February half term will be kicking off from 12th – 16th February, bringing with it a whole host of family friendly days out and special events. From castles to wildlife parks, our Kent attractions are throwing open the doors, ready to coax them away from their phones and screens, even if only for a few hours.
Start planning your fun-packed week and get ready to hear cries of, “that was the best day ever,”…or something along those lines!
Kent Cookery School
Come and spend the afternoon cooking with your budding little chef! This cooking class is designed to encourage and engage your little ones in the kitchen, let them shine with you alongside them. Kent Cookery School has created some brand new classes in their adult and child courses due to high demand. Use fresh ingredients, learn how to balance flavours and cook up a feast together. Everything is provided and there’s no washing up!
Credit: @mmannouch.photography
Battle of Britain Memorial
While the majority of the clifftop attractions at Capel-le-Ferne's Battle of Britain Memorial are free to see, there is a modest fee for the thrilling and distinctive Scramble Experience within the contemporary Wing visitor centre.
This amazing, interactive introduction to the Battle that helped finish World War II is ideal for families, and a special deal over February half-term makes it even more alluring.
Eco Week at Hever Castle
Hever Castle will be inspiring future generations this week, with a fun activity that will inspire and educate your mini green guardians to support our planet. During the event you'll also have the chance to learn what goes on behind the scenes at the castle to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Go Ape
Fun-filled. Action-packed. Family-friendly.
If you’re looking for adventure this February Half Term, our friends at Go Ape have it covered. Join them in the trees at Bedgebury Pinetum Go Ape and Leeds Castle for some outdoor fun. Dress for the elements and unleash your inner Tarzan!
The Isle of Thanet
Even in February, there’s nothing like a visit to the coast to shake the cobwebs and tire our energetic little ones! Head to Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate for visits to family favourites like the intriguing Shell Grotto and Margate Caves. Head back in time to Ramsgate Tunnels and discover the important role they played during the Second World War as shelter for Ramsgate’s residents. Visit the newly reopened RAF Manston History Museum or the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum, the perfect spots for history lovers, and a great way to bring Second World War history to life for tricky teens studying it. For a true taste of coastal life, pick up Coastal Explorer Packs for the chance to become real rocky shore explorer.
Kids Club at Cyclopark
Kids Club is the perfect place for your kids to meet other kids, learn new skills, and have FUN. These Sessions run for a full day, or half day, and include breakfast, Mountain bike trails, National standard BMX taster sessions, Traffic free road cycling skilled sessions, Use of the skate park and Sports activities. Part of this day includes the external use of the Extra tuition Centre, which will include Pixel art, Websites and Computer coding.
Betteshanger
Betteshanger has a wide range and variety of activities on this half term including Activity Clubs, Wild Ones Forest School, Mountain Biking, Target Archery, Bushcraft and more! With miles of traffic-free trails to explore, it's the perfect place to bring along the bikes and get the kids out in the fresh air.
Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle's Head Butler, Mr Borrett is planning a grand house party to celebrate half term, but he needs a little help! Little helpers will be asked to help Mr Borrett find missing items from around the Castle, with plenty of fun games and butler training to take on. Step behind the scenes and meet the people who helped keep Lady Baillie's home running, with performances and sketches to captivate the whole family. What's more there are deals to be had with Good Journey. Travel by bus, train or bike and you could 20% off your ticket price!
Howletts & Port Lympne
Head to Howletts and Port Lympne for a totally wild family day trip this half term. There has never been a better time to visit the two stunning parks, with a recent flurry of delightful baby animals, plus Kids Go FREE at Howletts during half term to help mini conservationists learn all about the work that goes into protecting endangered animals. The parks’ Dinosaur Forest and Animals of the Ice Age exhibits also provide an adventure with bite for dino-loving kids!
The Royal Engineers Museum
Family outings are fantastic at the Royal Engineers Museum! During school breaks, a variety of interactive activities for all ages are available for families to enjoy while exploring the galleries. Discover the stories of the Royal Engineers and the important role they have played in battle.
Dover Castle
Standing atop the White Cliffs of Dover, this historic fort represents centuries of history, from the Romans to World War II. Explore the opulence of the Great Tower, with its recreated medieval rooms and rooftop views across The Channel, try your hand at Morse Code on the Port War Signalling Station, and venture down to the Secret Wartime Tunnels for an immersive look into the story of Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunkirk. Ditch the car this week with Good Journey's top tips for travelling to Dover Castle by public transport, and get 20% off your ticket price.
The Historic Dockyard
Set sail for the Dockyard and discover a historic site, including three warships, indoor galleries, submarine and the astonishing Victorian Ropery.
Make it a day trip to remember and grab a bite to eat in the Mess Deck Restaurant or Wagon Stop Canteen with a new menu available – that even the fussiest eaters will enjoy!
The Wonder Works
Brand new The Wonder Works in Margate is one of our top recommendations this half term. The experience will let you and the kids get hands on with family favourites like Hornby, Scalextrix, Airfix, Corgi and Pocher. See incredible displays, and discover the history behind Britain’s best loved toys. Whether your little one is a speed freak, model train hobbiest or even a James Bond car fanatic, you’ll find plenty to keep them entertained here. Finish up with coffee and snacks in the café and we’d say you’ve got a fab day out.
Virtual Recreation
We seem to be on a run with new openings, and our next spot is looking pretty futuristic! Virtual Recreation in Ashford’s Elwick Place gives kids the chance to get stuck in, playing VR games, while you can choose between getting hands on yourself, or taking a little much deserved break in the Rec Room Café – now that sounds like tick for everyone. As ever with brand new attractions, this one is sure to be popular, so we’d recommend pre-booking to beat the half term rush.
Ashford Designer Outlet
We know, teenagers will always be so much harder to tempt away from the screens than the little ones, but we reckon the promise of designer shopping will lure even the biggest X-Box fans away. Ashford Designer Outlet is home to over 100 brands at up to 60% off, so there’s something for you and something for them. Better yet, new openings, including Hackett and Columbia, are sure to add the cherry on top of an already memorable day. Round it off with dinner at Wagamamas or Pizza Express.
Alpaca trekking at Reuthes
This is one for the animal lovers, and we can promise it will be a memorable one. Head to Reuthe’s The Lost Gardens of Sevenoaks for an Alpaca Trek through the ancient woodland after a hands on meet and greet with your alpaca. Hand feed them and be sure to get plenty of photos! This is absolutely one for the memory books that will have those wannabe vets smiling.
Canterbury Cathedral
It's all going on at Canterbury Cathedral this week! Book up for Shrove Tuesday and discover the history of Pancake Day, before sampling a freshly cooked pancake and joining the clergy and staff in a pancake race! From Wednesday, Seed Growing for Little Green Fingers sessions will be inspire, enthuse and educate your little ones on gardening, with the chance to get their hands dirty and sow seeds with the Cathedral gardeners.
Wildwood Trust
Speaking of animal lovers, Wildwood is a 40 acre haven for little nature lovers. Wander through the semi-natural woodland and spy animals ranging from the arctic fox and European bison to the European brown bear in habitats throughout the park. Once your little rangers have spotted the 40+ species it’s time to head over to the play area, take on the zip slides, climb the pine marten tower and enjoy an afternoon of adventure. Travel by train, bus or bike and make the most of Good Journey's fantastic deals and get a whopping 50% off your ticket.
Scotney Castle
The Scotney Story Book Trail is the perfect way to bring literature to life this half term. The trail centres around the castle's stunning gardens, with traditional storybook characters hidden in the grounds. Who will you find? Little Red Riding Hood? The Seven Dwarfs? Captain Hook? Complete the sheet, solve the puzzle and claim your reward!
A short break
Keepers Cottages is one of our go tos when it comes to family friendly stays, with a whole host of self-catering cottages to choose from, but these are some of our favourites this holiday. Bowden Lodge in Kingsdown is great for a big family getaway, sleeping 12 with a large kitchen and even space to bring your four-legged friends! While Sycamores in Ash is the perfect family retreat, sleeping nine guests with a big family garden to let your littles run free! Ollerton in Deal is great for those with older children, with every detail carefully designed to help you feel at home. Your pups are welcome and the kitchen is warm and inviting, made for rustling up a big family spread.
Travel by train
Can it possibly be true? Yes, travel around the county with Southeastern and kids under 15 will be able to travel for just a pound when accompanied by a full paying adult. It looks like that February half term trip is about to get a whole lot cheaper!
Stagecoach
This week, jump on the bus and plan your journey by using Stagecoach’s bus journey planner to find the best bus routes to get you to your chosen destination.
