EVENTS
half term fun in Kent
With the promise of good weather to come, we're hedging our bets that this May half term
may be one of our best yet. Not just because we get to put our sunnies on and ditch the
trusty spring jacket, but also because our lovely county of Kent has a whole host of fabulous
events on offer. Here are a handful of our favourites.
Fun on the Farm
// 24 May – 1 June
Jousting with The Knights of
Royal England // 27 May – 1 June
Join Kent Life this May half term
and enjoy activities aplenty, daily
tours and animal encounters. To
name but a few of the events on
offer, young guests can take part
in the daily animals feed, visit the
farmhouses in Vintage Village,
jump on a tractor ride, place bets on the ferret racing, learn about Kent Life
on the farm's guided tours, and much more. And while there's a lot for the
little ones, there is fun to be had by the big kids too. Families can take part
in a host of games and races, before dropping in to Dotty's Tearooms for
some grub and homemade cakes.
10am-6pm. Price: Adults £9.25, Concessions £8.25, Children £7.25,
Under 3s and Members go free.
Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU
www.kentlife.org.uk / 01622 763936
The Knights of Royal England will return on
horseback this May half term, ready to
entertain children and adults with an actionpacked week of medieval activities and
entertainment. Watch displays of spectacular
action, daredevil stunts, medieval weaponry,
falls, fights, and galloping horses, plus be
entertained by the castle's medieval musicians,
who will play for your entertainment while you
cheer on the red or the blue team. Children
can also test their skills in the medieval knight’
s
training area. A valid entrance ticket to Leeds
Castle is required for this event.
10.30am-6pm. Last admission 4.30pm. Price: Adults £19, Senior
£16, Children (4-15yrs) £11, Under 4s go free. Annual ticket options also
available.
Leeds Castle, Maidstone ME17 1PL
www.leeds-castle.com/events
Edwardian Life at the
Castle // 24 May – 1 June
Cowboys and Indians Weekend
// 24-26 May
Experience life at a grand country
residence in the early 20th century
this half term, as Hever Castle's
Edwardian event for families gives
a fascinating glimpse of the golden
age just before the First World War.
At a time when the Astors were
in residence and hosted lavish
house parties, guests can meet colourful characters from above and below
stairs, while families can take part in traditional Edwardian games, with a
host of activities for children. There’s even a prize for the best-dressed
Edwardian boy and girl each day.
Gardens open 10.30am; Castle opens 12noon; Last admission 4.30pm;
Final exit 6pm. Price: Castle & Gardens: Adults £15.50, castle and gardens;
Children (5-15yrs) £8.70; Family ticket £39.70.
Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG
www.hevercastle.co.uk / 01732 865224
Visit Groombridge Place over the May bank
holiday weekend and enjoy the Cowboys and
Indians experience on offer. The activity
weekend will include all-day arts and crafts,
shootouts, bow and arrow contests, barn
dancing, rodeo bull challenges, and more.
Visitors can also learn how to drum like an
Indian in the tepees and listen to storytellers
regaling tales of the Wild West, while children
can really enter into the spirit of the day by
coming dressed as cowboys and Indians.
The event is free with admission to Groombridge Place.
9.30am-5.30pm (7 days a week). Last admission 4pm. Price: Off
Peak/Peak, Adults £8.95/£9.95, Children £7.45/£8.45, Senior £7.45/£8.45,
Family £29.95/£33.95.
Groombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Groombridge,
Tunbridge Wells TN3 9QG
www.groombridgeplace.com
Make ‘n’ Paint
// 26-30 May
Keep the kids entertained over half
term by taking them along to one
of the Hornby Visitor Centre's
Make ‘n’ Paint activity days.
From 26th-30th May, kids and
parents can join in the fun at the
Margate-based centre for free with
their general admission ticket. Kids can get creative by making and painting
a free Airfix model, which they can then keep and take home! Make ‘n’
Paint is suitable for those aged 8+, with little ones kept occupied in the
‘Painting Corner’.
10am-4pm. Price: Workshops included in centre admission. Adults
£5, Children/Seniors £2.50, Family ticket £12.50. Annual passes and group
bookings available.
Hornby Visitor Centre, Westwood Industrial Estate, Margate CT9 4JX
www.hornby.com/hornby-visitor-centre / 01843 233524
The Beaney and
The Marlowe
Theatre present:
Comedy Club 4
Kids // 30 May
The perfect way to
entertain the whole family,
Comedy Club 4 Kids allows a host of comedians to do what they do best
– but without the rude bits! ܘX