Awesome free days out in Kent

Holidays can quickly become a costly venture. Eating out, travel costs, days out for the family: it all adds up. But saving on money doesn’t have to mean compromising on fun. Here is our selection of awesome free days out in Kent.

Our listings of camping sites in Kent will help keep your budget under control too!

Family-sized fun

The Hop Farm has a variety of free things families will enjoy, all in one place. There is an animal village, home to animals including llamas, lambs and goats, plus daily chances to meet and pet the animals. Outside there is an adventure play area, where kids can let off some steam climbing rope ladders and whooshing down slides! Hop Farm is located off the A228 near Paddock Wood.

Visit Maidstone Museum completely free to see some fascinating artefacts, learn historical facts and have loads of fun at special events! The museum and art gallery is set in a magnificent Elizabethan manor house and houses one of the largest collections in the South East.

Mote Park is great for active families. There are two children’s play areas, plus a skate park and BMX track, which are all free. For a small admission fee you can play the 18-hole pitch and putt, or for a miniscule 30p you can take a ride on the model railway. The railway runs every Sunday during summer, and bank holidays. Mote Park is also in Maidstone.

The Great Outdoors

Kent has many beautiful walks including the famous North Downs Way. This walk runs for 153 miles from Kent into neighbouring Surrey – so it might be best just to pick the parts that most interest you to explore! 

There are also many tranquil riverside walks, or head to one of the county’s 61 nature reserves. One highlight of Kent’s countryside is The Blean, near Canterbury. It’s the largest area of ancient woodland in England, and is home to bluebells and woodpeckers.

Free dose of culture

Rochester Cathedral has stood in the town since 604 AD. You can see the splendid architecture and visit the tranquil gardens free. What was originally the monastic herb garden is now a haven for birds and squirrels. Human visitors can have lunch or snacks in the Tea Rooms! There are audio guides of the cathedral for £1, or book a guided tour in advance for £4 per person.

Take in some art at the Turner Contemporary gallery at Margate. A major feature of the town, the gallery attracts visitors from all over the world with its regularly changing temporary exhibitions. It is also located right next to the beach, so any members of the family who don’t fancy the art can take a relaxing stroll along the shore while you soak up the culture. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-6pm, and to save an extra pound or two you can park for free in Mill Land Car Park. 

One activity you may be surprised to find for free is wine tasting at a vineyard! Bibbenden Vineyards (just outside the village of Bibbenden) runs free tours and tastings on selected dates throughout the year. These tours are available for individuals and small groups, and you must book before you go.

Wine fans may enjoy our guide to Kent vineyards.

These are some of the best free things to do in Kent and it goes to show that holidaying on a budget needn’t compromise on fun. From board games to beaches, there are so many ways you can stay amused on a tight budget!

Where to stay in Kent:

• The best campsites in Kent