5 Best Amusement Parks in Kent in 2024
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Sometimes I just have the feeling that I really, and I mean REALLY, want to visit an amusement park. Do you feel the same way? If yes, and you want to discover the best amusement parks in Kent, then you’re in the right place.
In this list, I’ll show you 5 great places to visit if you’re seeking amusement in Kent.
I’ll also introduce you to 4 more theme parks in the South East because they simply shouldn’t be missed.
An amusement park might seem like an unusual choice to visit as an introverted solo traveller but I think it’s a perfect day out if you want some action.
A lot of the bigger amusement parks offer single rider access these days which just shows that people go there alone.
The rides are short enough that you don’t have to talk to your neighbour and when you’re waiting in line, do it like all the others do and look at your phone.
You can bring your own food, so you don’t have to sit in a restaurant or you can take advantage of the many take-aways there are at theme parks.
Here is the list of the 5 best amusement parks in Kent
1. Diggerland Kent, Strood
First up, Diggerland! Could you guess it from the name? It’s an amusement park where you can operate full sized construction machinery. In other words, you can drive and operate real diggers, making you feel invincible or, put another way, like a child in a giant sandbox.
Diggerland – which also has 3 other identical sites across the UK – promises fun for all ages. While it might be primarily aimed at children, I certainly like what they offer for myself as well.
There are plenty of rides suitable for adults. If you have friends to join you, you can engage in unique experiences like Dumper Racing, driving a JCB, or even operating a Monster Digger. How cool is that?! Visitors can let off steam then for sure.
Finding Diggerland is straightforward: take the M2 and head to Junction 2. From there, follow the A228 northbound towards Rochester until you reach the Medway Valley Leisure Park, where the park awaits.
Diggerland is also one of the more affordable amusement parks. Adult admission prices start at just £25.95. If you book online in advance, you might save a bit compared to on-the-day prices. However, there is a booking fee. Nevertheless, it usually works out cheaper.
Keep in mind that Diggerland’s opening times vary, so it’s advised to check their website for the most up-to-date information, especially as they’re not always open during the week and have seasonal closures in winter.
Get ready to unearth (see what I did there?) a world of fun with a day out at Diggerland!
2. Dreamland, Margate

You might not get the biggest adrenaline kick at Dreamland in Margate, but it should satisfy the urge for a little while. It’s somewhat of a retro theme park with a few roller coasters and numerous smaller rides.
From the iconic Scenic Railway, which is the oldest roller coaster in the UK, through a mirror maze to crazy golf, Dreamland offers a timeless experience for everyone. And since entry is free, no one will know if you happen to visit alone. Talking to my solo travellers here.
Dreamland is located close to Margate Main Beach, making it easily accessible. There’s ample parking, reasonably priced too, starting at £1.50 per hour. Given its proximity to the beach, it’s a fair deal.
As mentioned, entry is free. Instead, you pay per ride, making it affordable for all. Most rides, excluding the Scenic Railway, require just one token per person, whereas the Scenic Railway is priced at 2 tokens.
If you aim to make the most of your visit, consider the Mega Saver Deal, where 20 tokens are available for £40, saving you a bit of money. However, if you opt to purchase tokens individually, they cost £3 each.
Before setting off on your Dreamland adventure, it’s wise to check their opening times, as they might not be open daily.
I hope you enjoy your timeless seaside adventure.
3. Dymchurch Amusement Park, Dymchurch
Dymchurch Amusement Park is a charming little fair situated along the Dymchurch beachfront. To be upfront, though it’s called an amusement park, the adrenaline kicks will be quite limited.
There are some amusements on site, but I recommend Dymchurch more for its beautiful seaside location.
Entry to the park is free and similar to Dreamland, it’s mainly tokens you pay with. Tokens are priced at £2 each, and most rides typically require 2 to 3 tokens per person.
As previously mentioned, the rides are mainly designed for children under 12. It’s a small site, however, there are two rides that can certainly be appreciated by those young at heart and moderate in age: the Dodgems and the Twister.
Dymchurch is located between the coastal towns of Folkestone and Rye, and with parking conveniently close, it’s worth a visit. Enjoy the laughter, the views, and perhaps a ride or two.
4. Herne Bay Pier, Herne Bay
Herne Bay Pier is the sole pier on our list for Kent. While it might not be as extensive as some other piers in the South East, it’s definitely worth a visit if you appreciate beautiful views as attractions primarily targeted at children.
Once you step onto the pier, you’ll come across several attractions, including the timeless Helter Skelter and a delightful carousel. There’s also a duck hooking booth for those seeking a challenge. Entry to the pier is free.
As mentioned earlier, if you want to enjoy the rides, you’ll need tokens, each priced at £1. Different rides require varying numbers of tokens.
Parking is available close to the beach. If you’re in the mood for some arcade fun, then the maybe best arcades in the surrounding area await you. This is something I enjoy doing on my own. Others can never help anyway, am I right?!
I have a slight (troublesome) fondness (addiction) for the plush animal grabber. Isn’t winning a plush animal more satisfying than merely buying it? Or is it just me?
Herne Bay is a short distance from Canterbury and Margate, easily accessible from the A299, making it perfect for those in search of timeless seaside amusement.
5. Buckmore Park Kart Circuit, Chatham
Let’s discuss Buckmore Park. I must admit, despite the park-like name, it’s not exactly your typical amusement park. However, it does promise a great time, so I’ve decided it deserves a spot on our list.
Buckmore Park is a circuit where you can race karts on a 1-mile long track. It not only offers many twists and turns but, most importantly, lots of fun.
It’s conveniently located next to the M2 near Chatham. Buckmore Park is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Be aware that you have to be at least 16 years old if you want to race. They offer a variety of races, from practice runs and open races to championships.
If you’re just starting out and aren’t ready to race a future Formula 1 driver (just yet), don’t worry; these championships are sorted by driver ability.
Fun fact: Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button used to drive here – so I wasn’t joking about the Formula 1 drivers.
Prices for a session start at £49 per person. It might not be your usual “amusement park”, but it certainly provides amusement and speed. If you have the need for speed, Buckmore Park is a great place to go.
They offer many sessions where you can just join on your own and race against strangers – which is fine as you can’t really talk to each other anyway.
Amusement Parks Near Kent
Kent already has a lot to offer, but I believe the larger theme parks were somewhat missing. That’s why this list also includes theme parks around Kent. The drive might be a bit longer, but wherever you choose from this list, you should still enjoy a fun day out.
6. Adventure Island Southend-On-Sea, Essex
Adventure Island, situated just across the border in Essex, is only a 30-mile drive from Dartford, offering an excellent opportunity for a day trip from Kent.
This park is a bit more like a conventional amusement park. With many rides to satisfy every thrill-seeker, and some on the slower side for those who prefer their thrills in more limited doses.
It’s tailored to appeal to visitors of all ages, ensuring there’s something to delight everyone.
Entry is free, and you can opt for a budget-friendly super saver day wristband for the rides, priced at just £20. Alternatively, consider an annual pass for £56 if you anticipate returning more than three times in the year.
To secure the day band for £20, you must book it online in advance. Otherwise, the price on the day will be £28.
Additionally, there’s a mini-golf course if you fancy a more relaxed activity after your adrenaline-fuelled rides. However, do note that this is an additional charge to the rides wristband – and it’s not something easily done on your own.
Ample parking is available near the promenade, with most areas offering free parking after 6 PM.
Adventure Island’s opening hours are quite accommodating. If you’re seeking excitement in any month outside of December, Adventure Island is ready to entertain. Open most weekends throughout the year – a rarity in itself – they only close in December, which is a fair trade.
7. Brighton Palace Pier, East Sussex
Is Brighton Palace Pier the quintessential pier for you? It is definitely for me. I’m still amazed by the sheer number of attractions on a pier that stands in the water. Crazy.
And it does offer many rides and attractions that appeal to the strong-hearted (I’m assuming that’s the opposite of faint-hearted). From A as in Air Race, a horror for people who are afraid of heights like me, to Wild River a fun water ride, Brighton Pier offers all a theme park enthusiast can wish for.
They also have arcades if you want to spend some extra money there or a VR experience.
If you get hungry then there are many different meals and beverages available to buy. They also have restaurants in case the weather isn’t perfect.
Otherwise, stalls sell classic seaside treats like candy floss, mouthwatering fish and chips, and other hot and cold snacks, so there’s something for everyone.
Same as Adventure Island, entry to the pier is free. You can buy tickets or wristbands. If you buy the wristband in advance then it costs £26 compared to £32 on the day.
If you think you’re not going to ride that many attractions, then you can buy individual tickets to save some money. The individual costs per ride are around £4 – £6.
It’s worth noting that parking in Brighton can be a bit tricky, meaning expensive. Choose seafront car parks and try to steer clear of multi-story options if you’re looking to keep your parking expenses in check.
8. Lakeside Shopping Centre Entertainment, Essex
Alright, bear with me. I understand that a shopping centre isn’t typically equated with an amusement park – unless you’re a shopaholic. But trust me, this one is special.
Lakeside is just behind the Dartford Crossing. I know, it’s so annoying if you’re from Kent and have to pay the Dart Charge, but it might be worth it once in a while.
So, why is Lakeside on this list? Because it offers an incredible range of activities such as an aqua park, an escape room, a jump house, an immersive gamebox, a mini golf course, a climbing centre, and even driving lessons for the young ones.
I think that’s quite an offering and can rival some actual amusement parks. And the good part? You’re not solely relying on the British weather as most are indoor play areas. A location offering both indoor and outdoor pursuits is always a bonus.
You might choose to do only one of these activities, but then you can follow up with some window shopping and a meal at one of the many restaurants. I’m sure you’ll find something to your liking.
So, if you’re after some retail therapy mixed with a touch of adrenaline, consider giving Lakeside a visit.
9. Thorpe Park, Surrey
And last but not least, Thorpe Park! It’s one of the UK’s premier amusement parks, and I can vouch for that. I just love it. Located in Surrey, it’s just 20 miles from London off the M25.
So, what do I love about Thorpe Park? It has loads of huge rides like Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, The Swarm, and many, many more. You’ll definitely get your adrenaline fix here.
The park is pretty walkable. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll clock up your steps, but it doesn’t take long to get from one end to the other. That’s handy, especially if you notice that the queue at one attraction has gone down; their park app provides real-time waiting time information.
What don’t I like about the park? Their tickets are a bit pricy. If you don’t make use of a discount, e.g., book in advance or get the 2-for-1 Kellogg’s packages, then a ticket will cost you £66. Certainly not a bargain.
That’s why I advise booking a ticket online, where it’s available from £34. And as mentioned earlier, if you plan on going with a friend or family member, keep an eye out for the Kellogg’s offers in local supermarkets.
They often come with a 2-for-1 code. You can’t combine them with the discounted online ticket, so the savings will be similar to the pre-booked ticket depending on the timings.
If you have a Merlin pass, then entry is free, depending on the tier. You also get complimentary parking with the Merlin pass; otherwise, it’s £9 on the day.
The queues can be quite long when it’s a weekend or school holidays, but most of the time, it’s still doable to do this park in one day.
However, they do offer a resort, if you fancy staying for a weekend.
Thorpe Park is definitely my recommendation if you’re craving a proper amusement park for a day. I would happily venture there any day of the year.
Conclusion: 5 Best Theme Parks in Kent
I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the best theme parks in Kent and the South East. Hopefully, you’ve gained some inspiration for what to do over the next few weekends.
Kent might not boast the biggest or most thrilling amusement parks, but it certainly offers a broad variety and high quality.
If you’re seeking the most thrill for your buck, then you might have to venture beyond Kent’s borders. However, even those parks aren’t too far away and can easily be visited in a day.
Whether you’re into diggers, roller coasters, vintage charm, or simply strolling on a pier, Kent has something to offer every fun-loving soul. Until next time, keep the smiles and screams coming!
If you want to find out more about places to visit in Kent, then have a look at 21 Best Places to Visit in Kent.