family days out in kent

Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre

Evocatively sited amid the East Kent marshes, Richborough is perhaps the most symbolically important of all Roman sites in Britain, witnessing both the beginning and almost the end of Roman rule here. The site is now two miles from the sea; in AD 43 it overlooked a sheltered lagoon harbour. Here, all but certainly, the invading Roman forces first landed and established a bridgehead. This event was later commemorated by a mighty triumphal arch, whose cross-shaped foundations still survive here. Proclaiming that the Roman conquest of Britain was complete, this also provided an impressive gateway for arrivals at what became the province’s main entry port. By the mid-3rd century, however, Roman Britain was under attack by sea-borne Saxon and other raiders. The once-prosperous commercial port of Rutupiae was hastily fortified, first by the digging of the great triple ditches and ramparts still visible round the site of the arch. But within a decade or so the defences were completely revamped, and Richborough was provided with its circuit of towered stone walls and outer ditches, becoming one of the most important of the ‘Saxon Shore’ forts. It was also among the last to be regularly occupied: there is evidence of a large Roman population here in the early 5th century, some of them worshipping in the little Early Christian church discovered in one corner of the fort. You can choose to reach the fort as the Romans would have done, by boat. Boats sail from Sandwich, but not every day: please contact the site to check times. 

Dates Opening Times Opening Days Fort: 1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun. Amphitheatre: Any reasonable time, access across grazed land from footpath; please call 01304 612013 for details

Secret Gardens of Sandwich (1.3 miles)
Sandwich 01304 619919
Secret Gardens Unveil Jekyll's Long Border Work has been completed on a stunning new attraction at the award-winning Secret Gardens of Sandwich. The 200-ft long Long Border is a re-creation..

Rare Species Conservation Centre (1.5 miles)
Sandwich 01304 611578
Rare Species Conservation Centre About Rare Species Conservation Centre was created in 2006, It was formerly a small children’s zoo and it was taken over and renovated by a small..

Fowlmead Country Park (4 miles)
Nr Deal 01304 615390
FOWLMEAD IS OPEN FROM 8AM TO 17.30PM EVERY DAY (Colliers Gate [Fowlmead's back gate for pedestrians and cyclists] opens at 8.15am and closes at  17.15pm; Fowlmead..

QUEX HOUSE & GARDENS (4 miles)
Birchington 01843 842168
QUEX HOUSE & GARDENS Fascinating collection of the Powell-Cotton family in a charming museum attached to one of Kent's foremost stately homes. World class dioramas containing unparalleled..

Quad Mania Quad-Biking (4 miles)
Birchington 01843 846305
 **This attraction is for birthday parties** What do you do? We are a friendly, family business operating quad bike parties for children aged 4 - 14. You can come to us at Jungle..

Jungle Jims Play Barn and family fun farm (4.1 miles)
Birchington 01843 846305
Jungle Jim's Jungle Jim's Ltd is owned and managed by Karen Botha and Paul Bedford. The day to day operations are handled by our excellent staff and students, who many of our little clients..

Wingham Wildlife Park (4.7 miles)
Canterbury 01227 720836
Wingham Wildlife Park Welcome Set in open countryside just off the A257 between Canterbury and Sandwich, you will discover a fantastic up close experience of birds, animals, reptiles and..

Minnis Bay (5.6 miles)
Birchington
Minnis Bay The beautiful unspoiled beach at Minnis Bay, which has received the coverted Blue-Flag award, attracts families of all ages, and has all the amenities you'll ever need for a great..

Sea Searcher Boat Trips (5.6 miles)
Ramsgate 07837 562076
Sea Searcher Boat Trips A traditional boat and experienced skipper for all types of boat trip from Ramsgate. Safety is our prime concern, as well as giving a great experience to our customers. Sightseeing..

Vue Westwood Cross (5.6 miles)
Thanet 08712 240 240
Vue Westwood Cross is situated within the Westwood Cross shopping and leisure complex. The 10 screen cinema can seat up to 1,558 guests. The cinema is surrounded by a variety of restaurants and..