Kent outings with your kids

PUBLISHED: 08:44 07 May 2016 | UPDATED: 08:58 07 May 2016

Sarah Sturt

Learning with a difference at Quex Park

Manu Palomeque

Bookworms take note!

Be part of the first-ever Chiddingstone Castle Literary Festival, taking place from 1 to 3 May at the castle itself, which is located near Edenbridge. Opening day is aimed at adults and teenagers, while children take centre stage on day two and schools on the final day. Events include author talks, children’s theatre, music, poetry and refreshments. For tickets for individual events or the whole day, visit: www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/literary-festival and see also pages 24 to 26.

May outings

• Enjoy a family fun day at Quex Park and the Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington on 22 May. Attractions include food and drink, music, dancing, bouncy castles, falconry and drama from 11am until 4pm. Members free, otherwise tickets on the gate cost £4 per adult and £3 for children over five years old (under fives are free).

www.quexpark.co.uk/events/family-fun-day

• Expecting a new arrival this year? Discover everything you will need, all in one place at the Kent Bumps, Babies and Beyond Show. Taking place on 22 May at Medway Park in Gillingham, this show will host more than 100 exhibitors covering every aspect of pregnancy, birth, babies and toddler care. Tickets can be pre-booked online; the first 500 bookers will receive a free ‘early bird’ goodie bag (one bag per family).

www.yourlocalbabyshow.co.uk
Little Kent Loves… TRANSPORT

Sit back and enjoy the ride!

• Kent and East Sussex Railway: All aboard for a trip back in time to the glorious age of steam. Regular steam train journeys run from Tenterden, through the Rother Valley and into East Sussex. Watch the website for themed days, including Thomas the Tank Engine, www.kesr.org.uk

• Dover Sea Safari: Explore the Kentish coast and blow away the cobwebs by booking a powerboat or yacht ride that takes you out to sea and back again in an exhilarating adventure. Pass the iconic White Cliffs, discover Goodwin Sands and, if you’re very lucky, say hello to some seals along the way, www.doverseasafari.co.uk

• Canterbury Historic River Tours: For a slower-paced watery jaunt, try this beautiful river trip, that takes in the most attractive parts of the historic city of Canterbury. Bring older children’s local history studies to life in this informative, 40-minute return tour, www.canterburyrivertours.co.uk

• Elham Valley Railway Museum: A great place for railway fans to visit, with all kinds of exhibits to explore in Peene, near Folkestone. Open on weekends and bank holidays from 10am until 5pm. Visit over 14 and 15 May for a special military themed programme, www.elhamvalleylinetrust.org

• Dover Transport Museum: Can’t decide on a favourite mode of transport? See them all together at this fantastic museum. From cars to coaches, bikes to buses, you are bound to spot something of interest. Don’t miss the Classic Motorcycle Show on 8 May. Open Weds, Sat, Sun and bank holidays, www.dovertransportmuseum.org.uk
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