Half Term in the Kent Downs

Half term is approaching! But don’t worry, we’re here to help you beat the school holiday boredom with our Kent Downs half term guide. 

Whether you live locally or are visiting the AONB for the school holidays, we’ve got everything you need for fun, family time in the great outdoors. Check out our guide below for upcoming events, experiences, and even pre-planned itineraries to help you navigate a week of keeping your little ones entertained in the Downs.  

Family friendly activities and events in the Kent Downs 

1). Explore Kent’s country parks 

Discover Kent’s family of nine country parks, each with its own character. Explore a park near you on a family walk or sign up to one (or two!) of the exciting and educational events running through half term.  

Your youngsters can learn how to attract wildlife to the garden at a ‘Build a Bird Box’ event, get creative at Valentine’s Day themed craft sessions, and even test their woodland survival skills!  

Plus, Lullingstone, Shorne Woods, Trosley and Manor Country Parks are all running half term trails for the week, an effortless way to immerse your whole family in nature. 

Events sell out quickly, so book soon to avoid disappointment! 

2). Book a unique family experience 

Here in the Downs, there are loads of unique experiences run by local people offering an unforgettable day out in the Kent countryside.  

Head down to the woods with Natural Pathways for a Family Mini Survival Adventure. Spend time in the fresh air with your whole gang, learning new skills and working together to build a survival camp on your very own Mission Survival! You’ll build shelters and campfires, and then cook your own bush-tucker on your self-built roaring fire.  

Or, you could learn how to make traditional rustic wreaths and spectacular floral crowns using woodland materials – the perfect activity for dragging teenagers away from their tech! Led by an experienced teacher and florist, enjoy a mindful morning in the forest working on your floral creations, followed by a delicious picnic made from local ingredients.

3). Try geocaching on the North Downs Way 

The North Downs Way is one of 16 dedicated long-distance walking routes across the UK known as ‘The National Trails’. Running through the Surrey and Kent countryside, the North Downs Way covers 246 kilometres of spectacular scenery, passing right through the middle of the Kent Downs National Landscape.  

This half term, why not combine a family walk along the North Downs Way with geocaching? 

Geocaching is a popular, worldwide, modern version of treasure hunting that anyone can do! It’s a free, fun way to explore novel places or to take a fresh look at places you already know. There are over two million geocaches hidden all over the world and the number rises every day. All you need to try it is a GPS enabled phone or a handheld GPS device.  

Several geocaches have been hidden along the North Downs Way, and there are hundreds more hidden by local enthusiasts. Why not explore the trail and see how many you can log? 

4). Need inspiration? Check out our ready-made itineraries 

Whether you’re here for a week or a day, there’s plenty to do in the Kent Downs. To help you make the most of your time here, we’ve created a range of itineraries to help you choose where to stay and what to do. Plus, all our itineraries feature local businesses, so you’ll be supporting sustainable tourism while you’re here – win! 

Check out these family-themed itineraries perfect for trying this half term: 

5). Explore on two wheels 

The Kent Downs National Landscape has several cycle routes, from the lengthy 246km North Downs Way Riders’ Route to the short but sweet Stour Valley Way. Choose from cycle trails for beginners or those for more advanced riders, routes that are traffic free, and a mix of countryside and coastal scenery. 

So why not hop in the saddle this half term and explore the Kent countryside on two wheels?