Seven things to do with the family in Kent this bank holiday weekend

by Jenna Dobbs

Kent's weather may have calmed down in recent weeks, but there's still loads of summer holiday fun to be had.

From wild weekends to food festivals, there's something on offer for everyone - rain or shine.

Here's seven things to do with the family this bank holiday weekend, courtesy of My Kent Family.

Thrill-seeking families can enjoy this fun day out in Deal
Thrill-seeking families can enjoy this fun day out in Deal

1 Daredevil Weekend, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal

Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26 from 11am to 5pm

If you're getting bored of your average day trip, why not take part in an action-packed family adventure?

Visitors can brave a range of exciting activities, including a leap of faith, ninja assault course, archery and land zorbing.

Or why not try and defeat the Lily Pad Run, or take a trip up Spider Mountain?

Not for the faint-hearted, a 'Dare all Day' wristband costs £15 per person when booked in advance, or £18 on the day.

If your thrill-seeking family wants to find out more, click here

The Kent Life ice cream festival is back for another year
The Kent Life ice cream festival is back for another year

2 Ice Cream Festival, Kent Life, Sandling - near Maidstone

Monday, August 27 from 10am to 6pm

Enjoy more than 20 varieties of ice cream at this family-friendly festival full of sweet treats.

Sample tasters from ice cream vendors, visit chocolatiers, and try everything from candyfloss to snow cones.

There will also be face painting, live music at the Dairy Stage, a fun farm ride and Punch and Judy show.

Tickets cost £9.95 per adult, £8.25 for children, £32.95 for the family, and under 3s go free.

To find out more, visit kentlife.org.uk

The Gatehouse at Lullingstone Castle. Picture: Vikki Rimmer
The Gatehouse at Lullingstone Castle. Picture: Vikki Rimmer

3 Plant Hunters' Weekend, Lullingstone Castle, near Eynsford

Saturday, August 25 to Monday, August 27 from 11am to 5pm

Celebrating the lives of some of Britain's most intrepid plant hunters, this family event offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

Tom and friends in Victorian dress will lead guided tours of the World Garden between 1.30pm and 3.30pm, and guests can join at any time.

Visit an authentic plant hunter's expedition camp, complete with plant presses, roaring fire, porters and canvas tents.

Second Chance Animal Rescue will also have some special animal guests to bring the tour to life.

For more information, visit lullingstonecastle.co.uk

Have your cake - and eat it at this weekend's We Love Hythe Food Festival
Have your cake - and eat it at this weekend's We Love Hythe Food Festival

4 We Love Hythe Food Festival, Hythe Cricket Club

Saturday, August 25 to Monday, August 27 from 11am to 7pm

The We Love Hythe Food Festival returns for another year, with more than 70 stalls, two live music stages and children's play areas.

An array of food, drink and craft products will all be on offer, ensuring that all tastes, budgets and appetites are catered for.

Parents can also enjoy last year's sell-out "Festiv-ale", plus craft ciders, a gin bar and prosecco stall.

Musicians such as 60s-style rock band, Spinner, blues' singer Katie Bradley and the Kent Military Wives' Choir will also be on hand to keep guests entertained.

Entry is free, with free parking available on Hythe Green - more details can be found at welovehythelife.co.uk

Get ready for an out of this world experience. Picture: Tony Jones
Get ready for an out of this world experience. Picture: Tony Jones

5 Lynsted Intergalactic Fete, Lynsted Park, Sittingbourne

Monday, August 27 from 1pm to 4pm

Hosted at the former home of Dr Who writer Terry Nation, this exciting day out promises to be truly out of this world.

All stalls will be decorated with a space theme, and visitors will include Stormtroopers, a Dalek, and other science fiction heroes.

Enjoy a barbecue, live music, games, face painting, space-themed races and much more at this fun family event.

Children can even bring along their very own junk model for the chance to win a prize on the day.

Adult entry is £1.50, and children's tickets cost 50p - find out more here

Enjoy some fun walks along the county's coastline
Enjoy some fun walks along the county's coastline

6 White Cliffs Walking Festival, Dover/Deal

Saturday, August 25 to Monday, August 27 from 10am to 4pm

For something a little bit different, why not try this family-friendly walking festival, organised by the White Cliffs Ramblers group.

Centred in the historic Kent towns of Dover, Deal and Sandwich, the week-long event features a number of walks over the bank holiday weekend.

With more than 40 walks on offer, there's something on offer for everyone - whether you want to walk one mile, or 52.

For more information, and click here

The dog show will be raising money to support guide dogs and their owners
The dog show will be raising money to support guide dogs and their owners

7 Charity Dog Show, Willesborough Windmill, Ashford

Monday, August 27 from 10am to 3pm

The Ashford branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind will host its annual dog show to raise funds for the charity.

Why not take your very own pampered pooch, and enter a range of pedigree and novelty classes, costing £2 each.

Entry and car parking is free, and the windmill will be open for tours.

Refreshments will also be available, and booking in starts from 10am, with judging from 11am.

To find out more, visit guidedogsashford.com

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