The Mote Cricket Club

Cricket might not be everyone's idea of a thrilling day out, but The Mote Cricket Club near Maidstone is genuinely worth a visit if you've got even a passing interest in the sport. It's a proper working club with real grassroots cricket happening throughout the season - the kind of place where you can actually sit and watch a match without feeling like you need a degree in the game to enjoy it.

The club itself is fairly straightforward: a cricket ground with pavilion, and on match days there's usually something happening from late spring through early autumn. You can rock up, grab a seat, and settle in for an afternoon. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly - locals, families, the odd tourist who's stumbled in by accident. It's not flashy or touristy, which is precisely the point.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Oak View is just three miles away, or Bearsted Caravan and Motorhome Club is the same distance - this works well as a gentle afternoon activity. Cricket matches can stretch on though, so know what you're getting into. It's genuinely good for families who want their kids to experience proper English club cricket, and for anyone wanting an authentic slice of local life rather than another theme park visit.

Best to check their website or ring ahead for fixture dates and admission details, as these things vary. Free or paid entry varies depending on the match level, but it's typically very affordable.