Spring into Kent’s May Day celebrations with these top family days out
It’s that time of year when the bank holiday weekends are coming thick and fast and we all want to make the most of those precious extra days off.
So, whether it’s a Star Wars-themed train ride, a buzzing beer festival, or a traditional Maypole dance, we’ve got some brilliant days out for the May Day bank holiday weekend…
DEAL CASTLE
Over the bank holiday, the promenade outside Deal Castle will be filled with street food stalls, ale and cider bars, craft market and gift stands. The Deal Spring FEASTival brings together delicious cuisine, such as souvlaki, burritos, katsu curry, burgers and sausages and, in the evenings, there will be live comedy and music inside the marquee.
Details: Friday, May 2 to Monday, May 5 at Deal Castle. Free entry, no need to book.
DREAMLAND, Margate
Take your four-legged friend on a trip to the coast as Dreamland’s Dog Day returns. The paw-some event includes lots of pet-friendly activities, including dog agility courses and the dog show. While your pooch enjoys treats and gifts from the local traders, you can sit back and watch a film on the outdoor big screen or have a go on the fairground rides.
Details: Sunday, May 4 at Dreamland in Margate. Free entry, no need to book.
HEVER CASTLE, near Edenbridge
Get stuck into the May Day festivities at this historic castle. There will be Maypole dancing (it’s up to you whether you join in or watch from the sidelines) and the Green Man, a traditional May Day figure who symbolises the connection between humans and nature, will be making an appearance. You can also catch an interactive theatre show and have a go at the competitive tug of war.
Details: Saturday, May 3 to Monday, May 5 at Hever Castle. Book online here.
IRON PIER, Gravesend
Is it really a bank holiday if there’s not a beer festival in town? Iron Pier Brewery is throwing its annual spring festival, with around 25 cask and 18 keg beers to try. There will be everything, from real ale to craft beer, for drinkers to sample, as well as a selection of wine from Silverhand Estate in Luddesdown. To soak it all up, food trucks Amalfi Pizza, Brooklyn Deli and Bun Buddies will be on hand.
Details: Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4 at Iron Pier Brewery and Taproom in Gravesend. Free entry, no need to book.
KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, Tenterden
Star Wars fans up and down the country will have plenty to celebrate over the bank holiday weekend as the affectionately nicknamed ‘Star Wars Day’ (on May the 4th – if you know, you know) falls on the Sunday. The Kent and East Sussex Railway are getting into the sci-fi spirit with a visit from the Ewok Express, a heritage train that will take Stormtroopers and Jedis on a journey through the countryside. There will be onboard activities, such as badge making and Star Wars trivia, to keep the kids entertained, and space-themed beer for the grown-ups.
Details: Sunday, May 4 at the Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden. Book online here.
MACKNADE, Faversham
Macknade, Faversham’s award-winning farm shop and cafe, is kicking off the long weekend with a touch of glam. Drag queens Delilah Tickles and Anita Wee will be hosting a raunchy bingo night on Friday while, on Monday, there’s some more family-friendly fun with a charity dog show. The venue’s outdoor street food village will also be open over the weekend, with pop-up food stalls and a cocktail bar.
Details: Friday, May 3 and Monday, May 5 at Macknade in Faversham. Book online here.
MOUNT EPHRAIM, near Faversham
Lambing season is almost over, so if you want to see these adorable baby animals this spring then this could be your last chance. Farmer Stewart will introduce visitors to his newborn lambs and give an insight into what life a sheep farmer is really like. There will also be creepy crawlies, a falconry display, storytelling and an outdoor trail.
Details: Sunday, May 4 and Monday, May 5 at Mount Ephraim, near Faversham. Book online here.
PENSHURST PLACE, near Tonbridge
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your home for spring or find the perfect gift for someone special, the Weald of Kent Country Craft Show is bursting with great, locally-made finds. There will be stalls selling arts and crafts, artisan produce and sweet treats, while the kids will be kept busy by jumping on the funfair rides and diving into the soft play area. There are some new additions for this year, including circus acts and live music.
Details: Saturday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5 at Penshurst Place, near Tonbridge. Book online here.
ROCHESTER CASTLE
Hundreds of Morris dancers are set to descend on Rochester for a traditional folk festival. Sweeps Festival, now in its 43rd year, will return with international folk music and dancers, children’s entertainment, character parades, workshops and a traditional procession. There will also be food and drink traders and gift stalls dotted along the streets, as well as the grounds of Rochester Castle.
Details: Saturday, May 3 to Monday, Saturday 5 in Rochester town centre. Free entry, no need to book.
SANDWICH QUAY
Travel back to the 1940s and revel in retro fashion, swing and jazz music and Lindy Hop dances. Sandwich Salutes the ‘40s is a three-day festival that celebrates all things vintage. Visitors can admire a full-sized Hawker Hurricane aircraft, be immersed by re-enactment and living history groups, dance along to live music and grab a drink from the beer tent and a slice of bread pudding from the NAAFI wagon.
Details: Saturday, May 3 to Monday, May 5 at Sandwich Quay. Free entry, no need to book.
