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Things to do in Kent – Summer Holidays

As a local estate agent serving the entire Kent area, we’ve experienced many summer holidays and understand how challenging it can be to keep your little ones entertained during these long weeks, so we’re here to help. From historic excursions to special anniversaries and a wide variety of activities, here’s our guide of things to do in Kent during the summer holidays.

Set sail to the Historic Dockyard Chatham27 July to 1 September 2024

This Summer, treat your family to Kent’s biggest day out at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

Solve the mystery of the Torpedo Turncoat in ‘The Game Is Afoot‘ and explore all the attractions The Dockyard has to offer, including three historic ships, interactive museum galleries, playgrounds and soft play.

One free child ticket for every full paying adult. Offer is available to book online or at our ticket desk. Tickets are valid for multiple visits for a whole year. Offer is not valid in conjunction with any other promotion.

Supercar Weekend at Hever Castle3 August & 4 August 2024

Head to Hever Castle for Supercar Weekend, a car event organised by Challenge the Road.

A whole host of stunning super cars with their own individual stories will be on display in the gardens with the Castle as a stunning backdrop.

Head to the Castle Forecourt at 12:30 and a very special supercar will be revealed!

Pricing Information

Included with admission unless otherwise stated.

Willow’s Birds of Prey and Wildlife Trail

The Willow’s Bird of Prey and Wildlife Trail near Sevenoaks in Kent is a great place to take the children for a fun family day out!

Enjoy the 6-acre nature trail in a woodland setting full of wildlife and birds.

Please visit their website to book and for more information.

Dinosaur Week at Kent Life12 August to 16 August 2024

Come and join us at Kent Life during the summer holidays for a 5 day celebration of all things dinosaur!

You can experience:

  • George the Jurassic Dinosaur!
  • Critter Corner: A chance to find out about bugs, snakes, spiders and other critters.
  • Big Top Shows!
  • Pop up Activities

PLUS – enjoy other great Kent Life summer holiday activities including fun farm rides, indoor and outdoor play and paint-a-pot*!

*small additional charge.

Biggin Hill Memorial Museum

Visit Biggin Hill Memorial Museum to discover Britain’s most famous fighter station, and the inspiring stories of the brave people and technical innovations that shape our world today. One of Britain’s oldest aerodromes, RAF Biggin Hill is still internationally recognised as Sir Winston Churchill’s ‘strongest link’. The Museum tells the story of RAF Biggin Hill through the personal experiences of those who served there, and the community who supported them.

Please visit their website for more information.

Pirates! at Dover Castle – 3 & 4 August 2024

Ahoy, me hearties! Set sail for Dover Castle this summer and get ready for a spectacular adventure on the high seas. See some of history’s most famous pirates fight it out at close quarters, and listen to them tell their tales of booty, bounty and barnacles.

With shows, demonstrations and hands-on activities, there’ll be plenty of piratical fun for the whole family set against the majestic Dover Castle – whether you’re a scallywag, a salty sea dog or a lily-livered landlubber.

For more information or to book tickets please visit their website.

Summer at Wildwood – 27 July to 1 September 2024

From Saturday 27th July – Sunday 1st September, Wildwood Kent’s visitors will navigate their way through the park on an exciting Super Summer Trail.

In celebration of the speed, strength and grace of Wildwood’s charismatic creatures, competitors will be tasked with finding the answers to a series of sportingly good questions to be in line for a prize and a place on the winners’ podium.

Tickets are available on the day, on entry. For more information please visit their website.

Summer at the Cathedral

Whether you want to enjoy the sun, or escape the heat, there’s something for everyone this summer, at Canterbury Cathedral!

Discover England’s First Cathedral, join us for FREE* activities and family tours, explore the gardens and picnic in the Precincts, enjoy outdoor theatre performances, or cool down in the Crypt.

And don’t forget, your Cathedral admission ticket is valid for 12 months, meaning you can re-visit the Cathedral as often as you want in that time at no extra cost! And KIDS GO FREE!**

* Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket or Cathedral Pass.

**Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).

Kent & East Sussex Railway – 1 July to 31 August 2024

Kids go free this Summer at the Kent and Sussex Railway

This July and August – up to 3 kids go free with a fare paying adult or senior! Tickets are available to book online until midnight for travel the following day.

Please visit their website to book and for more information about their events and trains.

Bewl Water

Bewl Water is the largest stretch of open water in the South East. The 800 acre site is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in the heart of the High Weald.

It offers a fantastic range of leisure and recreational activities, including fishing, cycling and boating, on and around the reservoir with a centre, conference venue, restaurant and café on the shoreline.

Please visit their website for more information.

Summer Explorer Quest at Walmer Castle – 20 July to 1 September 2024

Noble, our trusty guard dog, has lost his shadow at Walmer Castle and needs the help of little adventurers to find it! Join Noble and his friends on a summer quest to search for his shadow throughout the grounds of Walmer Castle during the summer holidays.

Please visit their website for more information or to book.

Get Ready to Roll at Concrete Canvas Mini Fest – 18 August 2024

Add some color to your summer!  Introducing Concrete Canvas, happening at Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex.

What is Concrete Canvas?  Imagine a vibrant fusion of street art and skateboarding, all wrapped up in a family-friendly festival atmosphere!  Get ready to witness live art in action, feel the buzz of creativity, and soak in the infectious energy of the skate scene.

Grab Your Skateboards and Paint Brushes!  Whether you’re shredding the ramps or adding your mark to the canvas, Concrete Canvas promises a day filled with creativity, community, and endless inspiration.

Please visit their website for more information.

Summertime at Leeds Castle

From 20th July to 1st September 2024, immerse yourself in a world of thrilling activities and captivating events perfect for the whole family. Make the most of your admission ticket this summer & experience something new with every visit.

24 July – 6 August – SUMMER WOODLAND TRAIL

10 & 11 August – MOTORS BY THE MOAT

Please visit their website for more information about their events and activities.

Summer At Cyclopark

Get Ready For A Summer Of Family Fun At Cyclopark!

Cyclopark is inviting you to get outdoors with us this summer! Throughout July and August enjoy a huge range of cycling activities, family adventure and community events, all in one unique venue! 

Please visit their website for more information about each exciting event they have got on this Summer!

The Royal Engineers Museum

Galleries at this interesting museum include the Waterloo Map, the world’s first useable guided torpedo, a huge piece of the Berlin Wall, a Harrier Jump Jet and an enormous V2 Rocket! There’s lots to see outside as well, with tanks and other vehicles. Let the kids have a go on the play area, shaped like a First World War Tank!

Please visit their website for more information.

Soar Trampoline Park

Wall to wall trampoline arena, foam diving pits, dodge-ball courts, slam dunk, wiggle ladder, dual pit, Wipe Out zone & the Wall. Exhilarating, fun for everyone.

Please visit their website for more information.

Wingham Wildlife Park

Kids will love Wingham Wildlife Park, which offers a great opportunity to experience some amazing animals and unusual creatures. There are pre-booked experiences available, such as Shadow a Reptile Keeper, or Tiger Experience and it’s a great place to hold a birthday party.

Please visit their website for more information.

Faversham Pools

Children enjoy getting into the water and Faversham Pools has lots of swimming opportunities throughout the year. The outdoor pool, which is heated and only open in the summer, has rapid rides, a toddler pool and space for a picnic. The indoor pool, open all year, has a beach area, jacuzzi and a dual run inflatable.

Please visit their website for more information.

Eagle Heights Wildlife Foundation

Watch flying demonstrations at this large bird of prey centre, one of the UK’s largest. It is also an expanding Wildlife Sanctuary for many different species of animals, including huskies, Meerkats, snakes, Coati Mundi, a camel and more! Enjoy the outdoor picnic area, the children’s play area and the seasonal activities for children.

Please visit their website for more information.

Fort Amherst

Take pride in local history; explore a maze of underground defensive tunnels; enjoy spectacular views; step back in time to imagine the life of a Napoleonic soldier; and discover Fort Amherst’s strategic role in defending Medway in both World War I and World War II. 

Please visit their website for more information and events.

Broadditch Farm

Summer Scavenger Hunt

It’s back to nature, as you navigate your way through our woods. Search for pictures of things you’d expect to find in a woodland habitat, as well as a couple of unusual visitors you wouldn’t normally expect to see in the woods! Complete the challenges and have fun with the activities along the way.

Farmer John’s Maze Experience

Our Maze Experience is themed around Dinosaurs! Come and explore the woodland maze and find all the mega beasts. There are no dead-ends in the maze so you can’t get lost!

If you want to stay a while why not bring a picnic and enjoy it in the picnic area by the duck pond and play area!

Please visit their website for more information and prices.

Planet Ice

Enjoy ice skating all year round at Planet Ice Gillingham. The perfect day out for all the family.

Please visit their website for more information and prices.

Clip ‘n Climb Tonbridge

All the family can enjoy a wonderful day out at the largest Clip ’n Climb! This indoor climbing arena offers lots of healthy action packed fun.

The centre has 33 individual and multi climber wall challenges of varying design and difficulty. They include two special attractions – the infamous Vertical Dropslide and Stairway to Heaven!

Please visit their website for more information.

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve

Plan a wonderful day out with all the family at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, and enjoy an experience that will not be forgotten.

Steel your nerves as you enter carnivore territory, with lions, tigers and cheetah. At Palace of the Apes you can get up close to the gorillas!

Be amazed at the largest collection of life-size dinosaurs and be entertained by the stories about them. Climb on board an authentic African safari vehicle to visit The African Experience.

There are also children’s play areas, where they can do some climbing, swinging and jumping of their own!

Please visit their website for more information.

Buckmore Park

All kids love karting and it can be a great family day out too! At Buckmore Park near Chatham there are motorsport related activities for youngsters aged 4 – 15 years. You can turn up and drive, book ahead, hold a great karting birthday party or even take part in laser warfare with all the family.

Please visit their website for more information.

Curly’s Farm

Curly’s Farm is a working farm set in 10 acres of gorgeous Kent countryside, on the Isle of Sheppey. Curly’s Farm prides itself on being fully inclusive where everyone can learn and develop their farming and livestock handling skills. The youngest farmers being just 3 years old, we have no upper age limit as we want everyone to access the farm!

Please visit their website for more information or to book tickets.

Bonnets and Wings Classic Car Show – 1 September 2024

The sight of more than 100 lovingly polished, immaculately restored classic cars always adds a fantastic extra dimension to a visit to the Memorial – and it’s all completely free

As well as the stunning sight of the parked up motors and all the usual outside attractions, visitors will be able to enjoy The Scramble Experience, pause for refreshments or a cream tea in the Cockpit Café and visit the Memorial’s well-stocked shop.

The cars will be arriving mid-morning and stay for most of the day, while the Memorial is open from 10am to 5pm.

Please visit their website for more information.

Jumpin Fun Inflatable Park

The Jumpin Inflatable Theme park is a brand-new leisure experience, with enough wall to wall inflatable fun for just about anyone, of any age.

Please visit their website for more information or to book tickets.

Chatham Ski and Snowboard Centre

Chatham Snowsports Centre is the South East’s premier outdoor winter sport facility. We have a 200m main slope, teaching area, toboggan run as well as a café.

Please visit their website for more information.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

Located in the heart of Kent, this sanctuary is home to a variety of amazing wild cat species – from the smallest to the largest!

Available to visit on open days or by appointment, the public can see everything in the big cat world, from a jaguar, leopard. puma to a tiger, lynx, lion and many more.

Please visit their website for more information and open days.

Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway

Take a trip on a train with an original steam engine, on an original line and original rolling stock! This unique line was built in 1905 for the transportation of the raw materials required for the manufacture of paper.

Please visit their website for more information and running times.

Rochester Castle

Historic castle with captivating history, panoramic views, and challenging 800-year-old spiral staircase. Features informative displays and audio-guided tours amidst well-preserved architecture.

Please visit their website for more information.

Flip Out Ashford

Flip Out Ashford  is a 34,000 square foot arena filled with a wide range of attractions that the whole family can enjoy.

Have lots of fun on the trampolines, Ninja Tag, two stunt zones, a Soft Play and a special area for the under 5s.

Please visit their website for more information.

Summer fun at the Rare Breeds Centre – 24 July to 3 September 2024

The Rare Breeds Centre is a working 100-acre farm and tourist attraction, surrounded by the beautiful Kentish countryside.

It is home to many rare and native breeds of farm livestock and is approved by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, with everything from pigs and sheep to horses, chickens and cows.

There’s so much to do, with visitors young and old coming to enjoy the exotic butterfly tunnel, the Discovery Garden, the woodland walks, the Secret Lake, the outdoor playgrounds, and assault courses.

Please visit their website for more information and activity dates.

Penshurst Place – 24 July to 1 September 2024

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Crafts, 11.00am – 3.30pm

Wednesdays: Bushcraft activities on the hour 11.00am – 4.00pm

Alternating every Saturday: Laser Clay Shooting OR Falconry

Sundays: Wind In the Willows Storytelling Performances

Activities included in all admission types to Penshurst Place and Gardens

Please visit their website for more information.

Mote Park

Maidstone’s largest park, Mote Park, is set in 450 acres of historic parkland qand is a great place to spend family time.

There are four play areas including a natural woodland play area for children aged 8 to 15 years and a skate park. There is also a BMX track, sports pitches, sports courts, a water-sports centre and a leisure centre!

Please visit their website for more information.

Howletts

Explore wooded walkways and paths and discover rare and endangered species, including gorillas, primates, big cats, small cats, giant anteaters and more.

Children can also enjoy being active at the great play area, and families can enjoy free daily animal talks as well as watching animal feeds.

Discover a world lost in time, at Animals of the Ice Age!  As you explore a forgotten land, you’ll marvel at the life size pre historic creatures taking over the Woodland Walk.

Please visit their website for more information.

St Andrews Lakes

As a former quarry, our team have transformed the site into a superb beautiful blue lake reserve with an amazing range of water and land based activities for all ages. Nestled in the countryside of Kent with easy access from the motorway network and national rail, St Andrews Lakes offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in a setting that seamlessly combines breathtaking nature with the thrill of adventure. 

Please visit their website for more information.

Dreamland Margate

Dreamland now has a cutting edge line-up of singers and spinners performing on a state of the art live stage, meticulously renovated vintage rides, art installations, pop ups and cultural activities, all providing a great day out for the family.

Their location on Margate’s seafront on the Kent coast and the people who live there underline all that they are – a  very modern UK operation with wonderful retro rides and attractions such as Dodgems, Helter Skelter a ghost train and much more. Height restrictions do apply to some of the rides.

Please visit their website for more information.

Pirate Cove Adventure Golf

Step aboard for a fun-filled 36 holes of Adventure Golf at Pirate Cove. Friends, family and pets welcome!

Feeling brave? Impress the Captain and take on the 36-hole challenge at your peril. Off the course, you can continue the adventure and take to the water on the pirate boating experience.

The shark-themed electric boats take up to four passengers and, with ergonomic seats, you can set sail across the lake for a comfortable 30-minute journey.

Perfect for all ages, the activities are great fun for everyone.

Please visit their website for more information.

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway runs for 13 ½ miles from the picturesque Cinque Port town of Hythe, through the family-friendly seaside village to Dymchurch

The model Exhibition at New Romney Station is a must-see attraction. The interactive features are sure to keep children intrigued, whilst displays depicting the railway’s history always engages the grown-ups.

Children will find the train-themed outdoor play area great fun!

Please visit their website for more information.

Rochester Cathedral

Children have lots of activities on offer at Rochester Cathedral. Originally founded in 604 AD, the cathedral was subjected to invasions, fires, war damage and plundering. There is a family audio guide, interactive story trails for pre-schoolers as well as various trails and activity sheets to keep everyone busy. Donations welcomed.

Please visit their website for more information.

Diggerland

Have you ever wanted to drive a real JCB Digger or dumper?

Well, at Diggerland Kent the dream becomes a reality! There you can ride, drive and operate real, full size construction machinery which provides a truly fun day out for all the family.

The park is aimed at children between 4 and 14 years of age, however visitors of all ages can enjoy a great day out! There is a comprehensive Diggerland Ride Height Chart on their website, which indicates the suitability of all the rides they offer. Children under 100cm will enter for free!

Please visit their website for more information.

 Travel Offers

With stations covered in the likes of Dover, Ramsgate to Sevenoaks, nearly all the of the above adventures are on Southeastern’s network, plus throughout the summer on off-peak services you can take up to four children with you for just £1 each! Download the Southeastern App to buy your tickets and plan your journey. 

If you’re stacking up the ideas with all of these things to do, make sure you keep the costs down by travelling with Stagecoach! Not only do they offer 50% off Wildwood entry when you travel with them, but kids travel for £1, which will no doubt make sitting at the front on the top deck even more fun!

Looking to move this summer?

For those considering a move in Medway or the surrounding Kent areas, please contact our local property experts for a free valuation.

Recent Articles

How to support your dog through Bonfire Night

Watching fireworks, especially for children, with all their sparkles, unexpected flashes and colours can be extremely exciting; but for your dogs Bonfire Night and fireworks is like living through a horror movie. Pets can often react by running away as a way to escape the noise; but there are things you can do to help to reduce your dog’s stress levels. With organised events all over Kent, and family parties and the nights getting darker sooner, there are bound to be celebrations this autumn and winter that will involve fireworks. This is why our pet loving team at Century Residential have put together some advice on how to support your dog through Bonfire Night.

Create a place they can feel safe

Firework fright has been known to see dogs jump over or dig under fences, and even shatter windows; this is why it’s important to keep your dog in an area of your home where he or she feels safe and sheltered. Having a designated place to hide that is dark can make your pet feel more secure. The minimum you can do is to keep your windows and doors closed; but a sheet draped over a table can be a great solution. 

Dogs that have their own crates should not be locked inside them, as this can make things more stressful for them; but again place a blanket over the top and keep the door open so they can decide when to go in and hide. One thing you should try not to do is confine them to a room; as they may feel happier curled up in their favourite space rather than being told where they can or cannot be.

Plan if you can

The last thing you want to be doing, is taking your dog out for a walk when fireworks are going off. So, where possible, take your dog for a long and energetic walk before the fireworks start. If you can, tire your dog out before events and displays start and keep their final toilet trip for when the quiet returns.

You also don’t want your pets escaping due to their anxiety, so lock your doors and keep them safe; and if possible try and keep them in an area of your home where the sounds outside are minimalised. They could become destructive if stressed, so you may wish to remove things that can be damaged or be harmful if chewed.

Distract them

One of our friends always puts classical for pets on their Alexa when they leave the house; this soothing music is believed to help to reduce your pet’s stress. Other pet owners like to leave the TV on, but anything you can do to drown out the sound of fireworks to distract them can only be a good thing.

It isn’t just background noise that can distract your fur baby; but also a long-lasting chew, or a toy that keeps them occupied. If you dog has a favourite long-lasting chew, get one ready for the night. This means that they can enjoy a delicious treat whilst they enjoy Netflix.

Keep it normal

Dogs are so in tune with their owners, they can sense when you’re stressed, feeling ill or unsettled; so act normal, and no matter what is going on outside keep your normal routine. Being overly attentive to your pet and even following them around your home can make them even more confused. Encourage them to play with a toy with you, or let them cosy next to you on the sofa; but just let them make the decision on what they will feel happy to do and when.

Keeping everyone happy

We know as dog owners how you can worry about your beloved furry family member on Bonfire Night; but we hope our advice will ensure you can try to keep everyone happy and safe from fireworks.

If you have any property questions, our team are always happy to help: give us a call on 01634 570057.

Content contributed by The Federation of Independent Agents.

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