Dinosaur Forest

Walking through Dinosaur Forest near Hythe feels like stepping into someone's eccentric backyard project - because that's rather what it is. Concrete dinosaurs in varying states of weathering stand among the trees, some painted in garish colours, others faded to a ghostly grey. It's wonderfully weird and genuinely free to wander through, which makes it perfect for families who want something a bit different without breaking the bank.

The sculptures aren't museum-quality or particularly anatomically accurate, but that's precisely the charm. Kids either find it brilliant or baffling depending on their age - toddlers get bored within twenty minutes, but five to ten year-olds often spend an hour hunting for their favourite dinosaurs among the trees. Teenagers might roll their eyes, though some appreciate the kitsch factor.

Allow about forty-five minutes to an hour maximum, longer if you're stopping for photos. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so bring water. Spring and summer are best when the trees are full; winter just reveals how ramshackle some of the figures really are.

It works brilliantly as a free add-on if you're already in the area. Port Lympne Safari Park sits just 0.4 miles away and makes a proper full day when combined - kids can do dinosaurs before lunch, then animals afterwards. Daleacres and Fallow Fields camping sites are close by too, so you could easily work it into a Kent caravan holiday without any special planning.