Things for family to do while I'm at Brands Hatch

[kybo]

Afternoon all.

I'm travelling from the Midlands down to Brands Hatch circuit (beginning June) and we've decided to go as a family (wife and 1 daughter) and spend the weekend in that area.

As they will not be going to the racing I was hoping you good people could help with some alternative activities for them.

I'm looking to stay within a 50-60 mile radius / 1 hour drive from the circuit.

The major issue here is that my wife doesn't drive so doorstep location or local transport's a must or I'll be taking them on route to Brands.

I've never been to Brands/Kent area before so all information is very appreciated.

Many thanks,
Scott

[S26VE P]

Shopping? Bluewater isnt far away.

[kybo]

S26VE P said:

Shopping? Bluewater isnt far away.

All day, without be able to halt the spend? Noooo, there has to be alternatives. It wouldn't keep the daughter entertained for long (she's 8) but it's certainly an option to while away a couple of hours.

Is there a location where there's an indoor/outdoor softplay/activity centre, swimming complex and zoo/farm/wildlife centre fairly close?

Thanks,
Scott

[Turbofocus]

How about staying in Maidstone town centre.

It is just off junction 6 of the M20,allowing you to go to Brands which would be just off junction 3 of the M20.

There is a travel lodge in the town centre.This would leave you about 30 minutes away from Brands Hatch as its about 16 miles away.

This is the hotel.

http://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/414/Maidstone-C...

Then there is Maidstone leisure centre with its swiming pool and childs play area.

http://www.maidstoneleisure.com/maidstone/HOME

The leisure centre is on the edge of Moat Park as well.

http://www.maidstone.gov.uk/leisure_and_culture/pa...

Lockmeadow complex is about half a mile from the hotel for food or the cinema.

http://www.lockmeadowentertainment.co.uk/

Also you have the town centre itself if it comes to it.

Edited by Turbofocus on Tuesday 15th May 15:33

[julian64]

Take the child down to the hop farm, not far and plenty to do.

Bluewater has a giant cinema complex and lots of eateries.

Green Man pub about 3 miles from Brands does a good lunch

[andye30m3]

leeds castle is only 30minutes down the road http://www.leeds-castle.com/

I've not been there myself but have heard good reports

[Roo]

As already mentioned Leeds Castle.

Or Howletts or Port Lympne.

Oh, and I certainly wouldn't stay in the twin toilet rolls of the Travel Lodge in Maidstone.

[Roadru77er]

Lullingstone Roman Villa is close by

Eagle Heights bird of prey sanctuary right next door

Plough Pub at the end of the lane does good food

All 15 mins from Brands Hatch if that

Edited by Roadru77er on Tuesday 15th May 19:17

[kybo]

Many thanks for the great posts - some good choices there.

Turbofocus - thanks for taking the time to post all those links. A biggish town might be the way forward, for variety [may have to consider alternative accomodation tho].

Hop farm and Eagle Heights sound good - the daughter loves Zoo's and that kind of thing. Will check out their proximity to Brands/Maidstone.

Looking at the Brands timetable I've got 90mins over lunch where I can fetch them and take them somewhere else, if necessary. Easily done if I'm only 20 or so minutes away.

It's looking like Maidstone at the moment. Any more recommendations on hotels?

Many thanks again to all posters so far!!
Scott

[Chris_]

Maidstone is a good call. Here's my tried and tested suggestion;

-Stay at the Premier Inn, Allington. Close to the M20 and 20 minutes from Brands.
-The Premier Inn is next door to the Museum of Kent Life which is great for children.
-At the same location is The Malta Inn Whilst not the last word in gourmet food, is a great spot if the weather is nice.
-From right outside the Malta Inn, there are boat trips which either do round trips of 1 hour (recommended) or 3 hours (kids could get bored) to see a bit of the countryside, or you can hop off the boat part-way, in Maidstone town centre, to have a look around or do a bit of shopping. Then take the boat back to Allington, or meet up in the town.

They will have no trouble in filling the whole day, and it also works if the weather isn't so great.

[kybo]

Chris_ said:

Maidstone is a good call. Here's my tried and tested suggestion;

-Stay at the Premier Inn, Allington. Close to the M20 and 20 minutes from Brands.
-The Premier Inn is next door to the Museum of Kent Life which is great for children.
-At the same location is The Malta Inn Whilst not the last word in gourmet food, is a great spot if the weather is nice.
-From right outside the Malta Inn, there are boat trips which either do round trips of 1 hour (recommended) or 3 hours (kids could get bored) to see a bit of the countryside, or you can hop off the boat part-way, in Maidstone town centre, to have a look around or do a bit of shopping. Then take the boat back to Allington, or meet up in the town.

They will have no trouble in filling the whole day, and it also works if the weather isn't so great.

So they could also use the boat trip as a means of getting to Maidstone - I like that idea and I'm sure they will too. Opens up an abundance of activities. Also means I could meet them for lunch there

Will have a look at that museum and check the hotel for availability.

Thanks for this, Chris, and the links. Sounds like a plan!!


Scott

[bqf]

Chris_ said:

Maidstone is a good call. Here's my tried and tested suggestion;

-Stay at the Premier Inn, Allington. Close to the M20 and 20 minutes from Brands.
-The Premier Inn is next door to the Museum of Kent Life which is great for children.
-At the same location is The Malta Inn Whilst not the last word in gourmet food, is a great spot if the weather is nice.
-From right outside the Malta Inn, there are boat trips which either do round trips of 1 hour (recommended) or 3 hours (kids could get bored) to see a bit of the countryside, or you can hop off the boat part-way, in Maidstone town centre, to have a look around or do a bit of shopping. Then take the boat back to Allington, or meet up in the town.

They will have no trouble in filling the whole day, and it also works if the weather isn't so great.

That is EXACTLY what I was just about to type! Kent Life is great - theres a petting zoo, larger animals, mock-ups of hop cottages, and plenty of space just to run about and so stuff. My son is 8 and he loves it.

Boat trip into Maidstone great on a sunny day!

Premier Inn costs buttons and is right next to M20!

Top suggestions there Chris

[Chris_]

kybo said:

So they could also use the boat trip as a means of getting to Maidstone - I like that idea and I'm sure they will too. Opens up an abundance of activities. Also means I could meet them for lunch there

Will have a look at that museum and check the hotel for availability.

Thanks for this, Chris, and the links. Sounds like a plan!!


Scott

Apocalypse Now just sprang to mind and "Never get out of the boat" which is a bit harsh on Maidstone town centre.

If the weather is nice, personally, I would have lunch at Allington (Malta Inn) after the others have done the Kent Life bit. There is usually enough going on there that they will want to go back in, and/or do the boat trip after. Maidstone town centre will not be as interesting I think.

[Roo]

And if you get bored you can stick your head in our door.

[scruffty]

kent life is a good recommendation, you won't really want to be driving about on your 90 mins lunch break....

[kybo]

Chris_ said:

Apocalypse Now just sprang to mind and "Never get out of the boat" which is a bit harsh on Maidstone town centre.

If the weather is nice, personally, I would have lunch at Allington (Malta Inn) after the others have done the Kent Life bit. There is usually enough going on there that they will want to go back in, and/or do the boat trip after. Maidstone town centre will not be as interesting I think.

^ LOL. Better get the face paint out, then!!

I'm a little confused. There's a Prem Inn Allington (Maidstone) and a Prem Inn Sandling (Maidstone). The Prem Inn Sandling is at Allington Lock, is near the river, but isn't in Allington. The Prem Inn Allington is on London Road nowhere near the river. I take it the Hotel I'm after booking is the Prem Inn Sandling (Maidstone)? If it is I think it's fully booked

Thanks,
Scott

[Roadru77er]

Yes the Sandling one is near the river (Allington Loch)(M20 J6)

The Allington one is near the modern Allington housing estate other side of the river (M20 J5)

[kybo]

Roadru77er said:

Yes the Sandling one is near the river (Allington Loch)(M20 J6)

The Allington one is near the modern Allington housing estate other side of the river (M20 J5)

So, looking at the location of Kent Life, it's the Sandling hotel I need so this must be the one that has the 'Malta Inn' as its pub.

Any other accomodation close by, in this area - in case it's full??

Many thanks,
Scott

Edited by kybo on Thursday 17th May 12:18

[kybo]

The 'Innkeepers lodge' on Sandling Road.

Anyone stayed there and care to share their experiences? I'm just conscious as to how quiet (or noisy) the rooms will be.

Thanks,
Scott

---

ETA - don't think I'll bother (thanks Tripadvisor!!)

Edited by kybo on Thursday 17th May 13:06

[Oldred_V8S]

kybo said:

So, looking at the location of Kent Life, it's the Sandling hotel I need so this must be the one that has the 'Malta Inn' as its pub.

Any other accomodation close by, in this area - in case it's full??

Many thanks,
Scott

Edited by kybo on Thursday 17th May 12:18

If the Premier inn is full then there is a newer hotel slightly closer to the M20 junction, I think it is called the Village or something like that. You will pass it on your way to the Premier Inn. Big place with a pool etc and still close to Allington lock for the boat ride into town.