Family friendly hotel in Ashford where children stay free.
Come and enjoy a stay where kids can be kids and grown-ups can be grown-ups. And with LeShuttle just a short drive away, it’s the perfect place to start or finish your family holiday in Europe.
Ashford International is a great base for family adventures in Kent and beyond.
Enjoy dedicated family swim times, challenge the kids to pool in the bar or explore nearby attractions including bird-of-prey experiences at The Hawking Centre and the maze, playgrounds and grounds of Leeds Castle. You could even take a day trip to Calais to ride its famous mechanical dragon.
Back at the hotel, children’s menus, activity packs and free meals for under-fours make dining easy.
And because family getaways shouldn't cost the earth, kids aged 16 and under stay completely FREE when they share your room. Kids aged 16 and under stay free when sharing your room, with up to 50% off a second room.
16 & under Stay Free
4 & under Eat Free
Children Menu
Children Swim Times
Interconnecting Rooms
Cot Beds Available
Grounds to Explore
Local Attractions
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Family fun at Ashford International
Wildlife is the star around Ashford, but there are also castles, beaches, steam trains and some excellent free places to run off some energy before unwinding back at the hotel.
We've compiled a fun-filled itinerary of our top recommendations so you can make the most out of your stay with us - read on below!
Inspiration for your itinerary
Why not start the fun before you even arrive?
Coming from London and the west? Start at Leeds Castle. You’ll need quite a bit of time to see everything, there’s everything from a Dog Collar Museum to the famous maze and grotto to explore, as well as the gardens and playground.
Arriving from Dover or Folkestone? Head for the coast first. Head to Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone. Its huge free adventure playground has climbing nets, bridges, slides and zip wires, plus you can squeeze in some sea air before continuing to Ashford.
Port Lympne Reserve is one of the best days out in the area. Lions, gorillas, giraffes and other rare and endangered species are at home on this sprawling Kent reserve, with a safari experience and even a Dinosaur Forest adding to the adventure.
Animal-lovers will also enjoy Howletts Wild Animal Park where you’ll find Kent’s only giant anteaters and the largest herd of African elephants in the UK among other creatures.
Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway is just 20 minutes away and provides an awesome day out for all ages. Ride a miniature steam train through the Kent countryside and turn it into a full day by hopping off to explore the coast.
Head to France. Just a 20-minute drive from the LeShuttle terminal, Ashford International Hotel makes it easy to enjoy a day trip to Calais and be back at the hotel by evening. Spend your time playing on the beach - there’s an epic maritime-themed park which incorporates fun elements like buoys to bounce on. For something different, why not take a ride on the Calais dragon - a mechanical creature that breathes real fire.
For something a little different, book an experience at The Hawking Centre, around 13 minutes away. Meet owls, hawks, vultures, eagles and falcons and even learn how to fly a bird of prey yourself.
Got energy to burn? Flip Out Ashford is only around six minutes away, with trampolines, Ninja-style obstacles and stunt zones making it a very handy rainy-day option.
Younger animal fans will love The Rare Breeds Centre. Meet pigs, sheep, goats and other farm animals, follow woodland trails and leave plenty of time for the adventure play areas.
Train enthusiasts can head to AIMREC, where model railway layouts sit alongside miniature engines and a ride-on railway.
Don’t feel like getting back in the car? No problem.
Grab your swimming stuff and head to the pool during dedicated family swim times, or challenge the kids to a game of pool in the bar.
No need to pack up and head straight back home. Squeeze in one last activity on the way.
Heading west? Hothfield Heathlands is only around five minutes away. Follow the family-friendly Triangle Trail through heathland, woodland and bog and see what wildlife you can spot along the way. Best of all? It’s completely free, so perfect if you’ve already blown your holiday budget.
Or head to Victoria Park, around 10 minutes from the hotel. There are 17 acres to explore, including riverside walks, picnic spots and adventure play areas, making it perfect for one final run-around before the journey home.
Classic Family
Our Classic Family rooms are perfect for a relaxing family break. They feature a King-size plus a pull-out sofa bed that can accommodate two small children or one adult.
Family Favourite
Deluxe Family
Our large Deluxe Family rooms have all the space and comfort you need for a relaxing family break. With two double beds, they’re ideal for a family of four.
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Extra information for your stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 4 years and younger eat free. View full breakdown below.
Breakfast
- 4 years and younger - FREE with a paying adult
- 5 - 16 years - £7.50 per child
Lunch & Dinner
- 4 years and younger can enjoy two courses for FREE when dining with an adult in our restaurant or bar
- Children eating off our restaurant and bar menu's will be charged the full listed price
Yes, if the kids are coming along, you can enjoy some quality time together in one of our generously-sized family rooms. We can set you up with a cot for very young guests, a Z bed for slightly older ones.
Yes, we have several interconnecting rooms ideal for families. Just put in a request when you make your booking and we'll do our best to arrange one for you. Or, call our booking office on 0330 107 1599 if you would like to guarantee interconnecting rooms.
Kids under 16 years are not permitted in the gyms or poolside facilities (jacuzzi, sauna and steam room). Your child may swim during the allocated children's swim times, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Children's swim times:
Monday - Sunday: 9am - 12pm & 4pm - 7pm
Our treatments are suitable for people over the age of 16. We do not provide treatments for children under 16.
