JULY
1 July
Jabuti – meet Jabuti and the animals in the Brazilian rain forest, aimed at ages 3-8, 3pm, all tickets £6.95. Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, 01892 678678, www.trinitytheatre.net
4 July
National Gardens Scheme – Lord Sackville’s private garden is open to the public, 11am-4pm, adult £2, Child £1. Knole House, Sevenoaks, 01732 462100, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
4 July
Picnic Party and Music Festival – join the biggest birthday party in Britain to celebrate America’s 400th anniversary. Leeds Castle, Near Maidstone, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com
5-7 July
The Gruffalo’s Child – sequel to the original hit The Gruffalo, 3 years and above, various performances. Theatre Royal, Brighton, 08700 606650, www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyal
7 July
Robin Hood – open air family theatre in the castle grounds, 6.30pm, adult £15, child £8. Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, 0870 240 4068, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
7 July
Langton Green Village Fete – starts 12 noon, 01892 535105
7-8 July
Have-a-go Archery – learn with an expert archer in the spectacular grounds of the castle, 11am -4pm, normal admission prices plus £2. Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, 01580 830436, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
7-8 July
Medieval Fair – Tonbridge Castle, 01732 770929, www.tonbridgecastle.org
8 July
Tour de France Fun – family event, waving flags as the cyclists ride past, 11-4pm. Tunbridge Wells Museum, 01892 554171, www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
13 July
Bike Ride – art, craft and storytelling activity for 3-5 year olds, free but must be booked in advance, 10.30-11.45am. Tunbridge Wells Museum, 01892 554171, www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
10 July
The Selfish Crocodile – storytelling and art activity for under 6’s, £2 per family. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
10-11 July
Noddy and Friends – fun-packed family show, 2-6 years, various performances. Theatre Royal, Brighton, 08700 606650, www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyal
10-13 July
Tracy Beaker – live show based on the bestselling book and tv series, daily at 6.30pm, 1.30pm matinees on Wed & Fri. Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, 01892 530613, www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
10-15 July
La Grand Cirque – magical and spellbinding show featuring world class artistes, various performance times. Churchill Theatre, Bromley, 0870 060 6620, www.churchilltheatre.co.uk
13 July
Bike Ride – art, craft and storytelling activity for 3-5 year olds, free but must be booked in advance, 10.30-11.45am. Tunbridge Wells Museum, 01892 554171, www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
13-15 July
Kent Show – Kent’s largest outdoor show, agriculture, rural life, trade stands, country pursuits, family entertainment. Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, 01622 630975, www.kentshowground.co.uk
13-15 July
Festival of Music & Fireworks – Tonbridge Castle, 01732 770929, www.tonbridgecastle.org
14 July
Drop-in craft session - an opportunity for new people to see the Cobnuts kindergarten, 2.30pm. Maidstone, 01622 201028, www.cobnutskindergarten.co.uk
14 July
Digging Deep – family drop-in activity for all ages, no booking needed but children must be accompanied, 11am-4pm. Dunloran Park, 01892 554171, www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
14 July
National Archaeology Week – children’s activities, archaeological illustrations and antiques workshop, for all ages, free event. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
14-15 July
Have-a-go Archery – learn with an expert archer in the spectacular grounds of the castle, 11am -4pm, normal admission prices plus £2. Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, 01580 830436, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
18-22 July
KM War & Peace Show – anuual family show. The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, 0870 0274166, www.thehopfarm.co.uk
19-23 July
The Great Moscow State Circus – amazing circus action, various performances and ticket prices. Dunorlan Park, Tunbridge Wells, Box Office 07721 565558 (9am-9pm daily)
21 July
Conservation Craft Activity – drop in activity for children of all ages, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
21-22 July
Medieval Day – try on replica armour and Medieval clothes in the castle, 12 noon-4pm, normal admission prices plus £1. Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, 01580 830436, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
21-22 July
Cobree Country Fayre – arena displays, children’s activities, trade stands. Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone, 01622 763936, www.museum-kentlife.co.uk
22 July
Wings, Wheels & Steam – classic cars, aerobatic displays and steam engines. Groombridge Place Gardens, Groombridge, Near Tunbridge Wells, 01892 861444, www.groombridge.co.uk
23 July
Children’s Activities – craft activities for the summer holiday, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices plus £1. Standen. East Grinstead, 01342 323029, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
26 July
Teddy Bears’ Picnic – bring a teddy and a picnic to enjoy on the lawn, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices. Ightham Mote, Ivy Hatch, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
26-28 July
Victorian Experience – come in period costume and recreate the Victorian era. Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, 0870 600 6074, www.kesr.org.uk
27 July
Junior Lighthouse Keeper Training Day – learn how lighthouse keepers looked after and lived in the South Foreland Lighthouse, 11am-3.30pm, normal admission prices. . The White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse, Langdon Cliffs, 01304 202756, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
28 July
Woodland Safari – family nature walk around Tudely Woods Nature Reserve, suitable for age 6+, free but must be booked in advance, children must be accompanied. 01892 554171, www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
28-29 July
Water Activities Have a Go Weekend - a great opportunity to try your hand at sailing, canoeing, windsurfing and rowing. Parachuting demonstration on Sunday only., small charge for each activity. Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, 01892 890661, www.bewl.co.uk
28-29 July
Hands on History – enjoy a Medieval costumed interpretation with displays, weapons, armour and working trebuchet, 11am-4pm. Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, 01580 830436, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
29 July
Chevening in Colour – art exhibition, children’s workshops, cream teas, live music, in aid of Dorton House, RLSB, opens 2pm. Chevening House, Chevening nr. Sevenoaks, 01732 592500
30-31 July
Victorian Experience – come in period costume and recreate the Victorian era. Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden, 0870 600 6074, www.kesr.org.uk
30-31 July
Medieval Day – try on replica armour and Medieval clothes in the castle, 12 noon-4pm, normal admission prices plus £1. Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, 01580 830436, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
30 July – 29 August
Summer Holiday Fun – daily children’s entertainment. The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, , 0870 0274166, www.thehopfarm.co.uk
31 July
Tudor Day – play Tudor games and make objects such as soapballs, pomanders and books, 11am-3pm £3 per child, Knole House, Sevenoaks, 01732 462100, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
31 July
Wildlife Wanders – Join the warden in activities such as pond dipping, bird spotting and watching butterflies, 2pm £6. Sissinghurst Castle, Cranbrook, 01580 710700, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
31 July
Room on a Broom – storytelling and art activity for under 6’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
31 July –4 August
The Railway Children – family classic, various performances. Theatre Royal, Brighton, 08700 606650, www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyal
1 August
Summer Fun Day – fun charity day for under 5’s in aid of the Tunbridge Wells NCT Branch. Ring Jenny on 01580 201556 or email jennye.sawyer@btinternet.com
1 August
Jungle Book Day – enjoy a day with face painting, storytelling and a jungle trail, 11am-5pm, normal admission prices plus£2 per activity. Bateman’s, Etchingham, 01435 882302, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
1 August
Japanese Paper Screen – drop-in crat activity for under 12’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
1 August
Fun Day – a variety of children’s activities, 2pm-4pm, normal admission prices + £2.50 per child. Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, 01580 762334, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
1 August
Pirate Fun – children’s fun and games on board ‘Swallow’ from 4-6pm. Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, 01892 890661, www.bewl.co.uk
1 August
Family Fun Day – Coconut Shy, tractor rides, armour and corn-dolly workshops, bring your tedy to see the Teddy Doctor, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices plus small charge for some activities. Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, 01580 830436, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
2 August
Teddy Bears’ Picnic – Bring Teddy and a picnic and enjoy songs and magic from the Fun Factory, 12.30pm-2.30pm, normal admission prices +£5 per child. Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, 01892 893868, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
2 August
Teddy Bear Pirate Party – come dressed as a pirate and bring Teddy and a picnic. 11am-3.30pm, normal admission prices. 27 July. The White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse, Langdon Cliffs, 01304 202756, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
3 August
Ancient Greek Sword & Shield Making –drop-in art and craft activity for under 12’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
3 August
Family Fun Friday – children’s activities in the Squires Room, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices. Ightham Mote, Ivy Hatch, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
3-5 August
Noddy and Friends - join Noddy and friends for a family outing to Toyland, various performances times, £10.50. The Churchill, Bromley, 0870 0606620, www.churchilltheatre.co.uk
3-5 August
Summer Diesel Gala - Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, 01892 537715, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
4 August
African Drumming – summer entertainment, 12-3pm. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
4–5 August
Medieval Jousting - jousting tournament, 2pm. Hever Castle, Hever, 01732 865224, www.hever-castle.co.uk
4-5 August
Hands on History – enjoy a Medieval costumed interpretation with displays, weapons, armour and working trebuchet, 11am-4pm. Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge, 01580 830436, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
4-5 August
Southern Mini Days – big show to celebrate the smallest car. The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, , 0870 0274166, www.thehopfarm.co.uk
5 August
Hot Air Ballons and Ferraris – display of Ferraris and up to 25 hot air balloons. Groombridge Place Gardens, Groombridge, Near Tunbridge Wells, 01892 861444, www.groombridge.co.uk
6 August
Teddy Bears’ Picnic – come dressed as your favourite storybook character and don’t forget to bring a teddy to picnic with, 11am-4pm, Adult £3, Child£3.50, under 3s free. Sheffield Park Garden, Sheffield Park, 01825 790231, wwww.nationaltrust.org.uk
6 August
Children’s Activities – craft activities for the summer holiday, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices plus £1. Standen. East Grinstead, 01342 323029, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
6 August
Pond Dipping – discover what lives in the lakes at Sissinghurst, 2pm, £6 per child. Sissinghurst Castle, Cranbrook, 01580 710700, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
7 August
Green Man – an arty encounter with the woodland mythology figure, for 4-6yrs ( 10am-12pm) and for 7-10 yrs ( 2-4pm), £5 plus car park charge. Bedgebury Pinetum, Lamberhurst, 01580 879820, www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk
7 August
Charlie Cooks Favourite Book – storytelling and craft activity for under 6’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
7 August
Tudor Day – hands on activities for children 7+ relating to the Tudor period, 11am-3pm, Child £3. Knole House, Sevenoaks, 01732 462100, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
8 August
Fun Day – a variety of children’s activities, 2pm-4pm, normal admission prices + £2.50 per child. Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, 01580 762334, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
8 August
Pirate Fun – children’s fun and games on board ‘Swallow’ from 4-6pm. Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, 01892 890661, www.bewl.co.uk
8 August
Have a Go Day – participate in archery and sword fighting, 11am-5pm, normal admission prices plus £2. Bateman’s, Etchingham, 01435 882302, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
8 August
The Wind in the Willows –open air family theatre, 7pm, adult £15, child £8. Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, 0870 2404068, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
8 August
Junior Lighthouse Keeper Training Day – learn how lighthouse keepers looked after and lived in a lighthouse, 11am-3.30pm, normal admission prices. . The White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse, Langdon Cliffs, 01304 202756, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
9 August
Bat Watch – spend an evening on a bat watch, suitable for children over 8, 7pm-10pm, Adult £8, child £4. Sissinghurst Castle, Cranbrook, 01580 710700, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
10 August
Family Fun Friday – children’s activities in the Squires Room, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices. Ightham Mote, Ivy Hatch, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
10 August
Japanese Shell Game Painting – drop-in craft activity for under 12’s. 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
10-12 August
Future Footballer Stars – exclusive football event. The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, , 0870 0274166, www.thehopfarm.co.uk
11 August
Family Picnic Day – bring a picnic and enjoy family activities, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices +£1.50 per child. Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, 01732 868381, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
11 August
Horrible History – guided walk with talks on shipwrecks, smuggling and pirates. 11am. 27 July. The White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse, Langdon Cliffs, 01304 202756, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
11-12 August
Tudor Falconry - falconry display. Hever Castle, Hever, 01732 865224, www.hever-castle.co.uk
13 August
Children’s Activities – craft activities for the summer holiday, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices plus £1. Standen. East Grinstead, 01342 323029, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
14 August
Treasure Island – open air family theatre, 2pm adult £15, child £8. Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, 0870 2404068, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
14 August
Family Cycling Challenge – bike ride and family charity fun day. Bedgebury Pinetum, Bedgebury Pinetum, Nr. Lamberhurst
14 August
Spot the Dog – storytelling and art activity for under 6’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
14 August
Tudor Day – hands on activities for children 7+ relating to the Tudor period, 11am-3pm, Child £3. Knole House, Sevenoaks, 01732 462100, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
14 August
Teddy Bear Pirate Party – come dressed as a pirate and bring Teddy and a picnic. 11am-3.30pm, normal admission prices. 27 July. The White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse, Langdon Cliffs, 01304 202756, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
15 August
Pirate Fun – children’s fun and games on board ‘Swallow’ from 4-6pm. Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, 01892 890661, www.bewl.co.uk
15 August
Roman Armour – drop-in carft activity for under 12’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
15 August
Fun Day – a variety of children’s activities, 2pm-4pm, normal admission prices + £2.50 per child. Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, 01580 762334, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
15 August
Pirates and Mermaids – fun and adventure in a Fun Factory show, come dressed as a pirate or mermaid, 12.30pm-2.30pm, normal admission prices +£5 per child. Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, 01892 893868, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
15 August
Summer Sensations – use your senses and create an adventure in a world of trees, 2-6 yrs (10am-12pm) and 7-12 years (2-4pm), £5 plus car park charge. Bedgebury Pinetum, Lamberhurst, 01580 879820, www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk
15 August
Family Fun Day – storytelling, pond dipping and face painting, 11am-5pm, normal admission prices. Bateman’s, Etchingham, 01435 882302, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
16 August
Bat Watch – spend an evening on a bat watch, suitable for children over 8, 7pm-10pm, Adult £8, child £4. Sissinghurst Castle, Cranbrook, 01580 710700, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
16 August
Family Fun Day – family games and sports and garden trail, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices +£2 per child. Ightham Mote, Ivy Hatch, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
17 August
Pond Dipping – discover what lives in the lakes at Sissinghurst, 2pm, £6 per child. Sissinghurst Castle, Cranbrook, 01580 710700, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
17 August
Newspaper Tales - art, craft and storytelling activity for 3-5 year olds, free but must be booked in advance, 10.30-11.45am. Tunbridge Wells Museum, 01892 554171, www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
17 August
Stone Age Cave Paintings on Stones – drop-in craft activity for under 12’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
17 August
Family Fun Friday – children’s activities in the Squires Room, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices. Ightham Mote, Ivy Hatch, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
18-19 August
Medieval Jousting - jousting tournament, 2pm. Hever Castle, Hever, 01732 865224, www.hever-castle.co.uk
18-19 August
Country Fair – arena events, circus workshops, classic and vintage cars, children’s entertainment, food and craft marquees. Borde Hill Gardens, Haywards Heath, 01444 450326, www,bordehill.co.uk
18-19 August
Teddy Bears Picnic – all children who bring a teddy travel for £1. Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, 01892 537715, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
18-19 August
Monster Mania – monster truck racing and show. The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, , 0870 0274166, www.thehopfarm.co.uk
20 August
Children’s Activities – craft activities for the summer holiday, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices plus £1. Standen. East Grinstead, 01342 323029, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
20 August
Junior Lighthouse Keeper Training Day – learn how lighthouse keepers looked after and lived in a lighthouse, 11am-3.30pm, normal admission prices. The White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse, Langdon Cliffs, 01304 202756, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
21 August
Tudor Day – hands on activities for children 7+ relating to the Tudor period, 11am-3pm, Child £3. Knole House, Sevenoaks, 01732 462100, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
21 August
A Dinosaur Story – storytelling and art activity for under 6’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
21 August
The Magnificent Flying Machine – Garlic Theatre Company, 2pm £5. Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, 01580 762334, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
22 August
Bug Hunt – follow a trail to find some creepy-crawlies and then enjoy an afternoon safari to look for the real things, 11am-5pm, normal admission prices plus £2. Bateman’s, Etchingham, 01435 882302, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
22 August
Japanese Fans – drop-in craft activity for under 12’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
22 August
Fun Day – a variety of children’s activities, 2pm-4pm, normal admission prices + £2.50 per child. Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, 01580 762334, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
23 August
Mapsticks Trail – using the native North American mapstick follow a trail the National Pinetum, 11am & 1pm, hour sessions 4-6yrs, 2.30pm hour session 7-12yrs, £2. Bedgebury Pinetum, Lamberhurst, 01580 879820, www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk
23 August
Jack and the Beanstalk – open air family theatre, 7pm, adult£15, Child £8. Bateman’s, Etchingham, 0870 2404068, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
24 August
Family Fun Friday – children’s activities in the Squires Room, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices. Ightham Mote, Ivy Hatch, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
24 August
Roman Mosaic – drop-in craft activity for under 12’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
25 August
Medieval Jousting - jousting tournament, 2pm. Hever Castle, Hever, 01732 865224, www.hever-castle.co.uk
25-27 August
Scotney’s Giant Scrap Book – Bring along something special to go in a giant scrap book, items will not be returned, 11.30am-4pm, normal admission prices. Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, 01892 893868, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
26-27 August
Tudor Falconry - falconry display. Hever Castle, Hever, 01732 865224, www.hever-castle.co.uk
26 – 27 August
10th Anniversary of the Spa Valley Railway restoring services to Groombridge. Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, 01892 537715, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
26-27 August
Scarecrows, Shires and Sheepdogs – make your own scarescrow, meet the shire horses and watch the sheepdog displays. Groombridge Place Gardens, Groombridge, Near Tunbridge Wells, 01892 861444, www.groombridge.co.uk
27 August
Family Fun Day – games, family races, bouncy castle, activities. Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone, 01622 763936, www.museum-kentlife.co.uk
28 August
Sharing a Shell – storytelling and art activity for under 6’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
29 August
Japanese Paper Making – drop-in craft activity for under 12’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
29 August
Storytelling – Kipling’s stories told in the garden of his Sussex home by Jamie Crawford, 12 noon-4pm, normal admission prices. Bateman’s, Etchingham, 01435 882302, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
29 August
Fun Day – a variety of children’s activities, 2pm-4pm, normal admission prices + £2.50 per child. Smallhythe Place, Tenterden, 01580 762334, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
31 August
Family Fun Friday – children’s activities in the Squires Room, 11am-4pm, normal admission prices. Ightham Mote, Ivy Hatch, 01732 810378, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
31 August
Painting Egyptian Pectoral Necklace or Wall Tiles – drop-in craft activity for under 12’s, 10.30-12.30pm & 1.30-3.30pm, £2. Maidstone Museum, Maidstone, 01622 602838 or www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
1-2 September
Reptile Weekend – reptile experts display their collection of exotic animals and answer questions. Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 01323 874100, www.drusillas.co.uk
1-2 September
Family Fun Weekend – enjoy lots of fun including rides, spectacles and shows. Leeds Castle, Near Maidstone, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com
8-9 September
Hop Picking Festival – join in and pick hops by hand and see them dry in the last working coal fired oast house. Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone, 01622 763936, www.museum-kentlife.co.uk
14 September
13 July
The Artist’s Palette – art, craft and storytelling activity for 3-5 year olds, free but must be booked in advance, 10.30-11.45am. Tunbridge Wells Museum, 01892 554171, www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
15 September
Dragon Boat Festival – Dragon Boat racing, live bands, stalls and other activities. Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, 01892 890661, www.bewl.co.uk
15-16 September
Mainline Gala Weekend – event featuring larger mainline steam and diesel trains. Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, 01892 537715, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
15-16 September
Wars of the Roses – medieval camps with gunnery & archery demonstrations. Groombridge Place Gardens, Groombridge, Near Tunbridge Wells, 01892 861444, www.groombridge.co.uk
16 September
Spiders ‘R’ Us – learn more about the Tarantular spider. Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 01323 874100, www.drusillas.co.uk
22 September
Late Summer Ball – in aid of the Tunbridge Wells NCT Branch. Ringl Jenny on 01580 201556 or email jennye.sawyer@btinternet.com
6-7 October
Kite Weekend – Fly your kite and visit traders, stalls and workshops. . Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, 01892 890661, www.bewl.co.uk
6-7 October
End of Season ex-hire bike sale – fully reconditioned bikes at low prices with 6-month warranty. . Bewl Water, Lamberhurst, 01892 890661, www.bewl.co.uk
6-7 October
Victorian Apple Weekend – celebrating the apple. Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone, 01622 763936, www.museum-kentlife.co.uk
7 October
Seed Gathering – collect seeds on a walk followed by a potting up session, 11.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-2.30pm, £2. Bedgebury Pinetum, Lamberhurst, 01580 879820, www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk
20-21 October
Autumn Diesel Gala - Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, 01892 537715, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
20-28 October
Boos Haunted Cottage – Boo the friendly ghost opens the doors of his haunted cottage but beware of supernatural surprises. Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 01323 874100, www.drusillas.co.uk
22-26 October
Half-Term Holiday Fun – autumn activities, make scary masks, spooky puppets, creepy ghost trail. Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone, 01622 763936, www.museum-kentlife.co.uk
22-28 October
Henry’s Horrid History – learn about the darker side of life in Tudor England. Leeds Castle, Near Maidstone, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com
23 October
The Big Draw – take part in the UK’s biggest free art event, 10.30am-4.30pm. Bedgebury Pinetum, Lamberhurst, 01580 879820, www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk
23-27 October
Slava’s Snowshow – a show packed with wonder and laughter for the whole family, 8 years and above, various performances. Theatre Royal, Brighton, 08700 606650, www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyal
25 October
Jewellery & – fun children’s half-term activity. 2-4.30pm, under 8’s must be accompanies, £2.50 per child. Eden Valley Museum, Edenbridge, 01732 868102, www.evmt.org.uk
26-27 October
Halloween in the Spooky Forest – Experience witches and ghosts hiding in the forest, prize for the scariest costume. Groombridge Place Gardens, Groombridge, Near Tunbridge Wells, 01892 861444, www.groombridge.co.uk
27 October
Halloween Experience – find out how spooky the Kent museum is. Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone, 01622 763936, www.museum-kentlife.co.uk
3 November
Fireworks to music – spectacular fireworks combined with a mini Victorian fun fair. Groombridge Place Gardens, Groombridge, Near Tunbridge Wells, 01892 861444, www.groombridge.co.uk
3 November
Bonfire & Fireworks Spectacular – roaring bonfire, musical fireworks display, refreshments. Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone, 01622 763936, www.museum-kentlife.co.uk
3-4 November
Mythical Firework Spectacular – jousting, sword-fighting, jugglers and fire-eaters entertain the crowd before the Arthurian legend comes to life in a firework and light show. Leeds Castle, Near Maidstone, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com
24-25 November
Santas Christmas Cottage – visit Santa and his elves hard at work making presents. Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 01323 874100, www.drusillas.co.uk
30 November - 13 January
Peter Pan – fly away to Neverland for a spectacular pantomime adventure, £22-£15. The Churchill, Bromley, 0870 0606620, www.churchilltheatre.co.uk
1-2 December
Santas Christmas Cottage – visit Santa and his elves hard at work making presents. Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 01323 874100, www.drusillas.co.uk
1 December- 1 January
Christmas at the Castle – a mediaeval fair with Father Christmas, ice-skating and seasonal delights. Leeds Castle, Near Maidstone, 01622 765400, www.leeds-castle.com
2 December
National Tree Week – learn about tress and how they are transformed into paper finishing up by making a Christmas tree card, 10am-12.00pm 4-6yrs, 1-3pm 7-12yrs, £5. Bedgebury Pinetum, Lamberhurst, 01580 879820, www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk
7December – 6 January
Cinderella –traditional family pantomime, various performances. Theatre Royal, Brighton, 08700 606650, www.theambassadors.com/theatreroyal
8-9 December
Santas Christmas Cottage – visit Santa and his elves hard at work making presents. Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 01323 874100, www.drusillas.co.uk
15-23 December
Santas Christmas Cottage – visit Santa and his elves hard at work making presents. Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 01323 874100, www.drusillas.co.uk
27 December – 6 Januray
What does Santa do after Christmas? – find out what Santa and the elves get up to once Christmas is over. Drusillas Park, Alfriston, 01323 874100, www.drusillas.co.uk
29 December – 1 January 2008
End of Season Sale – all train fares at least 25% off. Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, 01892 537715, www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
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