Blog

Fun days out with the kids in Kent this May half term

Posted on 16 May, 2017 by Sarah Hart

Days out in half term are a chance for the whole family to spend quality time together. The way to have the best day is to find something that will please everyone so I’ve put together a list of a few ideas that may help:

• Penshurst Place

The Medieval house is set in over 500 acres of parkland, with scenic walks and cycle routes. Within the grounds is an adventure playground which no child can resist. During the summer months, they have a Maize Maze, and fun arts and craft activities too.

This half term they have an orienteering trail – find where the photos have been taken and you could be in with a chance of winning a free family season ticket. Or from 28th-2th May they have a Beasts Roadshow so your kids can swaddle a skunk or cuddle a cockroach!

My kids always love playing hide & seek in the gardens at Penshurst and their assault course in the adventure playground area

• Chatham Historic Dockyard

Discover how ships are built and designed, climb all over the ships and learn to make rope. They even have a submarine there for you find out what life was like under the sea. What more could you ask for when trying to find something for everyone?! The dockyard offers great value for money as you pay once for a whole years’ worth of entry.

• Swimming or Ice skating

Swimming is a good way to keep active as a family. Larkfield Leisure centre offer a fitness pool and a fun pool with flumes, wave machine and a lazy river. There are other pools about with flumes including White Oak, in Gillingham. And whilst in Gillingham, why not have a go at ice-skating. Silver Blades offers Ice skating for all. Little ones have their own sessions with toys and games on the ice and family sessions are a great way to get the whole family laughing. The penguin skate aids come in all sizes so even Mum can stay on her feet. Just don’t forget your gloves!

• Spa Valley Railway

Catch the steam train from Eridge to Tunbridge Wells. There is something to see or do at every station. Eridge offers lovey walks and a great cycle route, Groombridge station is just a few minutes’ walk from Groombridge Place with its giant swing, zip wires and secret garden. High Rocks Halt is in the grounds of the High Rocks Inn with its picturesque view. Tunbridge Wells West station is only a few minutes stroll from the historic part of the town. Sample the spa waters in the Pantiles or enjoy the open spaces of the common. The spa valley railway has many special events throughout the year too including visit form Thomas the Tank Engine and the Fat Controller, Santa express at Christmas and could even have a birthday party on board.

Some snaps of a happy day out many years ago at the Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells with my children and their grandparents

• Kent Life

Kent Life is a real working farm with traditional farm animals. You can even cuddle some of the smaller animals. There are play areas for the kids and a Big top for entertainment. If the weather turns wet there is even an indoor “Paint a Pot”.  Kent Life is a fun place to make some great family memories. During this May half term, there’s Sheepstakes to entertain the family!

• Theatre

Why not take in a show? Many of the towns in Kent have theatres. Tunbridge Wells is lucky enough to have 2! Most theatres have family shows not just at Christmas but throughout the year.

Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells – On bank holiday Monday (29th May) in half term, there’s an afternoon showing of Marty MacDonalds Toy Machine for younger children

Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells – There’s a showing of Beauty And The Beast, also on Monday 29th May.  Or for older children aged 11+ there’s a Puppetry: design, make and perform course over 3 days in half term.

As a mum myself, I’m always keen to find out about new places. Where have your family days out taken you? Would love to hear your favourite places!