Things to do in Kent during the May half term in 2025

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

It feels like the Easter break has only just been and gone, but it won’t be long before the kids are off school again and begging for things to do.

Kent is bursting with brilliant days out this May half-term, whether it’s challenging your friend and family to giant outdoor games or building your own Lego ships. Here’s some ideas to get you started…

Make the May half-term one to remember with great family days out. Picture: Hever Castle and Gardens

BELMONT HOUSE AND GARDENS, near Faversham

A flock of birds will be soaring across the skies at Belmont House, just outside of Faversham, this half-term. The team will be showing off the birds of prey with an impressive show that features vultures, falcons, owls and more. The beautiful spring gardens will also be open to the public.

Details: Thursday, May 29 at Belmont House and Gardens in Throwley, near Faversham. Included in a standard entry ticket, book online here.

DOVER CASTLE

Challenge your friends and family to a game of giant jenga, see who can last the longest on the balance board or join in the spacehopper race and beat everyone else to the finish line. Make sure you explore the castle’s underground tunnels and climb to the top of the Great Tower during your visit.

Details: Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1 at Dover Castle. Included in a standard entry ticket, book online here.

Hever’s Art Week gives visitors the unique opportunity to paint inside the castle grounds. Picture: Hever Castle and Gardens

HEVER CASTLE, near Edenbridge

Help your kids discover their artistic side at Hever Castle’s Art Week. There will be a chance to make your own paintings inspired by the castle and take part in creative challenges. The photo gallery will house a fascinating collection of pictures during the school holidays, and there will be a handful of actors on-site who will load you up with props and put you in the middle of your own painting.

Details: Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1 at Hever Castle, near Edenbridge. Included in a standard entry ticket, book online here.

The Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in Lego Bricks exhibition is open until Sunday, August 31. Picture: Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust

HISTORIC DOCKYARD, Chatham

Dive into the Dockyard’s latest exhibition, Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in Lego Bricks, with a host of half-term activities. There will be stories about the world’s most famous shipwrecks, a chance to build your own ship out of Lego and add a secret message from the high seas to the giant bottle sculpture.

Details: Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1 at the Historic Dockyard Chatham. Included in a standard entry ticket, book online here.

Howletts is home to the UK’s largest herd of African elephants. Picture: Howletts

HOWLETTS WILD ANIMAL PARK, near Canterbury

Bag a great school holiday deal with discounted tickets to Howletts, one of Kent’s biggest wildlife parks. There are more than 390 rare and endangered animals to see, including the UK’s largest herd of African elephants and more gorillas than any other zoo in the country, as well as daily ranger talks, an interactive trail and animal encounters – and the best part is, in the May half-term, kids go for just £10.

Don’t forget to visit Howletts’ sister park, Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Hythe, where you can explore 600 acres of Kentish savannah and watch giraffes, zebras and water buffalo roam the reserve from your safari truck.

Details: Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1 at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Bekesbourne, near Canterbury. Book online here.

KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, Tenterden

Show off your gaming skills with a journey aboard the cutting-edge games carriage. This specially-designed train carriage has been converted into a gamers’ paradise with custom racing simulators and the latest consoles with a range of popular video games. While your kids are glued to the screen, you can admire views of the Kent countryside.

Details: Monday, May 26 to Friday, May 30 at the Kent and East Sussex Railway in Tenterden. Book online here.

Make your own pizzas and watch Macknade’s chefs fire them up inside the pizza oven at a half-term cooking workshop. Picture: Macknade

MACKNADE, Faversham

No matter your age, there’s something for everyone at Macknade this half-term. It all starts with a bustling boot fair and flea market where you can pick up second-hand treasures at bargain prices. Then, there’s a pizza-making workshop where children can get hands-on in the kitchen and, to round it all off, there will be live music from the Miles Cookman Band in the outdoor Food Village.

Details: Sunday, May 25; Thursday, May 29; and Friday, May 30 at Macknade in Faversham. Find out more here.

The kids can explore Penhurst Place’s gardens and playground as they follow Mother Fox’s trail. Picture: Penshurst Place

PENSHURST PLACE, near Tonbridge

There’s an animal-themed adventure trail coming to the gardens at Penshurst Place this May. The trail follows the story of Mother Fox and her nine cubs, who want to treat their mum to a treasure hunt and pamper hamper. Visitors can follow the treasure hunt and help solve the riddles to find the last item for Mother Fox’s hamper.

Details: Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1 at Penshurst Place, near Tonbridge. Included in a standard entry ticket, pay on the gate.

RARE BREEDS CENTRE, near Ashford

Move over lambs, because it’s time for the sheep to shine. These fluffy farmyard animals are the centre of attention during the school holidays, with sheep-themed crafts and hands-on activities for the kids. There’s sheep shearing demonstrations, outdoor trails, animal feedings and storytime with Little Bo Peep.

Details: Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1 at the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch, near Ashford. Included in a standard entry ticket, book online here.

RIVERHILL HIMALAYAN GARDENS, Sevenoaks

Use your imagination to create your own marvellous monster at these artsy workshops. The materials will be provided and children will be taught how to make their own sock monsters to take home. The gardens and play areas will also be open to explore.

Details: Select dates from Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1 at the Riverhill Himalayan Gardens in Sevenoaks. Included in a standard entry ticket, book online here

SHORNE WOODS COUNTRY PARK, near Gravesend

Discover the creepy crawlies that live within the meadows, woodland, lakes and ponds of this country park with the half-term bug trail. You can pick up an activity sheet at the Visitor Centre and follow the self-led trail around the park, spotting insects, minibeasts and other animals as you go.

Details: Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1 at Shorne Woods Country Park, near Gravesend. Trail sheet costs £3, pay on the day.

Walmer Castle is one of Kent’s English Heritage site and is free to enter for members. Picutre: iStock

WALMER CASTLE, near Deal

The grounds of Walmer Castle will be taken over by family games during the school holidays. Try your hand at skittles, boules, cornhole, and more, all while taking in the stunning spring flowers in the castle gardens.

Details: Saturday, May 24 to Sunday, June 1 at Walmer Castle, near Deal. Included in a standard entry ticket, book online or pay on the gate.