Family days out in Kent for the first weekend of October half term

by Ellis Stephenson

This weekend across Kent there's everything from family-friendly shows to seriously spooky Halloween events taking place.

Scroll through these seven top ideas and start planning your weekend.

1.Spooky Castle Trail, Upnor Castle

All weekend

Head to the English Heritage castle overlooking the River Medway and take part in a spooky heritage trail around the castle keep. There’s also a chance to win a small prize. The trail runs throughout half term between 10am and 6pm from Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 29. It costs 80p per child, plus the castle admission fee. For details call 01634 718742 or visit english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/upnor-castle

Upnor Castle. Picture: Visit Kent
Upnor Castle. Picture: Visit Kent

2. Gruffalo Trail, Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst

All weekend

This amazing green space is open daily between 8am and 6pm. There's loads to do from mountain biking to Go Ape, horse riding to geocaching. Little ones will love the Gruffalo Trail which winds its way around the hundreds of trees and finish at the cafe. Details at forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury

There are Gruffalo markers around the forest and pinetum at Bedgebury to find
There are Gruffalo markers around the forest and pinetum at Bedgebury to find

3. Halloween Trail, Emmetts Garden, near Sevenoaks

All weekend

There's an Halloween themed trail to explore at this National Trust garden starting on Saturday, October 21 and running through to Sunday, October 29, between 10am to 4pm daily. It costs £1 per trail, normal admission applies. For more details visit nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden

Emmetts Garden is at Ide Hill
Emmetts Garden is at Ide Hill

4. Enchanted Garden, Chatham Dockyard

From Saturday, October 21

Step in to the Historic Dockyard's Enchanted Garden this half term, for a week of magic, myths and captivating fun. The grounds of Commissioner's House will be transformed in to the Enchanted Garden with pumpkin carving, storytelling sessions and plenty of hands-on fun. Also included in your annual ticket, there's the chance to explore the dockyard, including three warships and 10 museum galleries. For more details visit thedockyard.co.uk

There's plenty of school holiday fun to be had at Chatham Historic Dockyard
There's plenty of school holiday fun to be had at Chatham Historic Dockyard

5. Meet the Viscous Vampire, Hever Castle

From Saturday, October 21

Prepare to be spooked at the castle, near Edenbridge, by meeting the Viscous Vampire and his Goblin friend in the Creepy Crypt and hear terrifying tales of trolls, witches and vampires. There will also be creepy costumes, an eerie Halloween trail and fun for all the family. Details at hevercastle.co.uk

Hever Castle is hosting Halloween events from this weekend
Hever Castle is hosting Halloween events from this weekend

6. Shark in the Park, Theatre Royal, Margate

Saturday, October 21

Voted Primary Times’ Children’s Choice Award, Shark in the Park is based on Nick Sharratt’s popular children’s books. The lively adaptation by Nonsense Room Productions is suitable for ages two and over. It tells how Timothy Pope is looking through his shiny new telescope and sees – a shark. In the park? With catchy songs and slapstick humour, the show will be at the Theatre Royal Margate on Saturday, October 21 at 2pm. For tickets at £10, and a family of four at £30, visit theatreroyalmargate.com or call 01843 292795.

7. Spooky goings on, Betteshanger Country Park, Deal

All weekend

There will be a self-led Halloween Trail between 10am and 4pm where you can discover 10 mystical sites, creatures and puzzles around the park. A trail sheet costs £1.50 – and if you crack the puzzle code, there’s a prize at the end. Birds of prey will be on site between 10am and 4pm on Sunday, October 22, with displays at noon and 3pm.

Follow the Halloween Trail around Betteshanger Park
Follow the Halloween Trail around Betteshanger Park

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