7 Low Cost Family Days Out in Kent for May Half Term

It's time to relax and enjoy yourself over the May bank holiday weekend and half term in the beautiful county of Kent! In this blog you will uncover some low cost days out or events that are included in memberships or admission tickets to keep you and your family entertained this May half term without breaking the bank. So pack your picnic and your sun hat (and probably wellies if the weather is anything to go by lately!) for a great day out in Kent. 

1) The Beach at Leeds Castle, Maidstone

Yes you read that right! Visit the latest attraction at Leeds Castle this half term – The Beach. Located by the maze and the children’s play areas your children are sure to have a whale of a time playing on this sandy man-made beach! Treat yourself to an ice cream, as once you have paid to visit Leeds Castle once you can visit for free for a whole year, making Leeds Castle not only a stunning visitor attraction but a massive bargain too! The Beach is included in your admission ticket so make the most of the (hopefully) sunny weather and catch some sun rays this Spring. 

2) WWII Weekend at Dover Castle, Dover

The popular event is back again this Bank Holiday Weekend 27th -29th May 2023. The kids can take on the Sargeant’s infamous assault course while you sit back and relive the blitz spirit. Witness an action packed battle between German and Allied Forces with pyrotechnic displays and army vehicles. Discover the war time tunnels and the underground hospital, explore medieval rooms and towers and roam the castle’s 80 acres for an action packed and educational day out this half term.

For English Heritage members the event admission price is hugely reduced, passes allow free entry for up to 6 children so check out membership on the English Heritage website. 

3) Monsters of the Deep at Chatham Dockyard, Chatham 

Prepare to set sail into a quest like no other this half term! Plunge into the depths of the deepest darkest oceans and uncover its secrets. Explore some of the world’s most captivating ocean legends and myths and come face to face with real life sea monsters!

This exhibition is running from 1st April to the 19th November 2023 and is included in the Chatham Dockyard admission price. Tickets are valid for 1 year, giving you 365 days of historical fun.

4) Treasure Trails, various locations across Kent

If you are looking for something a bit different this half term then look no further! Treasure Trails offer self-guided walking trails with different themes, will you chose a spy mission, treasure hunt, or detective mystery? So gather your team of super sleuths or treasure hunters for a fun afternoon exploring your local town. Priced at £9.99 for the trail this is a low cost way to keep children aged 6+ busy and are perfect for big kids too!

5) Teddy Bears Picnic at Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks 

Ightham Mote is already on our list of one of the most gorgeous historical buildings in the county, but this half term it gets even better as a teddy bears picnic is making it’s way to the moated manor house. Your little ones will love to bring along their favourite cuddly toy for a lovely picnic set against a beautiful backdrop and listen to music played by the Biggin Hill Band. 

The Teddy Bears Picnic is included in the normal admission price but National Trust members will get into the property for free. For non-members there are often National Trust passes found in the paper which will allow free entrance to National Trust properties so keep your eyes peeled online or when reading the paper so you can pick up your free tickets to a National Trust attraction. 

6) Teapot Island in Yalding, Maidstone

Want a spot of unusual during your half term break? Delve in to this visitor attraction that celebrates one of the things it means to be British; a love of tea! Although teapot island is a small family run business, it has 2 Guinness World Records for the number of teapots they own and the surrounding area is stunning, making it the perfect day out for all the family. For entrance to the Teapot exhibition there is a small charge of £3 per adult and £2 per child. Being situated upon the River Medway, Teapot Island offers a great place to watch the boats go by and enjoy a picnic with a flask of tea of course!

7) Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst

Bedgebury Pinetum is the perfect place for a picnic in the sunshine this half term holiday. With a Zog trail for the little ones, plenty of play areas, wonderful woodland walks and mountain bike trails for teenagers there is certainly something for everyone. The newly refurbished café is a lovely place to pick up a coffee to take with you on your walk or even treat yourself and your loved ones to lunch overlooking the lake. 

Entry fees are per vehicle – with parking during weekends and school holidays priced at £14.50 for the whole day. Early bird parking (8:30am leaving before 11am) or late afternoon parking (5pm – 8pm) are charged at £3.80. 

It can be difficult trying to fit some fun family time when you’re working during the school holidays. Have you thought about swapping your current role for a term time only support staff position or making the move to work with children as a teaching assistant? Say goodbye to juggling childcare and change career to work in the education sector! There are plenty of opportunities in finance, HR and administration within schools which allow you the flexibility of having a fantastic career where you can make a difference whilst working on a term time only contract. Check out our term time only vacancies today!