Discover things to do with kids in Ashford
There's something for everyone.
Create some new family memories when you stay with us at Ashford International Hotel. There’s plenty of fun for all ages to be had in Ashford.
The Hawking Centre
13 minute drive
This specialist falconry and bird of prey experience centre is set in the lovely grounds of Eastwell Manor. Find yourself in a peaceful natural world, surrounded by owls, hawks, vultures, eagles and falcons. Go for the half or full-day falconry experience and learn how to fly these beautiful birds from your own hand.
Pressure Point Escape Room
7 minute drive
The nationwide trend for puzzle-based escape room activities is alive and well in Ashford, where the team at Pressure Point have devised a series of unique rooms and puzzles to suit everyone, all built in-house. Games are designed for adults and older children, and several options have been created with teenage teams and family fun in mind.
Flip Out Ashford
6 minute drive
Flip Out is a thrilling indoor adventure park, which offers no fewer than nine different activities, including trampolines, Ninja obstacle courses, stunt zones and slam-ball, with fuel provided by The Diner so you can stay all day.
Ashford International Model Railway Education Centre (AIMREC)
13 minute drive
AIMREC brings model railways to life with elaborate layouts, miniature engines, and a 5-inch gauge “Spitfire Line” that kids (and grown-ups) can ride. It’s an interactive and welcoming venue where you can explore railway history, play with model sets, and enjoy homemade refreshments in an accessible setting. Whether you’re a budding train enthusiast or simply looking for a fun indoor outing, it’s a fantastic discovery during your stay.
The Rare Breeds Centre
23 minute drive
Set on 100 acres of Kentish countryside, this working farm-attraction lets your family meet rare breeds of pigs, sheep, goats and more, plus enjoy adventure play areas, woodland trails and seasonal events. With tractor-trailer rides, interactive animal barns and a dedication to accessibility (including wheelchair-friendly trailers), it’s ideal for families who want fresh air, animals and plenty of space.
Canterbury Roman Museum
32 minute drive
Right in the heart of Canterbury, this charming museum allows visitors to descend into the city’s Roman past. Walk down into a 2,000-year-old townhouse, admire in-situ Roman mosaics and explore interactive displays on everyday life in Roman Britain. With artefacts, reconstructions and engaging exhibits, it offers a rich, educational experience for families staying at the hotel.
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.
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