Adults rejoice! There’s no need to leave the country during the school holidays as Kent and Sussex have plenty of inspiring ideas and places to visit to keep the children busy
Bewl Water
Keep the little ones entertained during the school holidays with Kids’ Camps at Bewl Water. These camps provide an affordable alternative to traditional childcare for busy or working parents, and are a great opportunity for children to make new friends and remain active during the holidays. From half a day to multiple weeks, their camps are very flexible. Activities differ on a daily basis, ensuring that those attending for multiple weeks enjoy new experiences each day, stay engaged and, most importantly, love coming to camp! They�are available to all children aged 5 and over, and prices begin from just £19.50 for a half day.�
Bewlbridge Ln, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JH 01892 890000
www.bewlwater.co.uk
Drusillas Park
Add some picture-perfect moments to your 2018 scrapbook with a trip to the ever-popular Drusillas Park and enjoy all the amazing animals, attractions and events on offer at the award-winning zoo in East Sussex. This half-term, it is practically bursting with excitement. Go along and meet Owlette and Gekko from the PJ Masks�on Tuesday May 29, as well as the cutest girl herself, Hello Kitty, on Wednesday May 30. If that isn’t enough, there’s all the usual animal magic, heaps of adventure play, the Get Wet! splash pad, amazing rides and a Hello Kitty Secret Garden. Drusillas is conveniently located just off the A27 at Alfriston.
Alfriston Rd, East Sussex BN26 5QS 01323 874100
www.drusillas.co.uk
Hever Castle
Immerse yourself in Edwardian life by stepping back in time to the early 20th century for half-term family fun at Hever Castle from May 26 to June 3. At their Edwardian Life event, visitors can enjoy a traditional Punch and Judy show with a Tudor twist – look out for Henry VIII and his six wives – as well as try their hand at games from the period including a coconut shy*, tin-can alley and bean bag race, or you can enjoy a leisurely game of croquet on the lawn. Learn about the study and collection of butterflies and moths from our colourful resident lepidopterist. Meet costumed characters from the era and look out for visitors arriving in full Edwardian dress with prizes for the best dressed boy and girl. *small additional charge.
Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG 01732 865224
www.hevercastle.co.uk
Kent & East Sussex Railway
With a family travel card for just £38, everyone can enjoy a fun step back in time at Tenterden’s Steam Railway. Perfect to visit whatever the weather, jump aboard a heritage steam or diesel train and sit back in comfort through unspoilt countryside to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam. Why not pre-book a munch bag to feed the kids on the journey and treat yourself to a cream tea or ploughmans at your table*. Travelcards allow all day travel and free parking at Tenterden and Northiam Stations. *Pre-booking essential for on-train catering.
Tenterden Town Station TN30 6HE 01580 765155
www.kesr.org.uk
Mr Mulligan’s Dino Golf
Join Mr Mulligan for an utterly unique and exciting Dino Golf experience in Tonbridge. You and the kids can putt through an 18-hole golf adventure to remember; over lush island greens, through prehistoric caves, and watch out for the enormous Jurassic creatures lurking throughout the course. The venue welcomes all ages from 2�to 82, so bring all the family along for a day to remember. Be sure to check out their range of packages including corporate bookings, birthday parties and children’s parties.�
Tenterden Town Station TN30 6HE 01580 765155
www.kesr.org.uk
Recre8 Holiday Courses
If you want to keep your children active and entertained all through half-term and the summer holidays, Recre8 have�the perfect activity, whatever they enjoy.�Using the top-class facilities at Tonbridge�School, courses range from archery, climbing, gymnastics and trampolining to art, breakdancing, cake decorating and musical theatre. They also offer a�range of 11+ mock examinations and�revision courses. So, if your child is taking the 11+ assessment in September, Recre8 can help them achieve their potential.
London Road, Tonbridge Kent, TN10 3AD 01732 304123
www.recre8courses.co.uk
Smallhythe Place
There is something for�everyone this May half-term at Smallhythe Place. Younger ones can get creative in the garden with our kids’ crafts activities from Wednesday through to Friday, 2pm to 4pm, or tick off some of the ’50 Things’ activities. Our new Triumphant Women exhibition, part of the National Trust’s Women and Power programme, is on display in The Barn Theatre and Green Room and explores the roles of the powerful women of Smallhythe in the suffrage movement. Relax in the tranquil gardens with an early evening picnic, before watching Giles Shenton and East 15 tread the boards of our historical stage.
Smallhythe, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 7NG 01580 762334
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
What the Ladybird Heard at EM Forster Theatre
Two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun! Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog as they take on the villains in this hit musical stage adaptation of What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, published by Macmillan Children’s Books. This action packed 55-minute adventure has original songs, live music, puppetry, plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs, making it the perfect treat for families with children aged three and up. Tickets are £12 with a special group rate £10 for 10 or more people.
High Street Entrance, Tonbridge TN9 1JP�01732 304241 www.emftheatre.com
