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What's on in Kent this bank holiday weekend from lambs to tractor rides and railways to bluebells

06:00, 29 April 2021

updated: 09:34, 01 May 2021

With a three-day weekend, there's triple the chances to get out & about and enjoy the county.

We’ve picked 10 weekend treats to try across Kent

You can see lambs in Faversham
You can see lambs in Faversham

Mount Ephraim Gardens, Faversham

This weekend, you can celebrate the joys of spring at Mount Ephraim Gardens in Faversham and see the new spring lambs. On Sunday, May 2 and Bank Holiday Monday, May 3, local farmer Alex will be bringing lambs born on the estate for visitors to see (although not to pet due to Covid restrictions).

There will also be a lamb trail with hand-painted wooden lambs in the garden and takeaway refreshments. There are two time slots on both Sunday, May 2 and Bank Holiday Monday: 11am to 2pm and 2pm to 5pm. Pre-book at mountephraimgardens.co.uk

Walmer Castle gardens
Walmer Castle gardens

Walmer Castle Gardens, near Deal

In celebration of National Gardening Week, which runs until Sunday, May 2 English Heritage gardeners are inviting members of the public to try a seed swap this weekend on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2. Visitors can bring their own seeds to exchange for rare varieties which have been donated by Garden Organic’s Heritage Seed Library. These include an array of heritage seeds like the Champion of England Pea. The seed swap is also happening at Down House in Orpington. Book tickets in advance here.

Could a tractor ride be on your family bank holiday list?
Could a tractor ride be on your family bank holiday list?

Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour, near Dover

Jump on board and enjoy a tractor and trailer ride around the arable farm near Dover and finish off with an ice cream.

Tractor rides are available at weekends, weather permitting and cost £2.50 each with under threes free. No pre-booking is needed but there may be a delay as numbers on each ride are limited. Details at solleysicecream.co.uk

Kent Life, Maidstone

The site at Lock Lane, Sandling, will have the feel of a traditional English street party all through the bank holiday weekend, from Saturday, May 1 to Bank Holiday Monday, May 3. Visitors can enjoy a cream tea on the terrace, or pick up a Pimm’s and there will be farm rides, outdoor play and animal encounters on offer and Dotty’s Tea Room will also have takeaway refreshments.

Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway

The heritage steam railway reopens to the public on Sunday, May 2 and will then be open on bank holidays and Sundays throughout the month. There is a Covid-safe timetable, that includes passengers travelling back on the same train as their outward journey. The café will be open too for takeaways. Visit sklr.net.

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is open this weekend
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway is open this weekend

Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway

Managers of the heritage railway, which reopened last month, have added shorter journeys for families over this bank holiday weekend. The move comes as a result of demand from parents. The shorter journeys mean you can travel to Dymchurch or New Romney. The three new trips a day will run on Saturday, May 1, Sunday, May 2 and Bank Holiday Monday, May 3. Pre-book at rhdr.org.uk or call 01797 362353. There are Covid-safe measures in place and travellers will need to wear a face covering on the train.

Kent Drive-in Cinema, Betteshanger Country Park

The drive-in cinema screenings at the park near Deal run all the way through to Sunday, May 9, and include family favourites like Jumanji: The Next Level, Back to the Future and The Goonies. Tickets cost from £30 per vehicle. Book in advance at kentdriveincinema.co.uk

Rick Stein will be cooking for visitors to the Alfresco Drive-in Theatre at the Hop Farm
Rick Stein will be cooking for visitors to the Alfresco Drive-in Theatre at the Hop Farm

Alfresco Drive-in Tour, Hop Farm Family Park

Chef Rick Stein will be among the top chefs cooking for visitors to the Alfresco Drive-in Tour, which comes to the Hop Farm Family Park in Paddock Wood until Bank Holiday Monday, May 3. He joins chef Tom Kerridge, Atul Kochhar, Paul Ainsworth and Jason Atherton curating the food alongside drive-in movies, Mark Watson’s Comedy Club on Friday, April 30, and live music on Sunday, May 2, Book at thealfrescotheatre.co.uk

Bluebells in the woods at Hever Castle
Bluebells in the woods at Hever Castle

Bluebells at Hever Castle

The gardens and grounds at the historic castle, near Edenbridge, continue their colourful displays this spring for visitors, this time with bluebells along Lake Walk and into the Woodland Walk. Peak blooming time is from Saturday, May 1. Pre-book here.

Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells

Young visitors heading to the Tunbridge Wells venue on Sunday, May 2 and Bank Holiday Monday should look out for the playful fairy and pixie giving away sweet treats on the way to the Enchanted Forest. You need to pre-book a slot at groombridgeplace.com

Where to see bluebells across Kent.

For more days out across Kent click here.

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