Things to do around Broadstairs on a small budget

kerryW2

Hi there,
We are taking a holiday in Broadstairs for a week at the end of July and are looking for cheap things to do with the kids which we can access easily by public transport. I have been researching and have found

• Quex Park
• Viking Coastal Cycle Trail
• Revolution Skate Park and Climbing Wall
• Ramsgate Tunnels

However we would like to go somewhere with animals as well. I was looking at Wildwood Trust and thought it was ideal until I used google maps and discovered it was 50 mins away by two trains and a bus. Wingham and Howlett's are also more than an hour away. Does anyone know of any little-known yet easily accessible wildlife parks with interesting animals which I can reach by train or bus (easily)?

Any other recommendations of easily reached places (not necessarily animals) which kids aged 8&9 would enjoy also gratefully received! Many thanks.

powerful_Rogue

kerryW2 wrote: »

Hi there,
We are taking a holiday in Broadstairs for a week at the end of July and are looking for cheap things to do with the kids which we can access easily by public transport. I have been researching and have found

• Quex Park
• Viking Coastal Cycle Trail
• Revolution Skate Park and Climbing Wall
• Ramsgate Tunnels

However we would like to go somewhere with animals as well. I was looking at Wildwood Trust and thought it was ideal until I used google maps and discovered it was 50 mins away by two trains and a bus. Wingham and Howlett's are also more than an hour away. Does anyone know of any little-known yet easily accessible wildlife parks with interesting animals which I can reach by train or bus (easily)?

Any other recommendations of easily reached places (not necessarily animals) which kids aged 8&9 would enjoy also gratefully received! Many thanks.

Lots of things to do around this area

http://www.margatecaves.co.uk/
http://shellgrotto.co.uk/

These two are extremely close together. Here is a great website to have a look at other attractions/events - http://www.visitthanet.co.uk/things-to-do

As for animals, you're out of luck in Thanet im afraid. However I would highly recommend Wingham Wildlife Park. It truly is fantastic. It's not too bad to get to on public transport and would be worth it.

Also Dover would be a nice day out, great walks on the cliffs and of course Dover castle is great to see. The war time tunnels are very good as well!

kerryW2

Thanks so much for the speedy reply. Margate Caves don't seem to be opening until 2019, but I'm putting the shell grotto on my list!

Just remembered the kids have Blue Peter badges, so will see if any of the nature parks are included on that scheme. Might make the longer travel worth it for the cheaper entry!

vikingaero

The Turner Contemporary in Margate is free ( but could be boring)

https://www.turnercontemporary.org/

What about Dreamland?

https://www.dreamland.co.uk/

It's been a long time since I've been but you buy a wristband and I'm hoping that non riders/coat holders may not have to pay.

There are loads of bays in Thanetto: Minnis Bay, Westgate, The Main Bay, Walpole, Palm, Viking and Pegwell etc.

If you want to shop then Westwood Cross and the retail parks are well served by public transport and walkable distances from the main shopping centres to the retail parks.

The centres and main harbours of Broadstairs and Ramsgate are quaint

kerryW2

Thanks Vikingaero - will check out those ideas. Definitely not going for shopping but all those beaches sound good!

caroc

I can recommend Wildwood wholeheartedly. I know you're in broadstairs and on a budget but it really is a fabulous whole day out. The animals are mostly natural british species and you walk through woods to get to them. Big childrens play area at the end. Just looked up train broadstairs to herne bay 21 mins, herne bay 'triangle bus' which stops at the park 16 mins. Take a picnic and avoid the gift shop.

Also the Hornby model visitor centre in Margate is very good. £5 adult, £2.50 child.

carolbee

I live just around the corner fom Quex Park. The museum has stuffed animals!
Broadstairs beach is lovely. I went to Wildwood last week, if you get a chance, pick up a leaflet with money off voucher inside, there is a tourist info kiosk on seafront.

Enjoy Planet Thanet!