The Easter holidays have arrived and along with them the joy of a four day weekend! Whether you’ve got the full two weeks of the school holiday off, or you’re counting down the days until the bank holiday weekend, Easter in Kent is looking egg-ceptional (don’t worry there’s a lot more where that came from).
So to help you spring into action with your Easter plans, we’ve rounded up some of the best Easter days out in Kent, from Easter egg hunts and family days out, to bottomless Prosecco afternoon tea. Go on, take a look and hop to it…
Nothing says a four-day weekend better than the pop of a cork and an afternoon tea. Happily, the Mercure Maidstone will be doing just that with a bottomless Prosecco afternoon tea, with plenty of sweet treats and fizz to be had. Macknade Fine Foods will be cooking up a storm on their Big Green Egg at Neptune in Canterbury on 6th April, so be sure to stop by for nibbles, demonstrations and drinks. Bringing the kids along? Take them to the Hotel du Vin Tunbridge Wells for lunch or dinner and not only can they dine for free, but you can take a post-lunch breather as they complete the special Easter egg hunt.
©National Trust Images Trevor Hart
Shopping with a side of chocolate? Don’t mind if we do. While wandering through Bluewater, keep an eye out for everyday items that have been scrambled into eggs – find them all and the kids (or you) will receive a chocolatey treat. At the Beaney in Canterbury the egg hunt comes along with a little extra knowledge. Learn about the traditions of Easter, hunt for clues and crack the code to claim your prize. Or why not hop outside to Quebec House this holiday? Take a stroll through the garden and go in search of the magic ingredients to make Mrs Wolfe’s Easter treats and you will be greatly rewarded!
Spring begins at Godinton House and Gardens from 8th April, so be sure to bring along the family and join them during Spring Week for plenty of crafting, games and a trail through those gorgeous gardens. At Belmont House and Gardens it’s time to get back to nature with a trail through the grounds, all rounded off with tempting treats and Easter crafts. Daffodils and bluebells aren’t the only things to keep a look out for at Smallhythe Place this holiday. Solve nature-themed riddles on a scavenger hunt through the blooming gardens and you’ll be rewarded with a Cadbury’s treat to take home.
Goat kids, piglets and baby lambs – sounds like an idyllic spring day out, right? Round up the kids for a day at Kent Life and they’ll even get the chance to bottle-feed these adorable animals and meet plenty of furry friends in cuddle corner. At Howletts you’ll find baby animals that are a little larger, so keep your eyes open for the elephant calf and baby gorilla while you’re on your trails, for a truly cracking day out.
Attention all film buffs! The Historic Dockyard Chatham and Southeastern have teamed up to give you 20% off the official Call The Midwife location tour when you travel there by Southeastern train. This Easter, immerse yourself behind the scenes as you get to see how a 400 year old dockyard is transformed back to the 1960s.
Book up and take the train
It’s time to get hands on at Gravesend Borough Market. On 10th April enjoy chocolate workshops, face painting and a visit from a very special surprise guest (ok, we’ll tell you, it’s the Easter Bunny). Have we got that creativity flowing? Why not take a crack at crafting your own Easter bonnet at Hever Castle? After finishing your creation it’s time for the bonnet parade, but keep your eyes open for those hidden bunnies – word is they’re quite mischievous. Plus if you head to Folkestone on 16th April little ones can be part of something big as they get the chance to create large artworks at Block 67 that will soon become part of a light installation – now that’s better than a day in school!
Eaten one too many chocolatey treats? We hear you. From archery, to forestry school and fossil hunting, Betteshanger’s daily schedule of fun Easter activities (emphasis on the active) is the perfect way to get the kids off the sofa and bounding around outside. For a family activity that will make even those in a post-hot cross bun slump feel better, The Camping and Caravanning Club Canterbury Walking Festival between 20th and 23rd April is a great way to get some fresh air and see the historic sights of Canterbury.
With free entry to the park from 6th April and Camp Bestival Easter Party on the cards, Dreamland is set to shine this holiday. Listen to family friendly DJs, live music and let little ravers dance to the likes of The Cuban Brothers and Junior Jungle. If it’s fresh sea air you’re looking for, it’s all aboard the Stagecoach open-top bus from Ramsgate to Broadstairs Stone Bay for plenty of open air thrills.
Marvel at the medieval at the Canterbury Tales as they open the gates on the Medieval Story Garden for Knights Tournament – the perfect place to practice those sword skills. This Easter weekend it’s time to line the streets of the Historic Dockyard Chatham and look out for all manner of vintage classics at the Festival of Steam and Transport. From Steampunks, to steam trains and street entertainers, this family favourite is the only way to step right into the history books.
