Family breaks in Ashford and Tenterden

Wild days out

When it comes to spending time with the family, nothing captures their imagination like a wild day out. Head to the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch and your little ones will come nose to nose with farm animals, including sheep, goats and cows, cuddle guinea pigs and rabbits in the Children’s Playbarn and in springtime, meet dozens of babies. With fun events throughout the year, not to mention woodland walks and even an aviary of fascinating birds, it’s safe to say you’ll need the whole day for this one.

For more exotic creatures, Howletts Wild Animal Park just outside of nearby Canterbury is famed for its conservation work and expert care of their 390 animals. Visit the 100-acre park and you’ll see 52 species, ranging from snow leopards and rhinos to lemurs and the park’s iconic African elephants. You’ll even have the chance to step back in time with the park’s very own Animals of the Ice Age experience, which will introduce little learners to life size prehistoric creatures in the Woodland Walk.

Historic days out

The wind will be in your sails with our next spots. Willesborough Windmill is an original restored mill, visit and you’ll have the chance to see a working windmill and even have a spot of tea and cake in the tea room. Little ones will love the Wheels of Time trail which follows Roamin’ Rex through museums across the county, with badges to be collected along the way! Just outside of Tenterden, Stocks Mill is Kent’s tallest post mill, dating back to 1781! Take a look at their website for the latest opening times for your chance to visit this incredible Grade II listed building which still contains its original wooden machinery. In Bethersden the Ashford International Model Railway Education Centre is packed full of fun for the whole family. See model railway layouts, miniature railways, railway memorabilia and more at this local favourite. 

Magnificent museums

Ashford has a whole host of museums set to inspire mini minds during the school holidays. In the heart of Ashford’s market town, the 17^th century Grade II listed Ashford Museum tells the tale of the town’s history, with exhibits from Neolithic, Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods, railway memorabilia and even a 200-million-year-old dinosaur leg bone! Set just up the road from Tenterden’s Kent and East Sussex Railway station (don’t worry, we’ll get to that later), The Tenterden and District Museum is a treasure trove of artefacts! Taking you through the town’s shipbuilding heritage, its role as a Cinque Port and its agricultural heritage. There’s even a family trail, which comes complete with puzzles, games and drawing activities. Plus Roamin’ Rex followers, get ready as both Tenterden and District museum and Ashford museum are on the Wheels of Time checklist! Petrolheads will love the CM Booth Collection in Rolvenden, which includes a fascinating collection of classic cars, including Morgan three-wheel cars and even a reconstruction of a prototype Morgan built in 1909.

Historic Railways

Ashford and the surrounding area is renowned for its heritage railways, offering the chance for kids big and small to steam through the countryside and experience Kent in a whole new way. Hop aboard the Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden and you’ll be treated to glorious views on-route to Bodiam, all through the window of historic carriages, pulled by original steam and diesel trains. With special events, fish and chip suppers and so much more family fun going on throughout the year, a ride aboard the Kent and East Sussex Railway is not-to-be-missed. Which brings us onto another Kent icon, the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, a miniature railway which winds along the Kent coast from Hythe to Dungeness. Stop off at National Nature Reserves, see iconic lighthouses and all the fun of the seaside at coastal towns along the way, before enjoying ice creams and the fab Model Railway Exhibition in Dungeness. And for Father’s Day, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than the Father’s Day and Beer Festival which even offers dads the chance to drive a train!

Tricky teens

We know how hard it can be to encourage tricky teens away from the screen and out for a little family time, so allow us to help. The Ashford Designer Outlet is our go to when it comes to school holiday plans, and with luxury brands at up to 60% less, this day out needn’t strain the credit card either. Choose from more than 100 stores, including Tommy Hilfiger, Carhart, Under Armour, Nike and more, before grabbing a seat and a bite at top restaurants like Wagamama, Five Guys and Slim Chickens. For even more retail therapy, head to County Square shopping centre in the heart of Ashford where you’ll find big brands including JD Sports, Deichmann and Next.

For adrenaline-fuelled adventures, we recommend taking to two-wheels and with UK Electric Bike Centre offering electric bike hire, cycling through Ashford’s countryside is effortless! Enjoy electric pedal power and follow one of the many quiet routes through the region, spotting castles, gardens, historic villages and even vineyards along the way. With plenty of traditional Kentish pubs on UK Electric Bike Centre’s routes, treat the family to lunch for a memorable day guaranteed to be a hit with even the trickiest teens.

The Farriers Arms

And speaking of cracking country pubs, allow us to recommend one of our favourites for family-friendly dining. The Farriers Arms in Mersham is a traditional village pub, proudly serving some of the best locally sourced food around. Enjoy seasonal dishes in cosy pub surroundings or head outside to the pub’s beautiful garden, which boasts breath-taking views across the surrounding countryside. What’s more, this local gem is even dog-friendly, so no member of the family has to miss out on the fun.

Camping and glamping

Tranquil surroundings and wide-open views, what could be better than a night under canvas for your next family break? Setts Wood Farm just outside of Tenterden’s bustling high street offers a break that’s packed with family friendly fun, with alpacas, a fishing lake and plenty of space to take a breath and just relax. Pro campers can bring their own tent, while those in need of a little extra luxury can book into one of the fully furnished bell tents or settle into one of the onsite holiday cottages. On the edge of Ashford, Broadhembury Caravan and Camping Park has its very own Family Park, complete with play facilities and everything you could need for a family getaway. Choose from shady spots and sunny corners, bring your motorhome or pitch up under canvas, and enjoy an award-winning stay that offers the perfect chance to finally spend some quality time together.

Self-catering breaks

If you need all the comforts of home, but without the stresses of everyday life, we hear you and so does Bramley & Teal Holiday Cottages. Whether you’re heading away for the weekend with the kids, or planning a big extended family getaway, take your pick of beautiful holiday cottages, oast houses and even manor houses complete with pools in Ashford and Tenterden. Ready to relax? Ashby Farms in Woodchurch offers the chance to just get away from it all with country cottages and pine lodges set in beautiful bluebell woods. Overlooking four acres of water, there’s even the chance to try your hand at fishing, and with family-friendly accommodation sleeping up to six (plus your four-legged friend), we know we won’t be the only ones who can see ourselves settling in for the summer!