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Family Fun in the Kent Downs

There's so much fun to be had in the outdoors and we're working with partners to help bring nature, wildlife and conservation to life in new family-friendly ways.

Soon, you and your big and little ones will be able to do things like book a llama walk, build dens, forage and cook local foods, spot animal tracks and hunt for nature's treasures in places and spaces you never even knew existed!

Sign-up below to hear our latest news, be first to test our new experiences and receive some top tips on places to visit and explore with your family in the meantime.

Fancy something a bit different? Visit this page to see all of our upcoming experience themes or choose one of these: Culture & Heritage, Outdoor Activities, Nature & Wildlife, Farming & Animals, Food and Drink, Wellbeing, Arts & Crafts or Pilgrimage.

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Family Fun Coming Soon...

With quality family time meaning more to us than ever before we're working with Kent locals to create nature experiences that will inspire future generations to enjoy and protect our precious outdoor landscapes.

Wye Community Farm

Wye Community Farm, and its associated Woolshed, is a not-for profit community farm which aims to inspire and train a variety of people in rural skills. They're developing a 'Ewe to You' experience so you can meet their rare-breed sheep, learn about the different wools they grow and turn it into something you can take home.

Shorne Woods Country Park

Shorne Woods Country Park offer a program of family friendly events throughout the year and have a fantastic education team providing teaching to local school children. They are developing family experiences that involve their team of expert rangers and archaeologists and encourage children to love the outdoors as much as they do!

Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership

The Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership works closely with landowners and local communities to promote and deliver both landscape and nature conservation. Soon you could also be learning forest skills with a qualified Forest School teacher, taking photographs while exploring King’s Wood with a qualified photography teacher or taking a guided river walk and including river-dipping for mini beasts, with a Riverfly Training Officer - all including lunch!

Medway Valley Country Partnership

Medway Valley Country Partnership works with communities, schools and colleges, to share their passion for protecting, exploring, and enjoying the countryside. They are creating a series of fun nature walks and exciting bushcraft courses combined with beautiful locations.

Exploring the Wild

Get out and explore our Kent Countryside with your children and learn about the local nature and wildlife on the way. You can soon join Exploring the Wild's experienced wildlife tour leader on an organised group, or private tour, and make your holiday a little wilder as you and your family learn to identify birds, wildflowers, trees, track mammals and more.

My Jones Life

Working as a Travel and Life Blogger, Tamsin from My Jones Life, not only has a love of Kent but has already sampled many of the best places to visit. This makes her perfectly positioned to launch new bespoke travel packages and experiences for solo travellers, families and small groups that will be full of top tips, hidden gems and a genuine passion for supporting local.

Big fun for little people

Ready for some family fun? Here are some great walks and cycles for kids of all ages where they'll be able to let off some steam, explore and discover some of natures treasures.

North Downs Way National Trail

With 153 miles of trail you're bound to find a route that suits your youngsters interests. Race up Box, Reigate, Colley or Bluebell Hill, spot rare and beautiful wildlife in Runfold Wood and Kemsing nature reserves or learn about the local history at the Neolithic tomb Kits Coty, Wye Crown and Pilgrims Way. Spanning across Kent, Surrey and 2 areas of natural beauty the choice of route is up to you, why not stay awhile and complete it all!

Read More at National Trails

Great Stour Way

Running between Canterbury and Chartham this 3 mile long traffic free route is perfect for buggies and follows National Cycle Route 18. Passing across the river and through marshes and meadows you'll enjoy river views, Kingfishers and other wildlife plus you can stop off for a picnic or a paddle too.

Read More at Explore Kent

Samphire Hoe Easy Access Trail

At Samphire Hoe you can choose one of two one-mile sections where kids can explore, choose the coastal route and watch the crashing waves and ferries passing by or the inland route to find rare wildflowers, birds and the odd sheep. They often run family friendly events too and have a cafe and toilet facilities on site.

Read More at Explore Kent

Shorne Woods Country Park

The long list of things to see and do here includes the eco-friendly visitor centre and café, a sensory garden, orienteering, fishing lakes, a trim trail and picnic and play areas – not to mention to 288 acres of rolling woodlands, wetlands and meadows that can be explored via a variety of waymarked trails

Read More at Explore Kent

Find time for family

Our partner sites are full of useful tips and great ideas so you can book some family time. Check out Explore Kent's blog and huge range of recommended routes or visit National Trails to create your very own itinerary. And our activity page is also packed full of places you and your family can visit within the Kent Downs AONB today...

Explore Kent

Discover 100's of pre-planned routes suitable for all abilities and activities with full information including route description, distance, parking locations, travel options and of course downloadable maps!

Cycling UK

Full of information, advice and of course all important cycling routes across the UK. Connect with them and cyclists of all abilities and plan your next trip on 2 wheels.

North Downs Way

With not 1 but 2 National Trails in Kent, the North Downs Way and England Coast Path, you're bound to find something to tickle your outdoor tastebuds. Plan your own itinerary and book some time for some of Kent's top attractions and perhaps a pub or 2 along the way.

Visit Kent

The place to visit to find some of Kent's best attractions, local events, taste sensations and of course featuring all of the best and beautiful locations across our favourite county. You'll find inspiration and information to help make your next visit easy.

Please Visit Safely

We want you to have a great time in the great outdoors so please see below for some top tips and advice to ensure your visit is safe and countryside-friendly...

  • Remember the Countryside Code
  • Check opening times and facilities before you go
  • Follow the latest Government Covid guidance
  • Take extra care on the coast
  • Access our public rights of way network
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    Make your trip sustainable

    The Kent Downs and North Downs Way is well connected by rail, bike and bus and you won't need to worry about finding a parking space either. Here are a few tips...

  • Go by Train, South Eastern have some handy tips on travelling with confidence. Click Here
  • Buy a family Discovery Bus Ticket for all day travel across the county and beyond. Click Here
  • Get on your bike, it's great exercise and environmentally friendly too. Find out more from Cycling UK.
  • Visit Kent Connected to find the best ways to travel for you and the environment. Click Here.
  • For more information on low impact travel to the Kent Downs Click Here.
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    You might also like...

    Sign-up to receive information about multiple Kent experience themes by completing our survey or choose your favourite below...

    Nature & Wildlife

    Learn more about the nature and animals around you, perfect for little and big ones!

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    Arts & Crafts

    Find your inner artist and share in the passion and knowledge of local experts.

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    Outdoor Activities

    Blow away the cobwebs in our gorgeous woodlands, grasslands and coastline.

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    Food & Drink

    Discover new tastes and treats from wonderful artisans across the county.

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    Farming & Animals

    Visit a local farm, boost your nature knowledge, learn new skills and make memories.

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    Culture & Heritage

    Learn about Kent's heritage and visit some of the iconic locations that shaped our county.

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    Pilgrimage

    Tread in the footsteps of Pilgrims as we take you on a journey of self-discovery.

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    Wellbeing

    Escape for some rest and relaxation in some of Kent's most beautiful places.

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    Help us build experiences...

    Do you have an activity or business along our routes that you'd like to promote to Walkers and Cyclists? We have a package of support and help available so please get in touch.

    Find Out More
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