What's on in Kent
Events with confirmed dates, grouped by the month they start. Past events drop off automatically.
October 2026
- HalloweenHalf-term
Room on the Broom trail with Halloween cauldrons at Bedgebury
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst · 1 October to 31 October 2026
Bedgebury's Room on the Broom trail gains a Halloween twist in October, with cauldrons to find and a crossword to solve for a sticker. It is an easy, low-cost outing in the pinetum while the autumn colour is at its best.
- Price:
- From £4
- Dates:
- Halloween cauldrons appear along the trail throughout October.
- BookPumpkin pickingHalloween
PYO Pumpkins at Beluncle Farm
Beluncle Farm, Hoo · 10 October to 31 October 2026
A home-grown pumpkin patch on the Hoo Peninsula, with carving pumpkins, eating squash and decorative corn to pick straight from the field. Tickets are sold per car, which keeps costs down for bigger families.
- Price:
- From £10
- Dates:
- Open 17 to 18, 23 to 25 and 27 to 31 October (opened 10 October).
- BookPumpkin pickingHalloween
Pumpkin Moon pick your own pumpkins
Pumpkin Moon, Maidstone farm, Maidstone · 10 October to 31 October 2026
Pumpkin Moon grows more than 100 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd across two Kent farms, near Maidstone and at Rainham. Grab a wheelbarrow, wander the field and pick your own.
- Price:
- From £2.75
- Dates:
- Open 17 to 18 October, then every day from 21 to 31 October. Arrive between 10am and 3.30pm; gates close at 4pm.
- Family days outFood and drink
Apple Weekend at Penshurst Place
Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst · 17 October to 18 October 2026
A weekend celebrating the apple harvest, with live pressing demonstrations and apple-themed bakes from the kitchen. Children can try traditional games and crafts around the gardens.
- Price:
- Included in admission.
- Dates:
- Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026, 10am to 5pm.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Halloween Potion Hunt at Go Ape Leeds Castle
Go Ape Leeds Castle, Maidstone · 17 October to 1 November 2026
New for 2026, Go Ape's Halloween Potion Hunt sends young climbers into the trees to help the Woodland Wizard, who has dropped his cauldron over the forest. Clues on signs around the course reveal which ingredients belong in his secret recipe, and only five will fit. Finishers get treats and a medal.
- Price:
- From £5
- Ages:
- Treetop Adventure is for ages 4 to 10 and over 1m tall; Treetop Adventure Plus is for ages 6 and over.
- Dates:
- Runs at Leeds Castle from Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, as an add-on to a booked session.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Halloween Trail and Pumpkin Patch at Betteshanger Park
Betteshanger Country Park, Deal · 17 October to 1 November 2026
Betteshanger Park's spooky woodland trail returns for Halloween, with surprises along the route for young monsters and their grown-ups. Over half term the trail is joined by a pumpkin patch where every child picks a small pumpkin to take home. On Saturday 24 October a Halloween dog show joins the fun.
- Price:
- From £12.50
- Dates:
- Halloween Trail on 17 and 18 October 2026; Woodland Trail and Pumpkin Patch from 24 October to 1 November 2026. Check booking for session times.
- HalloweenHalf-term
Halloween half-term at Hever Castle
Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge · 17 October to 1 November 2026
Hever turns its grounds over to a mad scientist theme for half-term, with a trail, a science show and a goggles craft. Most of it is included in the normal admission, which makes it an easy family day out in West Kent.
- Price:
- Most activities are included with admission. Face painting is £6 per child.
- Ages:
- Aimed at younger children.
- Dates:
- Daily 10.30am to 4.30pm. The trail closes at 4pm.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Horrible Histories Halloween at Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle, Maidstone · 17 October to 1 November 2026
Horrible Histories takes over the castle grounds for half-term with ghostly queens, potion making and a costume party in the maze. It is designed to be more funny than frightening, so it works well for mixed ages.
- Price:
- From £24.50
- Ages:
- Pitched as silly rather than scary, so suits younger and easily spooked children.
- Dates:
- Daily through October half-term, 17 October to 1 November 2026.
- BookHeritage railwaysFamily days out
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Autumn Gala
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, New Romney · 17 October to 18 October 2026
The miniature railway along the Romney Marsh coast holds its autumn steam gala over the weekend of 17 and 18 October. Gala weekends are the best chance to see more of the fleet in action.
- Price:
- Check the railway's booking site for gala fares.
- Dates:
- Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October 2026.
- HalloweenHalf-term
Yuck Yard: Barnaby Bilge's Big Mess
The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Chatham · 17 October to 8 November 2026
A mucky Halloween mystery around the Dockyard, where families follow a security incident report to track down ghostly grime. A live show called The Night Shift adds some theatre to the visit.
- Price:
- Listed by the Dockyard as included with admission.
- Dates:
- Runs 17 October to 8 November 2026, covering Halloween half-term.
- DetailsHalloweenHalf-term
Halloween at Eastgate House
Eastgate House, Rochester · 18 October to 1 November 2026
Rochester's Elizabethan Eastgate House marks Halloween with a family scavenger hunt through its historic rooms, followed by a weekend of ghostly programming. The Unexplained and an evening of classic ghost stories round off half term in a suitably atmospheric setting.
- Price:
- Event prices are not yet published; standard 2026 admission is adult £7, child £3.06, family £14.96.
- Dates:
- Halloween Scavenger Hunt from 18 to 29 October 2026; The Unexplained at Eastgate House and An Evening of Classic Ghost Stories from 30 October to 1 November 2026. Check times with the venue.
- BookFeatured partnerHalf-termOutdoors
October half-term adventure camp at Bewl Water
Bewl Water, Lamberhurst · 19 October to 30 October 2026
The Bewl Adventure Rangers camp gives older children full days of outdoor activity at the reservoir over the half-term fortnight. Days run from 8.30am to 4.30pm, so it also works as childcare for working parents.
- Price:
- From £50
- Ages:
- Ages 8 to 15.
- Dates:
- Monday to Friday, 19 to 23 and 26 to 30 October 2026, 8.30am to 4.30pm. Book single days or a full week.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Howloween at Howletts
Howletts Wild Animal Park, Bekesbourne · 23 October to 1 November 2026
Howletts runs a playful Halloween week where the animals get pumpkin treats and children follow a trick trail around the park. Free child tickets booked online make it one of the better-value half-term days in East Kent.
- Price:
- Free
- Ages:
- Under 16s must be with an adult.
- Dates:
- Daily 10am to 5pm.
- DetailsHalf-termFamily days out
Nocturnal Adventures at the Powell-Cotton Museum
Quex House, Gardens and Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington · 23 October 2026
At the start of half term, the Powell-Cotton Museum invites families to see its famous animal dioramas through nocturnal eyes. It is a one-day special in the museum galleries at Quex Park.
- Price:
- From £7
- Dates:
- Friday 23 October 2026. Check the website for times.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Farmyard Frights and Trick or Treat Delights
Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch, near Ashford · 24 October to 1 November 2026
The Rare Breeds Centre near Ashford runs a family Halloween over October half term, with farmyard frights and trick or treating alongside its 200-plus animals. It suits younger children who want Halloween fun without real scares.
- Price:
- Check the Rare Breeds Centre booking page for prices.
- Dates:
- Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. The farm is open 10am to 5pm until 31 October; check 1 November times on the website.
- HalloweenHalf-term
Halloween at Penshurst Place
Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst · 24 October to 1 November 2026
Penshurst's Beware the Bad Apple trail sends families round the grounds hunting for odd potion ingredients. Crafts in the Old Coach House and panto-style storytelling fill out a half-term visit.
- Price:
- Check the Penshurst Place website for admission prices.
- Ages:
- Storytelling is pitched as not too scary for the whole family.
- Dates:
- Trail 10am to 5pm and crafts 11am to 3.30pm daily from 24 October to 1 November. Storytelling 26 to 31 October.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Halloween half-term at Dover Castle
Dover Castle, Dover · 24 October to 1 November 2026
English Heritage hosts a Great Pumpkin Party at Dover Castle for half-term, with storytelling, games and a themed trail across the site. It is included in normal entry, so you can combine it with the tunnels and the Great Tower.
- Price:
- Included with standard admission. English Heritage members go free. Booking ahead saves 15%.
- Ages:
- Family event. Child tickets cover ages 5 to 17.
- Dates:
- Daily 10am to 4pm.
- BookHalf-termFamily days out
Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival
Venues across Royal Tunbridge Wells and Southborough, Royal Tunbridge Wells · 26 October to 31 October 2026
The Tunbridge Wells Puppetry Festival returns for its seventh year over October half term, with professionally curated puppetry from the UK and overseas. Shows, workshops and public events across the town cover every style of puppetry, not only puppets on strings. It is pitched as accessible and sustainable, and ideal for families looking for half-term culture.
- Price:
- Ticketed shows are sold through TicketSource; check the programme for prices and any free events.
- Dates:
- Monday 26 to Saturday 31 October 2026 (October half term). Check the festival programme for individual show times and venues.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
Family ghost tours at The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Chatham · 27 October to 31 October 2026
A guide leads families round the Dockyard after hours by torchlight, telling stories of shadowy ships and badly behaved spirits. Expect spooky tales and a few gentle jump scares rather than full-on frights.
- Price:
- From £7.50
- Ages:
- Best for ages 9 to 15 with adults. Not recommended for children aged 6 and under.
- Dates:
- Tours 5pm to 6pm. Arrive 20 minutes before your booking time.
- BookHalloweenHalf-term
The Spellbound Express
Tenterden Town Station, Tenterden · 28 October to 30 October 2026
A gentle, scare-free Halloween steam train for younger children, running from Tenterden to Northiam and back. Witches, wizards and a baby dragon keep things lively on board, and every child earns a Junior Spellcaster certificate.
- Price:
- Book online for the best price. Local resident season tickets are not valid.
- Ages:
- Ages 4 to 11.
- Dates:
- 28, 29 and 30 October 2026. The experience lasts about an hour.
- BookHalloween
After Hours: Haunted Hever Castle Tours
Hever Castle and Gardens, Hever, near Edenbridge · 29 October to 31 October 2026
See Hever Castle after dark on a 50-minute theatrical tour through its historic rooms, where actors play figures drawn from the castle's history and folklore. Expect a sorrowful Thomas Boleyn, the elusive Grey Lady and other characters in the shadows. The evening starts with a drink in the Moat Café, and groups are capped at 20.
- Price:
- From £42.50
- Ages:
- Recommended for ages 14 and over.
- Dates:
- Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October 2026. Tours leave at 5.30pm, 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm and last about 50 minutes.
- DetailsHalloweenHalf-term
Not So Scary Halloween at Cyclopark
Cyclopark, Gravesend · 29 October to 30 October 2026
Cyclopark's Not So Scary Halloween is a gentle half-term afternoon for younger children at the Gravesend charity venue. It runs over two afternoons, with the play park and cycling trails on hand for the rest of the day.
- Price:
- Check the Cyclopark website for prices.
- Dates:
- Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October 2026, 12.30pm to 4.30pm.
- BookHalloweenHeritage railways
Fright Night on the Kent and East Sussex Railway
Tenterden Town Station, Tenterden · 30 October to 31 October 2026
An evening steam train runs from Tenterden through the dark countryside to Northiam, where drummers, a fire eater and a fireworks display wait at the station. Free Halloween activities and hot food at Tenterden make it a full evening out.
- Price:
- Tickets are sold online. Carer tickets and local resident season tickets are not valid on this service.
- Ages:
- Most popular with families with children aged 6 to 11, but all ages are welcome.
- Dates:
- Arrive from 5.30pm. Children's activities from 5pm, train departs 6.30pm and returns around 8.15pm.
- DetailsHalloweenHalf-term
Shadows of the Abbey: a Halloween history tour
St Augustine's Abbey, Canterbury · 31 October to 1 November 2026
English Heritage runs a Halloween history tour of St Augustine's Abbey as the light fades on the last weekend of half term. The hour-long tour explores the ruins of one of England's oldest monasteries, within Canterbury's World Heritage Site.
- Price:
- Check the English Heritage website for tour prices and booking.
- Dates:
- Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026, 4pm to 5pm.
- BookFireworks and bonfiresFamily days out
Trucks and Fireworks at Brands Hatch
Brands Hatch, Fawkham · 31 October to 1 November 2026
A weekend of truck racing at Brands Hatch that ends with a fireworks display on the Sunday evening. Under 13s go free, and there is plenty around the track for children between races.
- Price:
- Free
- Ages:
- Under 16s must be with an adult.
- Dates:
- Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2026. Fireworks on Sunday, some time after 5.15pm.
November 2026
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Mission Christmas
The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Chatham · 1 November to 31 December 2026
A guided, story-led adventure in which families help an elf called Elfenezer recover his Christmas spirit by travelling through his past, present and future. After solving challenges to unlock the Golden Ledger, each family has a private meeting with Father Christmas and children receive a wrapped gift. The guided part takes about 45 minutes, and the venue suggests allowing around two hours in total.
- Price:
- From £8.50
- Ages:
- Best suited to ages 4 to 10
- Dates:
- Selected dates in November and December 2026; the venue has not published a full date list, so check the booking page. Quiet sessions on Sunday 29 November at 2.30pm and 3pm
- Half-termFamily days out
Storytime with Gruffalo Granny at Bedgebury
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst · 1 November 2026
A family day at the end of half-term to hear the brand-new Gruffalo story by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The Gruffalo himself is due to make an appearance.
- Price:
- Check the Forestry England event page for prices. Parking charges apply.
- Dates:
- Sunday 1 November 2026, 10am to 4pm.
- BookFireworks and bonfiresHalloween
Tonbridge Round Table charity fireworks
Racecourse Sports Ground, Tonbridge Park, Tonbridge · 1 November 2026
Tonbridge Round Table's annual charity display has a Halloween theme this year, with a show choreographed to music by Phoenix Fireworks. Proceeds go to local charities.
- Price:
- From £7
- Dates:
- Sunday 1 November 2026. Gates 5pm, display 6.30pm.
- BookFireworks and bonfiresMusic
Kent Cricket's Fireworks Evening
The St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury · 5 November 2026
Canterbury's largest bonfire night display takes place on 5 November itself at Kent Cricket's home ground. Expect fireworks over the outfield, live music and a food village.
- Price:
- Early bird tickets on sale in limited numbers; priority tickets have sold out.
- Dates:
- Thursday 5 November 2026. Gate and display times to be confirmed by Kent Cricket.
- BookIce skatingFamily days out
The Ice Rink at Bluewater
Bluewater Shopping Centre, Greenhithe · 5 November to 3 January 2027
A covered seasonal ice rink outside The Village at Bluewater, open from early November into the new year. Sessions last 45 minutes and penguin and seal skating aids help younger or nervous skaters. It is an easy add-on to a Christmas shopping trip.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- 5 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, in 45-minute sessions
- BookFireworks and bonfiresFamily days out
Fireworks Spectacular at Kent Life
Kent Life, Maidstone · 6 November to 7 November 2026
Kent Life's two-night fireworks show pairs a display set to music with children's fairground rides. The earlier Saturday display suits families with younger children.
- Price:
- From £15
- Ages:
- Family event with child tickets for ages 2 to 15.
- Dates:
- Friday 6 November: gates 4pm, fireworks 8.30pm. Saturday 7 November: gates 3pm, fireworks 6.30pm.
- BookFireworks and bonfiresMusic
Dunorlan Park charity fireworks
Dunorlan Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells · 7 November 2026
Royal Tunbridge Wells Round Table's charity display uses the hill and lake at Dunorlan Park to great effect, with the fireworks reflected on the water. The show is choreographed to music by Frontier Fireworks.
- Price:
- From £7
- Dates:
- Saturday 7 November 2026. Site opens 5.30pm, display 7pm.
- Fireworks and bonfiresFamily days out
Edenbridge Bonfire
Edenbridge town centre and Recreation Ground, Edenbridge · 7 November 2026
Kent's best-known bonfire night starts with a torch-lit carnival procession through Edenbridge and finishes with a big fireworks display at the Recreation Ground. The society builds two giant effigies each year, and they are the talking point of the night.
- Price:
- Check the bonfire society website for entry and ticket details.
- Dates:
- Saturday 7 November 2026. Roads close 6pm to 10pm, procession 6.30pm, fireworks 8.30pm.
- BookFireworks and bonfiresFamily days out
Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular
Leeds Castle, Maidstone · 7 November to 8 November 2026
Leeds Castle bills this as the biggest fireworks show in the South East, with the moated castle as the backdrop. The 2026 display is themed around songs about time, with fireworks set to music alongside lasers and projections on the castle.
- Price:
- From £29
- Dates:
- Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026. Gate and display times are released by the castle closer to the event.
- BookHeritage railwaysMeet Father Christmas
THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells West station, Tunbridge Wells · 7 November to 23 December 2026
A theatrical train ride from Tunbridge Wells West based on the much-loved film, with characters performing on board and the story read aloud. Hot chocolate and a cookie are served during the journey, and Santa hands each child a silver sleigh bell. Families are encouraged to come in pyjamas.
- Price:
- From £37.95
- Ages:
- Under 2s travel on an adult's lap
- Dates:
- Selected dates from 7 November 2026, with several departures a day. The official ticket site lists departures into late December (at least 23 December); check it for the full calendar
- BookChristmas marketsShopping
Canterbury Christmas Market
Canterbury city centre and Cathedral Precincts, Canterbury · 12 November to 24 December 2026
Canterbury's Christmas market fills the city's streets with wooden huts selling gifts, decorations and seasonal food, with stalls reaching into the Cathedral Precincts. Families can book a Santa's Grotto, breakfast with Santa or VR experiences, and live music runs through the season. The city's lights are switched on across four stages on Friday 13 November.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Daily from 12 November to 24 December 2026 (the organiser lists 12 November; Visit Canterbury lists the market and light switch-on together on Friday 13 November). City light switch-on is Friday 13 November from 5pm
- DetailsChristmas marketsShopping
Festive Marketplace at Folkestone Harbour Arm
Folkestone Harbour Arm, Folkestone · 13 November to 24 December 2026
Folkestone Harbour Arm's festive market runs on weekends from mid November and every day in the final week before Christmas, with stalls along the harbour and its food and drink traders. It opens with the Christmas lights switch-on on Friday 13 November. After Christmas, Crimbo Limbo keeps things going from 26 December to 3 January.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Fridays to Sundays from 13 November, then daily from 18 to 24 December 2026. Usually 11am to 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 11am to 6pm on Sundays (opening night 13 November 4pm to 8pm). The Christmas lights switch-on is on 13 November at 7pm.
- Christmas marketsShopping
The Pantiles Boutique Christmas Markets
The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells · 13 November to 24 December 2026
Wooden chalets line the Georgian colonnade of the Pantiles on weekends through November and December, selling gifts from independent makers. Live musicians, community choirs and local theatre groups perform, including mini pantomime shows. The market runs every day in the final week before Christmas.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Fridays to Sundays from 13 November, then daily from 18 to 24 December 2026. 11am to 8pm (6pm on 24 December)
- DetailsChristmas marketsShopping
Christmas Gift Market at the Rare Breeds Centre
Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch, near Ashford · 14 November to 15 November 2026
A two-day Christmas gift market in Benson Barn at the Rare Breeds Centre, beside the car park, with free entry. It is a low-key place to start Christmas shopping, and the farm is open for a day out too.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026, 10am to 3.30pm, in Benson Barn next to the car park.
- Christmas marketsShopping
Christmas Market at Chartwell
Chartwell (National Trust), Westerham · 19 November to 22 November 2026
Local makers and food producers sell handmade gifts in a covered marquee at Chartwell over four days in late November. The estate shop, one of the largest in the National Trust, is open for Churchill-themed presents. Buy a garden ticket if you want to hear the live carols in the grounds at the weekend.
- Price:
- Normal admission or membership applies for the garden, grounds and studio, including the weekend carols. Parking is paid unless you validate a membership card.
- Dates:
- Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 November 2026, 10am to 4pm. Carols in the grounds at the weekend
- Christmas lightsMusic
Maidstone Christmas Light Switch On
Jubilee Square, Maidstone · 19 November 2026
Maidstone's town centre lights are switched on in Jubilee Square, organised by the One Maidstone business group. A stage hosted by KM features a line-up of acts, the Mayor attends and Santa makes an appearance. Times are still to be announced, so check the organiser's page nearer the date.
- Price:
- Cost not stated by the organiser; check the event page before you go
- Dates:
- Thursday 19 November 2026. Start and switch-on times not yet published
- BookFamily days outFood and drink
A Woodland Realm: Christmas at Quebec House
Quebec House (National Trust), Westerham · 20 November to 20 December 2026
General James Wolfe's childhood home in Westerham is transformed into a woodland world, with trees and hidden creatures telling a winter story room by room. Volunteer cooks prepare 18th-century treats in the Coach House across the garden. It is a short, gentle visit that combines easily with Chartwell nearby.
- Price:
- Normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
- Dates:
- Fridays to Sundays, 20 November to 20 December 2026, 11am to 3pm, last entry 2.30pm
- BookChristmas lightsFamily days out
Christmas Lights at Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle, Maidstone · 20 November to 3 January 2027
An after-dark illuminated trail through the grounds of Leeds Castle, set to Christmas music. Returning favourites include the Christmas Cathedral and Fire Garden, alongside a Laser Garden and a water fountain show. Father Christmas may appear along the way, and hot food and drinks are sold on site.
- Price:
- See website for prices. This is a separately ticketed third-party event: annual admission tickets and gift vouchers are not valid, and castle entry is not included.
- Dates:
- Evenings on selected dates from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
- BookChristmas lightsFamily days out
Christmas at Bedgebury
Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, Goudhurst · 20 November to 31 December 2026
An evening light trail beneath the giant conifers of the national pinetum, reworked for 2026 with new installations. Look out for the Christmas Cathedral, a new Laser Garden and the tall trees lit against the night sky, plus a possible glimpse of Father Christmas. Food stalls sell hot drinks and treats, and you can toast marshmallows over fire pits.
- Price:
- From £13
- Ages:
- Child tickets cover ages 3 to 16; under 3s free
- Dates:
- Selected evenings: 20 to 22 and 27 to 29 November, 2 to 6 December, 9 to 24 December and 26 to 31 December 2026. Timed entry roughly every 15 minutes from 4pm to 8.15pm
- BookChristmas lightsMeet Father Christmas
Christmas at Hever Castle
Hever Castle and Gardens, Edenbridge · 20 November to 2 January 2027
Anne Boleyn's childhood home is dressed for Christmas, with decorated rooms and log fires inside and a Nutcracker-themed trail through the grounds. From 4pm on twilight dates the castle, gardens and lake are lit up, and Father Christmas can be added as an extra. Daytime and twilight tickets are sold separately.
- Price:
- From £15
- Dates:
- Open most days from 20 November 2026 to 2 January 2027. Closed 23 and 24 November and 25 and 26 December. Evening twilight entry from 4pm on many dates; hours vary by day
- BookFamily days out
A Christmas Woodland Wonder at Knole
Knole (National Trust), Sevenoaks · 21 November to 23 December 2026
Knole's courtyards are hung with trees and garlands, and the Great Hall is laid with nature-inspired woodland decorations around a large sparkling tree. Families can pick up a free spotter trail in the showrooms and follow a winter trail out in the deer park. Climb the Gatehouse Tower for views and a 1930s-style festive setting.
- Price:
- Free event, but normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
- Dates:
- Decorated house and courtyards 21 November to 23 December 2026, 11am to 4pm. The winter family trail in the parkland runs on to 3 January 2027
- BookFamily days outChristmas lights
A Cosy Quex House Christmas
Quex House, Gardens and Powell-Cotton Museum, Birchington · 21 November to 13 December 2026
New for 2026, Quex House is dressed for a traditional Victorian and Edwardian Christmas, with trees, decorated rooms, period music and sparkling lights. Families can try traditional games and hands-on activities, then warm up with hot chocolate and a mince pie before a winter walk in the gardens. The museum galleries are included.
- Price:
- From £7
- Ages:
- Aimed at families of all ages, including grandparents.
- Dates:
- Weekends from 21 November to 13 December 2026, timed entry 10am to 3pm (last entry 2pm).
- BookFamily days outChristmas lights
A Fairytale Christmas at Scotney Castle
Scotney Castle (National Trust), Lamberhurst · 21 November to 3 January 2027
The Victorian mansion at Scotney is decorated with scenes inspired by favourite fairytales, and a gingerbread trail runs outdoors for children. On selected late nights the gardens are lit with twinkling illuminations. Scotney is just outside Lamberhurst, so it combines easily with other festive outings in the area.
- Price:
- Free event, but normal admission applies (National Trust members free).
- Dates:
- 21 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, 10am to 4pm, plus selected late-night illumination evenings
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Father Christmas at Leeds Castle
Leeds Castle, Maidstone · 21 November to 24 December 2026
A daytime grotto visit at Leeds Castle where children help solve a festive mystery before meeting Father Christmas. It runs alongside the castle's Wallace and Gromit Christmas trail, which is included with admission from 21 November. Grotto tickets do not include entry to the castle, so budget for both.
- Price:
- Father Christmas ticket price not shown on the event page; see website. Castle admission is required and sold separately (Explorer ticket from £34.50 adult and £24.50 child online, valid for a year).
- Ages:
- Ideal for ages 3 to 10
- Dates:
- Selected dates from 21 November to 24 December 2026
- BookFamily days outMusic
Churchill's Colourful Christmas at Chartwell
Chartwell (National Trust), Westerham · 27 November to 3 January 2027
Winston Churchill's family home is decorated with a theme inspired by his love of painting, with colourful trees, lights and displays through the rooms. Children can follow a festive trail based on Rob Biddulph's picture book I Follow the Fox. Live carols are performed in the garden on selected weekends.
- Price:
- Normal admission applies (National Trust members free). The family trail costs £3.50. Guided tours are an extra £9.50 and must be pre-booked.
- Ages:
- Under 5s free
- Dates:
- 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, 10am to 4pm, last house entry 3.10pm. Closed 24 and 25 December
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
The All New Adventures of Peter Pan (pantomime)
The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury · 27 November to 10 January 2027
The Marlowe's big-budget panto this year is Peter Pan, written and directed by Paul Hendy. The cast includes Janette Manrara, Phil Gallagher and Ben Roddy. The run continues into January 2027.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- 27 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. Audio-described performances on Sunday 6 December and Sunday 3 January
- BookChristmas marketsMeet Father Christmas
Tonbridge Christmas Fest
Tonbridge Castle, Tonbridge · 27 November to 13 December 2026
A free festive market at Tonbridge Castle across three long weekends, with a market village of handmade gifts, a food village and a Christmas lounge. Families can book a grotto visit, shows and character meet and greets, while 18-plus evenings cater for adults. Santa's Post Office and a Christmas tree parade add to the atmosphere.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Three weekends: 27 to 29 November, 3 to 6 December and 10 to 13 December 2026. Weekdays 1pm to 7pm, weekends 10.30am to 7pm, early close on Sunday 29 November
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
A Truly Magical Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre
Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch, near Ashford · 28 November to 23 December 2026
The Rare Breeds Centre turns its Cattle Barn into a glittering winter wonderland walk-through leading to Father Christmas and his elves. Every child receives a gift from Santa, and there is festive snowball throwing and a craft activity to make a keepsake. SEN grotto sessions are offered alongside standard ones.
- Price:
- Check the Rare Breeds Centre booking page for prices.
- Dates:
- Weekends from Saturday 28 November, then daily from Saturday 19 to Wednesday 23 December 2026. Check booking for session times.
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Beauty and the Beast (pantomime)
The Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone · 28 November to 31 December 2026
Maidstone's town-centre theatre stages Beauty and the Beast as its 2026 pantomime, with the story of the cursed prince told in classic panto style. The show runs for just over two hours including a 15-minute interval. Two relaxed performances are scheduled for families who prefer a calmer setting.
- Price:
- See website for prices. Family and school offers are listed on the booking page.
- Ages:
- All ages welcome; under 16s must be with an adult. Contains innuendo typical of panto
- Dates:
- 28 November to 31 December 2026 on selected dates and times. Relaxed performances on 1 December at 10.30am and 11 December at 6pm
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol at Eastgate House
Eastgate House, Rochester · 28 November to 13 December 2026
Dickens' A Christmas Carol is performed inside Eastgate House, the Rochester townhouse whose garden holds the chalet where Dickens wrote. Several short performances a day suit families exploring Rochester in the run-up to Christmas, and the Dickensian Christmas Festival weekend falls in the middle of the run.
- Price:
- From £12.50
- Dates:
- Selected dates from 28 November to 13 December 2026, including Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November and Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 December. Performances at 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm and 6pm.
- BookFeatured partnerMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Christmas at Bewl Water
Bewl Water, Lamberhurst · 28 November to 24 December 2026
An elf-led Christmas quest in the woodland at Bewl Water, ending in a private Santa visit personalised with each child's name, age and interests. The quest itself runs for just under two hours, and families are advised to allow around three hours including the food court and play area. Most of the route is under cover, but some sections are outdoors and not all are heated.
- Price:
- From £62
- Ages:
- Recommended for ages 1 to 11; child tickets cover ages 1 to 13
- Dates:
- 12 dates: weekends of 28 and 29 November, 5 and 6, 12 and 13, and 19 and 20 December, plus daily from 21 to 24 December
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Santa Specials
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, New Romney station, New Romney · 28 November to 24 December 2026
A return ride on the famous miniature steam railway from New Romney to Hythe, with a meeting with Father Christmas included. Every child up to 17 receives a quality, age-appropriate gift, and seasonal refreshments are part of the ticket. Advance booking is essential and popular services sell out.
- Price:
- See website for prices. Under 1s travel free, or £15 with a gift from Santa.
- Ages:
- Gifts for children aged 0 to 17
- Dates:
- 28 and 29 November, 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, and 22 to 24 December 2026
- BookHeritage railwaysMeet Father Christmas
Santa Specials
Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Town Station, Tenterden · 29 November to 24 December 2026
A 75-minute return steam train ride from Tenterden in decorated carriages, with Santa coming to your seat to hand over a present addressed to your child by name. Adults get a mulled wine or hot drink, and higher packages add refreshment packs and on-board entertainment. Back at the station there are free unlimited rides on the vintage gallopers.
- Price:
- From £100
- Ages:
- Babies under 18 months travel free
- Dates:
- 29 November, 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 19 and 20, and 22 to 24 December 2026. The 11.15am train on 29 November is a quiet train
December 2026
- BookMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Father Christmas at Dover Castle
Dover Castle (English Heritage), Dover · 5 December to 20 December 2026
Children meet Father Christmas inside Dover Castle on December weekends and each receives a wrapped present to open. Sessions are timed throughout the day and must be booked ahead. Pair it with exploring the castle, which non-members need a separate admission ticket for.
- Price:
- From £12
- Dates:
- Weekends only, 5 to 20 December 2026. Sessions at 10.20am, 11am, 11.40am, 12.20pm, 1.40pm, 2.20pm and 3pm
- Christmas marketsFamily days out
Rochester Dickensian Christmas Festival
Rochester High Street and Castle Gardens, Rochester · 5 December to 6 December 2026
Historic Rochester turns Victorian for a weekend, with costumed Dickens characters, parades and street performers filling the town centre. A Christmas market runs at Rochester Castle alongside a Bavarian-style food village and a funfair, and the organisers promise snow. Parking in the centre is limited, so the organisers recommend public transport.
- Price:
- Free
- Dates:
- Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 December 2026, 10am to 6pm
- BookPantomime and theatreMeet Father Christmas
The Christmas Cavity Calamity mini panto
Penshurst Place and Gardens, Penshurst · 5 December to 23 December 2026
A short, 20 to 25 minute pantomime in Penshurst Place's Garden Room, where Mother Christmas and her mischievous twin threaten to spoil the festivities. It is a good fit for younger children who might struggle with a full-length theatre panto. Quiet sessions have softer music, BSL signing where possible and time to meet Father Christmas.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- Selected performances from 5 to 23 December 2026. Two quiet sessions for children with SEND, 10am to 11am, between 5 and 12 December
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Robin Hood (pantomime)
The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks · 11 December to 3 January 2027
The Sevenoaks Panto team returns to the Stag with Robin Hood, led by local favourites Silly Billy and Dame Elaine Staige. The show runs for around two and a half hours. Tickets are sold through the Stag Theatre box office.
- Price:
- See website for prices
- Dates:
- 11 December 2026 to 3 January 2027
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Cinderella (pantomime)
Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells · 12 December to 31 December 2026
Tunbridge Wells' family pantomime for 2026 is Cinderella, produced by Little Wolf Entertainment. Buttons, the Fairy Godmother and two dames lead the comedy, and the show runs for roughly two and a quarter to two and three quarter hours. There are morning, matinee and evening shows across the run.
- Price:
- From £20
- Dates:
- 12 to 31 December 2026, no shows on 18 or 25 December. Signed performance 30 December at 1pm; relaxed performance 30 December at 5pm
- BookPantomime and theatreFamily days out
Cinderella (pantomime)
The Orchard Theatre, Dartford · 12 December to 3 January 2027
Joe Pasquale leads Imagine Theatre's Cinderella in the newly refurbished Orchard Theatre. Expect animated scenery, special effects and plenty of audience participation in a traditional family panto. Relaxed, chilled and audio-described performances are scheduled.
- Price:
- From £21.50
- Dates:
- 12 December 2026 to 3 January 2027. Relaxed performance 17 December at 10am, chilled performance 19 December at 11am, audio-described performance 28 December at 1pm
- DetailsMeet Father ChristmasFamily days out
Storytelling with Victorian Father Christmas
Eastgate House, Rochester · 20 December to 23 December 2026
In the last days before Christmas, a Victorian Father Christmas tells stories at Eastgate House in Rochester. It is a gentle, story-led alternative to a busy grotto.
- Price:
- Prices not yet published; check the venue.
- Dates:
- Sunday 20 to Wednesday 23 December 2026. Check times with the venue.