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With its string of castles, some nice museums and lots extra indoor enjoyable, you’ll discover loads of issues to do in Kent within the rain with youngsters, if the climate has pushed you away from Kent’s seashores.
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Whether or not you’re in search of inspiration for a wet day in Kent in summer season, otherwise you want concepts for wet days out in Kent throughout the remainder of the yr, you received’t be wanting selection.
So from wet day enjoyable for toddlers to teenagers, right here’s my decide of the perfect indoor issues to do in Kent – you’ll be nearly hoping for drizzle!
Contents – click on to leap to a piece
Hever Citadel
One in all my all-time favorite Kent days out with youngsters, there’s plenty to suit right into a go to to Hever Citadel – if we lived only a bit nearer, I’d be tempted to get the annual membership.
There are sometimes occasions on through the yr, but when the climate is simply too unhealthy to get pleasure from them, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover the fort itself, the place Anne Boleyn grew up.
For my full assessment of a time out at Hever Citadel, Kent, click on right here
There are many items from Tudor occasions inside, together with her mattress and an vintage warming pan, and a path for teenagers to comply with.
If the rain lets up, you’ll be able to spend for much longer within the grounds, with a water maze (particularly for those who’re moist anyway), a maze, lake and gardens, in addition to characters wandering round – there’s nothing that offers you a heat glow like Henry VIII calling you a peasant!
For extra of the greatest castles in Kent with youngsters, try my high picks
Dover Citadel
One other fabulous Kent fortress full of historical past. There’s greater than historic historical past to be found at Dover Citadel too, with wartime tunnels used for naval operations through the Second World Struggle, though the positioning has seen centuries of use with an Iron Age Fort and Roman lighthouse constructed close to the Norman fort.
The fort itself has lots for teenagers to get palms on, together with employees dressed up in medieval costume to indicate them card wool within the kitchens, plus bedchambers adorned as they could have been for royal inhabitants, proper right down to video games to play.
Even after we visited on a freezing and windy winter’s day, it was definitely worth the stroll right down to the underground hospital – and the views right down to the English Channel are spectacular if the rain isn’t too unhealthy.
Learn my full assessment of a go to to Dover Citadel with youngsters
Leeds Citadel, close to Maidstone
Not removed from Maidstone and the village of Leeds (not the extra well-known metropolis in Yorkshire), Leeds Citadel is well one of the stunning historic websites in Kent – and there’s loads of competitors for that exact title.
Sitting mirrored within the lake, with peacocks roaming the grounds, this has at all times struck me (and my daughter) because the sort of fort to deal with princesses slightly than a fearsome fortress.
As soon as residence to Catherine of Aragon, most of the rooms at the moment are adorned in lavish Nineteen Twenties fashion, though you’ll additionally discover ones straight from medieval occasions. Outdoors, there’s an journey playground and falconry shows plus journey golf within the grounds if the climate improves.
Take a look at my assessment of visiting Leeds Citadel with a toddler
Knole, close to Sevenoaks
One of many standard highlights of a go to to Knole close to Sevenoaks is with the ability to see a herd of untamed deer, however for those who’re visiting this historic home in Kent within the rain, there’s extra to find indoors too.
Knole began life as a medieval archbishop’s residence earlier than discovering its method into Henry VIII’s palms. Mary I lived right here earlier than it handed to the Sackville household, who made it their residence for hundreds of years – there’s now a wonderful assortment of portraits for anybody all in favour of artwork, in addition to a formidable assortment of Seventeenth-century furnishings.
Children get the chance to decorate up in Tudor period garments as nicely, whereas there’s additionally a treasure path geared toward ages 6 to 12 to comply with via the rooms. Deliver a pencil and paper and you may attempt your hand on the nature-themed brass rubbing as nicely.
Ightham Mote, close to Sevenoaks
The crooked beamed home surrounded by its personal moat is at all times successful, regardless of the climate, plus some enjoyable trails to comply with for teenagers as you discover Ightham Mote.
With on a regular basis objects like a classic rocking horse and extra ugly historic sights, together with an oubliette, there are many issues to catch youthful guests’ consideration too.
Not removed from Sevenoaks, Ightham Mote can also be an important possibility for those who’ve solely acquired a an hour or two to spare in Kent with youngsters, though you may additionally fortunately spend so much longer right here on sunny days, attempting to find the key backyard in addition to strolling previous the lake to the pure play space.
Right here’s what we acquired as much as on a brief go to to Ightham Mote with youngsters
Chartwell, Westerham
Dwelling to the Churchill household from the 20s, Chartwell is a good possibility for a wet day in Kent with older youngsters because it’s nonetheless furnished as it will have been when Winston Churchill lived there.
Within the studio, you’ll be able to see the one largest assortment of Churchill’s work, in addition to different private belongings in the home itself. There are additionally family-friendly audio guides and spotter sheets for the home, helpful if you’re visiting with youthful youngsters.
Maintain an eye fixed out for Jock as you discover too – Winston Churchill’s will said that there ought to at all times be a marmalade cat named Jock, with a white bib and 4 white socks. The present furry inhabitant is quantity 7.
Kent has a formidable variety of historic homes and castles to discover, however some have extra out of doors sights – whereas Scotney Citadel & Groombridge Place needs to be on any checklist of issues to do in Kent with youngsters, they’re not my high picks if it’s pouring with rain
Canterbury Cathedral
Based in 597CE, there’s an unbelievable 1,400 years of historical past to find at Canterbury Cathedral, in addition to the attractive constructing itself.
And when you would possibly suppose it’s not probably the most child-friendly possibility, the cathedral has lots to maintain households entertained, together with youngsters’ trails, family-friendly actions, even downloadable actions like colouring sheets to finish the cathedral’s historic bestiary.
Older youngsters may also hear a number of the tales from its gone, together with the grisly homicide of Thomas Becket, see a duplicate of Magna Carta and the tomb of the Black Prince, whereas everybody can get pleasure from searching for the quirky carvings – discover a lion’s head, a mermaid and an imp alongside the best way.
Canterbury Roman Museum
With its lengthy historical past, there’s lots to find in Canterbury aside from its well-known cathedral (although that’s value a glance as nicely!) – not least a number of attention-grabbing museums.
And probably the greatest museums for teenagers in Canterbury is the Roman Museum; set underground and constructed across the stays of a Roman city home, it’s an effective way to visualise your self again in Roman occasions as you enterprise right down to the unique avenue degree.
In addition to seeing the improbable mosaic ground, nonetheless in place, there’s an introduction to Roman Canterbury plus actions for teenagers comparable to making an attempt on a toga, making your individual mosaic, dealing with actual Roman objects and even making an attempt to uncover treasure.
For extra concepts of Roman websites within the UK to go to with youngsters, try this submit
Turner Modern, Margate
One of many nation’s most spectacular artwork galleries for these all in favour of trendy artwork, the Turner Modern in Margate has lots for teenagers as nicely.
You possibly can be a part of household spotlight excursions to assist introduce youthful youngsters to artwork – the excursions are geared toward age 5-11 however everyone seems to be welcome – in addition to trying out a number of the assets on the web sites. The inventive useful resource packs embody an introduction to modern artwork, in addition to different actions to encourage youngsters – each within the museum and elsewhere.
There’s even a room with video games for teenagers, plus some additional enjoyable throughout college holidays and weekends – to not point out that the exhibitions are continuously altering too, so there’s at all times one thing new to find.
As a bonus, entry to the Turner Modern doesn’t price a penny for those who’re in search of free issues to do in Kent within the rain with youngsters.
You too can pop into Margate’s Shell Grotto and Margate Caves throughout your wet day in Kent – neither will maintain households occupied all day, however they’re a enjoyable technique to escape a short downpour
Maidstone Museum and Bentliff Artwork Gallery
The museum homes over 6,000 artefacts, together with native historical past but additionally items from farther afield, comparable to historic Egypt and Japan. There are additionally collections specializing in archaeology and costume, plus you’ll discover non permanent exhibitions and faculty vacation actions.
Based mostly in an Elizabethan mansion – Chillington Manor – there’s additionally a dinosaur part, together with data on those which might as soon as have stalked this a part of Kent. Maidstone even has a dinosaur on its defend!
Even higher, there’s no entry cost (aside from a number of the particular actions and non permanent exhibitions) for those who’re in search of free wet days out in Kent with youngsters.
Powell-Cotton Museum, close to Margate
Housing the eclectic collections of explorer Percy Powell-Cotton, the Powell Cotton Museum has a formidable pure historical past assortment, in addition to shows of archaeology and world tradition.
Tickets to the museum additionally embody entry to Quex Home, as soon as the Powell-Cotton household’s residence, with an opportunity to discover the library in addition to marvelling at a number of the furnishings and artwork inside.
You too can discover common household actions all year long as nicely, so it’s one other good possibility for those who’re in search of concepts of issues to do within the rain close to Margate.
Historic Dockyard, Chatham
The Historic Dockyard actually is a improbable slice of British historical past, the very dockyard the place a number of the ships that helped conquer the world’s oceans have been constructed – and there’s the possibility to find all the pieces from a Victorian Sloop to a Second World Struggle Destroyer and a Chilly Struggle submarine.
Greater than 400 warships have been constructed right here, together with the three which you’ll be able to board and discover – inevitably a go to right here does contain a while exterior (or on deck) so it’s higher for a drizzly time out, slightly than throughout a downpour.
However in addition to exploring the totally different ships, there are different excursions and experiences to find together with the centuries-old methods of grasp ropemakers, whereas youngsters can attempt finishing Mission Discover with a code to crack for those who tick off the missions and information to find alongside the best way.
Tickets to the Historic Dockyard Chatham are legitimate for a yr – be sure you guide on to any excursions you wish to take, together with the HM Submarine Ocelot, as quickly as you arrive.
Dover Transport Museum
One other nice possibility for younger youngsters fascinated with totally different types of transport – the Dover Transport Museum is residence to several types of classic transport, set amongst some retro store fronts.
There’s additionally a mannequin railway to play with and a taxi and bus hunt for youngsters – plus this can be a nice one to take the grandparents to.
Your ticket additionally will get you free return entry for the following yr.
Battle of Britain Memorial, close to Folkestone
One of many extra uncommon issues to do in Kent within the rain with youngsters, a go to to the Battle of Britain Memorial close to Folkestone has possibilities to get palms on in addition to commemorating those that fought.
Devoted to the ‘Few’, those that fought within the skies within the early a part of the Second World Struggle to maintain Britain free from invasion, it’s residence to a reproduction Spitfire and Hurricane, two of the plane flown through the aerial battles.
However there’s additionally an opportunity to expertise life as one of many Few on the multimedia Scramble Expertise, mixing a video wall, audio and different high-tech components to carry their heroic wartime deeds to life.
If it’s the plane that pursuits you, it’s additionally value trying out the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum in Ramsgate, which is residence to numerous Second World Struggle planes
Lashenden Air Warfare Museum, close to Ashford
There’s a formidable assortment of elements of planes from Second World Struggle wrecks on the Lashenden Air Warfare museum close to Headcorn – not too removed from Leeds Citadel, for those who’re in search of a few totally different Kent days out within the rain with youngsters which can be close to one another.
In addition to classic plane and different uncommon shows comparable to a gyro kite, you’ll be able to see the world’s solely totally restored and operational pillbox of its sort.
There are dwell flybys and festivals through the yr, that are additionally nice for households, however clearly these can’t essentially go forward if the climate is unhealthy.
The Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham
The Royal Engineers Museum is Kent’s largest navy museum, devoted to the Royal Engineers and the contributions they made to the British Military for tons of of years. You by no means know, a go to would possibly even encourage a future profession in engineering.
The museum’s assortment consists of tanks, fighter jets, rockets, weapons, historic artefacts, and even an enormous piece of the Berlin Wall.
There are additionally loads of actions on the museum to maintain youthful guests entertained, together with the Snob the Canine path, dressing up actions, interactive digital shows, and a First World Struggle Play Tank. For those who’re visiting through the college holidays, you might also discover themed trails and craft actions all through the museum.
Ramsgate Tunnels
Escape the rain by heading underground and discovering the historical past beneath the streets of Ramsgate.
The Ramsgate Tunnels are the UK’s largest community of wartime tunnels, spanning over two and a half miles beneath Kent. The wonderful tunnel system used to shelter 60,000 folks throughout Second World Struggle air raids.
You possibly can take a tour of the tunnels to expertise what life was like for individuals who lived inside them, together with tales from the tunnels throughout their lengthy historical past.
Infants and toddlers can enter the tunnels, nevertheless, prams and buggies aren’t permitted inside, so you’ll have to carry them all through the complete tour.
Kent Life, close to Maidstone
One other fabulous household time out in Kent with toddlers and youthful youngsters, Kent Life close to Maidstone has some enjoyable indoor actions together with comfortable play for wet days in Kent with youngsters, in addition to its out of doors play space for higher climate.
Plus there are animals galore to fulfill, together with bottle feeding the lambs at Easter, and seeing different livestock comparable to pigs, horses, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and alpacas. Kent Life can also be residence to the Kent Owl Academy, with 12 totally different owls.
Among the different actions are nice for those who’re exploring Kent within the rain, together with portray pots, whereas there’s additionally the possibility to journey on the land practice or rampage round in pedal tractors if the climate isn’t too dreadful.
Dinotropolis at Bluewater
There’s no higher place to spend a wet day than on the mall – though not essentially within the retailers! Thankfully, Kent’s large Bluewater Purchasing Heart has loads of enjoyable actions for little ones too, together with Dinotropolis.
Dinotropolis is an incredible indoor journey park appropriate for teenagers 12 years and beneath, full with animatronic dinosaurs and loads of interactive actions.
The park options three storeys of sentimental play within the Dino Jungle, with large ball pits, slides, drawbridges, ball cannons, and mirror mazes. Children may also dig for fossils and get artful in Discovery Cove and whizz via the jungle on the Raptor Racers.
And a few hours at Dinotropolis is often sufficient to wear down the little ones sufficiently to plop them in a Kiddie Cart and head again into Bluewater for a spot of purchasing for those who do fancy.
Go to a trampoline park
A go to to a trampoline park is an effective way to spend a wet day with youngsters in Kent. There are a number of nice parks in Kent the place kids can bounce, leap, and set free their vitality in a secure and managed setting.
Flip Out has two places in Kent; Ashford and Chatham. Each parks function loads of trampolines, stunt areas, inflatables, and plenty of different enjoyable actions.
GraVity is one other chain of trampoline parks with places in Bluewater and Maidstone. Children can get pleasure from trampolines, battle beams, and impediment programs. The Bluewater department additionally has a comfortable play space and weekly devoted father or mother and toddler periods on the trampolines.
Kent Escape Rooms
Put your loved ones’s teamwork and problem-solving abilities to the take a look at with an escape room expertise. You’ll must work collectively to search out clues, remedy puzzles, and try to flee the room earlier than the time runs out.
There are many nice escape rooms in Kent, together with Escape Kent in Canterbury, The Escapement in Margate and Broadstairs, and Clue Crackers in Tunbridge Wells.
Most escape rooms don’t have a minimal age however they could be just a little too difficult for youthful kids with restricted consideration spans. Some are really helpful for age 9+ whereas not all of the video games’ themes are appropriate for teenagers so test earlier than you guide.
Chimera Climbing, Tunbridge Wells
Let the children burn off some vitality at Chimera Climbing, a big indoor climbing and boulder centre in Tunbridge Wells.
The climbing centre has quite a lot of top-of-the-range bouldering tools appropriate for all ranges of climbers and courses accessible for full newbies.
Youngsters should be over 5 years previous to climb and beneath 16s have to be accompanied by an grownup. Beneath 12s are welcome within the centre between 10am and 6pm on weekdays and 9am and 2pm on weekends.
Planet Ice Gillingham
When you would possibly consider ice skating as a winter exercise, at Planet Ice Gillingham you’ll be able to hit the ice all yr spherical, come rain or shine.
The massive everlasting indoor ice rink is open for all ages and talents to get pleasure from, with clip-on skates and skating aids accessible for youthful kids. You possibly can attend a free-skate session or brush up your abilities with an ice skating lesson.
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Dover fort/Ightham Mote copyright MummyTravels, Historic Dockyard Chatham/Spitfire & Hurricane Museum/Kent Life copyright Go to Kent, all others courtesy of Depositphotos
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