Things for Children To Do in Thanet, East Kent
Places to go with Children in Margate, Ramsgate & Broadstairs
Jul 28, 2009
Being once an island and surrounded by sea in three directions the Isle of Thanet has many miles of sandy beaches making it an excellent destination for sand-castle building as well as sun and sea bathing. There is more to Thanet than beaches but let us focus on these first.
Enjoying Thanet's Sandy Beaches
The beaches can be freely enjoyed free in any weather and there is probably a beach for everyone, be they dog walkers, or nudists, or families. The main beaches have been awarded the highest national standards for cleanliness and dogs are not permitted on these beaches in the day time of the summer months. There is more to the coast than just padding and playing in the sand, there are rocky areas where pools can be enjoyed at low tide, including at Western Undercliff in Ramsgate, Joss Bay, Botany Bay and at Westbrook in Margate.
There is a path for walking or cycling which hugs the coast most of the way around the island and is also uninterrupted from Margate to Reculver (near Herne Bay).
The main beaches at Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate all have entertainment of some sort for children on the sand. These can quickly add up to be quite expensive, especially if combined with demands for ice-cream, slot machines and new buckets and spades. On all 3 beaches there is a 'Kid's Corner', with rides such as a bouncy castle, a roundabout, trampolines and a slide, prices vary but are approximately £1 per ride or 6 for £5, haggling might get a better deal on multiple rides if it is a quiet day. There is a Punch and Judy show on the beach at Broadstairs throughout August.
Boat Trips from Ramsgate
A number of different boating experiences are easily arranged. The centre for all things nautical is Ramsgate Harbour and there are regular daily boat tours around the Harbour.
Public Parks With Child Appeal in Thanet
One of the loveliest parks in in the area must be King George V which is on the eastern cliff of Ramsgate, boardering Broadstairs. There is a cafe, toilets, children's play, lots of open space for ball games and interesting landscaping for hide and seek adventures, exploring and imaginative play. This park was formerly part of the private grounds of the East Cliff Lodge, home of Sir Moses Montefiore. Other nice parks with play areas for young children include Dane Park in Margate and Pierremont Park in Broadstairs.
Mini Golf or Crazy Golf in Broadstairs and Margate
There are golfing opportunities all over the Isle. Strokes Adventure Golf at Westbrook, Margate, is the most recent addition to the Isle of Thanet's mini golf facilities (other wise known as crazy golf), Strokes has a cafe area which is covered by a Marquee, always useful given the unpredictable English weather. Mini golf is also available at Little Oasis, Cliftonville (Ethelbert Crescent) and Lillyputt, Victoria Parade, Broadstairs. There is a Pitch and Put at Palm Bay, Margate, along side The Ridings. For the more experienced young golfer there is a small course at Manston Golf Centre, where there is also a covered practice range.
Days Out for Children at Quex Park, Birchington
The estate at Quex, Birchington, is home to a number of different organisations with various activities, events and fees. In the summer months there is a maize Maze, which costs just £1 it might take about 30 minutes to complete and there is a cafe, picnic area which can be used for free by those not venturing into the maze. Next to Jungle Jim's there is an out door play area which is available for free, there is a cafe and picnicing is possible. Also at Quex, one can visit the beautifully landscaped gardens of the Powell-Cotton House without visiting the museum, fees for the gardens are £1.50/£1.
Country Parks Near Ramsgate
Pegwell Bay Country Park is a local nature reserve on the outskirts of Ramsgate, on the road to Sandwich. It is largely frequented by bird-watchers, there is a public bird hide, and dog walkers.
Bird Watching. It is a lovely place to walk, picnic and enjoy views of Ramsgate across Pegwell Bay. Further afield, the other side of Sandwich, towards Deal there is Fowlmead Country Park, which is ideal for cycling and bicycles are available for hire.
Out and About with Children in East Kent
Near to Thanet and easily accessible, within 30 minutes by car, there are various places of interest and amusement, for example:
- Farming World at Faversham;
- Port Lympne and Howletts Wildlife parks near Folkestone and Canterbury respectively;
- Wingham Wildlife Park;
- Sarre Windmill;
- Richborough Roman Fort, an English Heritage property near Sandwich.
This is just a short list, slightly further to travel there is Chatham Dockyard, Dickens World, Digger Land and various museums, castles and gardens. There are also local museums and various indoor activities in Thanet to consider.
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