a real break without travelling far.
Is Kent expensive to visit? Compared to London, Kent is generally more affordable. Accommodation prices vary depending on the season and location, but you will find everything from boutique hotels and countryside pubs with rooms to coastal Airbnbs.
Can you swim in the sea in Kent? Yes, especially in summer. Beaches in places like Broadstairs, Whitstable and Margate are popular for swimming, although the water can be chilly outside peak summer months. It is always worth checking tide times and local safety advice before heading in.
Do I need a car to explore Kent? Not necessarily. Many of Kent’s main towns are well connected by train, which makes it easy to plan a car free trip. However, if you want to explore smaller villages, vineyards and countryside walks, having a car does make things easier.
Is Kent good for families? Kent is great for families thanks to its sandy beaches, castles, countryside parks and relaxed pace. There is plenty of space to explore, which makes it an easy and enjoyable destination for all ages.
