Things To Do With Kids In Kent – West Kent Highlights

See Kent highlights of what to do with your little ones, and not so little ones in the county – area by area. Great ideas for all the family. So whether toddlers or teens in tow – there’s plenty to do and see. Covering towns and villages in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells areas.

By Sophie Bland.

ALL AGES

Hever Castle
Edenbridge, Sevenoaks District
The historic Hever Castle in Edenbridge, Sevenoaks was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn and was originally a medieval defensive castle, with a gatehouse and a walled bailey built in 1270. As well as exploring the Castle’s period rooms and collections which are on display, there is also plenty to do with the children in the 125 acre garden, maze, military museum, playground, miniature model houses, boating lake, and tea room. Regular events include archery, shield painting and jousting, as well as holiday events such as theatre and shows.

Chiddingstone Castle
Edenbridge, Sevenoaks District
Chiddingstone Castle has 400 years of history and a collection of Ancient Egyptian, Japanese, Jacobite and Stuart, and Buddhist objects. This historic house has Tudor origins, Victorian rooms and was remodelled in the 19th Century to resemble a medieval castle. Picture sheets can be downloaded online to share with your children as you help them find the objects and places around the grounds and inside Chiddingstone Castle, or search out their Objects of the Month. There are also a number of events held there throughout the year including a literary festival and visitors can enjoy the grounds and the lake, where fishing is allowed. Part of the Wheels of Time scheme for younger visitors.

Bore Place
Edenbridge, Sevenoaks District
A beautiful historic venue set in 500 acres of countryside which encompass an organic dairy farm, organic market gardens, conference centre and environmental education centre. They offer programmes to provide opportunities as well as therapeutic and educational support for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people aged 8 – 24 years. They also run organised events for groups where you can visit for walks and activities such as den building and wildlife warrior walks.

Swanley Park
Sevenoaks District
Lots to do for kids at Swanley Park, with miniature train rides, inflatable fun, play areas with a zip wire, roundabouts and swings as well as a climbing wall and a disabled-friendly swing. You can enjoy a JCB ride, racing cars, pedal cards, splash pool, pedalos, kayaking, boating, canoeing, and also feed the ducks. A new addition is The Plunge, an inflatable waterside and pool that is more than 4 metres tall, or if you want to try something higher then the Tree Trek may be for you. There is also an environmental area that is a haven for wildlife and fauna including three wildflower areas, and the park itself is a great place to enjoy. Plenty of seasonal events, please check out our What’s On section for more details.

Lullingstone Roman Villa
Eynsford, Sevenoaks District
Set in the attractive surroundings of the Darent Valley in Kent, Lullingstone Roman Villa, begun in about AD 100, was developed for the tastes and beliefs of successive wealthy owners. Visitors can view the amazing mosaics, Roman artefacts and prints of the rare wall paintings, a heated bath suite and a house church. The villa is brought to life with a specially commissioned light show, and younger visitors can try on Roman costumes and play traditional board games from the period.

Willow’s Bird of Prey & Wildlife Trail
Sevenoaks
Willow’s Bird of Prey Centre supports the conservation of birds of prey and you can see the many birds at the centre as well as explore the six-acre nature trail in a woodland setting, which is also home to other animals as well. Experiences with the birds such as Hawk Walk, Owl Encounter and Falconry courses are available.

Reuthe’s The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks
Sevenoaks
This is an 11-acre ancient woodland, with a range of flowers and plants including rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and conifers. Lots of activities and adventures on offer too including craft classes, BMX trails, fairytale forest hunts, Alpaca Treks and lots more.

Hemsley Conservation Centre
Sevenoaks
Small zoo and wildlife centre that offers visitors the chance to see some of the world’s most endangered and least understood species. Animals include toucans, Meerkats, Rusty Spotted Cats, Parrots and lots more, with guided tours and animal experiences available.

Epic Life
Tonbridge
With over 20 years of experience, Epic Life offers a variety of fun on the water. Whether you’re looking to learn the basics, want to improve your skills or why not set yourself a challenge, their expert instructors will be with you every step of the way in a safe, controlled and fun environment. Their aim is simple: to inspire and install a sense of adventure in everyone, including kayaking, paddleboarding, mega sub, holiday clubs, and even axe and archery.

The Ceramic Studio
Tonbridge
The Ceramic Studio is set in a converted barn on a beautiful orchard in Brenchley, they run taster sessions and experiences as well as classes.

Penshurst Place and Gardens
Tonbridge
The House, once the property of King Henry VIII, was left to his son King Edward VI and granted to Sir William Sidney in 1552. The Sidney family have been in continuous occupation for more than 460 years. Visit to see the house with its many rooms and varied collections including family portraits from across the Centuries, antique furniture, tapestries, and much more including a toy museum. Home to an adventure playground and a woodland trail.

Carroty Wood
Tonbridge
Carroty Wood activity centre is enclosed in 58 acres of mater woodland and offers a range of family activity sessions including high ropes, archery, abseiling and climbing, some of which are two hour sessions.

Mr Mulligans Adventure Golf
Tonbridge
An epic, dino themed, adventure mini golf course which features 18 holes. Whether you’re a big kid or a little kid, there really is fun for everyone.

Clip ‘n Climb
Tonbridge
Clip ‘n Climb offers three challenges on every wall of varying difficulty. It also offers walls such as the Speed Walls and Face to Face challenge to see how you compare with others or yourself. Vertical Drop Slide and Stairway to Heaven experiences are available. There are also courses as well as a small play area for children under 4 years.

Tonbridge Swimming Pool
Facilities include a 25 metre indoor fitness pool, heated outdoor pool, teaching and toddler pools, with the fitness pool offering Aqua Aerobics, Swim Fit and Specialist Sessions. There is also a number of Parent & Child Fun sessions, as well as Mini Splash for those under 7 years, featuring large mats, rubber rings and lots of water toys. Also, monthly VIP Swimming Sessions for those with special learning needs and disabilities.

The Angel Centre
Tonbridge
The Angel Centre offers a range of sporting activities including gym, classes, sports hall, pitches and lots for younger visitors as well, with a fitness programme for 11-16 year olds and a creche.

 Tonbridge Castle
Explore the Tonbridge Castle Gatehouse and learn about its history, from 1066 with a recreation of medieval life, with an opportunity to sit at the guard’s table and visit the armoury as well as climb to the top of the tower for amazing views of Tonbridge. Educational tours and workshops for schools are held there all year round, which include activity sheets for students, medieval games and puzzles, medieval costumes and dressing up, colouring in, brass rubbing, chainmail making, castle defences, building a bridge and a Norman arch and heraldry.

Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground
Tonbridge Racecourse Sportsground, locally known as Tinkers lsland which is part of it, is in the middle of Tonbridge and is named after its original use for horse racing and has been an area for sports of one form or another since the 1920s. It has 23 football pitches, 12 rugby pitches, play areas for toddlers and teens, mini crazy golf, bowling green, outside table tennis tables and also features a skatepark as well as a ball court and an outside gym. There are lots more sporting activities available as well as large open areas to enjoy.

Sky Birds of Prey
Tunbridge Wells
On offer is a number of experiences for you to get to know birds with this family run company. Enjoy learning about the falconry experience, get an insight into every bird’s physical features, hunting skills and natural behaviours, as well employing basic handling skills where you can end up flying owls and hawks.

Hop Farm Family Park
Tunbridge Wells
Attractions include giant jumping pillows, driving school, magic castle, outdoor adventure play area and children’s rides, as well as live shows and discos from their entertainment team in the Big Red Barn. The animal farm features donkeys, horses and plenty of cuddly creatures to get close to. Experiences also available to shire horses and ponies.

Royal Victoria Place
Tunbridge Wells
The shopping centre located in the town of Tunbridge Wells is also home to the Tunbridge Wells Library and Museum, and a children’s indoor play facility.

Treasure Trails – Tunbridge Wells
Tunbridge Wells
This self-guided mystery investigation leads you through the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, from the picturesque Pantiles to the rambling Wellington Rocks, you’ll find Clues around every corner. Search around this historic spa town to crack the case which takes around two hours.

Dunorlan Park
Tunbridge Wells
A richly varied Victorian garden with meadows, wildlife and a Grecian temple, as well as the amenities of a modern park. Dunorlan Park is spacious and elegant with wild grassy slopes and magnificent views across the lake to the Weald. It is a great place to take the kids, with attractions such as boat hire, a water garden and a play area, as well as regular events including park runs. There is also a pond dipping, with two platforms – fed by the Chalybeate Spring, angling and lots more, all just 15 minutes from the town centre.

Go Ape – Bedgebury
Tunbridge Wells
Go Ape Bedgebury has the pleasure of sharing their space to offer the unrivalled forest experiences of Treetop Adventure and Treetop Junior, against the magnificent scenery courtesy of Kent’s arboretum. High top features include a 170 meter zip line, platforms up to 13 metres high and crossing up to 19 metres long.

Groombridge Place
Tunbridge Wells
Groombridge Place is a 17th Century moated country estate with lined forest paths, water pools, giant tree swings, wooden bridges and daily bird displays. There are six unique areas of gardens, laid out with something to enjoy for each season. It also includes wooden play areas, an enchanted forest, giant chess and boat trips to enjoy. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used the Estate as a setting for his Sherlock Holmes story, The Valley of Fear, and felt that Groombridge Place was ‘the very essence of England’.

Bewl Water
Tunbridge Wells
Bewl Water is the largest stretch of open water in the South East, the reservoir can hold more than 31,000 million litres of water. The site is set in 800 acres of outstanding natural beauty and offers a range of leisure and recreational activities. These include the Aqua Park inflatable fun, Laser Challenge, soft play and other play areas, plus lots of walks to enjoy.

Hollywood Bowl – Tunbridge Wells
Hollywood Bowl has 24 state of the art bowling lanes, an exclusive VIP area, an American themed diner and a buzzing bar, as well as a thrilling amusements area.

Calverley Grounds
Tunbridge Wells
In the centre of Tunbridge Wells has ornamental gardens, including an Italianate garden, adventure play area, outdoor gym, tennis courts, netball and basketball courts, croquet lawn and play area.

Slap ‘n Dash
Tunbridge Wells
Paint your own ceramics studio offering timed session with help at hand if you need it. All ages welcome.

Pennington Grounds
Tunbridge Wells
Pennington Grounds features gardens, a play area including a climbing net, as well as crazy golf, outdoor table tennis, and two tennis courts. There are also volleyball and basketball courts, and outdoor gym equipment.

Bowles Rocks
Tunbridge Wells
Bowles Rocks offer sessions for those that want to practise their skiing or snowboarding skills, with coaching and courses available. Rock climbing, kayak and canoe sessions are also available.

UNDER 12 YEARS

The Barnyard Soft Play Centre
Swanley, Sevenoaks District
A new indoor soft play area located in Swanley Park, with sessions available for a day visit as well as the option to hire out the venue for children’s parties.

The Great Outdoors
Swanley, Sevenoaks District
An outdoor stay and play area in Swanley Park.

Swanley New Barn Railway
Sevenoaks District
Fun on this miniature railway line in Swanley Park.

Little Street – Sevenoaks
Little Street is a play centre for little ones that includes themed rooms such as a theatre, vets, supermarket, construction site, beauty salon and pizza parlour. Aimed at children from walking age (12 months) to 7 years old, however children up to 12 years old are welcome to play, especially those that enjoy role play and dressing up.

Buzy Bees
Sevenoaks
Newly refurbished play centre Buzy Bees has three play areas for little ones to explore, suitable for under 2’s, under 5’s and 5-12 year olds. There is also a garden with Go Kart, Trikes and Cozy Coupe Cars, a play barn and lots more.

MinorMania
Tunbridge Wells
MinorMania is an indoor and outdoor play centre. They offer a multi-tiered play frame which is a safe, secure and stimulating environment with different areas for toddlers and juniors. There is a separate area for children under 3 years old with a fish aquarium panel, plasma panels and a smaller frame with a slide. For the bigger children, they have a frame with a mega ball area, helter skelter slide, mouse holes, an astra slide and so much more.

Picture Credit ©: Top picture Caroline Hernandez/unsplash.com Bottom picture: adobe.com