Phoebe Shipton
Things to do in Kent this Half Term
It is hard to believe that the summer is nearly upon us. But with the Union Jack bunting and napkins being tucked away after the Coronation bank holiday, it can only mean that the May half term is right around the corner. We get it, you’re all planned out, so let us take the stress out of it for you. We have rounded up our top picks for activities in Kent this May half term, all you have to do is choose.
Take a look at our ideal spots for this May half term here.
Find your inner artist at Hever Castle
Steeped in history, Hever Castle has always been a family favourite for summer days out, and this summer they are encouraging you to bring out your inner Picasso. Take in the beauty of your surroundings at the Hever Castle Art Week 2023 as you perfect your craft. With art supplies provided, there are creative challenges for the competitive side of the family, with a few memorable faces such as Frida Kahlo and Vincent Van Gogh. There are also face painting artists within the gardens that could turn your little one’s face into a creature of their choosing! All activities are within the usual admission fee, except for the face painting. Ticket prices start from £10.75 and children below 4 get in for free.
What dreams are made of at Margate
No trip to Margate would be complete without a venture into Dreamland. From classics like the Margate Maze and Funny Mirrors to the Rock and Roller and Crazy Golf, explore one of the country’s oldest amusement parks this May half term. Looking to dance the night away? Welcoming all ages, the Funk and Soul Weekender will have everyone up on their feet for just £29.50 per ticket. Dreamland is entirely free to enter and the rides are priced individually.
She sells seashells at Botany Bay
Take your shoes off and roll up your trousers, Botany Bay in Broadstairs is the ideal family exploring day out. At the foot of the classically Kentish chalk cliffs there is a treasure trove of seashells, rock pools, and if you’re lucky you can even spot crabs, cuttlefish and even starfish. Don’t forget your bucket and spade!
A day at the beach without driving to the coast at Leeds Castle
With Kent dotted with historic castles and grand manor houses, it can be a tough choice deciding which one to visit. Why not choose the one with a beach? Yes, you read that correctly, a beach! Leeds Castle has built its very own sandy spectacle, with deck chairs, sandwiches and ice creams on offer, take a pit stop for a bite to eat at The Parlour before exploring the grounds and mazes. The grounds are all included in the £35 adult admission ticket price, children can enter for £25.
Explore the Ramsgate Tunnels
A safe haven in the 1940s, the Ramsgate Tunnels were created to shield from the war. Now an atmospheric underground tour, visitors can explore the world beneath at the UK’s largest network of civilian wartime tunnels. Keep your hard hats and torches on, walk the 1.25 kilometre tour and make sure you keep up with your guide! With prices starting from £4.
On your bike with Kent Cycles
From Canterbury to Whitstable and everywhere in between. With two drop off stations, Kent Cycles encourages visitors of Kent to explore and adventure during their stay. With all sorts of bikes, from electric to tandem, choose your preferred style and get on your way. With routes all over Kent such as the Crab and Winkle Way to The Blean Wood Trail, you can explore Herne Bay, Reculver, and more this summer. Prices start from just £21 per day.
Come fly with me at Betteshanger Wind Festival
One of our ultimate favourites is a day out at Betteshanger Country Park in Deal. From the play park to Geocaching, let the whole family explore their adventurous side. This May half term, let’s go fly a kite (or just sit back and watch the experts!) and celebrate the wind festival at Betteshanger Park. With kite surfing demonstrations, workshops and even tutorials on making your own kite, Betteshanger Park is the perfect place to get creative this summer. Entry to the park is entirely free, workshops and taster sessions are priced separately from £5.ivities are within the usual admission fee, except for the face painting. Ticket prices start from £10.75 and children below 4 get in for free.
