All prices and special offers mentioned in this post are correct as of April 2025. Please check individual attraction websites for the most up-to-date pricing and offers before visiting.
As a mum living in Kent with a curious two-year-old, I’ve become somewhat of an expert at finding budget-friendly ways to keep our little one entertained during bank holidays. With two May bank holidays approaching (Monday 5th and Monday 26th), I’m sharing our tried-and-tested family destinations that won’t break the bank. These are places where Steve and I have actually taken our daughter, complete with real tips about toddler-friendly facilities and hidden costs to watch out for.
Planning Around Bank Holiday Weather
First, let’s be realistic about British bank holidays – they’re not always blessed with perfect weather! I’ve learned to have both outdoor and indoor options ready. Here are our favourite destinations, organised by weather conditions:
Sunny Day Adventures
- Riverside Country Park, Gillingham Cost: Free entry Parking: £2.50 for the day (2025 rate) Best for: Nature walks, picnics, bird watching
Our daughter absolutely loves the wildlife trail here. Steve usually leads our ‘duck spotting expeditions’ while I handle the all-important snack distribution. Top tip: Visit the Riverside Café for reasonably priced ice creams (around £2.50 each).
- Mote Park, Maidstone Cost: Free entry Parking: £3 for up to 6 hours Facilities: Clean toilets, café, playground
The miniature railway (£2.50 per ride) has become our daughter’s favourite treat. We’ve found the best time to arrive is around 10am before the bank holiday crowds descend.
Rainy Day Backup Plans
- The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Canterbury Cost: Free entry Parking: Park and Ride recommended (£4.50 family ticket) Activities: Interactive exhibits, children’s area
Perfect for those inevitable rainy bank holidays. Our toddler particularly enjoys the sensory room, and Steve appreciates the free wifi in the café!
- Kent Life, Maidstone Current prices (2025):
- Adults: £12.95
- Children (3-15): £10.95
- Under 3s: Free
- Family ticket (2+2): £43.95 May Bank Holiday Special: Kids eat free in the café with each paying adult Parking: Free
Worth the entrance fee on a rainy day – we’ve spent entire afternoons here without our daughter getting bored.
Historic Sites with Toddler Appeal
- Dover Castle Current prices (2025):
- Adults: £25.00
- Children (5-17): £15.00
- Under 5s: Free
- English Heritage members: Free May Special Offer: 15% discount when booking online at least 3 days in advance Parking: £5 all day
Our top money-saving hack: Pack a picnic and make a full day of it. The grounds are perfect for toddler exploring, and the medieval tunnels fascinate children of all ages.
- Leeds Castle Current prices (2025):
- Adult Explorer Ticket: £35.00 online (£38.50 onsite)
- Child Explorer Ticket (3-15): £25.00 online (£26.50 onsite)
- Under 3s: Free
- Ultimate Explorer Family Ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children): £109.50 online (£122.00 onsite) May Special: 10% additional discount for online bookings Parking: Included in ticket price
This has become our go-to destination since moving to Kent. The annual pass pays for itself in two visits, and the playground is one of the best we’ve found.
Nature and Wildlife Spots
- Leybourne Lakes Country Park Cost: Free Parking: £2 for 4 hours Activities: Walking trails, wildlife spotting, playground
Our daughter has named all the regular swans here – though they all seem to be called ‘Duckie’ regardless of species!
- Ranscombe Farm Reserve Cost: Free Parking: Free Best for: Wild flower spotting, nature trails
Perfect for spring bank holidays – the wildflowers are stunning in May, and there’s plenty of space for toddlers to run freely.
Beach Days
- Botany Bay, Broadstairs Cost: Free Parking: £2.00 per hour Facilities: Toilets, café
Our top tip: Visit during low tide to explore the rock pools. Steve has become quite the expert at helping our daughter find tiny crabs!
- Dymchurch Beach Cost: Free Parking: £6 all day (peak season rate) Facilities: Clean toilets, multiple food options
The shallow waters make this perfect for toddlers, and the flat sand is ideal for pram walks.
Money-Saving Tips for Bank Holiday Visits
Book Online
Most attractions offer 10-15% discount for advance online booking
Look for early bird rates (usually before 10am)
Sign up to attraction newsletters for exclusive discounts
Pack Your Own Food
We always bring:
- Sandwiches
- Fruit
- Water bottles
- Toddler snacks
- Emergency treats
Timing Your Visit
- Arrive early (9-10am) to avoid peak parking charges
- Check websites for off-peak admission times
- Look for early bird parking rates
Annual Passes
Worth considering for:
- Leeds Castle
- English Heritage sites
- Kent Life
- Port Lympne (if you plan multiple visits)
Travel Smart
- Use family train tickets where possible
- Look for park and ride options
- Share journeys with other families
Essential Packing for Bank Holiday Adventures
Our tried-and-tested checklist:
- Portable potty (a lifesaver during toilet training)
- Change of clothes (for inevitable puddle encounters)
- Sun protection
- Rain covers
- Basic first aid kit
- Wet wipes (endless wet wipes!)
Making Memories Without Breaking the Bank
The best part about these destinations isn’t just their affordability – it’s watching our daughter discover new experiences. Whether she’s pointing excitedly at a castle (“Big house, Mummy!”), making friends at a playground, or simply enjoying a picnic on a blanket, these simple outings create precious family memories.
Remember, toddlers often find joy in the simplest things. Our daughter’s favourite part of Dover Castle? The massive hill she can roll down (while giving me minor heart attacks). The best bit about Leeds Castle? The massive puddles after rain (thank goodness for spare clothes!).
Planning Your Bank Holiday
My top tip for bank holiday success? Have a main plan and a backup, check the weather forecast the day before, and most importantly, stay flexible. Some of our best days out have been spontaneous decisions based on our daughter’s mood and the weather.
Additional May 2025 Money-Saving Tips:
- Many attractions offer early bird discounts for arriving before 10am
- Book online in advance for best rates (usually 10-15% savings)
- Look for family ticket options which often provide better value
- Consider joining English Heritage or National Trust if planning multiple visits
- Check local Kent libraries for discount vouchers and passes
Share Your Experiences
Have you discovered any hidden gems for family days out in Kent? I’d love to hear about your experiences and budget-friendly finds in the comments below.
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