Top 10 Family Days Out in Kent

Named as the top destination in Europe for family holidays in 2015, the Garden of England offers a host of opportunities for young people. Paddle and play on classic, sandy beaches, go wild in exciting animal parks and meet knights at enchanting castles. You'll find boredom-busters to suit children of all ages - and parents

can unwind in idyllic surrounding too.

1. Kent Blue Flag Beaches

With more blue flag beaches than anywhere else in the UK, Kent's coast is a first-class place for family holidays and kids' days out. Drift off in the sun to the soothing sound of the waves, build a sandcastle, indulge in barefoot beachcombing, relax, and revive on the coast. Thanets beaches are simple impossible to resist. Enjoy the retro fun at Broadstairs main beach or one of its other six impressive sand-filled beaches and bays. Head to Joss Bay to learn to surf, or rural Botany Bay to saunter amid towering chalk stacks. At the town's main beach, Viking Bay, discover children's rides, beach huts, surfing, a harbour and cliff-top promenade.

2. Dreamland Margate

Where else in the UK can you clamber aboard a host of stylishly restored, recreated and retro-fitted rides and amusements from the golden age of British seaside holidays? Dreamland is a world where vintage cool holds hands with modern design, and goes for a lovely beachside stroll. Dreamland amusement park has been reimagined, ready to welcome a new generation of fun-seeking visitors to an ‘old fashioned, yet oh-so-fashionable’ world of thrills, amusements and good times.

3. Dover Castle

The history is so vivid at Dover Castle the past feels more like the present. Overlooking the Port of Dover, this magnificent fortification is alive with vibrant furnishings, every-day artefacts and costumed actors. Roam through centuries of history, from the Romans to the Cold War, in an action-packed day out. Climb

the Great Tower, meet the characters and immerse yourself in vivid medieval interiors. Then delve deep within Dover’s White Cliffs to witness the drama in the Secret Wartime Tunnels. The White Cliffs of Dover are also iconic. Immortalised in song and film for decades, this spectacular wall of crumbly, creamy chalk stretches for 20 miles and provides mind-blowing views of the English Channel.

4. Port Lympne Reserve

Experience amazing wild animals from around the world at the award winning Port Lymnne Reserve set in over 600 acres of beautiful Kentish countryside. Enjoy an authentic safari experience and encounter free roaming giraffe, zebras, rhinos, as you head out in the wilds of the African Experience.

5. The Historic Dockyard Chatham

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is one of Britain’s leading maritime heritage destinations and the world’s most complete dockyard from the Age of Sail. Step aboard three historic warships and discover over 100 years of life at sea. As well as the great attractions to explore, the Dockyard's varied programme of events and activities are popular throughout the year. At the Dockyard, all tickets are valid for a year, giving visitors 12 months to enjoy the fantastic array of attractions found at this amazing 80 acre estate.

6. Kent and East Sussex Railway

The Kent & East Sussex Railway is the country's finest example of a rural light railway. The line gently wends its way from Tenterden - "The Jewel of The Weald" for ten and a half miles, through the unspoilt countryside of the Rother Valley, to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam.

7. Bedgebury Forest, Goudhurst

Over the past six years, Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest has evolved into South East England’s premier site for healthy outdoor activity. Bedgebury Forest offers walking; cycling, mountain biking, horse riding and adventure play for all ages and abilities. Alongside is the National Pinetum, host to the world's finest collection of conifers and a beautiful place to walk, picnic and escape the stresses of everyday life all year round. Like living life dangerously? Bedgebury is also home to Go Ape where you can swing through the trees and admire breathtaking views.

8. Kent Life, Maidstone

Heritage and family fun sit side by side in Kent Life’s beautiful and historical 28 acre grounds, which will appeal to history buffs, nostalgia seekers and children of all ages. Farmhouse gardens, apple orchards, and a nature trail also occupy this hidden gem. Family fun comes in a vast array of options including indoor and outdoor play areas, donkey rides, pottery studio, junior electric quad bikes, tractor rides and much more!

9. Buckmore Park, Chatham

Experience the thrill of real outdoor Karting at Chatham's 1200m Buckmore Park Outdoor Kart Circuit, just off junction 3 of the M2. It’s where British F1 sensation Lewis Hamilton learnt his trade and was discovered by McLaren in 1996. A session at Buckmore will be a day to remember for all ages.

10. Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch

Enjoy a perfect day out on the beautiful 100 acre farm based in the heart of the Kent countryside. There are lots of animals to meet and pet and fun things to do for children including two play parks, a tube maze and indoor soft play barn as well as the exotic butterfly tunnel, discovery garden and woodland walks to the edge of the Secret Lake. The centre also holds falconry displays, pig racing and many special events throughout the year. So much to do, you’ll need more than a day!

For more information about visiting Kent go to www.visitkent.co.uk