10 things to do in Kent for under £10 this January
We’re all feeling the pinch after Christmas, but that doesn’t mean we have to stay indoors counting our pennies for the whole of January.
You might be on a strict budget this month, but we’ve got some brilliant days out, from trampoline parks to crazy golf, that are sure to perk you up – and the best part is, they’re all under £10.
ELEV8 TRAMPOLINE PARK, Broadstairs
If the kids need to burn off some energy after being cooped up indoors, they can dive into the huge bounce park at Elev8. The unique activity centre includes everything from trampolines and inflatables to an interactive football pitch, climbing walls and slides. There’s also a three-floor soft play centre for younger children and an arcade with games such as air hockey and basketball hoops.
Details: One-hour bounce sessions cost £8 on weekdays (£10 on weekends). Soft play starts from £2 per child. Book online here.
FENN BELL CONSERVATION PROJECT ZOO, near Rochester
This rescue centre is Medway’s only animal park and boasts more than 20 species of birds, big cats and mammals. All of the animals have been rehomed from other zoos or the pet trade and the park also works on conservation efforts such as captive breeding of endangered species. There are experiences where you can meet meerkats and lemurs or join the keepers for a day, and the pub next door – the Fenn Bell Inn – offers family-friendly dining if you want to stop off for lunch.
Details: Adult tickets cost £6.50, child tickets cost £6. Under 2s go free. Book online here.
LOST ISLAND AVENTURE GOLF, Margate
You can’t go wrong with a game of mini golf and, at this indoor course, even the bad weather can’t spoil the fun. The 18-hole course takes visitors on a tropical adventure through jungle terrain, tiki shacks and prehistoric caves where you’ll find mysterious creatures and ferocious dinosaurs. There’s also a new AR dart challenge where you and your friends can test your skills on the dartboard.
Details: Adult tickets cost £9, child tickets cost £7. Tickets for players under one metre cost £4. Book online here.
PLAYOPOLIS, Rochester
With around 600 games to choose from, this board game cafe is the perfect place to switch off the screens and spend some quality time with friends and family. Choose from classics such as Scrabble and Monopoly or try something new with games from around the world. Sessions last for three hours so you’ll have plenty of time to play, and the staff are on hand to give you recommendations if you’re not sure where to start.
Details: Sessions cost £4.50 per person, unless you do not purchase any food or drink during your visit, in which case sessions cost £7.50. Book online here.
RAF MANSTON HISTORY MUSEUM, near Ramsgate
Explore the history of this wartime airfield with fascinating exhibits. The site, which started in 1916 as the Royal Naval Air Service Manston, is now home to several aircraft and cockpit displays, including the English Electric Lightning and Canadair T-133 Silver Star. The museum also has a 1940s Blitz experience, Lego displays and a photograph gallery.
Details: Adult tickets cost £6, child tickets cost £3. Under 5s go free. Pay on the door.
RICHBOROUGH ROMAN FORT AND AMPHITHEATRE, Sandwich
Discover what it was like to live in Roman Britain with a visit to this historic site. The Romans landed here in AD 43 and, later, the army returned and built the Saxon Shore fort to defend the port. Now, the English Heritage location features a replica gateway with views of the site, remains of the striking amphitheatre and a collection of Roman artefacts.
Details: Adult tickets cost £7.70, child tickets cost £4. Free entry for English Heritage members. Book online here.
ROCHESTER CASTLE
The castle is a fixture of this traditional town, overlooking the River Medway and the majestic Rochester Cathedral. The fortress was first built in the 12th century and has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years. It’s open to visitors who want to experience the sights and smells of the Norman castle, from the food store to the stomach-churning cesspit.
Details: Adult tickets cost £8, child tickets cost £4. Free entry for English Heritage members. Pay on the door.
ST AUGUSTINE’S ABBEY, Canterbury
Whether you want to soak up some Anglo-Saxon history or take your dog for a walk among the peaceful ruins, this picturesque abbey is the place to do it. Originally created as a burial place for Kent kings in the Middle Ages, the site now represents the era of Christianity in England after the departure of the Romans.
Details: Adult tickets cost £7.70, child tickets cost £4. Free entry for English Heritage members. Book online here.
WILLOWS BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE, near Sevenoaks
This 22-acre site is home to eagles, hawks and other birds of prey that swoop and soar through the skies in spectacular displays. The keepers are always on-site to tell visitors all about these fierce creatures, and you can also meet farmyard animals such as alpacas, ferrets, pigs and goats as you follow the nature trail around the park.
Details: Adult tickets cost £8.99, child tickets cost £6.49. Book online here.
THE WONDERWORKS, Margate
Relive your childhood and introduce your kids to retro toys at The WonderWorks. This new attraction includes model exhibitions, Hornby Hobbies collections and interactive games. There’s everything from the Grand Prix Du Margate Circuit to Batman’s Gotham City, and visitors can get hands-on by controlling the model railway layouts and creating their own miniature figures.
Details: Adult tickets cost £5, child tickets cost £2.50. Pay on the door.
Don’t forget to check out our guide to Kent’s free attractions and rainy day museums for even more great days out.
