We don’t want to jinx it or anything but we’ve certainly had the hot weather on our side recently, yes we’ve had a couple days of rain, but we’re in England, what can you expect? But we’re hoping the sun decides to hang around a little longer (which hopefully it does) so we better make the most of it!
We’re covering everything from that perfect family day out, to what to explore right on your doorstep and the outdoor fun that’s not to be missed!
Attractions
Dreamland
Kicking things off with a visit to Dreamland, because seriously, who doesn’t want to be screaming at the top of their lungs from a roller coaster when the suns out. Okay, maybe those of you who aren’t so keen on roller coasters wouldn’t agree, but you didn’t think we’d miss you out, did you? Because there’s plenty for you lot to do too! Try the maze or crazy golf or the amusements or roller disco (don’t tell us you can’t roller skate!) and we can’t forget to mention the line-up of events that’s taking place throughout the summer. So families, thrill-seekers and those looking for a fun time , head to Margate for a summer of fun because there quite literally is something for everyone!
Canoe Wild
Grab your oars, life jackets and swimming gear, it’s time to paddle your way through summer with Canoe Wild – a great way to enjoy the weather and of course have some fun! Whether you go for canoeing, kayaking, SUP, or even a guided tour, there’s plenty to choose from. You can even double up and paddle off in a pair, or take to the waters on your own – whatever you fancy! And, for those of you with children who are looking to develop their water skills, take part in the Young Paddlers taster sessions to try out an activity and work towards achieving a British Canoeing Award.
Kent Cricket
Fancy going to watch a cricket match? The Spitfire Ground in Canterbury is the headquarters of Kent County Cricket Club and has some upcoming games throughout the summer that you need to check out! The grounds also have some upcoming events including An Evening With Queen and An Evening With Abba from the stars of London’s West End! So whether a match is taking your fancy or you like the sound of their events, it’s definitely a great way to make the most of the weather this summer.
Powell Cotton Museum
Powel Cotton Museum, located in Quex Park is bringing all the fun for a nice sunny day. From sweeping lawns to shady tree-covered spots where you can enjoy a picnic or wander the gardens and woodlands with an ice cream. And of course, whilst you’re there, head inside the museum or take a tour of Quex House to discover its history.
Kent Cookery School
If there’s one thing we think of when we mention the word summer, it has to be a BBQ, because when the sun is out, so are the BBQs! With Kent Cookery School you can take part in Weber affiliated BBQ classes and brush up on your cooking skills and techniques. Trust us, you’ll have the whole family round for your next BBQ after they hear all about your time attending this class. Don’t be surprised if the neighbours make their way round too!
Chapel Down Summer Events
Chapel Down have a range of events and experiences ready to be marked in your diaries for the summer! Whether you’re looking for a Guided Tour and Tasting, a Cheese and Wine Experience, or some summer fun with their Bacchus Summer Concert with an orchestra of around 40 local musicians playing classics from the 'March of Bacchus’. But there’s more! Something for the little ones is their Doctor Dolittle show or The Great Gatsby Party featuring the music of Cole Porter & George Gershwin live on stage. Take your pick (or do it all!).
Kent Down Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Get out and about in the Garden of England this summer, because what better way to make the most of the weather than in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty! With plenty of stunning country parks for you to explore, it’s a no-brainer that a peaceful walk soaking in our stunning scenic views is top of the list for a summers day out. And if you’ve got the little ones, then browse the educational events running through the summer or join in the fun with the Little Explorers groups. You can also book a unique family experience from a Family Mini Survival Adventure where you can spend time in the fresh air with your whole gang, learning new skills and working together to build a survival camp on your very own Mission Survival! Or go for a Creative Glass Class, Gourmet Foraging Days or Sensory Journey in Nature, plus more!
English Heritage
Of course we had to talk about English Heritage and the range of stunning sites and castles that you can enjoy on a warm day. Bring a pack-up of your favourite nibbles and snacks and take a seat at one of the sites for a delicious picnic. From Richborough Roman Fort, to Walmer and Dover Castle all with picnic tables, so you can enjoy your picnic surrounded by history. Don’t forget to explore whilst you’re there! From stunning gardens to amazing events, discover your perfect day out at an English Heritage property.
Brown Bread Ice Cream at Dover Castle
Cool down at Dover Castle with brown bread ice cream this summer. Okay…here us out. So, it might not be the usual flavour you’d expect to see on the ice cream board and your typical Mr Whippy, and trust us, we know choosing anything but your go-to flavour is a challenge, but aren’t you just a little curious to find out what it tastes like? Well, we’ve heard from our friends over at English Heritage that after creating and taste testing a variety of unusual Georgian flavours, including, marmalade, black tea and pineapple, brown bread was the tastiest – with flavours reminiscent of biscotti or nougat. Does that tempt you slightly? Go on have a taste of the past, we know you want to!
National Trust
Wander around the beautiful gardens of a castle, bring the family for some outdoor fun in the sun or take part in summer activities – whatever you decide to do, do it with National Trust! From a family pit-stop at Chartwell with 80 acres of grounds to explore and plenty of games to discover to uncovering the hundreds of historic roses climb, sprawl and bloom in every corner of the garden at Sissinghurst Castle. Oh, and don’t miss the highlights including bowl-shaped peonies and sprawling clematis and wildflowers including Oxeye Daisies that fill the meadow, orchard and White Garden. With the little ones? Over at Scotney Castle take them to the Badger and Pepper play area, complete with mud kitchen, ball run, play house, toddler swing and natural drum kit and be sure to head there in the summer holidays for Dino Games in the garden, outdoor theatre and an archaeological dig.
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Well, haven’t we got just the thing for that perfect family day out this summer. How would your little ones like to see their favourite TV characters in real life at Howletts? Well good news, because PAW Patrol, Hey Duggee, Bluey, Peppa Pig and PJ Masks will be landing at Howletts this summer! So not only can you see the amazing, endangered and wild animals, but also spot the friendly characters wandering the park – all included in the cost of your Howletts day entry ticket!
Hever Castle Water Maze
Have you heard of the popular Water Maze at Hever Castle? Well, now you have! What better way to cool down on a hot day than with some splashing fun in a maze – your little ones will love it! Situated on Sixteen Acre Island it is a maze with a twist, with a series of concentric stepping stone walkways sitting over water. But watch out, because the stones tilt when stood on and hidden water jets spring into action…you’ve been warned… But the challenge is to reach the stone grotto in the centre without getting wet. Will you be successful?
Let’s not forget, as well as the Water Maze, Hever Castle & Gardens offers the perfect family day out with 150 acres of open space, glorious gardens with stunning picnic spots and three play areas including the Tudor Towers adventure playground. And don’t forget to cool off with an ice cream!
Turner Contemporary Beach Club
Join Turner Contemporary every Wednesday between 26 July and 30 August on Margate Main Sands for their Beach Club family workshop! It's time for your little ones to get creative and explore sandcastle building, water colour painting and drawing into the landscape. Just look out for the Turner Contemporary flags and join in the fun this summer - it's free!
Gordon Gardens
Riverside Leisure Area
We’ve got just the thing to keep you busy for the day in Gravesend on a warm summers day. Head to Gravesend's Riverside Leisure Area for a walk around a beautiful 19th century fort, play area, flower gardens and a waterfront promenade. With a café for refreshments and ice-creams for a hot day, a play area, fitness zone and numerous benches that offer great views over the river, ideal for a picnic. Who’s up for fishing? The Gordon Pleasure Gardens has a lake so you can fish away, or the little ones can play in the play area. Did you know? The site also hosts regular events throughout the year, including the Riverside Music Festival and Regattas.
Keepers Cottages
Looking to stay overnight for a few days by the coast? We don’t blame you. When the sun is shining and the sky is blue, where else would you want to be? So if you’re out and about in Deal then take your pick from a Keepers Cottage, located within walking distance from the perfect beach side spot, Hut 55. Grab a picnic, ice cream, and a drink and chill out in the red & white deck chairs by the beach. Ah, sounds like a summer dream, but it wouldn’t be complete without a peaceful cottage to retreat back to. Let’s take a look at your options…
Rosewood - 1 minute walk to the beach at Walmer (about 4 minute walk to Hut 55) * Beautiful sun trap courtyard garden
- Sleeping 4 guests in 2 bedrooms
The Lookout - 2 minutes from Hut 55 and a stone's throw from the beach * Beautiful spacious modern apartment
- 180 degrees uninterrupted sea views
- Sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms
Seabreeze Cottage - 2 minute walk to the beach (coming out seconds away from hut 55)
- Outdoor bath - perfect for those warm summer evenings
- Sleeps 4 guests in 2 bedrooms
- The double bedroom has a terrace with outdoor seating
Destinations
Whitstable & Herne Bay
Sunny walks along Whitstable harbour or Herne Bay pier? Yes please! What better way to make the most of the weather than heading down to the coast for some beach-side fun. Whether that be with your family, friends significant other or on your own! You can enjoy crabbing, walks along the promenade and if you’re in Herne Bay it wouldn’t be a day out at the beach without a visit to the arcades. Let’s not forget to factor in some time to explore the local areas, with both towns having quirky independent shops and local cafes for you to fill up on some delicious lunch, oh and you must try some oysters when in Whitstable!
Hole Park
Ashford
Exploring Ashford has to be on your list of things to do this summer and we’ve got the perfect ideas on how you can spend your time here…
A visit to Godinton House & Gardens is definitely a must-visit, with beautiful gardens like the Rose Garden, to the Lily Pond and fountain – definitely a great way to enjoy the sunshine. Or why not head to Hole Park for a Summer Garden Tour on Saturday 8 July 2023 for a tour round the extensive gardens with the theme 'Extending the Season in your Garden'.
You can’t go wrong with a picnic on a summers day. Luckily for you, Ashford has some great spots where you can relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a picnic. From Devils Kneading Trough with stunning views, Royal Military Canal with amazing wildlife, to scenic walks, cycle routes and the Wye Crown, nestled in the hills of the Kent Downs AONB – take your pick!
Viking Bay
Isle of Thanet
Heading to the Isle of Thanet is just the right thing to do on a hot day. In this part of the county we’re blessed with beautiful blue flag beaches, a list of wonderful attractions and towns will lots to do and explore. First things first, when you arrive you’re going to want to head straight to an ice cream parlour because who can wait until later for an ice cream? Don’t worry, we won’t judge you if you went back to get another. And if you’re feeling peckish, bring a picnic and head to one of the many picnic locations here in Thanet!
Have you heard of the Viking Coastal Trail? This is the best way to see the coastline with a circular leisure cycle route around Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate. It’s family-friendly with traffic free promenades and broad sea walls, or along leisurely country lanes.
So, what else can you do whilst you’re here? Why not ride the waves or learn a new skill surfing or stand up paddle boarding with Joss Bay Surf School or Kent Surf School or head to a golf course and practice your swing or go with the family for a bit of competitive fun!
Medway
Hmm, what to do in Medway? From perfect picnics to wonderful walks there’s so much to do, the only thing you need to worry about is how you can fit it all in! If you’re looking for a treat to cool you down (you must know we’re on about ice cream of course!) then check out Creams at Dockside and indulge in a crepe, waffle or sundae, or maybe a milkshake or smoothie tickles your fancy.
We can’t forget about the upcoming concerts and festivals that are set to arrive in Medway this summer. From Rochester Castle Concerts and Chatham Carnival 2023 oh, and the Medway Summer Trails - great for a family day out!
Maidstone
We’re going on an ice cream hunt in Maidstone, so let’s head to the heart of the town and see what we can find on those hot days in summer. The Old Boat Café is something you must check out, serving refreshing Solley's ice cream so you can either take a waterside walk with it or stop and relax at one of the sets of tables and chairs, and be sure to head for the shade if it’s a hot day! The Kentish Lady River Cruises also sells a good selection of ice creams from their ticket kiosk. Here you can settle in the Archbishop's Palace Gardens or on their benches whilst waiting for your boat to come in, or simply enjoy an ice cream in a waterside location
There we have it, a rather jam-packed round up of some of the things you can get up to here in Kent on a nice sunny day. So, whatever you decide to do, whether that's stepping out into the Garden of England, enjoying an ice cream along the river, or creating lasting memories with the family, be sure to do one thing...make the most of it!
