Things to do this weekend in Kent, January 4 and January 5

by Lauren Abbott

labbott@thekmgroup.co.uk

There's pantomimes and circus shows, tigers and flying dragons - if you're looking for one more outing before your little daredevils return to school then look no further.

Here's some suggestions for your weekend:

Ashford's first professional panto finishes this weekend

Jack and the Beanstalk, Brake Hall, Ashford

Running until Saturday, January 4

The curtain closes on Ashford's pantomime on Saturday after a run which started in December. There are two shows today, at 2pm and 6.30pm.

To learn more and book your tickets click here.

Sissinghurst Castle, Winter Garden Opening

Saturday, January 4 and Sunday, January 5

Get out for a walk through the gorgeous gardens at Sissinghurst Castle which are open this weekend displaying parts of the grounds not normally open at this time of year.

For admission details click here.

National Trust has many of its grounds open in winter despite properties being closed for conservation

The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Knole Park, Sevenoaks

Running until January 5

If you've not yet made it to Sevenoaks to see the fantastic The Tiger Who Came To Tea exhibition - then this weekend is your last chance!

Both children and adults will love the parkland trail, dressing up, interactive play, the chance to see some original drawings - and there's even a life size tiger to cuddle too! The exhibition closes on January 5.

Ticket information and admission details available here.

Zog trail, Bedgebury Pinetum

Running until Sunday, January 5

The trail at Bedgebury Pinetum in Goudhurst closes this weekend so families will need to be quick if they wish to enjoy it! It is based on the book by Julia Donaldson about the loveable - if somewhat clumsy - dragon at Dragon School who is always striving to win a golden star.

Youngsters can follow the trail markers through the woods to find familiar characters from the story, collect stars as you learn like Zog did at dragon school, and complete interesting challenges along the way. A £3 Zog activity pack available to buy at the visitor centre includes a special lens which reveals hidden pictures along the trail, a booklet with fun activities, and a Zog mask to help make your day picture perfect. To learn more click here.

The Zog trail at Bedgebury will be taken down this weekend

Paulos Circus, Millbrook Garden Centre, Staplehurst

Running until Sunday, January 5

See clowns, acrobats, aerial skills, magic, wire walkers, jugglers, unicyclists, and many, many more amazing acts in this festive show that ends this weekend.

There are two shows on both Saturday and Sunday before the circus closes. To book your tickets please click here.

Winter opening at Kent Life and £5 ticket offer, Sandling near Maidstone

Until Sunday, January 5

Kent Life is open for visitors and is offering a £5 ticket offer through its facebook page. Cuddle corner, the attraction's heritage properties, play areas and paint-a-pot studio will all be open, not forgetting the tearooms for refreshments! To learn more click here.

Ice skating, Bluewater, Greenhithe

Open until Sunday, January 5

It is the final opening weekend for Bluewater's ice rink. The attraction, which is undercover, will be dismantled after this Sunday's sessions but there is still time to grab your tickets, hire your skates and enjoy the ice. The rink is suitable for children and adults of all ages and skating abilities. More details here.