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Home / Type of trip / Active / Family days out: Quex Park

Family days out: Quex Park

August 24, 2015 by Gretta Schifano 32 Comments

A day at Quex Park. Copyright Gretta Schifano

A day at Quex Park. Copyright Gretta Schifano

‘Mum, I can’t believe you said that. Who says that? It’s so embarrassing’ says my son, in an outraged tone. ‘I’m proud of you and ashamed at the same time’ says my younger nephew, solemnly. My sister laughs and says: ‘Well I didn’t know what ‘re-spawn’ meant either!’

Quex Park

We’re talking about paintballing. I’m with my 12 year-old son, my sister and her two sons, who are 14 and 17 years old. We’re driving back home after spending the day at Quex Park near Margate in Kent in the South of England. Quex Park is an historic country estate which dates from the 15th century.

Powell-Cotton Museum

In the 1890s the traveller and naturalist Percy Powell-Cotton, the estate’s owner at the time, founded a museum at Quex Park to exhibit the stuffed African and Indian mammals which he’d collected on his travels. Today you can still see these animals displayed in their original dioramas at the Powell-Cotton museum, as well as many other objects and images from Percy’s expeditions. The boys were intrigued by the displays (especially the animals and the weapons) and agreed that it reminded them of the film Night at the Museum:

Diorama at Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex park. Copy right Gretta Schifano

Diorama at Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex park. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Named the ‘UK’s Most Inspiring Museum’ in the 2014 Museums & Heritage awards, the Powell-Cotton museum is an unusual place to visit. Percy went on more than 28 collecting trips, meticulously recording the details of the creatures and objects which he brought back, and of the tribal people whom he met. We enjoyed exploring the museum, especially the handling collection in Gallery 6 which contains more than 700 objects.

Gallery 6, Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex Park. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Gallery 6, Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex Park. Copyright Gretta Schifano

The objects are displayed in an open, transparent cube and they’re all waiting to be handled. The boys particularly liked the musical instruments in this gallery as well as the drawing area.

Quex House

The museum is attached to Quex House, a 19th century mansion which is open to the public at certain times. The house wasn’t open when we were in the museum so we’ll have to go back to see it another time.

Quex House. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Quex House. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Quex Gardens

There are seven acres of historic gardens and woodland around the house and we borrowed some umbrellas from the museum so that we could explore a little of them in the rain. The gardens were originally laid out in the fifteenth century and are beautiful. There are lots of places to play or have a picnic: there’s a wide expanse of lawn behind the house, a walled garden bursting with flowers, a domed den hidden by shrubs and some gorgeous old greenhouses.

Greenhouse, Quex gardens. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Greenhouse, Quex gardens. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Beyond the house, museum and gardens there are many other things to do at Quex Park. Within the estate there’s also a craft village, two cafes, an outside play area, an indoor soft play area, a garden centre, a farm shop, a maize maze and a paintball centre offering various activities.

Mama Feelgoods Cafe

We had lunch at the fresh and homely Mama Feelgoods Cafe which is in front of the museum. The cafe serves home-made breakfasts, lunches and teas. We were given an amazing Afternoon High Tea (£15.95 per person including unlimited tea to drink) of tasty sandwiches, perfect scones still warm from the oven, jam, clotted cream and a selection of cakes which were just too delicious.

Afternoon High tea at Mama Feelgoods, Quex Park. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Afternoon High tea at Mama Feelgoods, Quex Park. Copyright Gretta Schifano

I’m not surprised that the cafe was full and I’d definitely recommend it. If you’d like to have Afternoon High Tea you need to book it at least 48 hours in advance.

Paintballing

After lunch it was time for the highlight of the day for our three boys: paintballing. The paintballing centre is run by an independent company called Leisure Quest, who also offer activities such as archery, laser tag and tomahawks (if you don’t know what tomahawks are, read on). I’d never been paintballing before and nor had my sister. Putting on the protective gear which we had to wear in order to take part in paintballing felt strange: I’ve not worn a boiler suit, body armour, balaclava and a mask before – at least, not all at the same time.

Ready for paintballing at Quex Park with my sister and our sons. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Ready for paintballing at Quex Park with my sister and our sons. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Once we were all kitted out we were given a safety briefing and shown how to use the paintball guns. My sister and I were both nervous. ’Why are we doing this?’ she whispered to me as we followed our sons in to the paintball arena for the first game, loaded guns in our hands.

There were 12 of us paintballers in total, divided in to two teams of six, a mixture of parents and boys. My sister and I were playing against our sons. We played six games, two in each of the three arenas, restocking our guns with paintballs after each game. At the start of each game a marshall explained what we had to do and asked if we had any questions. I always did, including the one about ‘respawning’. (It means that when you’ve been shot you can run back to the start and join in again. In case you didn’t know). Once we’d played the first game and I’d been on the receiving end of a few paintballs (mainly from my son and nephews) and felt how much they hurt (enough to leave a bruise) I relaxed and found that I really enjoyed myself.

One of the Quex Park paintball arenas. Copyright Gretta Schifano

One of the Quex Park paintball arenas. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Tomahawks

Tomahawks are axes with short handles which you throw at a target. The boys were keen to try out tomahawks so, once we’d finished paintballing and taken off our paint spattered protective gear, we headed to a different field to meet Aaron Young, the tomahawks instructor. Aaron gave us a safety briefing and then demonstrated how to throw the axes. The target was a pile of tree trunk sections which I managed to hit only with the wooden handles of the tomahawks. Throwing them so that they stuck in the wood was trickier than it looked, although my elder nephew was able to do it very well, straight away.

My nephew throwing a tomahawk at Quex park. Copyright Gretta Schifano

My nephew throwing a tomahawk at Quex park. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Quex Barn Farm Shop

When we first arrived at the park we stopped for a coffee at Quex Barn Farm Shop. The farm shop and cafe are in a restored barn and I’d planned to return there to buy some local produce before we left for home – but by the time we got back there it was after 5pm and the shop was shut.

Quex Barn Farm Shop. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Quex Barn Farm Shop. Copyright Gretta Schifano

Verdict

We all really enjoyed our day at Quex Park. I think that it caters very well for different tastes and age groups. It’s the sort of place that you could return to again and again and I’d definitely recommend it as a great place for a family day out.

Cost

There’s no charge to enter Quex Park itself but you have to pay for what you choose to do there. Entrance to the Powell-Cotton Museum, house (when open) and gardens costs £8 for adults, £6 for under-16s and is free for under-5s. Paintballing costs from £5 per person for a two-hour session including 50 balls. Tomahawks costs from £15 per person for a one-hour session. For more information about the full range of activities on offer (including pricing) go to the Quex Park website.

Disclosure: We were guests of Quex Park for the purposes of this review. All opinions, words and images are my own.

Have you been to Quex Park? If so, what did you think of it? If not, does it appeal to you?

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Related

Categories: Active, Attractions, Kent
Tags: Afternoon tea, Kent, paintballing, Powell-Cotton museum, Quex Park

About Gretta Schifano

I'm a freelance journalist and blogger specialising in family travel with teenagers, trips when parents manage to travel without their kids, and 50+ travel. I also write about vegetarian travel, parenting teenagers, adoption, SEN, ADHD and anxiety. My work's been published by the Financial Times, Guardian, Independent, National Geographic Traveller, Lonely Planet and others. I've lived and worked in Italy and Spain and am now based in rural south-east England with my husband, adoptive and birth kids and our dog. I previously worked as a social action radio producer for the BBC.

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Comments

  1. Kara says

    September 16, 2015 at 9:43 am

    We go to Quex quite alot but I have never done any of the things you have. I didn’t know about the museum tbh – we always dot he younger kids things, so soft play, outdoor park, seeing the animlas and the maize maze.
    I love Mama Feelgoods though it is delicious xx
    Kara recently posted…The Kiddies // Thirty-SevenMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Emma In Bromley (@beachpebble) says

    September 11, 2015 at 6:28 pm

    Ohhhh I’ve never been to Quex Park before but it’s not too far away so it’s going on my list of places to visit! That afternoon tea looks amazing!
    Emma x
    Emma In Bromley (@beachpebble) recently posted…CBeebies All Stars DVD ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Mari says

    September 11, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    I love Quex and that barn is a shoppers paradise, we bought meat and fish one time we were there and were very impressed with it. I am really looking forward to taking the girls there one day soon.
    Mari recently posted…Magisso – cake servers and very cool cupsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      September 11, 2015 at 4:34 pm

      I have to go back to shop at the barn!

      Reply
  4. Domestic Goddesque says

    September 11, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    We love Quex, though mostly for the bit you didn’t write about (understandably): the soft play centre, which my girls adore. We’re huge fans of the museum too: it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Thanet. I had no idea that you could do the Tomahawks though! How cool!
    Domestic Goddesque recently posted…In the lobby of The RitzMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      September 11, 2015 at 4:35 pm

      The Tomahawks were so hard to do! I think it’s something that takes a lot of practice. The soft play centre looks brilliant, I’m not surprised that your girls love it there.

      Reply
  5. Sarah Ebner says

    September 9, 2015 at 1:45 pm

    What a fantastic (and busy) day. Love the sound of the museum and tea, and know the kids would really love the paintballing. Also really appealing for families with slightly older children.
    Sarah Ebner recently posted…Five Cool Places to Eat in LondonMy Profile

    Reply
  6. ZingZingTree says

    September 1, 2015 at 8:35 pm

    Sounds like a great place to go for some family fun. I’ve always been nervous of playing paintball as I’ve heard it can leave some large red marks. I’d definitely be up for a bit of Tomahawk hurling though

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      September 1, 2015 at 10:07 pm

      Paintballing did leave some bruises but they went away after a few days.

      Reply
  7. Lucy Dorrington says

    August 29, 2015 at 7:51 pm

    Not sure about those tomahawks, but I can see why the boys enjoyed it!
    Lucy Dorrington recently posted…Saving Money with Back to SchoolMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      August 29, 2015 at 9:57 pm

      The tomahawks were very tricky!

      Reply
  8. VaiChin @RamblingThroughParenthood says

    August 29, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    Paintball looks like so much fun. I would be like you with the terminology as well 😀
    VaiChin @RamblingThroughParenthood recently posted…Ideal Home ImprovementsMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Britpakgirl says

    August 27, 2015 at 10:15 pm

    Sounds like so much fun!! Are there age limits on the paintballing?
    Britpakgirl recently posted…Barcelona Top TenMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      August 28, 2015 at 6:36 pm

      Yes, the minimum age for paintballing there is 11 years old.

      Reply
  10. Kara says

    August 27, 2015 at 5:46 pm

    Looks like a fun filled day.Would love to have a go at the paintballing and tomahawks
    Kara recently posted…Choosing the Right Replacement Torsion Spring for Your Garage DoorMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Erica Price says

    August 26, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    It doesn’t look like the sort of place where you would expect paintballing to happen. Looks like it was a lot of fun.
    Erica Price recently posted…Looking Ahead To AutumnMy Profile

    Reply
  12. Adele @ Circus Queen says

    August 26, 2015 at 10:00 am

    That’s really reasonably priced for the paintballing! I haven’t been in a long time but I doubt I could do it now. It would terrify me. This place looks amazing.
    Adele @ Circus Queen recently posted…Wooden pirate shipMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Sonya Cisco says

    August 26, 2015 at 9:16 am

    Go you for joining in! Not sure I would have – though my boys would probably adore it!
    Sonya Cisco recently posted…September BluesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      August 26, 2015 at 10:07 am

      I was nervous but it was fun – I like trying new things.

      Reply
  14. Carolynne @ Mummy Endeavours says

    August 25, 2015 at 11:12 am

    Looks like a great day out. My son loves paintballing x
    Carolynne @ Mummy Endeavours recently posted…Steffi Love Magical Dreams with Pixie LottMy Profile

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  15. lisa prince says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:21 am

    looks like a great day out i love little cafes like that

    Reply
  16. Emma TheMiniMesAndMe says

    August 25, 2015 at 10:20 am

    I do paintballig regularly and do 10-4pm! It’s great fun but hard work at times ha. At least the bruises are a nice keepsake 😉

    The high tea looks amazing!!

    Reply
  17. Sonia says

    August 25, 2015 at 9:12 am

    Oh I love the look of the farm shop, I bet it had some lovely products in. I could just sit and have one of those wonderful afternoon teas right now x
    Sonia recently posted…Back to School Product GuideMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Jen Walshaw says

    August 25, 2015 at 8:20 am

    My boys would love the paint balling and the Tomahawks. What a great day and not too expensive
    Jen Walshaw recently posted…I am a supermumMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Gemma says

    August 25, 2015 at 7:54 am

    Ah wow this looks a great day out. My children love paint balling and that afternoon tea looks amazing!
    Gemma recently posted…Letter to Mum, 18 months onMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Helen Dickinson says

    August 24, 2015 at 11:38 pm

    This looks like a fun place for all the family to visit. There looks like there is a lot of different things for all to enjoy!
    Helen Dickinson recently posted…#SilentSunday 23/08/2015My Profile

    Reply
  21. Clare aka Emmy's Mummy says

    August 24, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    I’ve never tried paintballing, I was worried it may hurt. I’m a wuss
    Clare aka Emmy’s Mummy recently posted…Review: Beefeater Summer menuMy Profile

    Reply
    • Gretta Schifano says

      August 25, 2015 at 1:57 pm

      It does hurt – but not too much!

      Reply
  22. Sarah Bailey says

    August 24, 2015 at 7:44 pm

    Oh wow what a fantastic looking place to spend some time! I have to admit anywhere with animals always captures my attention.
    Sarah Bailey recently posted…The perfect summer cocktailMy Profile

    Reply
  23. cass says

    August 24, 2015 at 4:13 pm

    Looks like there’s something there for everyone – I’d be in the cafe I think judging by those yummy cakes in your photo x x
    cass recently posted…Mexican style cheese wrap with homemade salsa….My Profile

    Reply
  24. Helen Neale says

    August 24, 2015 at 2:24 pm

    I may have to add this to my places to visit 😀 x

    Reply
  25. Rachel says

    August 24, 2015 at 9:51 am

    What a fabulous place to visit and all of those activities too, such good value for money x
    Rachel recently posted…Antonia Burrell Forest Dew Skin ConditionerMy Profile

    Reply

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This is a personal blog written and edited by me, Gretta Schifano. Sometimes I’m given products or sent on trips to review, but I always make this clear and give my honest opinion. See my About page for full details.

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