Phoebe Shipton
May half-term is just around the corner and with the weather warming up we thought we would get you excited about all the fun activities that are going on in and around Deal. Whether you fancy a long bank holiday weekend away or a longer stay there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Picture lazy afternoons on the beach, an alfresco picnic in the the Queen Mother’s garden at Walmer Castle or a seal spotting trip on a Sandwich river bus boat trip. Here at Keepers we have the perfect coastal accommodation for you and your family to return to after days filled with fresh air and enjoyment.
Sunday 29 May on Walmer Green – 10 am to 4.30 pm
Last year, the Deal Classic Motor Show attracted record crowds with an estimated 18,000 visitors throughout the day. This year sees 700 classic vehicles, the Classic Music Show, a Retro market, children’s entertainers, a Real Ale bar, children’s funfair rides, vintage bus rides and more all on beautiful Walmer Green. The event supports RNLI Walmer Lifeboat.
Pack a picnic and enjoy the gardens – open every day
Children will love exploring Walmer Castle with its 8 acres of gardens, woodland, cannons and sea views. Lay a picnic blanket on the Oval Lawn and relax whilst the children play close by. Giant games available.
Saturday 28 to Monday 30 May – 10 am to 5.00 pm
This is English heritage’s biggest event of the year! Witness a jaw-dropping flypast by WW2 aircraft, an explosive battle and a German field hospital; soak up the atmosphere in the military encampments and get up close to a full size replica Spitfire and a 1944 US Army cargo truck. Meet the Land Girls, visit the 1940s beauty parlour and step inside Mr Smith’s bombed out shop and discover the austerity of the war years from the Ministry of Food. With a live band playing music from the 40’s and plenty of hands-on activities for children including a brand new assault course.
Travel the River Stour in search of seals
Take a traditional type boat trip from Sandwich to the Roman Fort at Richborough or enjoy a trip down river towards the sea looking at the wildlife with a very good chance of spotting seals.
FUN DAY AT HORNBY VISITOR CENTRE
Tuesday 31 May – 10 am to 5 pm
Journey through the history of Britain’s best-loved toys with rare products from the Hornby, Airfix and Corgi archives. Track the history of Hornby’s iconic model trains and don’t miss the spectacular Model Railway and Scalextric layouts. On the 31 May, Hornby is holding a fun day with a candyfloss machine, ice cream van, candy cart and a mobile photobooth. Near Westwood, Margate.
WHAT’S HIDING IN OUR GARDENS AT QUEX PARK
Tuesday 31 May to Friday 3 June
Find out what is lurking in your garden and local woodland; see if you can find and identify the creepy crawlies hiding, then encourage more wildlife into your garden by making your own bee hotel to take home. Places are limited and require booking. Quex Park is home to the Powell-Cotton Museum and the Powell-Cotton family’s extraordinary collection of natural history, ethnography and fine and decorative arts so you can enjoy a full day out exploring the museum, family home and the beautiful Victorian gardens.
CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL OPEN GARDENS
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May – 9 am to 5 pm
This annual event unlocks several private and secret gardens within Canterbury Cathedral grounds; and in the process, raises money for charity. Visitors will have the opportunity to wander around the Precincts, and to wonder at and enjoy the fragrance and beauty of the gardens. There will be an opportunity to eyeball birds of prey; see a bee observation hive and enjoy the spectacle of classic cars on the Green Court.
Why not take the family out for dinner. Deal has a great choice of eateries including the recently opened Frog and Scot a modern French bistro, the Burger Bros for burgers, dogs and shakes and the maritime styled pub The Deal Hoy for delicious wood fired oven pizzas.
Click here to book a Keeper’s cottage or call 01304 368500.
