When it comes to days out in Kent, we’re all about quality. From days out with the grandparents, to time spent relaxing with friends, or running around with the kids, these great value days out are all about making the most of quality time spent together and making memories that don’t cost the earth.
We know that with costs rising, watching the pennies is more important than ever, so we’ve rounded up some of our top tips for low cost days out that truly deliver when it comes to good value experiences. From free tickets for little ones and ideas for wonderful wintry days out that cost no more than a hot chocolate and a slice of cake, to days out with loved ones that leave you with memories to last a lifetime, trust us, these great value ideas are worth every penny.
Canterbury Cathedral
We’ve said from the start that the great value days out are all about making memories, and what could be more memorable than a family visit to Canterbury Cathedral, a Kent icon and the oldest cathedral in the country. What makes this an even more valuable visit is that children under 17 can visit absolutely free when accompanied by a paying adult – yep, free! So there you have it, don’t pass up on the chance to take the family on a visit to this Kent favourite that is rich in history, has welcomed pilgrims for centuries and has even been written into literature.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Pay once and visit all year at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, bringing you in on the history and the fun anytime you fancy a day out. This allows for unlimited access to the fascinating site, which features three historic ships, engaging museum galleries, and a vibrant programme of seasonal events. So, book your ticket at least one day in advance online, and receive an extra discount! We'll see you there.
Canoe Wild
A day out for a family of four, under £30? Yes please! With Canoe Wild, you can all take part in an unforgettable experience, right here in Kent, that won't cost you the earth. For just £27, their canoe hire is one for the bucket list, and with the cherry on top that is free parking in Fordwich, this is an offer we certainly can't refuse. Book now for their reopening in March for 15% off all 2025 bookings, with even 20% off all bookings over £100! Paddles at the ready, it's time to head out onto the water.
The WonderWorks
A grand day out is in the making at WonderWorks, where all of your (and the kids'!) model making dreams can come true. Home to a range of interactive pieces from Hornby's model railways, featuring miniature towns, landscapes, and railway stations, you'll want to keep a day open to take it all in. With £2pp Scalextric racing days throughout the year (the next one's from 25th-28th May!), you and the family can put your racing skills to the test and see who comes out as champion. If you can't wait that long, come along for the last weekend of February, where a clearance sale of up to 50% off will leave both you and your wallet happy!
Bedgebury Pinetum
Celebrate the centenary of the country’s largest complete collection of conifers at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. One of our favourite spots for a free day out in Kent, this Tunbridge Wells nature-haven is calling our name. From walks led by their curator, to talks about their flora and fauna, there's plenty to do here this year. Stunning colours run throughout, with towering trees and a magnificent lake ensuring your trip here is unforgettable. Miles of walking, cycling, and running trails are sure to give you some inspiration on how to enjoy the area while visiting.
The Isle of Thanet
Our friends at Visit Thanet have rounded up some of the best value days out around! Take a look at their free and low cost ideas for days out that range from adventure golf and Explorer Packs to keep little adventurers busy at the beach, to fantastic art displays and interactive kits at the Turner Contemporary to keep everyone entertained! Get ready for an adventure along this jam-packed part of the Kent coastline.
The Battle of Britain Memorial
While teaching younger generations about the sacrifices that were made during the Battle of Britain by The Few is invaluable, a visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial comes at a very low cost. Here you’ll find an atmospheric spot to reflect on those sacrifices, replicas of Spitfire and Hurricanes to help bring it all to life, not to mention the National Memorial and Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall which lists the names of The Few. And unbelievably all of this comes at just the cost of parking alone. If you’re inspired, the ticketed indoor Scramble Experience is the perfect way to take your visit to the next level. While it’s the only paid for option on site, it’s well worth the fee, offering an exciting audio-visual experience with hands-on activities and access to more information.
Rochester Cathedral
Exceptional architecture, 1400 years of history and free entry, Rochester Cathedral is the ultimate free day out. Discover the second oldest cathedral in the country which has plenty of hidden treasures to be found, including centuries old graffiti which paints the picture of the region’s long maritime history, alongside mason’s marks which tell the story of this incredible building's creation. Round off your visit with a wander through the gardens before heading to the café in the Crypt for coffee and cake.
Dover Castle
And if you want to add a little bit of history to your coastal adventure, you can do just that at Dover Castle. With countless stories to unfold, history to unveil, and people to discover, your day out at one of Kent's finest castles is waiting. Until 28th March, make the most of their Winter Saver Ticket, and get 25% off entry! Now, that's an offer that's too good too pass up.
The North Downs Way
For a free day out that is guaranteed to reward you with beautiful views, why not explore the North Downs Way? Cutting across the South East of England and Kent Downs National Landscape, this National Trail offers walkers of all abilities 153 miles (246 km) of spectacular scenery, picturesque villages and glorious countryside, easily accessible from London. Running from Farnham to Canterbury and the White Cliffs of Dover, the trail will give you the best views of those autumnal colours and crisp winter land and seascapes, and you'll discover history every step of the way: there are eight castles, three cathedrals, three archbishops' palaces and numerous stately homes and gardens close to the Trail.
White Cliffs Country
In White Cliffs Country, it’s all about exercising your body, not your credit card! For a spot of (adventure) golf, you'll find Roman Landing's 18-hole course on Walmer seafront. Interactive fun, water features, and even an electric go-cart track (for children up to 12), await! For little busy bodies, Betteshanger Park is packed with low-cost fun ranging from fossiling to geoacaching and archery. Rainy days are filled with visits to free museums like Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery, the Dover Transport Museum and Sandwich Guildhall Museum, which even has displays of the original Magna Carta!
Maidstone
Maidstone has a myriad of free and low costs things to do, from the Archery Challenge and Aqua Challenge at Maidstone Leisure Centre that costs as little as £10 a head, to farmyard thrills at Little Fant Farm, which has a tea barn, farm animals and beautiful grounds, perfect for that day out with your little ones and the grandparents in tow. While entry to Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats is low on cost but big on delivering smiles from little ones, costing just £4, with every penny going towards keeping the goats happy too. Going from low cost to absolutely free, we recommend the River Park Trail for wildlife spotting, cycling, walking, and even trying your hand at brass rubbing along the way!
