UK country park with blue lake and play area for families | UK | Travel

Kent boasts a wealth of fantastic attractions, and one such treasure that’s worth a visit come rain or shine is Betteshanger Country Park. Whether you’re organising a family outing or seeking some peaceful solitude, this park, open all week, provides a plethora of activities.

Nestled on the former Betteshanger Colliery site on the fringes of Deal, it houses the aptly dubbed Blue Lake, a breathtaking body of water with a high mineral content that bestows upon it a remarkable blue tint. This alone makes the country park a must-see.

The park stretches over 250 acres and caters to a broad spectrum of ages, abilities and interests. It’s a prime spot for cycling in the south east, offering a variety of tracks and paths for both novice and seasoned cyclists.

Visitors have the option to rent a bike or bring their own, and further information can be found here. For those in search of a physical challenge, Boonies Obstacle Course presents a blend of fun and fitness with activities ranging from an assault course to more gentle exercises.

One of the unique experiences at Betteshanger is archery, with prices kicking off from £10, ideal for those keen to try their hand at something different. Meanwhile, for the thrill-seekers, geocaching might be an enticing option, reports Kent Live.

Also starting from £10, this activity is suitable for all ages and utilises the What3Words app to locate caches around the park. Once the clues are unearthed, participants must crack a secret password to claim a prize.

Orienteering, another outdoor activity available at Betteshanger from just £3, combines physical exercise with mental stimulation as participants navigate between different points. The goal? To complete the course in the shortest time possible.

And for the dinosaur lovers out there, you might enjoy hunting for fossils. Participants are encouraged to unearth fossils using the provided tools and safety equipment, with the chance to keep any discoveries as a keepsake.

Many other attractions are also available including an adventure playground, a survival school promoting nature-based learning, axe throwing, and trips to the unique Kent Mining Museum which delves into the history of UK coal mining.

There is also the Wild Ones Forest School, which operates throughout the year, providing a holiday club for children aged five to 11. A number of activities are included, from lighting fires to building dens.

Wild Ones Forest School costs £30, all equipment is included but a packed lunch should be taken as well as drinks and warm clothes. An alternative is Betteshanger Activity Club where, for £30, visitors can get their children involved with a day jam packed full of incredible outdoor games and activities allowing your children to learn new skills and try out new hobbies.

The park is also a hub for various events throughout the year. The Beast, a unique 30-minute bouncy experience complemented by food and drink, is set to make a comeback from August 24-26 (Bank Holiday weekend).

Betteshanger Country Park has earned rave reviews on TripAdvisor, with one satisfied visitor describing it as a “fantastic place” and adding: “It’s so nice to see a disused coal mine being used in such a positive way. Lots to do for everyone.”

Another visitor was equally impressed, stating: “Really impressed with the whole place. Kids loved the play area. Very inventive play equipment. Plenty of room to play. Mining museum is a great insight at the mining heritage of south east Kent. Staff took time with the kids. And if you are into cycling, it’s the best venue.”