Best theme parks in Kent
Famous for its quaint landscapes, country estates, gardens, and award-winning heritage coastline with bustling seaside resorts, Kent has plenty to offer visitors. The “Garden of England” is rich in heritage, there are plenty of sites of historic interest. However, when the cultural sightseeing is over with and you're in need of some excitement and a hit of adrenaline, Kent is also home to several exhilarating theme parks.
If you feel like it's time to treat your family to a special day out, there's nothing more exciting than a day out at a theme park. From big thrills on seaside rides to karting on one of the UK's best circuits or even driving full size construction machinery, the theme parks in Kent might surprise you with their variety. We’ve cherry picked the best of these exciting locations all within driving distance from our Kent Coast Holiday Park, so you can find your perfect Kent theme park day out below!
1. Buckmore Park Kart Circuit, Chatham
This is the beating heart of British Carting, nestled in the North Kent Downs and surrounded by scenic woodland. Buckmore Park has been making pulses beat faster since the 1960s with its magnificent track and efficient karting system.
Since it was launched in 1963, it has become a hotbed of driving talent and was even frequented by Triple F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton & Jenson Button. But don’t worry if you’re not a petrol head or F1 fanatic, as Buckmore has something to offer everyone, no experience necessary. The track layout caters for both beginners and experienced karters alike, it’s very smooth and twisty, and can have up to 30 drivers on track at a time! The excellent quality of the track is combined with friendly and accommodating staff including the marshals who do a great job of getting you on track very fast, to prevent long delays. So, whether it’s for that first taste of motorsport or just another box checked on the bucket list, get yourself to Buckmore for a thrilling lap or two on the hallowed tarmac.
2. Diggerland Kent, Rochester
Diggerland is the only place where kids and grownups can ride, drive, and operate real diggers and dumpers! With 20 different digger-themed rides and drives available, you’re sure to get your fill of digger-based fun. In addition to diggers, there are indoor and outdoor play areas, coin operated rides and much more so the younger visitors can let off steam while you sit back, relax and watch the fun.
The park is aimed at children between 4 and 14 years of age, but in truth, visitors of any age can enjoy a day out at Diggerland. You might find yourself enjoying the thrills of spinning around in a Giant Digger bucket on the Spindizzy ride, operating a Giant JCB 806 Digger, racing around in a Go-Kart, getting lifted 50ft in the air by the Skyshuttle, or whirling around on the Dig-a-Round together with your kids. Once you’re satisfied, there is also the Goodie Store where you can purchase memorable souvenirs, toys and other merchandise, as well as a cafeteria that offers a wide selection of hot and cold snacks, meals and beverages. Kent Coast Holiday Park is just a 20-minute drive away so your kids will be begging you to let them drive a digger home!
3. Dymchurch Amusement Park, Dymchurch
If you’re wanting a day of seaside fun, then the classic rides and amusements at Dymchurch may be just what you’re looking for. You’ll find a rollercoaster, dodgems, a ghost train, smaller kids rides and the notorious big twister, all a stone’s throw from the seafront, and all child friendly.
Entry to the park is free, so you can spend a whole day flicking between the beach and the rides as you please. Simply buy tickets or wristbands for the rides. There are also arcades to keep you and your family entertained with all the usual machines. Food is available at several stalls, but there are picnic areas if you want to bring your own food. The staff are always on hand to assist and keep a look out for the giveaways of random goodies that occur throughout the day!
4. Dinotropolis, Dartford
Discover Dinotropolis, the land that time forgot, for a day out that you certainly won’t forget! There’s something for everyone at this dinosaur adventure park with animatronic dinosaurs and raptor racing for older kids, the tasty Fossil Café for parents and three stories of soft play for the little ones.
The range and inventiveness of the activities at Dinotropolis is sure to stimulate your kids’ imagination. At the Dino Escape Challenge, they can put their ranger skills to the test, skirting past alarms, booby traps and laser beams in the dark without waking the sleeping baby dinosaurs. You can dig for fossils and build volcanoes at the scientific sand table in Discovery Cove. Perhaps the most exciting activity of all is the opportunity to draw dinosaurs at the arts and crafts corner before bringing them to life on huge interactive screens. At the soft play area there are slides, nets, steps, ladders, a racetrack, and ball pits. With all this to do the time will fly and your 90-minute session will be over in a flash, like the strike of a meteor!
5. Dreamland Margate
Entertaining fun and sun seekers for over 100 years, the Dreamland theme park in the heart of Margate town centre is quite simply a Kent seaside institution. Dreamland is a mecca for theme park aficionados, who flock to the park every season to ride the Scenic Railway - the oldest rollercoaster in the UK. Opened in 1920, this historic wooden coaster survived a major fire during World War Two, a further fire in 1950 and a third in 2008. Re-opening in 2015 after extensive renovation, this dipper continues to attract delight the crowds that ride its rails.
After you've enjoyed the thrills and spills of the scenic railway, why not try some of the other retro rides including the Waltzer, Dodgems and Galloper Carousel. For fans of four wheels - on their feet - Dreamland also houses the incredibly enjoyable roller disco. All in all, there are plenty of reasons to skate on over to Dreamland for a visit.
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Important information
New holiday homes from £34,995 – UPDATED 28 February 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As of 28 February, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan-y-More, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cardigan View, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay,
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments for 7 years
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion.
An example of how ‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset for 7 years’ operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £667.08 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £673.17. The monthly difference equates to £23.17, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2025 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading as of 2024.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Owner’s 'Appy Meal Deal for £7.99
All day, every day* - collection only
Only available to Owners staying on park
Any pie, fishcake or large sausage, small chips, any side and a soft drink
Upgrade to regular cod or haddock^ for £3
Owners can use their discount on top of this offer
Only available in Cook’s venues and not from our Cook’s vans. Offer includes any pie: Minced Beef and Onion, Chicken and Mushroom, Steak or Cheese and Onion, fish cake or large sausage (choose from plain or battered) and a portion of small chips, any side and a soft drink. Sides include curry sauce, gravy, beans or mushy peas. Drinks include any soft drinks can or bottled water (excludes Coca Cola). ^Some of our Cook’s do not serve haddock - in this case, an upgrade to cod will be the only option of fish to purchase. Dishes cannot be changed or swapped for alternatives. Non-inclusive of upgrades or add-ons. Discount is applied if all dishes and drinks are purchased together, and this must be in the same transaction. Available daily, subject to venue opening hours. *Some of our Cook’s do not open for lunch trading. Offer is only available when ordering via QR code, app or website and for collection only. Offer is only available to Owners who are staying on park. Owners can use their owner discount on top of this offer. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time, without notice. Offer is valid March 2025 - November 2025. Prices include VAT. This offer can be used in conjunction with all other offers. Offer not available in any on-park franchises. Haven Holidays is a trading name of Bourne Leisure Limited. Registered office: 1 Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 4YL. Registered in England and Wales, no 0401166
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995 – UPDATED 17 January 2025
*Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2025 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 17 January 2025, price is available at Kent Coast, Blue Dolphin, Caister-on-Sea, Cardigan View, Greenacres, Hafan y Mor, Lakeland, Seton Sands, Berwick, Cala Gran, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hopton, Littlesea, Presthaven, Reighton Sands, Rockley Park, Thornwick Bay and Weymouth Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.