We at Visit Kent are giving a huge (virtual) round of applause to all the parents out there! You've survived the role of the stay at home teacher, mastered being the full-time parent, and come into your own as the around the clock entertainer, and now it's time to gradually, and safely, make the steps to transition to the new normal. If you can't remember what day or month it is, we're here to remind you that it should be coming up to the school holidays. Although the novelty of six whole weeks together as a family doesn't quite have the same effect this year, Kent's exciting and unique attractions have so much on offer to keep the whole family safe and smiling throughout the summer. So you can turn off those Joe Wicks workouts, take the banana bread out of the oven, and be gone with the paintbrushes, because its time to take a deep breath of fresh Kentish air once again...
National Trust
Escape the confinement of the living room and s t r e t c h those legs amid the array of glorious gardens and charming castles of the National Trust. From discovering the homes of distinguished figures such as Churchill’s beloved Chartwell, traveling through the ages with the sensational Scotney Castle and idyllic Ightham Mote, and experiencing the epitome of a quintessential English country garden at Sissinghurst Castle and Emmetts Garden, there’s so much on offer to keep the whole family entertained with the National Trust. Don't forget to book in advance!
English Heritage
Are you feeling fed up with 2020? Well lace those exploring boots and step back in time with English Heritage. From captivating castles and Roman forts rich in history to fascinating historic villas and medieval abbeys, Kent's English Heritage attractions make a perfect day out for old and young historians alike. Embark on an outdoor adventure with the whole family with the Summer Explorer Quests at Dover Castle and Walmer Castle. Follow unique characters on a socially distant trail around the historic landscapes, discovering and cracking clues along the way.
Hever Castle
Grab your jousting sticks and ballgowns because the dreams of becoming knights and princesses are coming alive. Step along 700 years of history this summer as Hever Castle reopens its doors and the annual Summer Jousting Tournaments return. Surrounded by 125 acres of glorious grounds, visitors can be entertained with exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena as knights battle it out in the saddle and on foot in one-to-one combat. Bring a blanket and indulge in a picnic whilst watching the action, then explore inside the historic Castle and discover the childhood home of Anne Boleyn!
The Isle of Thanet
Oh we do love to be beside the seaside! The Isle of Thanet is peppered with quaint seaside towns that are bursting with exciting and unique activities for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you want to feel the wind in your hair with a cycle ride along the charming coastline, take a swing at adventure golf, tick off surfing from your bucket list, or even release your inner David Attenborough and discover what’s lurking beneath the shores with rock pooling, Thanet really has it all!
Brogdale Collections
If your children are driving you up the walls, then why not escape them and retreat to beautiful Brogdale collections? With its reopened self-guided walks, visitors will be able to take a deep breath of fresh air and soak in the sweeping countryside. Stroll around the delightful orchards and enjoy the abundance of colourful fruit trees. Home to the largest collection of temperate fruit in the world, a day out in Brogdale is sure to add some colour to your summer!
Belmont House
Spend the summer exploring the beautiful Georgian house of Belmont, amid its parkland, and stunning views of the rolling Kent countryside. The glorious grounds are now home to 15 wonderful willow creatures waiting to be discovered by small adventurers. Let the little ones roam the grounds and run free, seeing what creatures they can find along the way. Happy exploring!
Canterbury
From wandering along the historic cobbled streets of the City Centre, to indulging in tantalising fish and chips at the seaside, Canterbury has so much on offer to keep restless little ones entertained. Feel the wind in your hair, the sand in between your toes and take a much-needed breath of fresh seaside air at Herne Bay. Treat the family to ice cream, swing along to the mini-golf, or take a gamble at the arcade at the iFun Family Entertainment Centre. Or take a historic dive in Canterbury’s medieval City Centre, and explore the newly reopened Beaney Museum. Discover this award-winning facility and marvel at the state-of-the-art exhibition galleries, excellent educational facilities, and a varied programme of events for all ages.
The Riverhill Dog Show
If you have both two, and four-legged family members that need occupying this summer, then the annual dog show at Riverhill Gardens is sure to offer a perfect day for you! This year, the glorious gardens have merged their 'Holiday Craft Activities' with their dog show to create an entire summer jam-packed with family fun. With the four-legged fancy dress, races, games, and much more, you'll certainly put a smile on the whole family's face with The Riverhill Himalayan Gardens.
