Family days out in Kent: What to do with the kids this week

by My Kent Family reporter

BLONDE AMBITION

From Wednesday, May 11

You can’t get much more uplifting – and we’re not just talking the high heels – than Legally Blonde. The award-winning musical based on the movie, which starred Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, comes to Margate Winter Gardens.

Loved by teenage girls everywhere, Legally Blonde follows Elle from being dumped by her boyfriend all the way to Harvard. The feisty lady, who’s never without her handbag-sized pooch Bruiser, tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in the pursuit of her dreams.

Legally Blonde the Musical is in Margate from Wednesday, May 11 to Saturday, May 14. Tickets £14, or £16 on the door, call 01843 292795 or go to margatewintergardens.co.uk

Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde
Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde

JOURNEY TO THE JUNGLE

In cinemas all week

Still showing in Kent cinemas is Jungle BookMAY QUEEN CELEBRATIONS

, Jon Favreau's beautiful CGI update of Disney's animated classic. It's the tale of the innocent man-cub Mowgli, a human raised by wolves, and his epic journey of self-discovery.

He is guided by the kind bear Baloo and the wise panther Bagheera. But the jungle is a dangerous place. Mowgli needs to watch out for the vicious tiger Shere Khan, seductive, hypnotic python Kaa and, of course, the scheming, smooth-talking orangutan King Louie.

Beautifully shot with a fantastic sense of wonder, Jungle Book (PG) is Disney’s best live-action adaptation yet.

Disney's Jungle Book Picture: PA Photo/Disney
Disney's Jungle Book Picture: PA Photo/Disney

Saturday, May 7

May Day might have been and gone but the celebrations are still continuing. At Bredhurst School, near Gillingham, there's a street procession followed by the crowning of the May queen and king this Saturday.

Other attractions include traditional maypole and country dancing alongside a wide selection of stalls and side shows. There will also be plenty of food and drink on offer too. Entrance is free but includes a donation for the May Day programme. The event runs from 1pm to 4pm. More details at the Friends of Bredhurst School facebook page

May fun at Bredhurst
May fun at Bredhurst

MEET PADDINGTON

Sunday, May 8

Have your marmalade sandwiches handy as Paddington will be visiting the Spa Valley Railway on Sunday. It’s the first time the heritage railway at Tunbridge Wells will have had a visitor from Peru. Tickets include a round trip on the railway by steam engine (subject to availability) and the opportunity to meet Paddington.

They cost £9 for adults and £4.50 for children. For details visit spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Paddington will be at the Spa Valley Railway
Paddington will be at the Spa Valley Railway

TAKE TO THE WATER

Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8

Ranging from a 30-minute mini cruise to a two-hour excursion heading out to the Thames estuary, Sandwich River Boat Tours run every day during the school holidays and most summer weekends. They also operate on some Thursday and Fridays. You can choose a trip around Sandwich, or a tour along the River Stour to the English Heritage owned Roman fort at Richborough, which includes an optional stopover. In the summer months there’s also a really good chance of spotting some seals.

For details visit www.sandwichriverbus.co.uk

Keep your eyes peeled for a seal
Keep your eyes peeled for a seal

REVEL IN HISTORY

Open daily

Rochester Castle makes a great family day out. In the the heart of Rochester overlooking the River Medway, there's also the nearby High Street, esplanade and cathedral to explore.

It's a great place to learn bit more about the nation' history and kids will love the gruesome tale of the epic siege of 1215. Having been held up for weeks by rebel barons, King John eventually used the fat of 40 pigs to fire a mine under the keep, bringing its southern corner crashing down. Even then the defenders held on, until they were eventually starved out after resisting for two months.

Rochester Castle and its events are managed by Medway Council. Find out more about the castle, its opening hours and prices at www.visitmedway.org or at www.english-heritage.org.uk

Rochester's stunning and historic castle
Rochester's stunning and historic castle

HEAR SOME WISE WORDS

Saturday, May 7

Turning the streets and cubby-holes of Canterbury into a cultural feast, the Wise Words Festival runs until Sunday, May 8. The Franciscan Friary off Stour Street is the festival’s focus, hosting talks, music, performances, storytelling and poetry in tents and a Mongolian yurt.

On Saturday, May 7, Canterbury Punting Company will be holding Stories on the River every hour through the day, which cost £5 per person. Boats Leave from Water Lane from 10am. The same day there will be a lantern making workshop at noon and a free performance of the Tale of Peter Rabbit for children also at noon in The Burrow.

For a full programme of events, visit wisewordsfestival.co.uk

Wise Words Festival at Canterbury
Wise Words Festival at Canterbury

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COMPETITION

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