What to do with kids this winter near Hempstead House (without spending a fortune)

Budget‑friendly family activities near Hempstead House Hotel & Spa

Winter doesn’t mean staying indoors all day. Around Hempstead House Hotel & Spa, the beautiful Kent countryside and local towns have plenty of family‑friendly experiences for all budgets. Whether you’re visiting during school holidays or planning a weekend break, here are practical ideas for things to do with children that keep everyone entertained and engaged without spending a fortune.

Discover history at Chatham Historic Dockyard

Distance: Around 35 minutes’ drive

Cost: Low-cost family tickets; under-5s go free

Step into over 400 years of maritime history at the Chatham Historic Dockyard, one of Kent’s most immersive and educational days out. Children can climb aboard historic warships like HMS Gannet and HMS Cavalier, explore lifelike submarine interiors, and take part in hands-on exhibits inside the Steam, Steel and Submarines gallery.

The Dockyard also hosts regular family-friendly seasonal events and trails—perfect for school holidays or weekend breaks. With so much to explore indoors, it’s a fantastic winter outing that balances learning with fun.

Top tip: Don’t miss the Victorian Ropery, where live demonstrations show how rope has been made for centuries—fascinating for kids and adults alike.

Race together at Battle Kart Sittingbourne

Distance: Around 10 minutes’ drive Cost: Medium (check family packages or group rates)

If you're looking for something high-energy and indoors this winter, Battle Kart Sittingbourne offers a truly unique experience. Think go-karting meets video gaming—players race electric karts on a digitally projected track with real-time AR effects, just like a life-sized video game.

It’s interactive, competitive, and suitable for older children and teens (minimum height applies), making it a great choice for families with energetic kids or mixed-age groups. There are multiple game modes, from classic races to battle-style challenges, meaning everyone gets a turn at something exciting.

Good to know: Battle Kart has a minimum height requirement (typically around 145 cm), making it best suited to older children and teens. It’s perfect for families with kids who love active, tech-based games.

Spot nature at Oare Marshes

Distance: Around 20 minutes’ drive

Cost: Free

For families who enjoy wildlife and the outdoors, Oare Marshes — a Kent Wildlife Trust‑managed nature reserve near Faversham — is perfect for a winter nature walk. The reserve is an important habitat for birds that over‑winter in the area, and its flat, well‑defined paths make it suitable for children and pushchairs alike.

Bring binoculars or a simple guidebook to make it a nature‑spotting adventure.

Swim at Faversham Pools

Distance: Around 20 minutes’ drive

Cost: Low‑cost entry (check online schedules)

If the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities, Faversham Pools is a great indoor alternative that still lets kids burn off energy. This community pool offers year‑round swimming sessions for all ages, including use of its heated indoor pool. Families often visit for a couple of hours of splash and play, and the relaxed environment means even younger children can enjoy themselves safely with adult supervision.

Remember to check current session times and any winter timetable updates before you go.

Experience the winter coast in Whitstable

Distance: Around 25–30 minutes’ drive

Cost: Free (parking charges may apply)

Just a short drive from Hempstead House, Whitstable’s beach and seafront make for a classic winter outing. Children love wandering the pebbled beach, listening to the waves and collecting shells or pebbles, even on cooler days. There’s also space to play and picnic on the shoreline if the weather’s dry.

Families can explore the harbour area and enjoy a snack from one of Whitstable’s cafés or food stalls.

Visit Maidstone Museum for free indoor entertainment

Distance: Around 30 minutes’ drive

Cost: Free entry

Maidstone Museum in Kent is well worth the short drive for a dry, indoor family day out. Housed in an impressive Grade II* listed building, its collections span natural history, human history and art. Children enjoy the varied exhibits and the museum runs special events for younger visitors in the school holidays.

This museum is a great option for a half‑day visit, giving you space to explore at your own pace while staying warm and dry.

Kid‑friendly nature and parks close to home

Near Hempstead House and the wider Swale area, there are other green spaces that are free to visit and make great family outings in winter. These include:

• Riverside Country Park along the Medway estuary with wildlife and easy walking routes.
• Local playgrounds and green spaces in Sittingbourne and its neighbouring villages — ideal for short, energetic outdoor play.

FAQs: winter family trips from Hempstead House

Are these activities suitable for younger children?

Yes. Most of the listed options, like Chatham Historic Dockyard, Faversham Pools and Maidstone Museum, are family‑friendly and suitable for children of different ages depending on supervision.

Do I need to pre‑book anything?

Swimming sessions at Faversham Pools often require booking, so check their website for current times and availability before heading out, likewise any specific children’s events at museums may require pre-booking so always check the venue website. Battlekart Sessions run in blocks, so it’s worth booking ahead, especially at weekends and during holidays.Otherwise museum visits and country parks are generally free/accessible without advance booking.

What’s best for a rainy day?

Indoor venues like Faversham Pools, Battlekart Sittingbourne and Maidstone Museum are excellent choices when the weather is less predictable.

Make winter family time memorable Kent’s countryside and towns around Hempstead House Hotel & Spa offer a wide range of low‑cost winter experiences that will keep children entertained. From beach walks and wildlife parks to museums and indoor swimming pools, there’s plenty to fill your days without stretching your budget.

Ask our friendly reception team on arrival for the latest seasonal tips, local weather recommendations and any special family events happening near the hotel during your stay.