Have you heard? The Big Weekend is back, with hundreds of tickets to attractions across Kent available to win in the prize draw. But that’s not all, with plenty of free days out all across Kent, you don’t need to cross your fingers and wait for the results of the ballot to enjoy a budget-friendly day with the family. From museums and vineyard visits, to glass blowing, in honour of the Big Weekend, we’re sharing some of our favourite free things to do.
Canterbury Glass Art Demonstration
Based in Canterbury, the Canterbury Glass Art shop are offering free demonstrations of their impressive craftsmanship. Be amazed as rods of glass are used to create works of art right before your eyes, in this spectacular workshop! Experience the work of master glassblower Tony Johns and Glass Artist Yuki Toyoda at their glass-work studio.
Chapel Down Winery - Self-Guided Tour
Stretch your legs and explore the Chapel Down Winery, open for self-guided tours. The beautiful vineyards and herb gardens are open every Wednesday and Sunday and are sure to impress as you make your way through. Thankfully, you do not need to book in advance, so you can just pick up a map from their shop and walk around one of the two walking routes, whenever you please!
Solley's Ice Cream Parlour
Explore the farm of Solley's Ice Cream Parlour for free. Solley's is Kent's favourite ice cream, so why not visit where it's made? The farm is just 20 minutes from Dover, and the marked trail of the farm allows for some great exercise and a great day out. At the end of the trail, is the ice cream parlour, home to 15 different hand crafted flavours of ice cream, all made on the farm. The perfect way to end an afternoon out.
Turner Contemporary
Fan of modern art? Enjoy quaint sea-side towns? We have a place for you! The Turner Contemporary (located right on the beach front) is home to work from numerous international artists, Turner Prize nominees and winners, and is visited by over 2.6 million visitors all over the world.
The internationally- renowned gallery hosts both contemporary and historical art. Entry is free! The Turner also has a rolling programme of exhibitions, events and opportunities all year round, so if you love it, why not return?
Fort Amherst
Built during the Napoleonic times, Fort Amherst has seen a lot in its near 300 year life time! Guests can take the Fort Amherst Tunnel Tour and can explore (and get lost!) in its maze of underground tunnels. The Fort has been lovingly restored to its former glory, and guests can learn about its importance defending Medway in both World War 1 and World War 2.
There is a lot to be proud of here for Medway and Kent residents alike. Entrance is free, and the whole family is sure to enjoy their time spent here, from taking in stunning views to stepping back in time and learning about their heritage.
Battle of Britain Memorial
The Battle of Britain Memorial, is located just outside of Folkestone and is sure to be loved by everyone who visits. The site features a replica Hurricane and Spitfire, while The Wing visitor centre includes the stunning audio-visual Scramble Experience, which brings the story of the Battle to life with specially-commissioned video and a range of hands-on attractions.
Guests can also try the Scramble Experience (not free, but well worth the ticket) a high tech introduction to one of the country's most important battles of the 20th century. As you take down the Luftwaffe from a realistic Hurricane cockpit, you can learn lots about the history of the battle.
Sandwich Guildhall and Museum
Sandwich Guildhall Museum, situated in the heart of the town, tells the rich and varied story of Sandwich through the ages, from its early beginnings to the present day. The Guildhall was built in the 16th century and houses treasures including the 1300 A.D Sandwich Magna Carta.
A perfect day out for any history buffs and seaside lovers.
Eastchurch Aviation Museum
The Eastchurch Aviation Museum, located in the Isle of Sheppey, is home to several artefacts of importance to aviation. Did you know the first pilot's license was issued here? The first aeroplane factory was located here? Many first aviation records were set here? Eastchurch became the Royal Navy's first flying school and then one of the first RAF stations. In service throughout the First World War, continuously between the wars and through the Second World War.
The Eastchurch Aviation Museum are offering free guided tours of RAF Eastchurch site, a perfect day out for history buffs and aviation geeks alike.
St George's Church
Based in Gravesend, St George's Church is believed to be the final resting place of Princess Pocahontas. This Georgian Church is free to enter and features both beautiful architecture and rich history to learn. A chance to visit one of the Kent's most significant church buildings should not be passed up on, especially as it's free! So why not come down and see the statue of Pocahontas and learn about her connection with Kent?
Rochester Art Gallery
Located inside the Visitor Information Centre at Rochester, the Rochester Art Gallery is free to enter and view! The current exhibition at the gallery is "Unpicking Places: Ways of Making by Christopher Tipping" and is available to view until the 14th of October. If you would like to see an exhibition on a Kent based artist you're sure to enjoy Christopher's work. There is a wall that is a collage of his sketchbook, showing how his ideas formed and the finished product – including the steps on Military Road and the writing on Military Square in Chatham.
here: https://www.medway.gov.uk/info/200182/arts_and_heritage/303/arts_in_medway/2
