10 Summer Activities in Kent for Teaching Staff

With the summer holidays in full swing, you might be marvelling at where the time has gone and wondering how to make the most of the remainder of the summer break. After the events of the last year, teaching staff well and truly need to make the most of this summer, prioritising their wellbeing and saying “Yes” to themselves. 

Kent is a county teeming with things to do. The vast array of options for activities and days out means there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy in the Garden of England! If you are lacking inspiration for how to spend the rest of the summer, then look no further! This is by no means a comprehensive guide as there is simply too much to do in Kent for it all to be covered in this blog. However, we have compiled a list of our top 10 things to do in Kent and have signposted some specific and highly rated destinations/options to help you to narrow it down. 

So, with no further ado, let’s launch into our last of summer activity list!

1) Art Galleries

For lovers of art, there are an abundance of galleries to choose from in the Garden of England! Why not immerse yourself in artistic vision for a few hours and form your own interpretations of artwork? The art galleries in Kent range from the internationally praised Turner Contemporary in Margate, the Maidstone Museum set in the heart of bustling county town of Maidstone and The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre in the whimsical Whitstable. You could even pick up some postcards of your favourite pieces of art on your visits and use them as stimulus for art, creative writing or even PSHE lessons in school.

2) Abseiling

If you have a head for heights and are seeking an adrenaline rush, then abseiling could be the perfect summer holiday activity for you! There are a variety of abseiling providers around the county. Exercise is proven to have many benefits for wellbeing, mental health and physical health. Reap the benefits whilst having a blast.

3) Brewery and Distillery tours 

If you’re partial to a tipple then you will be blown away by the choice of beverage based tours in Kent. Options include:

- The Curious Brewery, Ashford

- The Mount Vineyard, Shoreham

- Hush Heath Brewery, Staplehurst

- Copper Rivet, Chatham

- Anno Distillers, Marden

4) Theatres and performing arts 

If you are a fan of plays, musicals and everything in-between, then you will be spoilt for choice with theatres and performing arts venues in Kent. From the marvellous Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury to the Whitstable Playhouse Theatre, you can be sure to find something that appeals to you.

5) Gardens

Kent is home to numerous stunning gardens. Soak up the sun and inhale the sweet scent of flowers and foliage whilst losing yourself for a couple of hours in peace and quiet. Some of the top gardens to explore in Kent include…

- Emmett’s Garden, Sevenoaks

- Great Comp Garden, Sevenoaks

- Doddington Place Gardens, Sittingbourne

- Pashley Manor Gardens, Wadhurst

- Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks

- Belmont House and Gardens, Faversham

6) Shopping

Retail therapy is sometimes a necessity. With an abundance of towns to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice with where to indulge in a little shopping. From the bustling Bluewater to quaint independent shops in the charming towns of Rochester and Whitstable, you will find the perfect shopping experience for you.

7) Beaches 

Let’s not forget the stunning coastlines and charming coastal towns that Kent has to offer. Breathe in the sea air, feel the wind in your hair and the sand (or shingle..!) between your toes on a day trip to one of Kent’s many seaside locations. We recently wrote a blog dedicated to beaches in Kent – read the blog to find out more about what Kent’s beaches have to offer!

8) Stately homes, castles and historical buildings 

Lovers of history rejoice! Kent is home to a rich and fascinating history with multiple historical sites to explore. There are several castles in Kent such as Hever Castle, Leeds Castle, Rochester Castle and Dover Castle, stately homes such as Penshurst Place, Charles Darwin’s Down House and Chartwell as well as listed and historically significant buildings such as Rochester Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral and Cobham Mausoleum. 

9) Steam train rides – step back in time

All aboard! Why not explore Kent from the comfort of a carriage? Take a step back in time as you board a traditional steam train and soak up the views at a leisurely pace. Options include Kent and East Sussex Railway, The Spa Valley Railway and Sittingbourne’s Light Railway. 

10) Long walks, e.g Saxon Shore way

If you are looking to keep thing simple and prefer to use your own two feet, then Kent has many different walking routes to explore. If you are seeking a challenge, then the Saxon Shore Way walk is ideal. Or, if you would like a more leisurely stroll, then explore one of Kent’s many country parks, such as Leybourne Lakes and Camer Park.

If you are seeking further inspiration for days out in Kent, then check out our blog ‘10 Places to Visit in Kent for a Peaceful Escape’.