School holidays inspiration

Taking time out to relax and have fun with the children this summer needn’t cost a fortune. There's plenty to do here in the Dover, Deal and Sandwich area on the Kent coast that costs nothing or a small amount. Here are 10 suggestions for memorable days out that won’t put a strain on your budget.

1 Oh to be beside the sea

Our beautiful beaches are safe for paddling and swimming (but please check the tides and respect the sea) and there are plenty to choose from: secluded Shakespeare Beach to the west of Dover Harbour, Dover Beach in the harbour, beautiful St Margaret’s Bay, family-friendly Kingsdown Beach, the long shingle stretch of Walmer and Deal beaches, and Sandwich Bay next to world-famous golf courses and accessible via a private estate. See 'Find out more' below.

Walmer Paddling Pool, on the seafront next to Roman Landings Adventure Golf and Car Track (and part of the same attraction), is free to use and a lovely place to visit with younger children. Kids go free with a paying adult before 11am on the adventure golf course (online booking only).

2 Fabulous farm visits

Wander through ancient woodland, meet Fred the donkey and have fun in the natural play area at Little Farthingloe Farm on the outskirts Dover. There’s also a farm shop, bakery and café on site. Nearby, the team at Frampton Farm is passionate about sharing their knowledge with others, especially children. You can meet, feed and walk their goats or alpacas, join the farmers and spend an hour meeting the animals and other experiences. For a super-duper ice-cream treat, visit Solley’s Farm in Ripple near Deal. Explore marked trails and the maize maze before visiting the ice-cream parlour to choose which flavour of ice cream to have on the farm where it’s made! The parlour sells other refreshments (including much-loved breakfasts); dogs are welcome, too.

3 Explore on two wheels

Dust off your bike helmets and cycle along one of the many fantastic routes in the district – the well-signed National Cycle Network Route 1 takes you past three castles and a Roman fort! Cycle a short section of the route according to your ability: the flat, gentle route along Deal and Walmer seafronts, the slightly more off-road route from Deal to Sandwich or the more demanding, steep climb from Dover up to the White Cliffs. There are many other perfect places to explore on two wheels and a 3-km stretch of traffic-free, safe cycling at Betteshanger Park is perfect for younger children. Bring your own bikes or hire them from one of the many local cycle-hire locations in the area. See 'Find out more' below.

4 All aboard the coal train

What used to be a busy industrial line serving Kent coalfields is now a scenic railway that takes you on a 4-mile round trip between the pretty villages of Shepherdswell and Eythorne, through rolling countryside and the fascinating Golgotha Tunnel. Run entirely by volunteers, the trains at East Kent Railway run on Sundays and bank holidays, but the café, grounds where you can see locomotives parked up and woodland walks are open Tuesday to Sunday. Check their Facebook page for up-to-date information.

5 Pack up a picnic

Just 2.5 miles outside Dover are Green Flag Award-winning Kearsney Parks with beautifully landscaped gardens to spread out in, majestic trees to lie under, ornamental lakes, a chalk stream and a fantastic play park and café - a lovely place for a picnic. On the other side of Dover on top of the world-famous White Cliffs, it’s the Summer of Play at South Foreland Lighthouse until 2 September. Try your hand at hula hoops, bean bags, skipping and skittles in the picnic area. Weather permitting, the games will be out every day; they are free of charge, subject to availability and some may require adult help. The Butts in Sandwich follow the old town walls – popular with locals and visitors for picnics and walks, this is a lovely place to stroll, sit and watch the cricket (when playing) or the world go by and admire this lovely old town.
Please dispose of any rubbish responsibly – take it home with you or use the public bins. Thank you.

6 Get back to nature

Visit the wildlife haven at Samphire Hoe and immerse yourselves in the beauty of this rare chalkland nature reserve at the base of the world-famous White Cliffs. A lovely place for a walk, this is a fascinating place by the sea and you may spot birds of prey, rare butterflies and wildflowers. Other nature hotspots in the area include Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory (where there are family events taking place throughout the summer), Gazen Salts and Monks Wall Nature Reserve. National Trust White Cliffs Bug Hunts are every Wednesday until 28 August starting at the White Cliffs Visitor Centre at 10.30am. These are free guided walks; children must be accompanied by an adult

7 Explore our museums

Head back in time at the fantastic museums and heritage sites in the district including Sandwich Guildhall Museum, where there is an original Magna Carta; Deal Museum full of local historic items; Dover Transport Museum, home to transport of all kinds, model railways, vintage street scenes and more; and Dover Museum where you can see the oldest-known seagoing boat in the world, the Bronze Age Boat! Most museums are free to visit, but donations are welcome.

8 A day at the country park

With so much to do at brilliant Betteshanger Park near Deal, it is worthy of at least a day trip. Over 5 kilometres of paths through this lovely 250-acre, dog-friendly country park give you space to unwind and explore. There’s an adventure play park, cycling tracks – bring your own bikes or hire them here – target archery and Boonies Outdoor Obstacle Course. The park is home to Kent Mining Museum which tells the story of mining in the UK with entertaining and immersive exhibitions – fascinating for all the family – and for your little explorers, try geocaching and follow themed routes to find cleverly hidden Geocaches. There's a cafe on site and picnic areas.

9 Exciting events

It wouldn't be summer without a fabulous fun event or two and here in White Cliffs Country we have a lot going on over the school summer holidays! Exciting free events for your diary include Sunday Funday at Fort Burgoyne on 11 August, Castles and Catapults! at Dover Museum on 14 August, the Dour to Downs Festival from 12 to 18 August and the great Sandwich Festival on August Bank Holiday Weekend which includes live music, a duck race, medieval experiences and classic cars. Outdoor theatre performances include Little Women at Walmer Castle Gardens on 10 August and Treasure Island at Goodnestone Park Gardens on 17 August (both charge admission), and The Dragon Wagon in Dover’s Pencester Gardens on 21 August, which is free. For more information about these events and to find out what else is happening in White Cliffs Country over the summer, see What’s On.

10 Sleeping under the stars

Wake with birdsong and fall asleep under the stars, find the perfect stick to toast marshmallows and make s’mores! There’s no better way to make great memories and experience the fresh air and special outdoor places here than to bring camping gear and pitch a tent at one of our fantastically located campsites. Go back to nature and camp in farmers’ fields or take the luxury option and try glamping instead – we have campsites in the countryside and campsites overlooking the sea. And if sleeping under canvas isn’t your thing, there are holiday parks with static caravans for hire. See 'Find out more' below. 

Whatever you get up to, have a great summer! Don't forget to follow us on social media and tag us @visitdover in any photos if you are happy for us to share them and use #whitecliffscountry.