Ideas for small kids (3 and 7)

I am not sure that Dover is the right place. In that part of Kent I would look at Ramsgate or Folkestone.
Both are far more attractive IMO. Folkestone has done a great job in reinventing itself after its closure as a cross channel port.
Ramsgate has a lot of interest, especially round the harbour.
Both are on HS1 from St Pancras.

Dover is really not a good idea. Just, no. It’s not pretty. It’s a fairly rundown mundane town that’s dominated by its ferry port. It’s also a fairly awkward journey from Heathrow and then back to the Cotswolds.

Do you particularly want to be on the coast? Or are you happy with anywhere that’s a bit rural and picturesque?

There are many many other places that are more attractive and nicer than Dover, that also would be more geographically logical both for your first couple of days and for later.

But it’s difficult to suggest without knowing what criteria led you to Dover, because it wouldn’t be my answer either to amazing nature or chill. It does have a nice castle, I’ll admit.

I mean, someone just wrote an excellent trip report about Chichester, which is both near the sea, full of interest for kids (Roman palaces! Easy access to beaches!) but there are a hundred other places you could choose.

So perhaps a sense of what you and your kids are really into would be useful. Also, are you driving or using public transport?

I’d recommend asking your friends which places they’ve been with the kids and really enjoyed. Children love being by the sea but the British seaside holiday is not for everyone. I know from talking to people who’ve moved here from warmer countries that can take a good few years to get your head around the idea of sitting on the beach wrapped up against the cold and wind.

I agree that heading to Dover is a bad idea for many reasons - too much travelling time and it’s not nice.

Warwick Castle is great for kids.

I took my daughter to London when she was five having spent a month in Paris/Loire Valley when she was four. If you are in a city or town, hit playgrounds. I would vote for London. Science Museum and Natural History Museum are kid paradises. There are tons of parks, children’s events, etc to entertain millions of kids who live there.

When are you going? If you have a car, I would suggest the south coast. Last year, we went to Brighton on a day trip (met a friend with a car) and in the afternoon went to Birling Gap, Seven Sisters and ended up in Eastbourne. It was a long day for my now 15 year old but Birling Gap would be a nice outdoorsy thing. There are lots of small towns to stay and enough to do with walks, beaches, etc.

When my daughter was 7, we rented bikes and rode to Hove and then went to the circus that night. We live on the west coast and the pebbly beach was endlessly fascinating.

My daughter wants to do a day trip to Brighton again this year.

This is really helpful! I didn't even think of the museums. Thank you!

This may help: https://secretldn.com/things-to-do-london-kids/

I don't know what you liked. But I loved Rye and Battle, especially as they have some quaint picturesque scenery and there the 1066 Battle Abbey. It seemed peaceful when we want and there are some nice villages around there.

My then 7 year old loved Hampton Court (castle!!!) day trip from London. Also the museums Sandra suggested - Natural History and Science. Also, Tower of London, but the Beefeaters Tour gets graphic with the off-with-the-heads. Mine was a bit upset - others on this forum think the tour is fine.

I agree with skipping Dover. You are walking on top of the cliffs - can't see them well. If you are still set on that - there is a castle that the kids can wander. Pretty much empty rooms, but they might like the underground passages. As an adult, I would not return for that, but fascinating WWII set-ups. Website gives details.

My 7 year old liked the London Zoo - not the best by world standards, but was fine for kids. We learned that British kids don't queue for the slide. Just force your way in - a very kind British granny told him how to negotiate the odds!

Walking through Kensington Gardens to find the Peter Pan statue might be fun. And, walking past Buckingham Palace with the guards.

Someone mentioned Brighton - not like a lovely sand beach, quite rocky, but there is a boardwalk with arcade. I would not make a day trip with little ones for the beach, but you could check a website - might fit your family. The Brighton Pavilion is unique, not sure if little kids would be into it. There is a dragon chandelier!!

Hamley's Toy Store - set a price limit!