Kent Firefighting Museum

The Kent Firefighting Museum tells the story of firefighting in Kent through historic appliances, uniforms, equipment and photographs. Displays move through early firefighting, the Victorian era, the wartime National Fire Service and the post-war years, so older children and adults with an interest in local history have plenty to look at. Younger visitors tend to head for the outdoor play area in front of the museum buildings, where there is a real fire engine to sit in and play with, a fire-engine-themed climbing frame and other equipment. Picnic tables sit under trees on bark-chipped ground, which suits a relaxed visit with a packed lunch. The museum is run by volunteers as a charity, so admission is free and donations are welcome. It is housed in the grounds of a garden centre, which adds a café and shop nearby for a longer outing.