Aspens

You'll find Aspens Zoo just outside Tunbridge Wells, a small-scale animal collection that works best as a quick half-day stop rather than an all-day commitment. It's the sort of place where you can get round in a couple of hours, which makes it decent filler if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots like Honnington Farm or Apple Acres and need to kill a morning.

The zoo houses a mix of animals - nothing exotic or dramatic, but enough to keep under-tens occupied. Older kids and serious animal enthusiasts might find it a bit thin on the ground, truth be told. The staff seem to know what they're doing, and there's usually a hands-on angle with certain enclosures, which children appreciate far more than just peering through glass.

It's free to visit or very cheap - the specifics aren't published widely, which suggests it might operate on a donations basis or a modest entry fee. Check ahead before you go, though, because opening hours vary by season. Winter weekdays can mean it's shut, so ring first if you're planning a midweek visit.

For families based at Hopgarden Glamping or The Hop Farm, Aspens fills a practical gap in your Kent itinerary without being a reason to base your whole holiday around it. Pair it with a stroll round Tunbridge Wells town centre or one of the local walks, and you've got a solid day sorted.