Forget staying indoors scrolling through your phone - this August bank holiday weekend is packed with reasons to get out and about, with activities to keep the whole family entertained.
From castles and country shows to roaring dinosaurs and superhero encounters, here are seven brilliant events taking place across Kent that are anything but boring.
1. HEVER IN HISTORY, Hever Castle, near Edenbridge
Step back in time this bank holiday as Hever in History returns, offering visitors immersive historical experiences, live action and hands-on family fun. Across the grounds, living history encampments will recreate life with crafts, armour and traditional weaponry on display. Wander through and watch medieval craftspeople demonstrating their skills, to later historical periods brought vividly to life by dedicated reenactors. A real highlight is the jousting tournament, with charging horses, daring stunts and dramatic commentary bringing the arena to life.
Details: Saturday, August 29 to Bank Holiday Monday from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Included in standard admission.
For more information, click here.
2. JURASSIC TAKEOVER, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, near Hythe
Looking for a roarsome family day out in Kent? Get ready for a prehistoric adventure as Port Lympne Reserve goes Jurassic to celebrate the bank holiday weekend. Deep in the heart of the wildlife park, amongst the ancient woodland, lies a land frozen in time. Imagine walking among the towering giants that once ruled the earth, where every step brings you closer to the world as it was millions of years ago. Phase one of the Dinosaw Forest is now open, with improved pathways and realistic, life-sized prehistoric residents.
Details: Monday, August 24 to Sunday, September 6 from 9.30am to 6pm. Included in standard admission, with 50% off children’s tickets.
For more information, click here.
3. DOVER CHANNEL SWIMMING FESTIVAL, Dover Waterfront
Come to the coast and celebrate Gertrude Ederle becoming the first woman to successfully swim the English Channel 100 years ago. It all kicks off with free art workshops and storytelling with Future Foundry artists at the Clocktower Square and ends spectacularly with a carnival procession across Marina Curve. There will also be plenty of live music. Dover Sea Sports Centre and the Dover Lifeguard Club are hosting a full day of challenges, suitable for seasoned swimmers or those looking for a fun challenge.
Details: Bank Holiday Monday from 10am to 5pm. Swimmers will need to register online, starting from £15.
For more information, click here.
4. PLANT HUNTERS WEEKEND, Lullingstone Castle, near Eynsford
Celebrating the lives of some of Britain’s most intrepid plant hunters, Tom Hart Dyke and friends mark the bank holiday weekend in authentic dress, taking visitors on a tour of the colourful World Garden. Youngsters can take part in Zoolab on Saturday, where a ranger will bring a selection of animals from across the globe to learn about their habitats and have a chance to hold or feel some of them. Expect to see a selection of critters, including Giant African snails, insects, spiders and corn snakes.
Details: Saturday, August 29 to Bank Holiday Monday from 11am to 5pm. Adult tickets are £13.50 and under 16s go free.
For more information, click here.
5. SUPER SATURDAY, Chatham High Street
Get up close and take pictures with some of cinema’s iconic cars, embark on a hero-themed trail and design your own masks before meeting your favourite superheroes. The giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters will also be coming to town. “Super Saturday is a fantastic event, and we encourage as many families as possible to make their way to Chatham for a day of fun, but also a chance to find out about the fantastic work that the Child-Friendly Medway team are doing,” adds local councillor, Adam Price.
Details: Saturday, August 29 from 10am to 4pm. This is a free drop-in event, but craft activities need to be booked.
For more information, click here.
6. KENT COUNTRY SHOW, Quex Park
Experience two action-packed days of family entertainment, countryside traditions and fun for all ages as the Kent Country Show returns to Birchington. Visitors can enjoy Shetland pony racing, wrestling, motorbike stunts, archery displays, chainsaw carving, funfair rides, puppet shows and interactive cookery demonstrations throughout the weekend. The ever-popular fun dog show and fun pedigree dog show are also back, with more than 20 classes in each, including dog agility, a main dog ring and fun dog ring for our four-legged friends.
Details: Sunday, August 30 to Bank Holiday Monday from 10am to 5pm. Adult tickets are £13.95 and under fives go free.
For more information, click here.
7. BOING! FESTIVAL, University of Kent campus at Canterbury
One of the county’s biggest family arts festivals is offering a packed weekend of live music and crafty workshops, as well as food, drink and plenty of space to sit out in the sunshine. Run by the Gulbenkian Arts Centre, it also features international theatre, dynamic outdoor circus, dance and large-scale interactive installations like its famous inflatable Luminarium. Performers and artists come from all over the world, hoping to create an unforgettable festival experience for more than 10,000 people every year.
Details: Saturday, August 29 to Sunday, August 30 from 10am to 5pm. Free to enter, with some ticketed workshops.
For more information, click here.
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