Betteshanger Park


While away a few hours or fill a whole day; this glorious 250-acre country park provides access for all and has activities and events for a range of abilities, whether you are looking for adventure or something more leisurely.

Betteshanger Park is an Attraction. Area Deal

Where

Sandwich Road
Deal
Kent
CT14 0BF

What3words location

mostly.cleansed.prompting

Useful info

  • Available: Accessible toilet/s
  • Available: Baby changing
  • Available: Blue badge/ accessible parking bay/s
  • Available: Coach parking available
  • Available: Coach parties welcome
  • Available: Conference venue
  • Available: Dog-friendly
  • Available: Family-friendly
  • Available: Food and drink on site
  • Available: Licensed
  • Available: Season ticket/membership available
  • Available: Visitor toilet/s
  • Available: Wedding venue
  • Available: Wheelchair user friendly

Admission

Free entry

Contact

Betteshanger Park was once the spoil tip from Betteshanger Colliery, one of the largest collieries in Kent. The Colliery closed in 1989 and the site was transformed into a country park which opened to the public in 2007.

Enjoy miles of traffic free cycling; explore muddy mountain bike trails; swing and climb in the play park; take aim on the archery range; build dens in the woods; dig for fossils in the coal spoil; work up a sweat on the military fitness course or be a treasure hunter on the geocaching routes.

A group of mountain bikers coming out of a woodland towards the camera.
There are some great off-road, single track mountain bike trails through the park.

Walking and running

The park offers ideal traffic-free running conditions with over three miles of leisure paths to explore, and a range of organised races and fun runs taking place throughout the year, including the popular Junior Park Run, Saxon, Vikings & Normans Marathons, the KM Colour Run and the annual Kent Christmas Cracker. 

Cycling and bike hire

The smooth, traffic-free tarmac track is perfect for road cycling and for families with novice cyclists. There are also plenty of off-road, single-track mountain bike trails, perfect for beginners to learn the basics and red routes dotted between for advanced riders to test their skills. Around the circumference of the park there is a gravel leisure path which is the perfect opportunity to see the park and its surroundings on a comfortable ride.

Bring you own bike or hire one here – a range of adult and children’s bikes, trikes, child seats and helmets are available to hire, no pre-booking required.

Adventure playground

The Play Park has a zip line, maze, swings, slides, climbing frames and much more, including a range of accessible equipment. Located next to the Lamp Room and the Kent Mining Museum (see below), the play park is easily accessible for all.

Wild Ones Forest School

Being outdoors in nature is essential for children and getting muddy or a few bruises and scrapes are all a part of growing up on the wild side. Wild Ones Forest School supports children in engaged, real-life, nature-based learning to empower them to grow confidently and develop through the ability to take risks and learn at their own pace. Please visit the website or contact the park for session dates and times.

Hands-on activities

A range of drop-in activities are available, please visit the website or contact the park for session dates and times. Activities include battle target archery, geocaching, fossil hunting, orienteering and axe throwing!

  • Zombie Survival Training - a 2-hour experience teaching you how to use throwing axes and recurve bows to hunt down the evil zombie attackers. You finish the session with a led zombie hunt using Battlezone Archery bows to clear out woodlands from the evil dead.
  • Water Warz - new for 2024. Keep yourself cool this summer while taking on your friends and family! Suitable for adults and kids aged 5+.
A group of children learning archery in a wooded area
Battle target archery in the woods.

The Lamp Room 

A relaxed eatery serving great food with tasty vegan options and a children’s menu. With outside seating, this is a perfect spot to catch up with friends or make a day of it with your family. Click on the link below for details.

Kent Mining Museum

The park is also home to this fascinating free museum. Click on the link below to learn more.

Boonies

Founded by an army veteran, Boonies outdoor adventure circuit at Betteshanger provides a wide range of activities and programmes. The course is designed to be inclusive and adaptable and the team provides a welcoming and supportive environment that will inspire you to embrace the thrill of the great outdoors. Click on the link to find out more.