Days out in Kent for couples

Breweries, Gin Tasting and Vineyards

If there’s one thing you can’t do with kids in tow, it’s something boozy. There are many great vineyards dotted about Kent but if wine isn’t your tipple of choice then there’s beer and gin too!

Curious Brewery

Located in Ashford, The Curious Brewery are known for their award winning beers and ciders. You can opt for a brewery tour and tasting or if you just want to get to the booze part, book a table at the Curious Taproom and Restaurant for a drink and a meal.

• Location: Ashford Town Centre, 5 minutes walk from Ashford International Train Station.
• Info: Closed Sundays and Mondays.
• Stay nearby: Hampton By Hilton Ashford International is directly opposite the Curious Brewery so perfectly located for tipsy travellers.

Copper Rivet Distillery

The Copper Rivet Distillery is one of the UK’s only places where you can see the entire process of making gin, whisky and vodka side by side. As we are gin drinkers we opted for a gin tipple after our tour and even purchased a bottle to take home. Located in Chatham Historic Dockyard, there are plenty of places nearby to enjoy a bite to eat after your tour. Or you could even visit the Historic Dockyard itself.

• Location: Leviathan Way, Chatham Dockyard.
• Info: See Copper Rivet website for opening times.
• Stay nearby: The Ship and Trades is a riverside pub and hotel, less than 10 minutes walk from the distillery.

Balfour Winery

Kent is home to a fair few vineyards and I have been fortunate enough to visit a couple of them on days blessed with sunshine. The Balfour Winery in Staplehurst have a glorious decking area overlooking the vineyard and although they are open all year round, there’s nothing like sipping wine and nibbling a sharing platter with the summer sun on your skin.

• Stay nearby: Winemakers Pub in Cranbrook is a 10 minute taxi ride and comes highly rated.
• Book here: Balfour Vineyard Walk and Wine Tasting.

Chapel Down

Another vineyard I would recommend is Chapel Down in Tenterden. When we visited here we enjoyed a meal in The Swan restaurant after our tour and tasting. But if you like a bit of cheese with your wine, then Chapel Down also offer a cheese and wine experience which sounds like a fabulous day out in Kent for couples.

• Stay nearby: The Little Silver Country Hotel in Tenterden is a cosy highly rated hotel a 10 minute taxi ride away.
• Read more here: Alphabet Dating – W is for Wine Tasting

Best Castles in Kent

There is a lot of history preserved in Kent, apparently it is the oldest county in England! And Kent’s history is alive and well through its spectacular castles.

Leeds Castle

I have been to Leeds Castle more times than I care to count. Located just outside Leeds village on the outskirts of Maidstone, Leeds Castle has a history spanning over 900 years. You can walk the beautiful grounds, explore the castle itself, get lost in the maze or enjoy a round of mini golf. You can even stay at Leeds Castle and pretend to be royalty!

• Location: Maidstone, just off M20 Junction 8.
• Read more here: Leeds Castle Review: How to spend the day at Kent’s loveliest landmark

Scotney Castle

Although not grand and showy in a traditional sense, Scotney Castle is worth including for the budding photographers. A National Trust property, Scotney Castle is a ruined medieval castle surrounded by a moat. The grounds boast 780 acres of parkland, a mansion house and walled garden. You simply can’t take a bad photograph here. Enjoy a romantic stroll around the gardens and stop by the tearoom for a delicious cake.

• Location: Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells.
• Top Tip: Pre-booking is essential if you are driving due to current car parking works.

Dover Castle

Perched high above the famous White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle is your typical mighty castle on a hill. While other castles offer picturesque fairytale experiences, this one brings the big guns, quite literally. You can wander the Great Tower to explore the regal medieval world of King Henry II, followed by visiting the underground tunnels used in the Second World War. As the gateway to England from the Channel, this fortress was England’s frontline defence for centuries.

• Location: Castle Hill, Dover.
• Top Tip: The area is quite hilly so bear this in mind if you have mobility issues.
• Tickets: Purchase your tickets through GetYourGuide.

Coastal Walks in Kent

If you’re more of a beach babe than a countryside lover, then you can head down to the coast. Pick a sunny day and indulge in the British tradition of a fish and chip dinner while the sea air whips through your hair.

Whitstable

Everyone knows and loves Whitstable but I’m here to let you in on a little secret. Head to nearby Seasalter, the quieter, more tranquil cousin of Whitstable. Park up and then take a stroll along the pebble beach rather than contend with the busy car parks in central Whitstable. Reward yourself with a seafood lunch or a drink in a pub (The Old Neptune is very popular) once you reach Whitstable. If you fancy a treat, then I recommend Bears Ice Cream Imaginarium for a delicious and creative dessert.

• Top Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for street art by Catman – Whitstable’s very own Banksy!

Folkestone

Folkestone is a firm favourite of mine. I recommend taking a walk up the Creative Quarter to browse the independent shops, maybe stop for a coffee at one of the cafes or tapas at El Cortador. Wander down to the harbour arm and if the sun is shining, sip something cold at The Pilot Beach Bar. On weekends and bank holidays there are live music performances and The Marketplace stalls are usually open for shopping.

• Read more here: Best Things to do in Folkestone (2026 Guide)

Afternoon Teas in Kent

There’s nothing more quintessentially British than indulging in an afternoon tea and what a lovely way to spend an afternoon with a loved one!

Chilston Park Hotel

Who doesn’t want to have afternoon tea in a 17th century manor house? Think grand staircases, antique furniture and 77 acres of parkland. Afternoon tea is a relaxed affair taking place in The Marble Lounge, with typical sandwiches, scones and sweets on offer. And if you want to make a weekend of it, consider visiting nearby Leeds Castle and staying in one of Chilston Park Hotel’s historical suites.

• Location: Lenham, Maidstone.
• Read more here: Chilston Park Hotel Afternoon Tea

Port Lympne Reserve

Port Lympne is a Kent safari park and a wonderful setting for an afternoon tea. I’ve been to Port Lympne many times (I even had my hen do here) but only fairly recently enjoyed their afternoon tea. Work up an appetite spotting the various animals in the park and learning about the conservation efforts. Afternoon tea is served at the mansion within landscaped gardens.

• Location: Lympne, Hythe.
• Info: Prebooking is essential for afternoon tea. A valid admission ticket, annual pass, or short break booking is also required.
• Book your entry tickets here: lovetovisit.com (note: afternoon tea needs to be booked separately).

Oad Street Food and Crafts

Somewhere I have repeatedly been to for afternoon tea as well as brunch is Oad Street Food and Crafts. You can choose to sit in either the main restaurant or pay a little extra for a pod – a particularly nice idea if you are dining as a group.

• Location: Oad Street, Borden (near Sittingbourne).
• Read more here: Igloo dining in Kent

The Lane

The afternoon teas at The Lane are fabulously quirky. Although at present they are focussing on more seasonal themes, in the past they have looked towards pop culture for inspiration. I enjoyed a Peter Rabbit themed tea at Easter time and a pretty pink and girly Barbie themed tea on another occasion.

• Location: South Court, Deal.

Spa Days in Kent for Couples

If you’re in need of some relaxation, then a spa day is the answer. Spas vary greatly in packages and quality but it’s always great if you can team it up with an overnight stay or an afternoon tea and make a proper day/night of it.

Hythe Imperial

I actually took my mum on a spa break to Hythe Imperial Hotel for her 60th birthday. We had a lovely afternoon tea with the family, followed by a walk along the seafront. Then we spent some time in the spa, had a treatment and an overnight stay. They very sweetly gave my mum a little dessert plate with Happy Birthday on it too.

• Location: Princes Parade, Hythe

Eastwell Manor

If you’re looking for a romantic stay with your significant other, then Champneys Eastwell Manor is the one. Set in a charming country house built between 1540 and 1550, it has had many owners, including royalty. So treat yourself like the Queen that you are with an overnight stay or a full spa day/weekend.

• Location: Ashford
• Read more here: Alphabet Dating – R is for Relaxation

Quirky Things to do in Kent

Of course, I had to include a few slightly more unusual days out in Kent for couples.

Escape Rooms in Kent

Escape Rooms had a bit of surge in popularity in recent years and I’ve tried a fair few myself. The quality does vary a bit but there are some excellent escape rooms in Kent. I recommend Clue Cracker Games in Tunbridge Wells – their Temple Quest game is probably the best escape room I have done. For the Medway area, Mythologic Escape Rooms Arabian Nights was particularly fun.

Alpaca Trekking

If you’ve never done it before, alpaca trekking is a lot of fun! I’ve done it a few times, both in Kent and other parts of England and if you love animals then taking an alpaca for a group walk is definitely a must try activity. I would recommend Kenward Place in Yalding or Capstone Farm Alpacas in Gillingham to get up close to these cuties.

Punting in Canterbury

Canterbury is a popular city to visit in Kent due to its history, arts and culture. If you’re looking for a romantic date idea then I suggest punting on the River Stour. Glide through the lovely landscaped Westgate Gardens and take in the view of Canterbury from the water.

• Read more here: Alphabet Dating – P is for Punting

Final Thoughts on Days out in Kent for Couples

All of these activities are tried and tested by me and make for ideal days out in Kent for couples. If you need a little more date inspiration, then check out my Alphabet Dating series.

For more United Kingdom content, see some of my other posts:

• Best Things to do in Folkestone (2026 Guide)
• Leeds Castle Review: How to spend the day at Kent’s loveliest landmark
• Chilston Park Hotel Afternoon Tea
• Paradise Under The Stars: London’s Immersive Cuban Experience
• Inamo London – the future of restaurants

The post Days Out in Kent for Couples (A Local’s Guide in 2026) appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.

Some things to note: both stays occurred outside of UK school holidays. Butlins was at the end of April after Easter holidays. Haven was at the start of June after the May half term break. Both stays were from Monday until Friday. This post is entirely based on my own experiences at Butlins Bognor Regis and Haven Cleethorpes Beach. Should I visit any more Butlins or Haven sites in future I will expand on this post but for now this is a direct comparison.

If you like this post you might also like my Center Parcs vs Forest Holidays comparison post.

Butlins Accommodation

Butlins accommodations come in the form of rooms, apartments or hotels – all with varying grades. Our apartment was a Comfort Apartment in Oyster Bay which could sleep 4 people. It includes a small kitchen, bathroom and lounge/dining area. Note: bathroom towels are not included with the Comfort Apartments but can be added for a fee or bring your own.

Pros: We found the kitchen ideal for any meal prep we might want to do (mostly lunches as we had a dining package. More about that later). Lounge area great for watching tv and enjoying a cuppa whilst little one naps. A shower mat plus tea towel, dish sponge and washing up liquid provided. Teabags and coffee sachets also included. Also, free WiFi available resort wide.

Cons: Thin walls – we were frequently woken by the children in the apartment next door. Unless you pay a little extra to choose your apartment, you may find yourself on the second floor and at the end of the apartment block. This is mainly an issue when it comes to lugging all your stuff to and from the car. A few adjustments could be made to make this more toddler friendly. Our daughter managed to lock herself in the bathroom on the day we arrived. Perhaps some higher up locks would be better.

Haven Accommodation

The most popular accommodation on offer at Haven is its caravans, which are available at every Haven holiday park. Depending on which Haven site you opt for you can go as cheap as a pitch for your own tent/caravan or even stay in a lodge (or similar). We stayed in a Silver Caravan which could sleep up to 6 people (with the use of a sofa bed in the lounge) and includes a small kitchen, bathroom and lounge/dining area. There was also an ensuite toilet in the double bedroom, plus an outdoor deck. Note: bathroom towels are not included with the Silver Caravans so bring your own – plus a few other extras mentioned below.

Pros: Similarly to Butlins, the kitchen is ideal for any meal prep and having that separate lounge area meant that we could stay up and watch tv whilst our daughter slept. Being able to park our car right next to our caravan was useful which isn’t something that all holiday parks allow (Butlins and Center Parcs don’t allow this). If the weather had been nice then the deck would have been a major plus point too. The tv reception was good here and our caravan also had bluetooth speakers in the ceiling meaning we could play music from our phones.

Cons: Where our Butlins apartment included a few kitchen essentials such as a dish sponge and washing up liquid, Haven provided nothing. A shower mat would have been particularly helpful here. WiFi only available in the main public areas.

VERDICT:

While we appreciated the little touches such as the kitchen essentials that were included with our Butlins apartment, I think the Haven caravans were the better of the two accommodations, purely because they offered a bit more space – both internally and from other holidaymakers.

The apartments at Butlins felt a little dated so I would choose to stay at the nautical themed Shoreline Hotel should I return. And while the cleanliness could have been a bit better at both Butlins and Haven, the Haven caravan had a much lighter, brighter feel to it.

One thing to note: we brought a travel cot with us. Neither twin room at Butlins or Haven was big enough to fit the cot in without some adjustments. We simply stacked one bed on top of the other (safely and sensibly) and were able to fit the cot in the space left.

Butlins Activities

Butlins is all about the activities and best of all, many of them are included in the price of your holiday. There are swimming pools, fairground rides, soft play and playgrounds. Additionally there’s the Playxperience activity centre (at Bognor). This includes laser tag, mini golf and other activities all for an extra charge.

Firstly, the swimming pool. In my opinion, the pool at Butlins Bognor Regis was top tier for families. There are changing cubicles of varying sizes that are colour coded, so different colours mean different sizes. This makes choosing the right size changing cubicle for your family easy.

The pool then is divided into sections meaning there’s something for everyone. From the point of view of a toddler parent, the pools here were perfect. There were little slides my daughter could enjoy, a shallow pool that she could walk through and play with the toy boats. Plus a deeper pool where she could practice swim lessons with her dad. Plus a wave pool at the back with fountains which she loved splashing. During our visit some of the slides were closed but to be honest there was plenty of others open. We managed to spend a good couple of hours one day just splashing about.

The fairground was pretty decent considering it was included in the price of our holiday. However, the only ride we went on was the carousel as my daughter wasn’t quite tall enough for the other rides and didn’t want to go on the toddler rides by herself.

Bognor Regis has two playgrounds – one outside The Firehouse restaurant and one outside The Beachcomber Inn. Both of these I felt were too small for the number of people there. We preferred the one at The Firehouse as it was less busy. But I think the Bognor Regis resort really need to improve their play areas. Skegness and Minehead appear to have much better playground facilities although I haven’t visited these parks.

If the weather is bad, then there are arcades and soft play indoors to keep the kids entertained. My daughter wasn’t really a fan of either but I imagine once she’s a little older that will change.

Haven Activities

Haven isn’t quite as jam packed with activities as Butlins. However if you’re visiting during a period of decent weather then this isn’t too much of an issue.

The first thing to note about the swimming pool at Haven Cleethorpes Beach is that slots are for one hour and must be pre-booked. This felt quite restricting as we couldn’t just pop to the pool when we fancied it. During our visit in June, slots filled up fast so there was no on the day availability. The changing cubicles were an ok size for families but the lockers are quite small so we ended up needing to use two.

The pool at Cleethorpes Beach consists of an indoor and an outdoor bit. Indoors there is a small, shallow toddler pool with a little slide and a couple of splash table type things. Then there are two bigger, deeper pools for splashing and swimming. Outside there are a couple of large slides plus a lazy river and the pool is heated. Aside from having to pre-book and only being able to stay in the pool for an hour, the biggest annoyance here was that the outside pool was closed until 2pm. This meant that if you had an earlier slot you had no choice but to stay and use the indoor pools. We were informed that this is due to our stay not being during peak season but I feel that Haven should have made that more apparent from the start.

Haven has what it calls the Adventure Village. Here is where you can find things such as the children’s playgrounds and pre-bookable activities like aerial adventure and mini golf. Aside from the playgrounds and swimming, most other activities come with an additional charge.

The playgrounds at Haven seemed to be relatively good. With a toddler area at one end of the Adventure Village and one aimed at older children at the other end of the village. We spent a little time here but our stay was spoilt with bad weather so we didn’t get to enjoy the playgrounds as much as we may have liked. Similarly, we didn’t partake in any of the other outdoor activities because of the weather. I did find the little doggy playground quite cute and was hoping my sister in law would take her dog there but it wasn’t to be.

If the weather is bad, like it was for us, then there are arcades and a few craft type activities you can do. But once again, because June is apparently low season, there wasn’t much availability (only 2 slots for the entire 4 days for the slime workshop). So we didn’t do any of these activities.

VERDICT:

Butlins wins hands down. Not being peak season doesn’t seem to be an issue here. And even with a few of the attractions closed, there was still plenty to do. A Haven holiday relies too much on good weather which unfortunately wasn’t something we were blessed with on this occasion.

Butlins Entertainment

Butlins doesn’t call itself ‘The Home of Entertainment‘ for nothing. Admittedly, I’m not really one for cheesy hotel entertainment but once you become a parent things change. Our stay was one of the Tots Week breaks meaning that Peppa Pig was there. I was expecting more than just two shows of Peppa Pig, however we had no trouble getting booked. We also watched The Animal Guyz who were excellent. Their show was part educational, part humourous – I would recommend. We also saw a little bit of a Red Coat performance with the Butlins mascot bears. Some Butlins breaks are centred on the entertainment (such as Britain’s Got Talent acts) so it can be quite a crowd puller.

Haven Entertainment

Haven Parks also offer shows, although their entertainment is more ‘in house’ acts such as their Seaside Squad mascots. We went along for a couple of the evenings so our daughter and eldest niece could enjoy the children’s disco but they tired out before it really got going. There’s also Bingo on for the adults but we didn’t partake in that. I imagine that during school holidays there would be more entertainment on offer.

VERDICT:

Obviously Butlins wins again here for entertainment. The quantity and the quality surpassed Haven’s in my opinion.

Dining at Butlins

At Butlins there is an option to pre-book a dining package. Dining packages vary but we chose a package that included breakfast and dinner. We also upgraded to the premium package which offered a little more choice such as live cooking station. You are assigned a restaurant and then the food is buffet style much like an all-inclusive hotel. The quality of the food was fine and there was plenty of choice, so I would happily do this again.

If you don’t have an apartment with a kitchen to cook your own meals and you don’t wish to purchase a dining package, then there are plenty of eateries on site such as Burger King, Subway and Chopstix amongst others.

Dining at Haven

Haven tends to lean more towards cooking for yourself in your caravan, however there are restaurants on site if you don’t fancy cooking. We actually had dinner in Wetherspoons every evening apart from the one day we went out into Cleethorpes for fish and chips. There were restaurants such as Slim Chickens, Burger King, Papa Johns and a chip shop on site. Unfortunately during our visit these were closed more than they were open. So the only option if we wanted to eat out without leaving the park was Wetherspoons.

VERDICT:

The better option here greatly depends on what you are looking for in a holiday. If you wish to self cater and enjoy barbecues, then Haven is your winner. But, if you’re visiting in any time that is not considered ‘peak’ period then don’t expect anything other than Wetherspoons to be open!

If you want to relax and not worry too much about how much you may be spending on food, then Butlins is the better option. The downside of the dining package is that it can get very busy. Our first day at breakfast was unpleasant and chaotic but it improved after that.

Butlins or Haven – Other details

Arrival and Departure:

Butlins Bognor Regis, much like Center Parcs, is a car free resort. This isn’t an issue generally as the resort itself is quite small and easily walkable. HOWEVER, on arrival it was a bit of a shock to discover that our designated car park was at one end of the resort and our apartment at the other. It took several trips of lugging all our bags across the whole resort – including a heavy cot bed. In hindsight we wished we had purchased a festival trolley beforehand as it would have saved us a lot of effort!

Our arrival at Haven Cleethorpes Beach was much smoother as you can just park your car right next to your caravan. However, their arrival times are stricter and if you are arriving later than the hour slot they give you then they like you to notify them.

Apps:

Both resorts have an app you can download. Both were quite handy for booking activity slots. The Haven one was also good for viewing the restaurant menus and ordering.

Butlins or Haven – which is better?

Both of my experiences were during school term time, so if you’re travelling with a toddler and looking for plenty of things to keep them entertained then Butlins is the standout winner here. However, while my Haven holiday was a little disappointing on the facility front, if you’re looking for a slower and more outdoorsy kind of holiday then Haven will tick the boxes.

Related posts:

• Center Parcs vs Forest Holidays
• Center Parcs with baby

The post Butlins or Haven – Which is better? appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.

Known as ‘The Loveliest Castle in World’, I am very fortunate to have this spectacular Kent landmark right on my doorstep. I’ve visited more times than I can count over the years so thought it was about time I wrote a blog post about it! If you’re searching for things to do in Kent, then read on for my ultimate Leeds Castle review.

Visiting Leeds Castle

Not to be confused with the city of Leeds in Yorkshire, Leeds Castle can be found in Kent, in a village called Leeds which is on the outskirts of Maidstone. If you’re travelling by car, then parking is ample. It is also within easy reach by train, which is particularly handy if you’re visiting on a day trip from London.

Opening times vary by season and attraction. Tickets start at £34.50 online (per adult) but are valid for a whole year. This is great if you plan on visiting more than once. There are also family and concessions tickets too. Note that dogs are not permitted – so please leave them at home!

A Brief History of Leeds Castle

Evolving from an 11th century Norman stronghold to a Royal residence and then later a private residence of an Anglo-American heiress, Leeds Castle has quite the history – spanning over 900 years! Its history is filled with “strong and visionary women”, having been owned by six medieval Queens of England. The most notable woman however is heiress Lady Olive Baillie. In the 1920’s, she was the castle’s final private owner. She restored the crumbling estate making Leeds Castle one of England’s finest country houses and a place for high-society parties.

Things to do at Leeds Castle

There’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained here and if you visit on a sunny day, then it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic beside the river. In this Leeds Castle review I will give a brief run down of what to expect.

Castle and Gardens

Firstly, there’s the castle itself. You can take a walk around the various rooms of the castle to see how it looked during the 1930s and Lady Baillie’s era. I personally prefer the gardens. There are several gardens across the estate but my favourite is The Culpeper Garden which was originally the castle’s kitchen garden. It has lots of neat little paths and an abundance of blooms, whatever the season.

Leeds Castle for kids

Leeds Castle is a great day out in Kent with kids. Head towards the back of the castle estate to find a variety of attractions for the whole family. Firstly, there is the maze. It’s been quite some time since I have attempted the maze but once you reach the centre, there is a small grotto to be discovered. There is also an adventure golf course close by. This is a small additional fee to take part but includes a cute miniature version of the castle to hit your ball around.

One of the newer attractions in this area is The Beach, although it isn’t really a beach, just a large sandpit. However, my toddler loves it! The sandpit/beach is a seasonal attraction, so if you’re visiting during winter then don’t expect it to be open. There are also a couple of playgrounds here too, castle themed of course. The Knights Stronghold playground is for children 6 and over, where as the Squires Courtyard playground is for smaller kids and even has a couple of ziplines which my daughter finds great fun. For bigger kids, you can find an obstacle course beside the Bird of Prey centre.

There is a cafe, toilets and baby change facilities in this area too.

Wildlife at Leeds Castle

It used to be famed for its peacocks and black swans (the black swan even features on the logo). Sadly they are no more, but you can see plenty of other birdlife here. You’ll mostly find ducks, white swans and geese. The Egyptian geese are particularly eye-catching.

As well as waterfowl, there is a Bird of Prey centre on the grounds. You can see the birds in their enclosures and there are ‘meet the keeper’ talks and falconry displays. During the summer months, these occur daily, however during winter they are usually only at the weekends or during schools holidays (weather permitting).

Leeds Castle offer falconry experiences too but these are an additional cost to your entrance ticket and must be booked in advance.

The Quirkiest Attraction at Leeds Castle

It wouldn’t be Quirky Little Planet without an honourable mention to the most unusual attraction at Leeds Castle. A dog collar museum. Yes, that’s right. There is a small museum dedicated to five centuries of canine neckwear. They were acquired from a private collection in the 1970s but has grown since then. The little museum can be found in the Stable Courtyard, opposite the cafe.

Getting around – the fun way!

The estate is fairly walkable on foot however two of the attractions are the Black Swan Ferry and Elsie the Castle Train. Both of these cost a little extra than the standard ticket. If you purchase a Leeds Castle Ultimate Explorer Ticket then you can take six trips on either transport included in the cost.

Both the ferry and train depart from roughly the same location (an area just before you approach the bridge to the castle itself). The ferry will take you across the water to where the playgrounds are, which is great if you have kids who don’t want to walk. The train takes you back to the entrance, so is ideal for your journey back to the car park with those tired little feet!

Dining and Shopping at Leeds Castle

There are several dining options at the castle. You can find a kiosk selling drinks and snacks where the ferry and train depart from. There is a cafe next to the playgrounds and also plenty of picnic spots. In the Stable Courtyard there is another cafe which can get quite busy during bad weather, plus a few outdoor kiosks selling ice cream, chips, coffees etc.

If you prefer to pack a picnic then there are plenty of benches and deckchairs dotted around the estate. Or come prepared with your own picnic rug.

Lastly, there is the Castle View Restaurant, which I am afraid I cannot comment on in this Leeds Castle Review as I haven’t yet dined there! I have heard that their afternoon tea is excellent.

As far as shops go, a recent addition is the second hand bookshop, which can be found across the deckchaired Pavilion Lawn. (FYI, the Pavilion Lawn is my favourite spot to picnic as it doesn’t get too crowded). There is also the main gift shop which unlike most other attraction gift shops, actually sells really pretty stuff that you want to gift (or keep!) rather that plastic tat aimed at children. There are also a couple of other gift shops near the castle and mini golf too.

Other Activities

If you’re feeling adventurous then there is a Go Ape course on the estate grounds. You can also ride a segway around some of the grounds too. Both of these activities are run independently to Leeds Castle itself and are therefore bookable directly with the companies.

Staying at Leeds Castle

Believe it or not, you can actually stay at Leeds Castle too. There are several different accommodation options available.

• The Stable Courtyard Bed and Breakfast comes highly rated and offers double, twin, single and family rooms.
• If you want to actually experience staying right by the castle itself then consider booking The Maidens Tower. Because who doesn’t want to be a Queen for the day (and night!)?!
• For a peaceful adults only retreat then the Lakeside Lodges offer accommodations with private terraces and stunning lakeside views.

Accommodations include breakfast, toiletries and entrance to the grounds. There are other accommodations available, such as cottages and glamping, but advance booking is recommended. Leeds Castle host many weddings, so on-site accommodation gets booked up quickly!

Hotels near Leeds Castle

If you’re looking to explore more of Kent (may I suggest my favourite coastal town, Folkestone?) then a hotel close to the castle may be better suited to you. Some hotels I would suggest that are nearby are:

• Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel: This hotel is right round the corner from Leeds Castle, about a 10 minute walk from the front entrance. There’s an on-site gym, pool and spa which is an added bonus.
• The Windmill: This is a local pub with cosy rooms, less than 1km from Leeds Castle and a short distance from Hollingbourne train station for exploring more of Kent by rail.
• Chilston Park Hotel: A 17th century manor house with great afternoon tea around a 10 minute drive from the castle.
• The Potting Shed: Part of the Elite pubs chain, the food is good and the location is around a 6 minute drive from the castle.

Leeds Castle Events

There are many events over the year that are held at the castle. Some (such as Motors by the Moat) are included in the ticket price. Others events like the Christmas Lights Trail are ticketed separately. In my personal opinion, the place is much more enjoyable on an average day. Event days are mega busy! When I did the Christmas light trail in 2025 it was so crowded that I didn’t fully enjoy the experience.

Final Thoughts on my Leeds Castle Review

If you’re looking for things to do in Kent, then Leeds Castle is a crowd pleaser that offers something for everyone. My daughter loves coming here. She is a big fan of spotting the ducks, frolicking in the sandpit and playing in the playground. Be sure to check opening times and directions before your visit and I guarantee you’ll have a lovely time.

The post Leeds Castle Review: How to spend the day at Kent’s loveliest landmark appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.

Things to do in Folkestone

Unlike many British seaside resorts, Folkestone is trendy as opposed to tacky. As a Brit, I am totally allowed to say that.

Since 2004, Folkestone Harbour has been part of a multi million pound regeneration project transforming it from drab and dilapidated to the vibrant, buzzy hub it is today.

Stroll along Folkestone Harbour Arm

The Harbour Arm is Folkestone’s promenade filled with independent businesses. If the weather is good, enjoy a cocktail or a coffee at one of the various outlets and enjoy the sea view. We sipped a latte and a chai at Gaia Studio (which smelt absolutely lush so I’ll be returning to buy one of their scented candles ASAP). There are other outlets selling snacks and food, and on some weekends in summer there may even be live music. At the far end of the Harbour Arm there is a lighthouse which was built between 1897 and 1904 and is now home to a lovely looking champagne bar (I am yet to visit!).

Note: Trading hours for many independent businesses vary depending on day and season.

Don’t miss the random artworks and giant deckchairs dotted about the Harbour Arm. Head down some steps part way along the arm to discover one of Anthony Gormley’s Another Time cast-iron figures.

Travelling with a kids?

Baby change facilities are available at the toilets near Gaia Studio.

Go shopping at The Marketplace

If you’re visiting on a weekend or a Bank Holiday then you’ll enjoy browsing The Marketplace. Situated in individual black and yellow fishermen style huts, The Marketplace is a great place to shop for gifts. With traders selling everything from art and jewellery to cakes and even dog treats!

Tuck into some street food at The Goods Yard

The Goods Yard is right next to the Harbour Arm car park and is an outdoor street food plaza and events space. You can take your pick from a variety of dishes from pizza and burgers to Mexican and Nepalese. My personal preference is Greek Street for a delicious meze.

The Goods Yard is also known for its big screen. You can chill in one of their deck chairs and watch whatever movie or sporting event they are showing – for free! Check their website for the Goods Yard events timetable.

Enjoy a beer on Folkestone beach

The harbour arm side of Folkestone has a pebble beach which is a nice place to chill for a little while on a sunny day. There’s also mini golf and a few bars/eateries to enjoy. My husband’s favourite place is The Pilot Beach Bar. A quirky bar with deckchairs and dodgem cars to sit in while you sip something cold and gaze out to sea.

Travelling with kids?

There’s very little shade in this area on a hot day so bring your own!

Explore Folkestone Harbour

As well as the harbour arm promenade, there is also the original Folkestone Harbour. From The Goods Yard, take a wander through Folkestone Harbour train station. The train station is a renovated pedestrian walkway which has been carefully restored to retain some of the station’s history. The old signal box that was built at the entrance when it was a functioning train station is now home to a small cafe. I’ve not been there yet but I like the look of it.

From here, you can cross the swing bridge to the harbour where you will find seafood stalls, ice cream kiosks and the famous Rocksalt restaurant. I quite like to grab an ice cream from The Hatch. It has a small seating area at the back where you can gaze out at the boats and seagulls below.

If the weather is bad then I recommend stopping for lunch at The Harbour Inn pub. Me and my husband shared the Garden Board from the bar menu on one drizzly afternoon. A delicious platter filled with vegetarian goodies like falafel and tempura vegetables soon made me forget my disappointment of not enjoying the British classic portion of chips on the beach!

Travelling with kids?

Infront of The Hatch ice cream kiosk and Chummys seafood you’ll find the harbour fountains. Kids are sure to love running through the fountains on a hot day!

Relax on Sunny Sands Beach

While the Harbour Arm area is home to a pebble beach, closer to the Harbour and Rocksalt side of town you can find Sunny Sands. This is a sandy beach which is a bit more kid friendly. My daughter loved building sandcastles and frolicking about in the sand over here. And if you haven’t already had your fill of ice cream, then pop by Herbert’s for a delicious gelato.

Soak up the vibes of the Creative Quarter

The Creative Quarter is a colourful, cobbled street home to independent shops, cafes, boutiques and artists workshops. The Creative Quarter embodies Folkestone’s artsy vibe and browsing the unique shops is a great way to spend some time (and money!). If you’re looking to purchase a gift for someone that has everything, then you’ll probably find something cool to gift them here.

If you’re hungry and hoping for a something a little more than fast food, then I recommend El Cortador Tapas Bar, located on The Creative Quarter. I spent a lovely afternoon with friends enjoying some Spanish cuisine here.

Travelling with kids?

The Creative Quarter isn’t the most pushchair friendly part of Folkestone. The street itself is cobbled and uphill, it’s also relatively narrow which is a pain when it’s busy.

Watch a show at The Leas Cliff Hall

If you’re in Folkestone for the evening then it might be worth checking out what’s on at The Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone’s local theatre. I’ve seen both Levison Wood and Saba Douglas-Hamilton do talks there. Both of them were super interesting people and what a great way to end a day in the UK’s best place to visit.

How to get to Folkestone

By EuroTunnel

Folkestone can be reached via Le Shuttle from Calais in 35 minutes. So if you’re travelling by car from France then Folkestone makes for a great first day on a UK road trip.

By Train

Folkestone Central and Folkestone West stations are just under an hour away on the high speed train from St Pancras International in London. You can also travel to the town in just under 2 hours from London Cannon Street on the slower trains.

By Car

The best way to reach Folkestone by car is via the M20 motorway. There are several public car parks in the town however my preferred car park is the Harbour Arm as it is relatively large and fairly central.

Where to stay in Folkestone

Folkestone is a fantastic town to spend a day or two, especially if the weather is good and you like a quirky, artsy British seaside vibe. It’s also a great base if you’re planning on exploring other parts of Kent, such as the historic city of Canterbury.

Toggle the map below to discover some of Folkestone’s recommended hotels.

The post Best Things to do in Folkestone (2026 Guide) appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.

Paradise Under The Stars London Review

As a fan of latin music and immersive experiences, The Lost Estate’s latest offering caught my eye. I purchased the tickets for my husband’s birthday and we travelled to London on one of the hottest days of the year, in fact the temperatures in London that day were on par with Havana. It was a great excuse to dress up. The Lost Estate’s website requests ‘summer formal evening attire’ so I got to wear a dress that I haven’t worn in a while.

I had booked the Classico ticket, which as well as the cabaret performance also included a 3 course meal. There are four tiers of ticket price, starting at £69.50 per person.

The venue

We arrived at the venue early and there was a small queue of people outside waiting to go in. Upon entry through the first set of doors, you are immediately transported to a retro style airport check-in desk, complete with a flight departures board and vintage travel posters. This is where the immersive experience begins. The “airline employee” gives you your boarding pass for Havana Clipper Airways flight from Miami to Havana and wishes you a great flight. As a self-confessed travel nerd I absolutely loved this touch. Even more so that entry was staggered so each party got their turn to be at the check-in desk without a bunch of other people spoiling the ambience.

We then arrived at the beautiful bar where the acting continued from the next member of staff.

“How was your flight?” she said,

“Short!” responded my husband.

We were then shown to our table at Club Tropicana. And considering I had only purchased second tier seats where we should have been at a shared dining table, we had our own little table for two right at the front. We were near enough to count the sequins on the dancers costumes, that’s how close we were!

The venue itself was atmospheric with lights, palm trees and, of course, stars. There were a few ‘Tropicana’ neon lights which people enjoyed taking their photos with too. Our table was already set with a bowl of banana chips and a mojo sauce to dip them in.

The drinks

The drinks menu was extensive but it was the separate cocktail menu that really caught my eye. There were tropical cocktails such as Mai Tai and Pina Colada, plus Cuban cocktails like Mojito and Cuba Libre. Unfortunately our waiter informed us that as there was no crushed ice we wouldn’t be able to have a Mojito or a Havana Especial that day. Boo. I opted for a Pilgrim, which was a gin based cocktail with cherry rum, honey and ginger syrup and lemon soda. I also later had a Frozen Daiquiri. Both cocktails were expensive but nothing unusual for London.

The food

The menu has been designed by chef Ash Clarke as “vintage fine dining meets Cuban soul food”. Our starters were presented to us before the performance began. Nick chose the carne/meat menu where as I had the vegetarian option. His was a cod and prawn ceviche, where as mine was a palm heart and watermelon – both in a flavoursome marinade and a shared bowl of tortilla chips.

The mains were mojo marinated chicken breast for the meat eaters or cheese croquettes for the vegetarians. Both served with yellow rice. The dishes were tasty but a little too heavy on the coriander for my liking, so be wary of that if you’re not a coriander fan (dietary requirements are catered to if advance notice is given).

Dessert was a tropical flan with mango, coconut and pineapple. The perfect end to the meal. All of the dishes were small in size, however I found that they were much more filling than they appeared. I was satisfied (although there’s always room for another cocktail!).

The performance

For starters, let it be known that many of the cast are Cuban. The choreographer, Luanda Pau is the daughter of the legendary original Tropicana choreographer Domingo Pau. So you know this is the REAL DEAL. And both of them were in the audience while we were there.

The cast is made up of a live band, a male and female singer, four dancers and an emcee. Let me tell you that they were all fantastic. The emcee told a story of Cuba and although I didn’t fully follow the story, she was spellbinding nonetheless. It would be easy for me to say that the dancers in their bedazzling costumes stole the show, but every member of the cast delivered.

My favourite parts of the show were the beginning and the end. There is a love story in the middle part of the show which, although beautiful, was kind of like the calm between the vibrant, toe tapping spectacular. Plus everyone loves the mambo.

Paradise Under The Stars lasts over 3 hours and includes an interlude. And at the end of the performance, guests are encouraged to get up and dance. We joined the conga line which was fun too. But don’t worry, if you prefer to leave the dancing to the professionals, there’s no pressure to join in.

My final verdict on Paradise Under The Stars

The whole experience was really well brought together. The tickets aren’t cheap so I had high expectations and other than the excess coriander and lack of crushed ice, I would say my expectations were exceeded. If you like your experiences immersive and a little bit quirky and you want a taste of Havana in London, then The Lost Estate’s Paradise Under The Stars ticks all the boxes.

Related posts:

• Quirky Science Afternoon Tea London
• Ripley’s Believe it or not London
• 24 hours in Havana

The post Paradise Under The Stars: London’s Immersive Cuban Experience appeared first on Quirky Little Planet.

What to pack for Center Parcs with baby

We all know that babies come with A LOT of stuff. But Center Parcs make travel with a baby a little easier. High chairs and travel cots are included in your lodge, so you can leave those at home unless you particularly want to bring your own.*

You can also hire a pushchair for a charge. As we had enough space in the car we chose to bring our own pushchair.

One thing that Center Parcs do not supply is cot linen, so you will need to bring your own. We took a couple of fitted sheets from our daughter’s cot at home as well as her sleeping bags. Other items you should definitely bring is all nappies, toys, formula, food, feeding equipment, baby monitor etc.

If you are planning on going swimming then be sure to pack a baby swimsuit and towels. Also, don’t forget the swim nappies! There is a swim shop on site as well as supermarket but it’s best to bring your own.

*My daughter hated the travel cot. The first night involved a lot of tears and eventually ended with her co-sleeping with us in the double bed. On our second day we requested some bed guards from Guest Services which we put on one side of a single bed. We then put the other single bed on the other side to stop her falling off. Fortunately we had booked a 2 bedroom lodge so we took it in turns to sleep on the other single bed.

Are the lodges baby friendly at Center Parcs?

Center Parcs is for everyone, so it is up to the individual to choose the best accommodation for them. We stayed in a two bedroom woodland lodge which was all on one level – ideal for those travelling with toddlers! My daughter wasn’t mobile at the time of our visit so I can’t comment on lodge life with a little one on the move. To read a little more about my experience of the lodges, check out my Center Parcs vs Forest Holidays post.

Is baby food free at Center Parcs?

One of the good things about Center Parcs is the on site restaurants. There are plenty to choose from and they cater to all members of the family. Upon request, the restaurants do stock Ella’s Kitchen pouches, which is great, however sometimes the selections can be quite limited. I would recommend bringing your own baby food but there’s still an option to ask what they might have available.

Things to do at Center Parcs with baby

Many of the children’s activities at Center Parcs are for ages 3 upwards so options are limited for babies. However there is still plenty of fun to be had by the whole family.

Swimming at Center Parcs

Swimming is probably the easiest activity as it’s free and you don’t need to pre-book. The Subtropical Swimming Paradise has something for everyone. There is a dedicated baby and toddler pool with shallow water and little slides and fountains to play with. We had never taken our daughter swimming before so this was a good opportunity for us to test the waters so to speak before committing to swimming classes at home. We even brought a rubber ring with us so our daughter could have a little float in the main pool. There is a wave machine in there though so we made sure we got out before it started!

Center Parcs Baby Sensory

The only activity we pre-booked for our daughter was the Baby Sensory. If you’ve been to a baby sensory class before then you will know what to expect. If you haven’t, then the class began with singing and actions, as well as sensory items such as ribbons and rattles. There were then various ‘stations’ dotted around the room where parents and babies could interact with the objects like glowing balls and musical instruments. We were also able to get our daughter’s hand and foot print in paint onto a poem they had printed out. There is a place at Center Parcs where you can make a proper hand and foot print keepsake but we didn’t do this as it was quite expensive.

Center Parcs Baby Dolphins

Lastly, the other baby centered activity we did was Baby Dolphins. Baby Dolphins is a free pool session for Under-3s where there is singing and playing with inflatables. Even though it is free, spaces are limited so pre-booking is essential. When we tried to book online, unfortunately there were no spaces available. After casually mentioning this to the lovely lady who ran the sensory class, she told us that because it’s free, many people don’t show up! So she got our names down on the list so we were able to attend. Baby Dolphins is held at 9.30am in the pool before it opens to everyone else so it’s lovely and quiet.

Creche

One other thing to note is that there is a creche so if you want to spend time as a couple then the option is there. I didn’t want to put my daughter into a creche so we didn’t try it. Instead, my husband did the Aerial Adventure while me and my daughter watched. I then had a relaxing solo trip to the Aqua Sana Spa while hubby took care of baby.

Which Center Parcs is best for babies?

I have only been to Elveden and Longleat Center Parcs. I’ve also only been to Longleat with a baby. Based on my experiences, I would not return to Longleat Center Parcs until my daughter is a little bigger. Longleat Center Parcs is too big and too hilly. We didn’t pay to upgrade our lodge location, so our lodge was situated a bit of a distance from the main facilities. There is a land train that you can hop on and off to take you around the park. However it is very difficult to fit a pushchair onto it as it is too narrow (we managed but with difficulty). The train also gets really busy so there were occasions where people weren’t able to get on. Another thing to note is, it isn’t fun standing and waiting in the cold or rain with a baby.

If you have your heart set on visiting Longleat Center Parcs with a baby, then I strongly recommend paying a little extra for a better located lodge. All in all the biggest draw to Longleat Center Parcs is being able to visit Longleat Safari Park itself.

If you liked this post then you may like my comparison post – Center Parcs vs Forest Holidays

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If you’re looking for quirky afternoon tea in London, The Ampersand is the perfect location. Situated a short walk from both The Natural History Museum and The Science Museum in South Kensington, the hotel offers not only a science afternoon tea but also a Jurassic tea – a nod to the dinosaurs at The Natural History Museum.

There are five different menus for the science afternoon tea – adult, kids, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. I was glad to be able to see the vegetarian menu before booking.

After being seated we were offered a Jing Tea and then were given a small ‘science kit’ with instructions for making our own fizzy lemonade.

Of course this was absolutely a fun and entertaining way to wait for your food! Yes the lemonade had a bit of an artificial taste to it but hey, it was super quirky!

Shortly after we finished our lemonades, the food arrived. Nick went for the adult (aka meat eater) option and mine was vegetarian. The only difference between the two were the savouries. Mine included a mini quiche, vegetable brioche, tomato and cream cheese swiss roll and an egg mayo sandwich. We were offered more savouries but I didn’t have the stomach space.

Before we could eat though, we were treated to a little ‘performance’ where the waiter poured dry ice into the dish below one of the desserts. Who doesn’t love a bit of dry ice magic?!

The scone layer of the tea included two scones per person, your usual jam and cream topping PLUS a tube of passionfruit curd. We also had test tubes on the table. These contained freeze dried raspberry, freeze dried pineapple and crunchy chocolate pearls, just to add a little more pizzazz to your scone.

As with most afternoon teas, the desserts are the highlight. For this quirky science afternoon tea we were presented with a caramel chocolate & raspberry planet (the dry ice dish), an apricot, hazelnut & almond moon cake with honey chocolate spaceman and a blueberry & coconut macaron with a pipette of lemon sauce in the side of it. There was also a blood orange & cherry jelly Petri dish.

The most fun element of dessert was the chocolate dinosaurs hidden within chocolate soil. This was presented to us in a small wooden box which we then had to ‘dig’ for using a paint brush, like proper palaeontologists!

We had a really fun afternoon and enjoyed experiencing a true quirky afternoon tea in London.

If you liked this post then you might enjoy my other afternoon tea experiences.

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