May half term happenings

Find loads of family fun here in White Cliffs Country this May half term holiday. From fun events in special places to family activities at brilliant attractions, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.

Fun events

Maison Dieu Pilgrim Festival Saturday 24 to Tuesday 27 May

Visit Dover’s magnificent Maison Dieu this bank holiday weekend to discover its origins as a place of hospitality for medieval pilgrims at their family-friendly Pilgrim Festival. It’s free to enter and you can embark on a family-friendly pilgrim trail, meet medieval pilgrims and the lay brothers and sisters who looked after them, dress-up as a pilgrim, create your own pilgrim badge and hat, and play Medieval Smells Roulette!

Classic Car Show at Dover Transport Museum Sunday 25 May

Over 50 classic cars will be on display at this popular annual show. Entry is £12 adults, £6 children aged 5-16, under 5s free, which also gives you entry to the fantastic museum for one year.

Explore the Western Heights! Tuesday 27 May

Book onto a free tour with Ranger Lauren to explore the Western Heights discovering more about its wildlife and history. Create a journey stick to remember your visit and see if you can complete a scavenger hunt to claim a treat at the end. Suitable for ages 5-11 years (children must be always accompanied by an adult), this tour will take you on uneven paths, through narrow tunnels and up and down steps for around 2km. Spaces are limited so please book early. 

Fort Burgoyne Open Day Friday 30 May

Discover more about the history and wildlife of this fascinating fort and explore the site. Free entry (donations gratefully received) and no need to book, just turn up between 10am and 3pm (free parking on site). Rangers will be leading small groups to seek out lizards and other wildlife at the site at 10am and 1pm – this activity is £2.50 per child and booking is essential.

Samphire Hoe Orchid Adventure Saturday 31 May

Join ranger Paul at 2pm to explore the reserve looking for orchids and make your own paper flower to take home. Booking essential, £2.50 per child, £2 for parking.

See the What's On section of the website for details of these and more events.

Places to visit

The Roman Painted House in Dover will be open from Monday 26 to Saturday 31 May. Free to enter and open from 10am to 4pm, there's a fun quiz trail for children to answer as you tour this fascinating site.

May Half-Term Fun & Games will be happening daily from 10am to 5pm at Dover Castle and Walmer Castle and Gardens from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June. Challenge your family and friends to giant Jenga at Dover or play a round of skittles or boules at Walmer, plus other games and activities. Free for English Heritage members, included in the standard entry price for non-members - book in advance online to save 15% on tickets.

Betteshanger Park between Deal and Sandwich will have drop-in activities every day including archery, axe throwing and fossil hunting. The epic outdoor obstacle course, Boonies, is also open all week (advance booking essential). Visit the Kent Mining Museum where there’s a new trail for children to follow to discover the fascinating history of Kent coal and the playpark and trails are always open for burning off any extra energy.

Nearby Felderland Farm PYO is holding a Bee Appreciation Week from Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June. Plant your own flowerpot with seeds (£7 per child) and learn loads of bee facts. The coffee kiosk and pizza van will be open each day and there will be facepainting on both Sundays.

There are also plenty of extra activities for children at Wingham Wildlife Park this half term including making your own bug hotel, bubble displays, touch tables and meeting a baby dinosaur! See the full line up of what’s on each day on their website. 

Hop on board one of the trains running from East Kent Railway’s station at Shepherdswell to Eythorne station and back on Sunday 25 May and Sunday 1 June for a 4-mile round trip through beautiful countryside and the Golgotha Tunnel. Departures from Shepherdswell are at 10.45am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm. The on-site café is open Tuesday to Sundays – you’re welcome to visit and explore the site which includes a visitor centre, miniature railway, museum and a beautiful woodland walk.

Search our website for more things to do and great places to eat while you're out. You'll find some venues have special half term offers and events, such as The Coach at Hacklinge which has free face-painting on Saturday 31 May. 

Have a great week!