Family Easter Holiday Adventures from St. Pancras – Dover Castle, Whitstable Beach & More

The Easter holidays have arrived, and the children are bursting with energy. The big question looms: “What are our plans for today?”

If you’re after a day out that’s entertaining for the children and a refreshing break for you, we have just the plan – starting at St. Pancras International.

Family Visit to Dover Castle

In just over an hour from St. Pancras International, the Southeastern train will take you to Dover Priory. The journey is filled with beautiful scenery that both you and the children will love – from picturesque fields to glimpses of the sparkling sea through the train windows.

Once in Dover, explore the historic Dover Castle. With over 80 acres of open space, it’s a dream for young explorers. Kids will love the new siege-themed play area, where they can step into the world of siege warfare – think squeezing through tunnels, scaling walls, and testing their skills to defend the castle!

After all that fun, it’s time for some learning, but we’re making it exciting. On selected weekends, you’ll spot costumed historical characters acting out scenes from the time of Henry II – perfect for a day of history, adventure, and family fun.

Seaside Adventure & Delicious Fish and Chips in Whitstable

If you’re looking for a change of pace, why not swap history for a little seaside charm? From St. Pancras, a direct Southeastern train will whisk you to Whitstable in just over an hour. The beach here is perfect for skipping stones, paddling in the sea, and hunting for seashells along the shore – and hopefully catching a bit of that elusive British sunshine.

When hunger strikes, there are plenty of family-friendly options:

• Wheelers Oyster Bar – For fresh seafood lovers, this historic restaurant, founded in 1856, is a must-try. Still serving up delicious dishes, it’s the perfect spot to indulge in Whitstable’s famous oysters and seafood.

• VC Jones – A traditional, family-run chippy serving up classic fish and chips. Grab a portion to enjoy by the sea – it’s the ultimate seaside treat.

• Blueprint Coffee – A great stop for grown-ups in need of a proper cup of coffee. While you sip, the kids can dive into some delicious treats. The shop also doubles as a bookshop, so you can even pick up a book to take home while you relax.

Train Snacks? Sorted

Before you head off, pop into Marks & Spencer Food at St. Pancras to stock up on all the essentials for the journey. Think mini rolls, sandwiches, and juice – and maybe even a cheeky pack of Percy Pigs for the grown-ups.

Pro tip: Dover Castle allows you to bring your own food, so save those M&S picnic snacks for when you arrive. Picture enjoying a jam sandwich at the top of Dover Castle or lounging on a beach towel in Whitstable.

No matter where you’re headed, the best part of these mini-adventures is the quality time spent together, discovering new places and turning ordinary train journeys into fun adventures. And hopefully, you’ll tire the kids out just enough for them to have a good, restful sleep later.