With all those long weekends that we’ve got to use this year and the coronation of His Majesty The King, Kent is coming out swinging for those who want entertainment, secluded escapes or a taste of Kent right on their doorstep.
To help with some planning, we’ve noted the full list of the bank holidays coming up across the spring and summer months:
- Friday 7th April - Good Friday
- Monday 10th April - Easter Monday
- Monday 1st May - May Day
- Monday 8th May - Coronation of King Charles III
- Monday 29th May - Late May bank holiday
- Monday 28th August - August bank holiday
Walmer Castles' Easter Quest – 1st to 16th April
When you think of an Easter egg hunt, can you think of a much better setting for your children than a castle? We’re hard pushed that’s for sure! Exploring Walmer Castle, your little ones will hunt for a raft of clues and challenges to lead them to their prize and discover Easter games like egg rolling and the egg and spoon race. The aim of the game is to track down the Easter eggs to be rewarded with an adventurer's certificate and a tasty chocolate treat from, Love Cocoa.
Rochester Sweeps Festival - 29th April to 1st May
The Rochester Sweeps Festival is set in the north Kent town, whose historic and story-filled streets will be bursting with music and dance as one of the world’s biggest May day celebrations arrives. Watch live hundreds of Morris dancers come together from across the UK as they combine folk music with their clogs and clash their sticks across Rochester, for a day full of tradition.
Belmont House Easter Egg Hunt - 9th April
The Easter fun continues at Belmont House and Gardens with their Easter Egg Hunt! From 11am until 3pm your little explorers will hunt the gardens in search for the wooden eggs in order to win that well-deserved chocolate treat. Oh, but the fun doesn’t stop there. It’s then back to the Orangery for some fun-filled Easter themed activities!
Hythe Imperial Tribute Nights
Hythe Imperial are looking to add a little entertainment to your bank holiday with tribute acts set to take the stage including Level 42 and Pet Shop Boys! When the Sun Goes Down your evening is ready to begin and before your voices go from all the singing, you’ll get to enjoy a 3-course meal before dancing the night away with a disco.
Oh, and we almost forgot to mention, make sure to quote “Visit Kent” when ringing up to make your booking and you’ll receive a free bottle of prosecco!
Time out in Thanet
With so many things to do on the Isle of Thanet over the coming months, your calendar will not go empty...
Take a family trip to Margate during a bank holiday and you won’t be short of things to do! Head to the iconic attraction of Dreamland and you’ll find a host load of events happening over the coming months. Or, take a trip to the Turner Contemporary or why not venture through the Margate Caves!
Head to Ramsgate and soak up the scenic views of the Royal Harbour, enjoy the Ramsgate Tunnels or wander the Monkton Nature Reserve.
Lastly, why not spend your bank holiday in Broadstairs, visiting the Dickens House Museum, team up in a challenging escape room at The Escapement or plan your visit around the amazing upcoming events and festivals, including, Broadstairs Food Festival, Dickens Festival, Folk Week and Blues Bash!
Coronation Sparkling Afternoon Tea for Two at Gusbourne
Arrive at Gusbourne Estate this May to celebrate His Majesty The King’s Coronation, where you’ll enjoy a Gusbourne Sparkling Afternoon Tea, under canvas in the Boot Hill garden. Take a gentle stroll to the outdoor dining area where you’ll be seated to wine and dine Gusbourne style with a selection of sandwiches, scones and pastries, each freshly prepared by their chefs, and sip on a bottle of award-winning Gusbourne Blanc de Blancs which the menu has been carefully paired with.
Wine Tours of Kent
Continuing the wine theme (we’re in Kent, how could we not?), is Wine Tours of Kent who offer a fantastic premium wine tasting experience day which is perfect for people who live in Kent. Making your day friendly yet informative, you’ll be able to sample some of your county’s finest wine without doing any of the driving, while also tasting some of our best produce and culinary delights.
Maidstone Distillery
Switching it up a little, we’re heading over to Maidstone and its Distillery, where you can get another taste of Kent. Join a tour where you can uncover the town's 200 year distilling history, the process and finally a tutored tasting. Yet for something a little more hands-on, take a Cocktail Masterclass evening with canapés. Getting to grips with the art of mixology, you will learn how to create three delightful classic cocktails, served alongside some delicious canapes. Now, fear not gin-lovers, Maidstone Distillery have something for you too and that thing is a Guided Gin Making Experience, where you'll be assisted in creating your very own bottle of fine spirit!
Creative Retreats
We know the weather isn’t particularly on our side in England, and especially on Bank Holidays – however this is one the weather can’t spoil! With Creative Retreats studio in Chilham you can learn all sorts of creative skills in glass so why not opt for their Fused Glass Easter Experience, this Easter Monday?! Bring your friends or come on your own, with lunch and refreshments included, let's get creative this Easter Bank Holiday.
@John Miller
Scotney Castle
Spending your bank holiday in Tunbridge Wells? Then if so, Scotney Castle has to be on your list of places to go…and stay! As well as the picturesque garden, stunning medieval castle and beautiful woodland surroundings, you can nestle down in the Scotney West Lodge, furnished with cosy and comfortable interior, a log burner and a grand staircase leading upstairs to two beautiful bedrooms, one king-sized and a twin.
Old Harrow Barn
If you're looking for the wow-factor when you walk into your accommodation, then the Old Harrow Barn in Egerton, Ashford will be sure to give you just that. After a busy day exploring all the bank holiday events in the area, the fun most definitely doesn’t stop there as you’ll be heading back to a view, hot tub, cinema room and a games room all located in the barn which blends in to the surrounding farm and landscape.
Find your perfect Keepers Cottage
Looking for somewhere cosy to rest your head whilst on your little bank holiday trip? Keepers Cottages have over 140 self-catering cottages across Deal, Kingsdown, Margate, Whitstable and Canterbury which cater for your unique needs and sleeps the whole family, and by the whole family, yes, we mean your four-legged friends too! Check out Poplar Farmhouse in Sandwich and Rumbosun in Kingsdown for some pet-friendly suggestions or Peace Cottage and Stillwater if you’re looking for somewhere close to the coast or for those fresh sea views.
