Activities

East Kent is rich in beautiful countryside and a long and varied coastline including major seaside resorts, history and culture. At Puddledock you are a short drive from:

  • Whitstable, famous for its oysters and harbour
  • The family friendly traditional resort of Herne Bay
  • Reculver Country Park with its historic towers, designated AONB and SSSI (great for rockpooling at low tide)
  • Minnis Bay with extensive sandy beach
  • Margate, now home to the Turner Contemporary art gallery
  • Ramsgate, with WW2 tunnels to explore with a guide
  • Broadstairs family resort with connections to Charles Dickens
  • Deal, Walmer and Dover Castles (EH)
  • The City of Canterbury and its magnificent Cathedral designated a World Heritage Site. Explore its many other treasures including museums and galleries, theatres and cinemas, a wealth of restaurants and cafes, or take the opportunity for a river trip on the Stour.

Within walking distance of Puddledock you could visit Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve in the care of Natural England with extensive reed beds and hides where you may be lucky enough to see Marsh Harriers, Kingfishers, many different breeds of water fowl, even perhaps hear the boom of the bittern at the right time of year. Nearby Grove Ferry has a pub/restaurant and walks along the River Stour, plenty of parking, toilets, you can hire a canoe or enjoy the picnic benches and children’s playpark.

​Keen birdwatchers who wish to go slightly further afield could visit Pegwell Bay near Ramsgate or even the unique landscape of Dungeness on Romney Marsh, which is also the home of the famous Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway.

The Saxon Shore Way runs approximately 160 miles from Gravesend to Hastings and provides a coastal path between many of the seaside towns close by.

We are fortunate to have Wildwood and Wingham Animal Park a short distance away, providing a wonderful day out for all the family. Howletts world famous zoo is also a short drive with its sites at both Bekesbourne and Port Lympne.

​In Birchington, Quex Park offers the opportunity to visit the Powell Cotton Museum and Manor House and the beautiful gardens. Within the Quex Estate you will find a well stocked farm shop and good quality restaurant. There is also a children’s soft play centre and mini golf. Occasional events at the park such as open air concerts, car rallys and seasonal fairs should be available on their website.

Always check directly with the attraction before visiting to be fully aware of any possible current Covid-19 restrictions.