It seems like the kids have only just gone back to school after the Christmas holidays and yet here we are with half term just round the corner! But fear not there is plenty to do in and around Maidstone between Saturday 19th and Sunday 27th February. Here are just a few suggestions...
The Hop Farm at Beltring near Maidstone is brimming with half term activities! Not only can you go and enjoy all their standard family attractions such as the Magic Factory, animal farm and indoor and outdoor play areas, but your children are also encouraged to dress up in their favourite fancy dress outfits to take part in the Pirates and Princesses half-term event ! Whether for a swashbuckling time as a budding Jack Sparrow, or for a pampering experience fit for any number of fairy tale princesses your children are guaranteed to have a great time! The Hop Farm is open from 10am-5pm daily and costs £14.90 for an adult, children aged 3-15 are £12.80, seniors £8.70 or you can get a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) for £47.50, 2 adults and 3 children £60.30. For full information and details of discounts go to the Hop Farm website at http://www.thehopfarm.co.uk
Leeds Castle is hosting a special history event this half-term. Henry’s Horrid History will see Henry VIII telling children about the murkier side of life in Tudor England. In the comfort of a heated marquee you will be regaled with wickedly humorous tales and fun, accessible history facts to educate and entertain! Shows are at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm daily and cost an additional £1 per person. Entrance to the Castle and grounds costs £17.50 for adults, £15 for concessions, £10 for children (4-15 years). Once you have bought your tickets they will be valid for a whole year! Admission is from 10am, last entry 3pm. For more information go to http://www.leeds-castle.com
This Art of Mine at Little Budds Farm, Coldblow Lane, Thurnham, Maidstone ME14 3LR, looks like the perfect place for your kids to get arty and crafty! Open from 10am-5pm with several workshops running during half-term week why not drop in and let your children’s artistic talents take over?
Monday 21st 1pm-3pm – Make Your Own Sweety Jar. Using fimo modelling clay, the children will be shown how to create a selection of sweets and then affix them to the lid. As an extra treat there might even be some real sweeties too!
Tuesday 22nd 1.30pm-3pm – It’s Raining Cats and Dogs! Don’t let the weather put you off – whatever the weather! Paint a cat or dog money box or get in the mood for summer by decorating a ceramic sun.
Wednesday 23rd 1.30pm-3pm. Create your very own shrinky jewellery using a variety of stamps and colours for rings, earrings and pendants. Alternatively you can make a key-ring, phone charm or a stand alone figure.
Thursday 24th 1.30pm-3pm – Spring Clean Your Wardrobe by making yourself a new t-shirt at the studio. Simply paint a picture on a piece of paper and see This Art of Mine transform it into a unique t-shirt!
Workshops are £10 per person. If you would like to book a place at any of the workshops please call Gemma on 07792541149. For more information go to http://www.thisartofmine.co.uk
That’s all for now, but look out for more places to go and things to do at half-term in and around Maidstone here at The Best of Maidstone. If in the meantime you have any suggestions of what to do at half-term in the Maidstone area then please post your ideas in the comment box below.
Many thanks, until the next half of half-term happenings
India J