Kent Big Weekend 2017 - registration opens

by Angela Cole

Free tickets to some of Kent's biggest attractions are up for grabs.

Registration for the Kent Big Weekend - which sees some of the county's biggest tourist attractions giveaway free pairs of tickets for a visit in April - opens on Thursday, February 9.

Now in its eleventh year, there are a staggering 22,000 free pairs of tickets available to this year's event organised by Visit Kent as an annual celebration of the county's tourism industry.

More than 100 Kent tourist attractions and related businesses will be opening their doors or offering special gifts to lucky ticket holders on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2.

Some of the county’s biggest attractions have signed up, including Wingham Wildlife Park, Port Lympne Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park, Rochester Cathedral, Ashford Designer Outlet, Wildwood Trust, Tonbridge Castle, Betteshanger Country Park, Kent Life, Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, Canterbury Cathedral, Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, Dreamland Margate, Dover Castle and Hush Heath Estate & Winery, as well as several National Trust properties.

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is one of those attractions taking part in the Big Weekend.

Experiences on offer include close encounters for animal lovers, brewery and vineyard tours, boat rides and river tours, rounds of golf, greyhound racing, railway adventures and shopping experiences.

Visit Kent marketing director John Carmichael said: “Kent Big Weekend is the biggest party of the year for us.

“Last year’s Big Weekend broke all previous records for participation, tickets offered and applications, but we’re hoping that this year will be even bigger."

Leeds Castle attracts families all year round

The event is also part of English Tourism Week, which highlights the importance of tourism in the economy.

To apply for tickets visit kentbigweekend.co.uk from Thursday, February 9 until Friday, March 3 and fill out the ballot form.

You and the family could learn about animals and nature at Wildwood, Herne Bay

Two tickets per household will be allocated at random by ballot (some family tickets are available), although you can apply for as many attractions as you would like.

Last year, more than 120,000 people applied for tickets. Additional tickets have also been donated by attractions to the event’s chosen charity, The Family Holiday Association.