Things to do in Kent over the May 2021 bank holiday weekend

With a three-day weekend ahead, there's triple the chances to get out and about and enjoy the county.

Here are some suggestions of things to do with the kids in Kent over the bank holiday:

Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham

This weekend, you can celebrate the joys of spring at Mount Ephraim Gardens in Faversham and see the new spring lambs. On Sunday, May 2 and Bank Holiday Monday, May 3, local farmer Alex will be bringing lambs born on the estate for visitors to see (although not to pet due to Covid restrictions).

There will also be a lamb trail with hand-painted wooden lambs in the garden and takeaway refreshments. There are two time slots on both Sunday, May 2 and Bank Holiday Monday: 11am to 2pm and 2pm to 5pm. Pre-book at mountephraimgardens.co.uk

Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour, near Dover

Jump on board and enjoy a tractor and trailer ride around the arable farm near Dover and finish off with an ice cream.

Tractor rides are available at weekends, weather permitting and cost £2.50 each with under threes free. No pre-booking is needed but there may be a delay as numbers on each ride are limited. Details at solleysicecream.co.uk

Kent Life, Maidstone

The site at Lock Lane, Sandling, will have the feel of a traditional English street party all through the bank holiday weekend, from Saturday, May 1 to Bank Holiday Monday, May 3.

Visitors can enjoy a cream tea on the terrace, or pick up a Pimm’s and there will be farm rides, outdoor play and animal encounters on offer and Dotty’s Tea Room will also have takeaway refreshments.

Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway

The heritage steam railway reopens to the public on Sunday, May 2 and will then be open on bank holidays and Sundays throughout the month. There is a Covid-safe timetable, that includes passengers travelling back on the same train as their outward journey. The café will be open too for takeaways. Visit sklr.net.

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Managers of the heritage railway, which reopened last month, have added shorter journeys for families over this bank holiday weekend. The move comes as a result of demand from parents. The shorter journeys mean you can travel to Dymchurch or New Romney. The three new trips a day will run on Saturday, May 1, Sunday, May 2 and Bank Holiday Monday, May 3. Pre-book at rhdr.org.uk or call 01797 362353. There are Covid-safe measures in place and travellers will need to wear a face covering on the train.

Kent Drive-in Cinema, Betteshanger Country Park

The drive-in cinema screenings at the park near Deal run all the way through to Sunday, May 9, and include family favourites like Jumanji: The Next Level, Back to the Future and The Goonies. Tickets cost from £30 per vehicle. Book in advance at kentdriveincinema.co.uk

Bluebells at Hever Castle

The gardens and grounds at the historic castle, near Edenbridge, continue their colourful displays this spring for visitors, this time with bluebells along Lake Walk and into the Woodland Walk. Peak blooming time is from Saturday, May 1. Pre-book here.

Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells

Young visitors heading to the Tunbridge Wells venue on Sunday, May 2 and Bank Holiday Monday should look out for the playful fairy and pixie giving away sweet treats on the way to the Enchanted Forest. You need to pre-book a slot at groombridgeplace.com

For more suggestions of things to do with the kids in Kent visit www.mykentfamily.co.uk