Affordable Family Activities in Kent for the Half-Term

As a child, I have vivid memories of attempting to swim toward a shipwreck off Camber Sands, a beach situated at the border of Sussex and Kent. The endless horizon, painted in shades of blue, made it feel like the most exotic destination in the world. This vivid memory stayed with me, ultimately leading to my decision to settle in Kent and raise my family here.

Currently, I work as a guard and bouncer, earning a modest £11.76 per hour. Along with my girlfriend, who works in a school for vulnerable children, we find it challenging to afford extravagant outings. However, amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, we’ve discovered a trove of affordable local attractions. Here are some of our favorite budget-friendly outings:

Herne Bay:

We often take advantage of Stagecoach’s appealing deals, such as a £2 price-capped adult single fare and an ongoing “kid-for-a-quid” offer, making Herne Bay seafront one of our regular destinations. Exploring the Victorian clock tower steps and observing bikers at the Neptune car park are simple pleasures for us. Since my daughter is under 16, she gains free access to the Seaside Museum on William Street, where we delve into the history of a thrilling smuggling pursuit by HM Customs under sail.

Whitstable:

Inspired by my daughter’s book of monsters, we embark on an adventure to find Crabzilla, a colossal crustacean that gained fame through the Weird Whitstable blog in 2014. While we haven’t encountered Crabzilla, we thoroughly enjoy wandering through Harbour Market and relaxing at the Bubble Cafe, offering a tranquil view of the sea. A visit to the free play area outside Whitstable Castle keeps my daughter entertained.

Romney Marsh:

Taking a bus and train journey to Romney Marsh treats us to expansive vistas and charming villages. At Dungeness, we explore the Old Lighthouse and observe local anglers, while enjoying the unique surroundings of the nearby nuclear power station.

Quex Park:

This sprawling country estate near Margate offers free entry, providing opportunities for tag among the logs or observing peacocks outside the Powell-Cotton Museum. For a more immersive wildlife experience, a stroll with an Anglo-Nubian goat is available at £22.50.

Kearsney Abbey:

Located near Dover, Kearsney Abbey provides a delightful picnic spot with orchards, ponds, and a wooden adventure playground. It’s a serene place to relax, even though my cheese sandwich was once partly snatched by a swift seagull.

Geocaching:

Engaging in the online treasure hunt at geocaching.com allows us to stay active outdoors. We follow digital clues to discover hidden caches around Kent, marking our discoveries in paper logs enclosed within.

Woodsman Camping, near Pluckley:

Woodsman Camping offers affordable wild camping options near Pluckley, known as the most haunted village in Britain. For just £20, two individuals can camp in the woodland, providing an adventurous experience close to nature.