Where to go bowling in Kent, including the county’s five Hollywood Bowl locations

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

It might sound old-fashioned to the kids of today, but many of us spent our weekends and birthdays visiting the local bowling alley and knocking down pins with our family and friends when we were growing up.

Retro as it may be, there’s something undeniably fun about bowling and, at this time of year, it’s the perfect way to spend a wet weekend. If you fancy a trip down memory lane, here’s a guide to Kent’s bowling alleys…

Challenge your friends and family to a game of ten pin bowling at one of Kent’s bowling alleys

BUGSY’S TEN PIN BOWLING, Margate

This vintage bowling spot has been a staple of the seaside town since 1964. It’s had an upgrade since it first opened and now offers more modern games, such as augmented reality darts and shuffleboard, but the lanes are still the star attraction. The stringless pins and American diner food make this one of the only traditional bowling experiences in the county.

Details: Ethelbert Crescent in Cliftonville, near Margate. Book online here.

CHATHAM BOWL

Tucked away inside the town’s Pentagon Shopping Centre is an arcade bursting with things to do. There’s not just the bowling alley – which has 16 lanes, colour-changing lights and family sessions – but also a scrapyard-themed indoor minigolf course and classic amusement arcade games.

Details: First Floor of the Pentagon Shopping Centre at The Brook in Chatham. Book online here.

CANTERBURY LEISURE

This four-lane alley is just a five-minute walk from Canterbury East train station so it’s ideal if you don’t have a car handy. It’s smaller than some other lanes, but great if you’ve got kids who get overwhelmed in big crowds, especially as you can get food and drink delivered to you while you bowl so you don’t have to leave your area. The leisure centre also boasts lots of other activities, including laser tag, crazy golf and video games.

Details: 3 Simmonds Road in Canterbury. Book online here.

HOLLYWOOD BOWL

It’s one of the biggest bowling chains in the country, so it’s hardly surprising that Hollywood Bowl boasts five locations here in Kent. The newest alley can be found at Westwood Cross in place of the former Debenhams, which shut down in 2021, and has been welcoming players since August last year – including our reporter, who praised the buzzing neon entrance and generous food portions. The company also has sites in Ashford, Maidstone, Rochester and Tunbridge Wells. The bowling giant is known for its colourful decor, large number of lanes, range of arcade games and lively party nights. There’s also a menu of hot food, including nachos, burgers and fries, at each location and a fully stocked bar serving alcoholic and soft drinks.

Ashford: 43-79 Station Road. Book online here.

Broadstairs: Westwood Cross Shopping Centre at 19 Margate Road. Book online here.

Maidstone: Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre at Barker Road. Book online here.

Rochester: Medway Valley Leisure Park at Chariot Way. Book online here.

Tunbridge Wells: Knights Park at Longfield Road. Book online here.

JLS and Strictly Come Dancing star JB Gill opened Kent’s newest Hollywood Bowl location with his wife, Chloe Gill, and children Ace Gill and Chiara Gill. Picture: Hollywood Bowl

THE LIGHT, Sittingbourne

While The Light, Sittingbourne’s newest entertainment hotspot, is mostly known for its impressive cinema, the centre also offers some great activities, including ten pin bowling. There are nine lanes to choose from, as well as food platters and drinks that can be ordered to your table and early bird offers where you can save some money. If you’re still looking for something to do afterwards, there’s also shuffleboard, pool and darts.

Details: St Michael's Road at Bourne Place in Sittingbourne. Book online here.

Reporters James Pallant and Max Chesson went to MFA Bowl in Whitstable last year

MFA Bowl, Whitstable

While some online reviewers have given this bowling alley a hard time over the years for its outdated tech and ‘70s decor, our reporters suggested things might be on the up after a visit last year. The spot, opposite Whitstable’s trendy harbour, has regular money-saving deals if you visit at certain times, and there are also food and drink packages available. There’s a handful of arcade games at the entrance, including air hockey and grabber machines.

Details: Tower Parade in Whitstable. Book online here.

Looking for more ideas for the school holidays? Our February half-term guide has 15 great days out for you to enjoy with the kids.