So the kids are back to school and before you know it, February will arrive and the schools will have broken up once more! 

A Kent half term holiday is packed with attractions and events to keep the little ones entertained. Check out our top picks for half term fun in this glorious county...

Where to stay

Manor Farmhouse

If you haven’t made any half term plans yet, why not book a stay at one of our Kent holiday cottages for the whole week or even just a long weekend?

Our Kent holiday cottages sleep from two up to 18 so no matter how big your party, we can find your perfect cottage for half term, and your canine pal can come along too!

If you still need an excuse to go, read our top 5 to tempt you on a Kent half term holiday...

1 The half term events

Leeds Castle’s Charlie’s Chocolate Adventure

For delicious half term fun, keep the children entertained at Leeds Castle’s Charlie’s Chocolate Adventure. Go on an adventure through the grounds of the magnificent Castle estate in search of clues to help you find the magical ‘Golden Tickets’. Or let your children make a mess in the kitchen at Belmont House’s cookery classes – you can rely on them for your after dinner treats!

For the heroes and heroines in your clan, let them dress as their favourite fairytale hero or princess at Dover Castle’s ‘The Fairytale Castle’ event. Cool kids can become a ‘sub-zero science hero’ in Doc. Yard’s Secret Lab at The Historic Dockyard Chatham! During half term, Doc. Yard’s trusty assistant Bunsen will be looking for volunteer Techsplorers to become ‘Sub-Zero Heroes’ and assist in hands-on family friendly experiments.

For half term bug-mania join the hunt in the orchards at Brogdale’s Beastie Day on 15th February or explore the life and habitats of Britain’s wiggliest insects with the special garden trail at Penshurst Place. Animal fun continues at Kent Life’s fun-packed week of activities and trails – come and watch the sheep lambing and meet the new-born lambs.

2 The activities

Go Ape tree top adventure at Leeds Castle

Relax or be as active as you please on your Kent half term holiday. Whether your passion’s adventure sports, horseriding, golf or shooting, you’ll find it nearby. The kids can let off some steam at the Go Ape tree top adventure centres at Leeds Castle (boasting a 250m long zip wire), and Bedgebury Forest, also home to the best children’s adventure play trail and excellent bike trails. Or go karting crazy at Bayford Meadows Kart Circuit in Sittingbourne, one of the country’s premier outdoor floodlit karting circuits, and Buckmore Park near Chatham. For great golf, head to Sittingbourne & Milton Regis Golf Club, only 5 miles away.

3 The attractions

Discover The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Discover the wonderful 80 acres of maritime heritage that is The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Steeped in history, this award-winning maritime heritage attraction is the world’s most complete dockyard from the age of sail and is home to a remarkable range of museum galleries, iconic buildings and historic warships. There is an excellent programme of family activities, outstanding exhibitions and events to see on your Kent half term holiday.

Alternatively, take a grand tour of Victorian England at Dickens World’s assortment of attractions, guaranteed to keep the whole family entertained. Here you can jump on board the Great Expectations Boat Ride for splashing good fun, take a trip back in time to a Victorian School complete with nasty schoolmaster or get spooked in The Haunted House of 1859.

For animal fun, meet the wildlife at Wildwood, Wingham Wildlife Park and Howletts Wild Animal Park, all offering great days out in Kent with the entire family. Or check out the steam trains and woodland walk at the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway and explore Bedgebury’s National Pinetum.

4 The castles, houses and gardens

Leeds Castle, ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’ is only 10 miles

It’s no wonder Kent is renowned as ‘The Garden of England’, with glorious gardens to suit every taste and mood. Don’t miss the majestic Leeds Castle during your Kent half term holiday. Justifiably coined ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’. Rising up from the surrounding moat, it’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful venues in Kent and is the perfect destination for a great family day out.

There are wonderful houses and gardens in Kent. Doddington Place Gardens boasts over ten acres of lovely landscaped gardens and a fabulous woodland walk; or spend ‘time’ at the magnificent neo-classical Belmont House & Gardens and explore the finest private collection of clocks in Britain! Not to mention Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, Knole, Dover Castle and the former home of Winston Churchill at Chartwell.

5 The city of Canterbury

Canterbury Historic River Tours by Karen Roe

Roman and Norman ruins and streets lined with pretty timber-framed 16th and 17th century houses – Canterbury is a city steeped in history and rich in visitor attractions. Take a guided tour of the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, the oldest in England and the jewel in the city’s sparkling crown. The world-famous cathedral took a grisly place in history when Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered here in 1170 – hence its historic attraction to pilgrims.

The cathedral forms one part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site trio; the ancient ruins of St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church forming the other two and not to be missed! Other ancient ruins such as the Castle are reminders of the city’s history, heritage and culture.

There are a number of interesting museums to see on your Kent half term holiday. Check out the fascinating Roman Museum, The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, The Canterbury Tales, The Kent Museum of Freemasonry and Canterbury Heritage Museum, home to Britain’s beloved cartoon characters including Bagpuss!

Take in the town on a guided walk or experience the city’s beauty and history on a wonderful river trip by boat or punt with Canterbury Historic River Tours. The Canterbury Punting Company also does a spooky river tour, complete with lanterns.

Enjoy some retail therapy in the quaint shops, explore the cobbled streets of the old town and experience the fantastic eateries to keep you fed and watered as you explore.

What else?

We’re brimming with ideas for your Kent half term holiday activities when you stay at our Kent holiday cottages. If you need some more ideas for fantastic days out, take a look at the ‘Things to Do & Events’ section for each property listing and make the most of your Kent getaway!