Experience the best of the outdoors this Easter
Days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and the Easter holiday is upon us. Now is the perfect time to get out and about in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Whether it’s spending time together as a family, having a good time with friends or something a bit different, we have your Easter covered!
There are plenty of things to do, see and experience across The Downs.
For outdoor family fun inspiration
- Channel your inner adventurer with a self-led Easter trail at Shorne Woods Country Park. Explore the woods in spring time, following our self-led activity trail and see what you can discover about the park. All completed trails will receive a small prize.
- Follow a fun trail through Kings Woods seeking out art installations all the family will love, followed by a delicious woodland picnic before exploring Godington House and Gardens. Find out what it was like to be ‘Kentish Gentry’ living in this amazing mansion surrounded by acres of delightful parkland.
- Pick up a pair of binoculars and immerse yourself in the spectacular flora & fauna of Samphire Hoe. Let our rangers help you spot some of the UK’s most majestic and rare birds — all while helping log and protect the nature reserve for future generations.
- Relax on a bike ride along the River Stour from Canterbury to Chartham and create memories to last a lifetime. Discover the farm animal enclosures at Badgers Hill near Chilham. This garden centre cafe also has a play area, so it is easy to see why families unwind here for hours.
- Jump into your walking boots and leap onto the footpaths with your family to explore the hidden valleys around Alkham nestled in The Downs. Paddle through the calm stream surrounding Kearsney Abbey and enjoy an ice cream or hot chocolate in the gardens and play area.
For the big kids at heart
- Immerse yourself in Kent’s ancient woodlands, learning practical conservation and creating your own crafts using traditional techniques in this restful, rural retreat from Medway Valley.
- Experience the joy of working with clay in the calm and inspiring surroundings of the Kent countryside. Led by This Art of Mine, you’ll create your own platter to take home — before tucking into some classic Kentish food and drink at a beloved local pub.
- Quit the hustle and bustle and discover what it means to be a Rebel Farmer. Learn how to make organic fruit and veg all-year-round, tour their micro farm and get a real taste of locally grown produce.
- Make traditional rustic wreaths and spectacular floral crowns using woodland materials, immersed in the serene and historic surroundings of Kent’s Admiral Woods, before polishing off delicious local picnic.
- Get creative and discover how an entire forest can be your canvas. Set in the beautiful King’s Wood, the Outdoor Studios team will walk you through Kent’s rich history before letting you try your hand at unique arts and crafts inspired by traditional Kentish techniques.