Festive Day Trips in Kent for Under £50

Affordable Christmas Experiences in the Garden of England

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a magical Christmas in Kent.

From twinkling castles and woodland walks to charming markets and festive train rides, there are plenty of affordable days out for under £50 this winter. Whether you’re visiting as a family, a couple, or a group of friends, here are some of the best budget-friendly Christmas experiences in Kent 2025.

1. Canterbury Christmas Market

Location: Whitefriars Shopping Centre & St George’s Street, Canterbury
Price: Free entry - optional spending on gifts and food

Canterbury’s cobbled streets turn into a winter wonderland, with over 100 stalls, festive food, and live entertainment. You can spend the day browsing handmade gifts and soaking up the Christmas atmosphere - all without paying an entry fee.

Why visit: One of Kent’s most beautiful historic cities offering a full festive experience for minimal cost.
Budget tip: Bring your own reusable cup - many mulled wine stalls offer small discounts when you do.

Santa at Leeds Castle during Christmas

2. Leeds Castle Christmas Lights - Grounds-Only Ticket

Location: Leeds Castle, Maidstone
Price: From £27 per adult / £18 per child (light trail access only)

Enjoy a magical evening exploring the illuminated trails around the castle grounds. Wander beneath glowing trees, marvel at sparkling projections on the lake, and finish with hot chocolate by the fairground.

Why visit: A world-class light trail in a stunning heritage setting - still affordable for families under £50.

The Kent Tourist tip: Pair your visit with a short daytime stop at nearby Maidstone Christmas Market to make a full day out.

3. Spa Valley Railway - Santa or Winter Steam Train

Location: Tunbridge Wells West Station
Price: From £28 per adult / £22 per child

Ride through the Kent countryside on a festive heritage train, complete with mince pies, music and seasonal decorations. If you visit after Christmas, their winter steam trains continue into January - same magic, lower prices.

Why visit: A nostalgic and affordable festive trip that children love.

4. Bedgebury National Pinetum - Christmas Light Trail (Off-Peak)

Location: Bedgebury, Goudhurst
Price: From £29 per adult / £19 per child on weekday evenings

Book an off-peak weekday session to enjoy one of Kent’s most famous light trails for under £50 per couple. The mile-long illuminated woodland walk is set to music, with fire pits and festive treats along the route.

Why visit: A breathtaking experience in nature - and far cheaper on midweek dates.

Bedgebury Christmas Light Trail

5. Faversham Christmas Market

Location: Market Place, Faversham
Price: Free entry

Faversham’s historic market square comes alive with festive cheer, local produce, and artisan stalls. With carol singers, mulled wine and live music, it’s a charming (and free) day out.

Why visit: A classic Kent market that’s friendly on the wallet but full of atmosphere.

6. Hever Castle - Christmas Gardens (Grounds-Only)

Location: Hever Castle, Edenbridge
Price: From £23 per adult / £13 per child

Walk through Hever’s Christmas gardens and see the historic castle illuminated with seasonal lights. Entry to the gardens and Christmas trail is available as a separate, lower-cost ticket from the full castle experience.

Why visit: Enjoy the magic of a castle Christmas without breaking the budget.

The Kent Tourist tip: Visit midweek to save even more on admission.

7. Tenterden Christmas Market & Kent & East Sussex Railway

Location: Tenterden High Street
Price: Market free entry / Train tickets from £20–£25 per person

Spend the morning browsing the market’s festive stalls, then board the vintage Kent & East Sussex Railway for a scenic ride through the Weald. A festive day full of Christmas spirit - all for under £50.

Why visit: Combines local charm with nostalgic travel for great value.

8. Rochester Christmas Festival

Location: Rochester High Street
Price: Free entry

The Dickensian Christmas Festival transforms Rochester into a Victorian wonderland of music, street performers and festive parades. It’s one of the most popular (and free) events in Kent.

Why visit: Historic atmosphere, incredible costumes and no ticket required.

9. Aylesford Priory - Carols by Candlelight & Christmas Fair

Location: The Friars, Aylesford
Price: £8 for adults / free for U12s

A perfect low-cost evening experience combining local crafts, mulled wine, and a community carol service under candlelight.

Why visit: A peaceful and reflective festive outing for all ages.

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