Elmley National Nature Reserve
Sheerness, Kent
The only nature reserve in the UK where you can sleep over, and it's magic with children: glass-fronted huts on the marshes, hares and marsh harriers outside the window and nothing to do but explore. Pick a large hut with the kids' hammock and you'll be back.
For the children
- Farm animals
- Nature activities
- Cots
- Extra beds
- Best for
- Wildlife-curious families who want space and quiet
- Ages
- All ages
- Family rooms
- Children allowed in the large huts, summer bell tents and Elmley Cottage
- Outdoors
- Wildlife and birdwatching, hides, cycling the reserve track, wild swimming spot
We only list facilities we could confirm on their website — something not listed may still be there.
Days out nearby
~16 miles · ~30 mins
Castle / historic · nearby attraction
A fairytale castle on a lake, with a maze that leads to an underground grotto, a playground themed around knights and a birds-of-prey show. Children see the castle at its most magical, and it is a classic Kent weekend outing.
~21 miles · ~30 mins
Wildlife park · ideal day trip
A woodland park full of British animals past and present, from wolves and bears to beavers and wild boar. The boardwalk trails feel like a forest adventure and it pairs well with a Canterbury or Whitstable weekend.
~30 miles · ~45 mins
Steam railway · ideal day trip
Steam trains chug through the Rother Valley to Bodiam Castle, so children get a train ride and a moated castle in one trip. Lovely for a Kent weekend.
~32 miles · ~45 mins
Safari park · ideal day trip
A truck safari across a huge Kent estate gets children surprisingly close to rhinos, giraffes and big cats, with views to the Romney Marsh coast. Older children especially love it, and the reserve suits a weekend on the Kent coast.
~37 miles · ~45 mins
Castle / historic · ideal day trip
The secret wartime tunnels beneath the cliffs are the standout, alongside the great keep dressed as Henry II's court. Older children especially love the history; easy to combine with a Kent coast stay.
~39 miles · ~45 mins
Castle / historic · ideal day trip
Anne Boleyn's childhood home has a water maze that soaks the unwary, a yew maze, adventure playground and boating on the lake. History comes alive through jousting and family events across the year.
~39 miles · ~45 mins
Zoo · ideal day trip
One of the best-regarded zoos in the country, with elephants, a walk-through lemur forest and a large African savannah area. Plenty of play areas break up the day, and it is a natural stop on an Essex coast or Suffolk weekend.
~47 miles · ~1 hr
Wildlife park · ideal day trip
The place to see red squirrels, foxes, otters and badgers up close, with keeper talks every weekend. Quiet and educational, it is a short drive from the Sussex and Surrey country-house hotels.
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Researched by Tumble in October 2026 from each place's own website. Tumble doesn't take these bookings — prices, availability and children's club details change, so check with them before you book. Distances and travel times are approximate.