Our Forelands Family Favourites
🍓 Felderland Farm Pick Your Own, Deal
There is something about picking your own fruit that children take entirely seriously, and Felderland does it beautifully. Tucked between Sandwich and Deal, this is one of the largest pick-your-own farms in Kent. Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and Kent cherries grown in the heart of the Garden of England. The strawberries grow on a table-top system so there’s no bending down, the tunnels mean you can pick even in the rain, and the coffee is genuinely good for the adults waiting patiently nearby. A proper summer morning out — come hungry, leave with more fruit than you intended. Felderland Farm Pick Your Own →
🦭 River Runner Boat Trips — Sandwich
One of the most magical experiences on this stretch of coastline and a genuine highlight for children of all ages. The River Runner runs seal trips from Sandwich Quay along the historic River Stour, taking you out to see the resident seal colony that makes its home along this remarkable stretch of coast. The seals are wild, the boat is family-friendly, and the combination of the medieval town of Sandwich as a backdrop with wildlife appearing alongside you on the water is the kind of thing children talk about for years. Coastal trips and RIB experiences are also available for older children and teenagers looking for something with a bit more speed. Book in advance as trips sell out quickly in summer. River Runner Boat Trips →
🏄 Whitemills Wakeboarding & Aqua Park — Sandwich
For families with older children or teenagers who need something with genuine excitement, Whitemills near Sandwich is the answer. The aqua park is an inflatable obstacle course on open water — chaos in the best possible way. Wakeboarding lessons and Ringo rides are available for those wanting something more structured, and there’s also open water swimming, SUP yoga and a sauna and cold plunge for adults who’d rather watch from a warm vantage point. The on-site kitchen does Sunday roasts and there are party packages available for groups. Whitemills Wakeboarding & Aqua Park →
🪓 Bespoke Activity Afternoons at Betteshanger Park
This is something we’re genuinely proud of offering, and you won’t find it anywhere else. For Foreland Cottages guests staying in a group of six or more, we work directly with Betteshanger Country Park to create a completely bespoke activity afternoon tailored to your group. Choose from fossil hunting, axe throwing, archery, goat walking and more — or let us put together a mix that suits your family’s ages and energy levels. We handle the planning, you show up and enjoy it. For families with fewer than six guests, we can still help. Just ask us and we’ll find the right option for your group size. Betteshanger also has its own year-round programme of activities, trails, a kitchen and bar, the Kent Mining Museum and the beautiful Wild Betteshanger nature reserve – a dedicated 46-acre wildlife habitat that’s wonderful for a gentle family walk. Betteshanger Country Park →
⛳ Roman Landings Adventure Golf — Walmer
Right on Walmer Green seafront, Roman Landings is an 18-hole themed adventure golf course that takes its inspiration from the local area. You’ll putt past a Roman Galley, the Duke of Wellington and Walmer Castle itself as you work your way round. It’s next to the refurbished public paddling pool, there’s a café serving Costa Coffee and freshly made pizza, and there’s a mini kart track for extra entertainment when the golf is done. A brilliantly easy, affordable family afternoon that needs no advance planning — just turn up, play and eat pizza. Roman Landings Adventure Golf →
🚲 Hut 55 — Bikes, Beach & Breakfast
Hut 55 is a wooden beach hut café sitting directly on Walmer beach and it has become one of the most loved spots on the entire coastline. For families it offers something particularly useful; bike hire. Hire bikes for the whole family and follow the National Cycle Route One directly from the hut along the seafront, past Deal Castle and all the way to Kingsdown if legs allow. Pack a picnic from the hut (doorstep sandwiches, homemade cake, Scotch eggs of an impressive size), load it into the bike basket and set off. Beach yoga runs every Saturday and Sunday morning with breakfast included for adults who want to start the day well before the children wake up. Hut 55 →
🪁 South Foreland Lighthouse — St Margaret’s Bay
One of the great family experiences on the Kent coast and one that feels genuinely special rather than just another attraction. South Foreland Lighthouse sits on the White Cliffs above St Margaret’s Bay. The walk to reach it is part of the experience, following the clifftop path with the Channel opening out below you. Once there, visitors can borrow kites to fly on the clifftop, play skittles, quoits, giant noughts and crosses and skipping ropes, all available free from the shop. The guided lighthouse tour takes you all the way to the balcony at the top. On a clear day you can see France from the top, and views of the cliffs stretch for miles in both directions. Mrs Knott’s 1950s tearoom at the bottom serves tea in bone china cups and very good ice cream. Grounds entry is free. Tower tours are charged. This is particularly well-placed for guests staying in our St Margaret’s at Cliffe properties – it’s a short walk across the clifftop. South Foreland Lighthouse →
🏰 Walmer Castle — Walmer
Walmer Castle is a Tudor fortress turned stately home with eight acres of award-winning gardens and a brilliant play trail through the woodland that children genuinely love. English Heritage members get free entry. Summer brings a programme of seasonal activities and events — children’s trails, living history days and hands-on experiences that bring the castle’s remarkable past to life. Julius Caesar landed on the beach just below, the Duke of Wellington died here, and the Queen Mother was a regular visitor — it’s the kind of place where history doesn’t feel like a lesson. Walmer Castle →
🏰 Dover Castle — Dover
Not our immediate area, but just ten minutes from our St Margaret’s at Cliffe properties and impossible to leave off this list. Dover Castle is one of the finest English Heritage sites in the country. The medieval castle, the secret wartime tunnels, the Roman lighthouse and the interactive exhibitions make it a full day out that genuinely delivers for families of all ages. If you’re staying at The Stable, The Hayloft, The Dairy, The Barn or The Granary, put Dover Castle on your list. Dover Castle →
Eating Out With the Family — The Forelands Way
We’ve partnered with The Beach Group, the team behind three of our most loved local restaurants, to give all Foreland Cottages guests an exclusive 10% discount on their bill. You’ll find your voucher waiting in your property on arrival.
- 81 Beach Street, Deal: A brilliant seafront bistro with seasonal menus and sea views. Relaxed, welcoming and very good.
- The Coastguard, St Margaret’s Bay: Right on the bay beneath the White Cliffs, with log fires inside and the sea outside. One of the best settings for a family lunch on the entire coast.
- The Coach, near Deal: A spacious restaurant with an excellent menu and a garden that children appreciate as much as their parents do.
Your 10% discount voucher is in your cottage — don’t forget to take it with you.
For Provisions, Picnics & Local Treats
- Filbert’s Deli, Deal: A brilliant deli on Deal’s high street stocking local produce, artisan goods and beautiful hampers. The perfect place to put together a beach picnic or stock the cottage for the week.
- Deal Pier Kitchen: Breakfast or lunch at the end of Deal Pier with sea views on every side. Relaxed, informal and ideal for families.
- Time & Tide Brewing, Sandwich: For the adults in the group, Time & Tide is a much-loved Sandwich micro-brewery producing beers named after and inspired by the local area. A genuinely lovely way to take a little piece of the coast home with you.
Summer Events — The Forelands Way
One of the things that makes summer on this coastline special is the programme of events that runs right through the school holidays across all our areas, from carnival weeks and outdoor cinema to castle events, beach festivals and local markets. We provide every guest with a What’s On guide covering events during their stay so you never miss something happening on your doorstep. Ask us when you book and we’ll make sure you have everything you need before you arrive.
Plan Your Family Stay
Every Foreland Cottage is suited to families; from spacious farmhouse properties at Reach Court Farm in St Margaret’s that sleep larger groups, to Deal and Walmer cottages with the beach at the end of the road. Tell us a little about your family when you enquire and we’ll help you find the perfect match.
