Fun activities in Kent this summer
Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Gravesend and Kent 2023
Looking for the ultimate summer experience in Gravesend and Kent? Look no further. We’ve rounded up a wide variety of activities that will ensure a summer to remember in 2023. From adventurous trails to historical tours, and stunning parks to magical castles, we’ve got it all covered.
Medway Summer Trails
This summer, kids have a fantastic opportunity to win family tickets to numerous attractions across Medway by participating in the Medway Summer Trails. The trails start from various locations including Rochester Castle, Upnor Castle, Eastgate House, Temple Manor or The Guildhall Museum. Kids can collect badges at each venue, with a special Sea Plane badge awarded to those who collect all five. This is a great way to keep the children entertained and active during the summer break
Pirates and Knights at Dover Castle
Dover Castle is hosting two exciting events this summer – Pirates (30th-31st July) and their Knights tournament (27th – 29th August). These events are perfect for families, offering a mix of immersive shows, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. The Knights’ Tournament will see a Grand Melee finale, where swords clash and the strongest emerge victorious. Visitors can also witness the medieval lifestyle at the encampment, observing hand crafts, weapon repairs, cooking, and camp life
Lower Leas Coastal Park
The Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone is the perfect spot for a summer picnic or a leisurely walk. The park is home to the largest free adventure play area in the southeast, including a sunken pirate ship, zip lines, and tube slides. It’s also a haven for wildlife and offers stunning views of the Folkestone coast.
Country Festival at Foals Farm
Join the Country Festival at Foals Farm this summer for their biggest fundraising event of the year. Not only will you have a fantastic time, but you’ll also be contributing to a great cause. The festival promises to be a fun-filled day while raising money for their animals.
Local and Live
Taking place over the August Bank Holiday in Tunbridge Wells’ historic Calverley Grounds, the Local & Live festival is a four-day celebration of the best live music and culture in town. The festival is recognised as an annual highlight in the regional events calendar and also supports and nurtures local music and culture.
Broadstairs Folk Week
This August, Broadstairs will host their Folk Week event. It’s the perfect outing for families, with daily morning Hobby Horse Clubs offering singsongs, dances and games. Don’t miss performances from their fire-blowing mascot, Clarence the Dragon, and the galloping festival mascots, the Hooden Horses. The event also features a variety of stalls selling goodies, music, and crafts.
Spellbound Summer at Hever Castle
Hever Castle is inviting all young witches and wizards for a magical summer event from the 23rd of July until the 31st of August. Kids can learn spells from magical wizards and discover magical creatures. Don’t forget to dress up as your favourite fairy-tale characters for an unforgettable day out.
The Octonauts at The Royal Historic Dockyard Chatham
From 28 May – 4 September, kids can join Captain Barnacles and the Octonauts on an interactive, activity-based adventure. This is a unique chance to learn about maritime history and the skills needed to join the Octonauts. There are also lots more to see and do at the Dockyards including the Monsters of the Deep exhibition, and an open-air theatre production of Robin Hood.
Woodlands Park
Gravesend’s Cold War bunker is located within Woodlands Park. Refurbished and re-equipped to look as it was in the 1950s, the bunker gives the visitor the chance to experience its atmosphere and glimpse into Cold War England.
Leeds Castle Open Air Cinema
From 26th July until 05 August 2023, enjoy a variety of family favorite films in the open air. Showings include Mama Mia, Harry Potter, The Wizard of Oz, Top Gun and Elvis!
Summer fun at Lower Grange Farm
Join the local community for a day of summer fun on 06 August with local business stalls, raffles, food, and activities.
Summer Vintage Fair at Little Fants Farm
On 06 August, browse the Classic Morris Minors, chat to local historians, enter a Family Fun Dog show, and enjoy a doughnut stall, cocktail bar & ice cream.
Soulful Sundays at the Rum Puncheon in Gravesend
Enjoy the best Soul, funk, disco, and boogie bangers with a pinch of reggae and a touch of house in a friendly atmosphere overlooking the Thames.
Zoolab at Gravesend Library
Join us on Monday 14 August 2023, from 11 am and meet the Animal Ranger and a collection of exotic animals like the Giant African Land Snail, Cockroaches, Tarantula, American Corn Snake, Fire Bellied Toad, and a Giant Millipede! Spaces are free but limited.
Get Up and Active With Sam & Sam at Gravesend Library
Join gymnastic coach Sam & fitness coach Sam for a fun filled fitness and activity session on Wednesday 2 August 12.30pm – 1 pm. Free Family Activity.