Discover wildlife, seaside fun and family-friendly attractions from less this summer.

Looking for an affordable family day out in Kent this summer? Leave the car at home and enjoy a fun-filled day travelling between Canterbury, Wildwood and Herne Bay by bus. From spotting bears and bison at Wildwood to crabbing on Herne Bay Pier and enjoying an ice cream by the sea, this itinerary is perfect for families looking to make the most of the school holidays while keeping costs down.

Start Your Day Out by Bus

Recommended Services

Routes 600, 601 and 602

Starting Point

Canterbury Bus Station

Where to Catch the Bus

Services 600, 601 and 602 depart from Bay C4 at Canterbury Bus Station.

Duration

Full day (approximately 10:00am - 6:10pm)

Recommended Ticket

A South East DayRider (£9.90 for adults) offers unlimited travel on all Stagecoach buses in the South East (Kent & East Sussex, excluding Brighton) throughout the day, making it easy to travel between Canterbury, Wildwood and Herne Bay without worrying about parking or fuel costs or having to purchase multiple tickets. 

Children aged 5-15 travel free throughout August, making it even easier for families to enjoy a great value day out this summer.

🚌10:00am - Catch the Bus to Wildwood

Board a 600, 601 or 602 service from Bay C4 at Canterbury Bus Station, heading towards Herne Bay.

Where to Get Off

The stop right outside Wildwood.

Walking Directions

From the bus stop, follow signs to Wildwood's entrance.

Walking Time

Approximately 3 minutes. 

🐻10:20am - Explore Wildwood

Our partnership with Wildwood means you'll receive 50% off entry when you show your Stagecoach bus ticket!

Set within ancient woodland, Wildwood is home to brown bears, lynx, bison and many other native British species.  

Suggested Time

10:20am-1:00pm

🚌1:00pm - Continue to Herne Bay

After your Wildwood adventure, return to the bus stop and catch the next 600, 601 or 602 service towards Herne Bay.

Good to Know

Services run approximately every 15 minutes, so there's no need to rush if you're finishing lunch or squeezing in one last visit to your favourite animals. 

Journey Time

Approximately 15-20 minutes.

Where to Get Off

Richmond Street, Herne Bay

Walking Directions to the Pier

From Richmond Street, head towards Central Parade and continue to Herne Bay Pier.

Walking Time

Approximately 5 minutes.

🌊1:30pm - Enjoy Herne Bay Seafront

Spend the afternoon enjoying one of Kent's classic seaside towns.

Things to Do

🎠Herne Bay Pier

Take a stroll along the pier and enjoy views across the coastline.

🦀Go Crabbing

Bring a bucket and line and see what you can catch from the end of the Pier.

🤩Visit the Arcades

Enjoy traditional seaside amusements without breaking the bank.

🩴Relax on the Beach

Paddle in the sea or simply enjoy the promenade. 

Suggested Time

1:30pm-4:30pm

🍦4:30pm - Enjoy a Seaside Treat

Round off the day with an ice cream, snack or family meal before heading home.

Central Parade is lined with family-friendly cafes, fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours, giving families plenty of choice depending on your budget.

Suggested Time

4:30pm-5:30pm

🚌5:30pm - Return to Canterbury

Head back to Richmond Street and catch a 600, 601 or 602 service back to Canterbury.

Good to Know

Services run approximately every 15 minutes, making it easy to head home whenever you're ready.

Journey Time

Approximately 40 minutes

Aim to arrive back in Canterbury at around 6:10pm after a day packed with wildlife, fresh air and seaside fun.

Suggested Timetable