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Ellie Graham
27th February 2023

The sun is making its return, flowers are starting to bloom, and the birds are singing once again, which can only mean one thing – Spring is coming! As we pull ourselves out of hibernation and shake ourselves off into the new season, we can’t help but get excited for the days out that are to come. While it might be at the bottom of your list right now, with Spring comes Easter and with Easter comes the school holidays! We’re here to help you get ahead of the game and start planning some unforgettable days out. No need to travel far and wide, there’s everything you could need right here in Kent that’ll ensure you won’t hear the words “I’m bored” this Easter holiday…

Entertainment

Ashford Designer Outlet 

For some Easter delights, Ashford Designer Outlet are celebrating the season with a free Easter trail. In partnership with the British Heart Foundation charity, they're bringing you and the family an unforgettable Easter, all for a great cause. Oh, and on Saturday 8th April and Saturday 15th April there will be face painting available in the afternoon! What's more, once you've collected your sweet treat and had your Easter makeover, you can browse through hundreds of stores, all full of your favourite designer brands with up to 60% off. 

Dreamland

Re-opening its doors on the 1st April, Dreamland in Margate awaits the whole family with its rides, amusements, roller disco and arcade...catch the train over to Margate, stroll along the promenade, and find yourself in the heart of the U.K.’s oldest surviving amusement park. With plenty of events on year-round, the fun is never ending at Dreamland.

Marlowe Theatre

For some prehistoric adventures, come along to The Marlowe’s showing of Dinosaur World Live, where you can watch as creatures from throughout history make their way to centre stage. Witness these life like dinos and watch as intrepid explorers journey through fantastic lands. This is one evening of fun for the whole family, so book now before tickets are gone!  

Broadstairs Food Festival

7-9 April 2023

Come along to the Broadstairs Easter Food Festival and join in on the three-day spectacular of food, drink, entertainment, and fun. Bringing together the best local suppliers from across the county, now's the time to celebrate the talent of Kent’s people and businesses in this fantastic seaside town.

History

Canterbury Cathedral

9 April

For a Sunday Roast like none other, come along to Canterbury Cathedral this Easter Sunday and enjoy a three-course a la carte lunch with coffee in the lovely Refectory Restaurant. From lamb with mint jus to a beetroot, gorgonzola, and almond risotto, you can dine in style this year with a whole range of delicious options. Plus, with a post-lunch Easter Egg hunt in the Campanile Garden, you can sit back and relax in the sunshine while the little ones are entertained. 

Hever Castle

1-16 April

Bring the little ones along to Hever Castle this break for a fun packed Easter bonanza. Hunt for, decorate, roll, and race with your Easter egg in amazing activities across the castle grounds. With the rest of the castle open as usual, you can explore and learn, before popping to the café and enjoying home-cooked, seasonal dishes and mouth-watering cakes. Or, if you fancy something a bit heartier, on Easter Sunday The Waterside restaurant will be offering both a two and three course meal for you and the family to enjoy.

Leeds Castle

1-16 April

Leeds Castle brings you and the little ones an exciting day out where you can experience a trail like no other, set in the grounds of the 12th century estate. Start your adventure and help Lady Baillie's beloved Great Danes, Danny and Boots, look for Easter treats. Solve puzzles and find treasures, before taking a serene spring walk, bursting with tulips and daffodils. And, of course, check out the castle, where you’ll be transported back to the 1930s as a guest of Lady Baillie in her party-filled, breath-taking home.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Legends and mysteries meet science and reason in the Dockyard’s Monsters of the Deep exhibition this April. Running until November, you can discover for yourself what lies within deep sea waters, learning about the history of nautical exploration. Use microscopes, observe specimens, and take on the role of deep-sea explorer as you journey through the Dockyard this Easter holiday.

1-16 April

For even more egg-citement at the Dockyard, delve into the darkest depths of the ocean and discover the hidden eggs of mysterious sea creatures. Are you brave enough to enter the world of underwater adventure, hear the tales of these wonderful beasts, and earn yourself a collectable creature card? Come along to "What's hatching at the Dockyard", a free day out as part of your visit.  

Chiddingstone Castle

After being closed throughout the winter, Chiddingstone Castle will be re-opening its doors on April 2nd. Discover the history of various artefact collections from across the world through a range of free talks and wander the grounds as they bloom with beautiful flowers. Explore the wonderful woodland, the fishing lake, and enjoy the magnificent views of the area with the whole family.

RAF Biggin Hill Museum & Chapel

1-16 April

For two weeks of Easter-time extravagance, take a visit to the RAF Biggin Hill Museum & Chapel. There's something to do every day, so whether you want to meet the Easter Bunny, take part in a treasure hunt, build a mini herb Easter garden, make your own WWII evacuee suitcase, or all of the above, you're sorted. Easter fun awaits! 

Outdoors

Port Lympne and Howletts

One of our favourite places to take the whole family has got to be on a day out to one of the Aspinall Foundation’s sites. Whether it be lowland gorillas at Howletts or barbarian lions at Port Lympne, you and the kids can enjoy a roar-some day out, filled with animal fun and beautiful natural landscapes. Wander the sites, learning all about the conservation and the work that takes place there, before sitting back and relaxing at one of their wonderful restaurants.

Betteshanger Park

Betteshanger Park’s highly anticipated Easter Egg trail returns this year with heaps of fun for the whole family. Follow the trail of carrots through the beautiful grounds and even meet a special guest rabbit! For even more Easter fun, come along on the first and third weekend of April for the Park’s Easter Market. Browse 20 stalls, all bursting with goodies from your favourite local businesses.

National Trust

The National Trust properties across Kent are pulling out all the stops to bring you and family an amazing Easter holiday experience. From 1st-16th April, you can enjoy various themed Easter hunts and trails at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Knole, Scotney Castle, Emmetts Garden, and Ightham Mote, taking home a chocolate egg at the end of your day. For something extra immersive for all the history buffs out there, head along to Chartwell where you and the family can engage in debates, tackle an obstacle course, and do some Easter painting in their ‘Being Winston’ trail. For a coastal Easter break, explore the wonders of the Victorian South Foreland Lighthouse, joining in with their trail set atop the iconic White Cliffs of Dover.

UK Electric Bike Centre

For a brilliant day out and about in the Kent countryside, the UK Electric Bike Centre is the place to go. The Kent Garden’s Route is the ideal day out for any families with older kids that love the outdoors and exploring the local area. Take the tour with the experts or hire your own bikes for the day for a self-guided adventure. Plus, if you find yourself on a day without the kids, why not try out one of their vineyard tours and discover for yourself the wonderful produce that sits right on your doorstep?

Wildwood

1-30 April

Come along to Wildwood and experience the magic of Alice in Wonderland for yourself. Set across the 40-acre woodland, known best for its wonderful wildlife and recent reintroduction of European bison, you and the family can follow the magical trail to the Mad Hatter's tea party. For the brave among you, see if you can beat the Red Queen at her own game of croquet, or go straight to tea with the Hatter before taking home a treat. With arts and crafts throughout the day, you can get creative while learning all about the woodland and its fantastic work.

Canoe Wild

With experiences that you'll remember for a lifetime, spend the day out with Canoe Wild this Easter half term. Whether you're a complete beginner or water master, there's an activity for you. Kayak, paddle-board, or canoe until your heart's content! Plus, to celebrate their 10 year anniversary, Canoe Wild are bringing you and the family 10% off your paddle - get out and about and save while you do it.

Riverside Country Park

Celebrate St George’s Day this year at the English Festival in Riverside Country Park. From dragon shows to stilt walkers, miniature steam engines to pirate music, you and the family are in for a fun packed day, full of smiles and cheer. With the festivities lasting from 11am to 5pm, you can make a day of it and experience all of the amazing entertainment on offer.

Dover Castle

1-16, 7-10 April

All throughout April, keep up the Easter fun with a day out at Dover Castle. Follow a sp-egg-tacular trail in their Easter Adventure, joining in on the egg rolling and egg & spoon races, all before taking home a chocolate treat. Dive into wonderful days of Easter Escapades, with story-telling, family activities, and traditional games. Plus, re-opening in March this year, immerse yourself in the centre of the Cold War in their Escape Room. Journey within the tunnels of the castle to a disused WWII bunker, bypass security measures and lockdown the bunker. All awaits at Dover Castle…are you ready?

credit: @nas152_

Walmer Castle & Gardens

1-16 April

Looking for outdoor fun this holiday? Hunt through the beautiful gardens at Walmer Castle for clues, finding Easter eggs tucked away within glorious grasses and fantastic flowers. With egg & spoon races, you’ll feel like a kid again as you join in on the fun with the little ones and enjoy the sunshine.

Brogdale Farm

7-9 April

Explore the orchard at Brogdale Farm in its full spring glory as you go on their eggcelent Easter Egg trail. Hunt down giant eggs hidden in the blossoming trees, solve quizzes, and be sure to collect your prize at the end (which may or may not be chocolate based!). Say hello to the Easter Bunny as he hops through the orchard and, for some animal cuteness overload, the baby farm animals are back and ready to meet you! Hop on the Faversham Miniature Railway for an exciting ride, join in on the crafts, and get your face painted for the ultimate Easter day out. 

Learn

The Beaney

Step aside, Easter Bunny, there’s a new rabbit in town! To celebrate the 120-year anniversary of beloved children’s book character Peter Rabbit, The Beaney is hosting an immersive walkthrough experience until mid-April. The little ones can crawl under garden gates, hide in watering cans, and see their reflection in a mirror pool, just like Peter Rabbit himself! Come along for the day and have a picture-perfect afternoon in the heart of Canterbury, before exploring the rest of the city’s best spots.

Turner Contemporary 

Get inspired and creative at the Turner’s Children Art Library. Home to over 400 creative books for children, this is the perfect spot to keep those brains moving and learning in the best way possible. Come along and hang out, read, play, or even give one of the free workshops a go. Sat a stone’s throw from the beach, you can enjoy the library and then head down to the sea for a truly amazing day.

Margate Caves

Explore Thanet

There’s so much to see and do across the towns of Thanet, so you’re set for things to put on the itinerary over the two weeks off with a visit to the east side of the county. Explore the 17th century Margate Caves, learn a thing or two at the Powell-Cotton Museum, visit what was once home to the iconic English writer at the Dickens House Museum, or (if you can’t get enough of all the learning!) visit the Micro Museum and discover the history of vintage computers and retro-games.

Wild Classroom

Get back to nature with Wild Classroom and learn all there is to know about outdoor cooking. With family cooking workshops at Goodnestone Park and Belmont House & Gardens, you and the kids are set for not only a day of expanding those minds, but also of feasting on some magnificent food! Book in today for an unforgettable day spent surrounded by nature and mouthwateringly tasty food. 

Getting here and staying here

Romney Marsh Shepherd Huts

Make this Easter holiday extra special and book in an overnight stay at the Romney Marsh Shepherd Huts. Sleeping up to a family of four, the new Romney hut is the perfect place for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday, where you can explore the beautiful Kentish countryside and all that it has to offer. Bask in the stunning springtime sun, explore the Romney Marsh area, all before settling back in to your cosy and comfortable hut at the end of an unforgettable day.

Keepers Cottages

From the charming coast to the rolling countryside, Keeper's Cottages have got you and the family covered on your holiday this year. With a set of tailored Easter cottages, sleeping from two to ten, there is something to tick all the boxes, whatever your needs may be. Pack your bags and get ready for one of the comfiest stays in your home away from home this year! 

Bloom Stays 

For one of the most unique staycation locations this Easter break, Bloom Stays have got you covered. From converted stables to shepherds huts, a fog signal building to cosy cottages, there's something for every holiday desire. Sleeping up to 18, this is really one for the whole family - so what are you waiting for? Book in today in one of their special Easter spots and create the holiday of a lifetime. 

National Trust

Did you know that you can not only visit National Trust's properties throughout the day, but you can also spend the night at some of their iconic spots? Tuck up into your own private lodgings after a day of exploration, learning, and excitement. Which will you choose - Scotney West lodge with its own private garden, Priest's House with wonderful views over Sissinghurst Gardens, or Bettenham Cottages in all its perfect countryside seclusion? 

Southeastern

As we travel around to our favourite spots throughout Kent this Easter holiday, we’re lucky enough to have the Kid for a Quid scheme when riding with Southeastern. Cut on the spending but never the smiles, and get ready for some amazing days out across the county with the whole family.