This Christmas embark on a magical adventure at Betteshanger Country Park.
Wrap up warm and begin your journey to the North Pole! Don't let the blizzards halt your journey, nor get stuck in the Candy Village, for Father Christmas is waiting with his elves in his grotto to meet you!
PLEASE CHECK IN READY FOR THE START OF YOUR BOOKED TIME SLOT AS LATECOMERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. We may be able to accommodate latecomers in a later time slot subject to availability.
| Park Closing Time | Cycle Hire | |
| 2022 | 8:00am –
4:30pm |
10am – Last hire 3pm (for 1 hour) |
Collier’s Gate opens 30 minutes after the main gate and closes 1 hour before the main gate.
Cycle Hire
Our Cycle Hire facility is open every day from 10:00am.
Last hire is at 3:00pm ( for 1 hour ) All bikes must return by 4:00pm
Restaurant
Food and drinks will be available from The Lamp Room Kitchen and Bar. Open 9am – 4:00pm every day.
Closures
From time to time areas of the Park, including our tarmac track or mountain bike trails, may be booked for exclusive use. Please check our track closure page before your visit
We operate a barrier-less admission system which uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology.
There is an admission charge of £5 per vehicle.
Charges apply all day, every day. No ticket is required. You can enter Betteshanger on foot or by bicycle for free.
There are no charges to use the cycle tracks, trails or the play area.
You can pay at any time during your visit or online at www.parkwithease.co.uk up to 48 hours after your visit.
Before you leave, enter your full registration number at the pay kiosk and your fee will be shown on the screen. Our machines take cards and coins.
Your admission fee is valid for one visit only. If you leave and enter the Park again within the same day, you are required to pay admission for each visit.
If you’re a Betteshanger Member, you do not need to enter your registration details. You can come and go as you please.
| 0-20 Mins | 20 Mins and Over |
| FREE | £5 |
Charges apply to motorbikes, cars and minibuses (up to 17 seats), all day, every day. Coaches are free. You can enter Betteshanger Park on foot or by bike for free.
Blue Badge holders are exempt from charges but are required to take their badge to a member of staff at Reception in order to have their vehicle registration removed from the ANPR system.
If you use the Park regularly, you’ll find our Annual Membership provides significant savings.
Where payment is not made or membership details have not been submitted 48 hours after your visit, the relevant tariff shall be £50 and shall be due at that point. This is to be paid within 28 days but will be reduced to £25 if paid within 14 days. The car park system is operated on behalf of Betteshanger Park by Park With Ease Limited.
Any profits made from admission/car parking (not including fines) and membership go straight back into looking after Betteshanger. So every time you visit you know you are helping to look after the Park, preserve its heritage and promote a sustainable future.
Free teacher and group leader places
Betteshanger prides itself on providing a safe environment but we ask that children are supervised at all times. Accompanying teachers benefit from complimentary places up to the number of children within the group.
Safety and care
We will ensure your visit is as safe, rewarding and fun as possible. All our activities are risk assessed and relevant forms will be provided in advance of your visit. We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. We ask you to read our Policy and agree to meet the same standards as those expected of our staff.
Our introduction to archery is perfect for beginners or seasoned professionals to test their skills.
Your class will go through the rules of the range and have a full brief on the safety precautions and how the equipment is used to remain safe.
Our coaches will start from the basics of how to hold the bow and what position to stand. After the basics are covered will have small competitions or games using their newly acquired skills!
This activity is perfect for improving hand eye co-ordination and working as part of a team.
Who is it suitable for?
Anyone who can ride a bike without assistance, usually 8 years upwards. If you have any specific needs please get in touch and we can do our best to cater a ride for your group.
National Curriculum Key Stages: 1 to 4
What should we wear/bring?
Suitable clothing for the weather, if it’s wet you will get muddy so bring warm clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Also a drink, especially when it is warm.
Activity description:
You will ride the mountain bike trails which takes in twists, turns, lumps ‘n bumps and small hills. Don’t panic if you are new to this
though, our expert coaches will always be assessing the ability of the group and match that to the trails making sure you are always having fun rather than worrying about what lurks around the corner.
Whilst on your rides you will be able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the natural flora and fauna at Betteshanger Park.
Thanks to our heritage as a former colliery, Betteshanger is bursting with fossils. Your class will be able to find plenty either lying on top of the spoil heap or by digging down into the spoil.
Using brick hammers to carefully reveal hidden fossils you will learn what types of rocks are in our quarry and what each type of fossil comes from.
All tools and safety equipment are provided. You may even get to keep a souvenir if you are lucky enough to find a fossil!
Who is it suitable for?
Ideal for teams of 3-5 people aged 8 upwards. It involves GPS reading, communication skills and good for improving directional skills.
National Curriculum Key Stages: 2 upwards
What should we wear/bring?
Clothing suitable for the outdoors, with sturdy boots or shoes. Be prepared to get a bit muddy.
Activity description:
Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is a high tech treasure hunt using a handheld GPS receiver to navigate to the ‘cache’ (treasure) locations.
Multiple caches are hidden around Betteshanger Park, for teams to locate and complete the activity sheet along the way. Geocaching combines outdoor play with team building, problem solving and other valuable educational outcomes.
For more information on this worldwide game go to http://www.geocaching.com/
Who will take us?
This activity is instructed by Betteshanger Park activity instructors. They will talk your group through how the activity works, how to operate the GPS and check your results on return to base, there may also be prizes for successful teams.
Who is it suitable for?
All ages and abilities.
National Curriculum Key Stages: 2-4
What should we wear/bring?
Ordinary outdoor clothing or jogging kit with sturdy shoes or trainers. Be prepared to get bit muddy if wet. Bring a pen or pencil to note the control codes and a watch. A compass is also useful.
Activity description:
This is a self-led activity with prior knowledge of orienteering or map reading an advantage.
Orienteering is the adventure sport for all. Participants walk or run around the park finding your route between marker posts (controls) using the special orienteering map. Develop skills of map reading, compass use, observation of the terrain and distance estimation as well as enjoying fitness and fresh air. As a group activity it can be done singly or in pairs (better for beginners) and is normally be done as a “Score” event. Each pair should be issued an orienteering map of the park, compass, pen/pencil and paper and must have a watch or timer.
They should be given a short briefing to introduce the map (where we are now, scale, how to orientate using a compass), how to recognise the control (red and white marker with check number to match the number on the map and two-letter code to prove you have found it) and finally what time they must return (usually after 45 or 60 minutes). The rules are simple; they must use the map to find as many control points as possible (noting the two-letter code.
| Deal Tri Winter Duathlon Sunday 5th December |
Tarmac Track Closed 9:30 – 10:30 |
| Deal Tri Winter Duathlon Sunday 9th January |
Tarmac Track Closed 9:30 – 10:30 |
If you would like to hire the tracks or trails for an event please get in touch:
Need a puncture fixing? Gears not changing correctly? Brakes feel weak? Or perhaps you need a safety check before a ride?
Book your bike in for a service today with our CYTECH certified mechanics.
Our on-site team will provide a quote within 24-hours and complete the repair within 72 hours (subject to part availability).
Please drop us a line, give call us on 01304 619227 or speak to the team at bike hire and we would be happy to discuss your requirements.
| Tyres & Wheels | Price |
| Puncture Repair (Including Inner Tube) | £10 |
| Tyre Fitting (Front or Back) | £10 |
| Wheel Bearing Fitting / Re-grease / Axle Change | £15 |
| Wheel Straightening (Subject to Condition) | £15 |
| Spoke Fitting and Straightening (Per Wheel) | £25 |
| Gears | Price |
| Gear Adjustment (Front or Back) | £5 |
| Gear Cable Fitting and Adjust | £10 |
| Gear Service (Front and Back Gears, Existing Cable) | £15 |
| Chain Fitting and Gear Adjustment | £10 |
| Front Gear Mechanism Fitting (Derailleur) | £12.50 |
| Rear Gear Mechanism Fitting (Derailleur) | £12.50 |
| Chain Wheel Set Fit | £15 |
| Freewheel or Cassette Fitting | £10 |
| Bottom Bracket Fitting or Service | £20 |
| Brakes | Price |
| Brake Pads – Fitting and Adjustment (Front or Rear) | £10 |
| Brake Adjustment (Cable Operated Brake Systems) | £7.50 |
| Brake Cable Fitting and Adjustment (Inner or Outer) | £10 |
| Brake Cable Fitting and Adjustment (Inner and Outer) | £15 |
| Brake Service – Cable Type (1 Brake) | £20 |
| Hydraulic Disc Brake – Fluid Change (1 Brake) | £15 |
| Hydraulic Disc Brake (Adjustment) | £12 |
| Hydraulic Disc Brake – Service, Including Fluid (1 Brake) | £20 |
| Disc Rotor Fit | £10 |
| General | Price |
| Pedal Fit | £7 |
| Saddle Fit | £7 |
| Handle Bar Grips Fit | £7 |
| Handle Bar Fit | £10 |
| Handle Bar Tape Fit | £10 |
| Stem Fit | £10 |
| Mudguard Fit | £10 |
| Pannier Rack Fit | £10 |
| Headset Service (re-grease and bearing check) | £15 |
| Fork Fitting | £20 |
| Safety Check | Price |
| Tyre Check, Tyre Pressure Check and Visual Assessment | £10 |
| Pre-Ride Service | Price |
| Gear and Brake Service, Headset Service, Tyre Check, Pressure Check and Safety Check | £30 |
| Full Service | Price |
| Gear and Brake Service (including new cables), Headset Service, Bottom Bracket Service, Wheel Truing, Tyre Pressure Check and Full Safety Check (Bolts checked and tightened) | £30 |
Betteshanger Park, Sandwich Road, Deal, Kent CT14 0BF
GPS Coordinates:
E 1.36876°, N51. 23670°
OS Grid Reference:
TR352, 540
We are well connected to the motorways (M20 and M2) and local road network, so we’re easy to find. We are on the A258, approximately 2 miles from Deal and 10 miles from Dover.
If you’re using a Sat Nav, please use postcode CT14 0BF. Please be aware, your Sat Nav may take you along small country lanes. For a more direct route from the M20 or A2/M2, follow the A256 to Sandwich and then pick up the A258. Please do not follow road signs to Betteshanger village.
We are well serviced by the main rail networks and Southeastern High Speed from London. Our nearest train stations are Deal (3 miles) or Sandwich (4 miles).
Our local bus provider is Stagecoach and the No. 13 stops close to the Park.
There are two entrances into the Park.
Our main entrance is off the main roundabout at Sholden, near to Deal on the A258 (Sandwich Road). The roundabout is located between Cottington Fishing Lakes and the Old Lorry Farm Shop.
Our rear gate entrance (Colliers’ Gate) is a 15 minute walk or 5 minute cycle ride from Southwall Road, Deal. Please note that access is limited at Colliers’ Gate to pedestrians and cyclists, and that disabled access is limited at this entrance.
Combining elements from paintball, dodgeball, and archery, Battlezone Archery is a team-based game played with lightweight bows and specially designed foam-tipped arrows.
It is guaranteed to be fast, fun and exciting. (without the pain of a paintball blast!)
Players divide into two teams and battle it out in our bespoke woodland arena. A full safety briefing and rules of the arena will be done prior to the session beginning.
Once the basics are covered we will move onto some conventional game modes like; Team Deathmatch, Capture the Unicorn, King of the hill and Battlezone Battle Royale!
All bows, arrows and safety equipment are provided.
Players will be tested in communication skills, working as a team and good sportsmanship.
Aimed at children aged 3 -12 years our ‘Learn to Ride’ sessions are perfect for those who have never ridden a bike before and those who are ready to move on from stabilisers.
Our coaches will teach the basics of balancing, pedalling and confidence on the bike. Games will be used to test newly learnt skills in a fun and informative manner.
Parts of the Park, including the tarmac track and mountain bike trails, can be booked by third parties such as clubs and groups.
Want to book the track for an cycling or race event?
Make an Enquiry
Join Betteshanger Bikers, our weekly cycle club for young mountain bikers.
Get expert coaching, learn awesome skills and take part in fun and exciting games from our qualified coaches, all within our exhilarating, traffic-free 250-acre Park.
The club meets Sundays from 10am-11.30am and is for ages 8–14.
Bike Hire – Last hire 3:00pm (4:00pm Close)
Lamp Room – Last orders 4:00pm (4:30pm Close)
Reception – 9:00am – 4:00pm Close
Play Park – 4:15pm Close
Colliers Gate (Back Gate) – 8:30am – 3:30pm Close
CHECK THE ”PLAN YOUR VISIT” TAB FOR TRACK & PARK CLOSURES
Suitable for ages 5 and above
Gel Master is the brand new exhilarating combat game that everyone is talking about!
Battery powered automatic pistols that shoot water soluble pellets that disintegrate in no time at all. Hardly any pain but maximum fun & excitement.
BATTLE BLASTERS
Suitable for ages 5 and over
All the fun and excitement of “Paintballing” without the bruises and mess!
We promote good sportsmanship, cooperation and integrity through fun games and battles.
Session includes – safety briefing, blaster briefing, arena rules and many battles such as Team Deathmatch and Capture the Base, all provided by our friendly staff.
BATTLEZONE ARCHERY
Suitable for ages 10 and over
Battlezone Archery will not fail to get your blood pumping and your adrenaline flowing, even the adults will want to join in!
The party will start with a safety talk and demonstration, each participant will be taught to shoot the bow safely and correctly. The group marshal will ensure safety rules are followed and provide ongoing coaching to ensure everyone is having fun.
The group will be split into 2 teams to play, each game will last 4/5 minutes when another game will start or new rules are introduced.
Session includes – coaching, bows, arrows, face protection and arm protection.
Suitable for ages 3 and over
Our birthday parties are ideal for your wild one! A perfect woodland backdrop for your child, their best friends and loved ones to make memories and have good old-fashioned fun together. Gather around our camp fire and take part in our exciting activities run by our friendly staff.
Our activities are child led, meaning that you may have booked a Nature crown party for example and your child may then decide to make a den or play on the mud slide. Though you may have signed up for a certain activity with a certain end product, please be aware that your children may find something far more entertaining to do! No matter what they choose to do, we will ensure they are being safe and supervised during their activities.
Suitable for ages 10 and over
Want to be the next Ray Mears or Bear Grylls? Our Bushcraft Birthday Parties are perfect for starting your journey in the world of survival and Bushcraft skills.
Learn to make a survival shelter from natural materials, explore different methods of making fire, and learn how to identify some common plants and trees.
Suitable for ages 7 and over
With an expert guide and a little bit of digging in the coal spoil, your party guests will find and identify plenty of fossils and are likely to get dirty during the activity.
You’ll learn first-hand how fossils form and how they help us understand what used to live at Betteshanger.
You will even get to take home the fossils you find!
Session includes – safety briefing, tools, safety equipment and instruction on how to find fossils, all provided by our friendly staff.
Suitable for ages 7 and above
Our skilled instructors will quickly get your party guests shooting arrows towards the targets, hitting gold and popping balloons.
The party will start with a safety talk followed by a demonstration, each participant will be taught how to aim and shoot safely. Our instructors will organise teams and individual games, make sure everyone gets involved and ensure they all enjoy the competition. Our range is perfect for beginners and the distance and size of the bows will be set to suit the group ability.
Suitable for ages 7 and above
If you have a budding Danny MacAskill or Rachel Atherton then we’ve got you covered. With our qualified mountain bike instructors and all the gear necessary to get your party out on our trails having fun and learning some new skills, our instructors will lead your party around our MTB trails, it’s a great way to explore the park, play games and get riding on our rugged MTB trails, expect lots of mud!
Participants must be able to ride a bike without stabilizers and ride confidently off-road.
In order to include all children, please note this activity will run according to level of the least able participant.
Suitable for ages 7 and over
We run our obstacle course parties in partnership with Boonies – Betteshanger’s military fitness provider. The course is designed to really put your guests through their paces, they’re likely to get muddy and very sweaty but they’re guaranteed to finish with big smiles on their faces.
Some of the more challenging obstacles include a 6ft wall climb, a rope, descend and cargo net crawl. Those looking for an easier option can tackle balance beams, water jumps and rope walks. It’s a true team endeavor and great bonding experience.
Finish your party in style with a campfire and marshmallow toasting session!
PARTY INVITATIONS
All Betteshanger birthday parties include printable invitations which we will email you once the deposit has been paid and secured
Or collect physical copies from the park for only £3.00!
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| Opening | 10.00am Daily |
| Last Hire | 3:00pm – 4:00pm. Monday – Thursday4:00pm – 5:00pm Friday – Sunday |
| Deposit | Driving license, car keys of the person in charge or £50 cash |
Cycle helmets must be worn by all cyclists, at all times, whilst in the Park.
Helmets are included with all hires of all bikes. If you bring your own bike, we can hire you a helmet for £2.
Park Membership
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