I’m sure I say this every time but it seems incredible that half term is nearly here already! Mind you with all the bank holidays we’ve had recently the kids really haven’t spent much time at school at all so far this term!
Enough preamble, let’s get to the nitty gritty of what’s happening in and around Maidstone during the half term week of May 28th-June 5th!
As ever the Hop Farm at Beltring is hosting a super week, well a Superheroes Week to be precise which will be super! In addition to all their usual activities and attractions the Hop Farm Family Park is inviting children to dress up as their favourite Superhero and enter the best dressed Superhero competition – if you don’t already have a costume, why not make your own? “Super Hopper”, the Hop Farm’s very own “crime fighting mascot” will be on hand to help all budding superheroes. But the fun doesn’t stop there! There will be live shows, an obstacle course and a water-fight every day between the Superheroes and the Villains! There are discounts for booking in advance although tickets will be available on the day. Prices are as follows: Adult £12.80 in advance, £14.90 on the gate. Children (3-15yrs) £10.80 in advance, £12.80 on the gate. Seniors are a flat rate of £8.70. A family of 4 is £41.40 in advance or £47.50 on the gate. A family of 5 is £52.10 in advance, £60.30 on the gate. To book in advance go to http://www.thehopfarm.co.uk or call 01622 872068. During Superheroes Week members go free!
Go back in time at Leeds Castle between May 31st and June 5th to enjoy a Medieval Jousting Tournament. Relish the historic surroundings of this beautiful castle close to Maidstone and watch knights on horseback vie to be the champion jouster as they compete with medieval weapons in breath-taking displays of good old fashioned chivalry! In addition, there will be a marquee where children can take part in craft activities. Admission prices are: Adults £18.50; Senior Citizens, Students and Visitors with Disabilities £16.00; Children (4-15yrs) £11.00 (+ £2 for the craft activities). For more details go to http://www.leeds-castle.com or call 01622 765 400.
Enjoy the May Half Terms Races at the Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone. Between 28th May and 5th June all-animal races will be taking place ever y day! Support your favourite piglet in the Piglet Racing and cheer on the ferrets as they head for the “tubes”. In addition, and new for 2011, there will be the Rat Maze and Gerbil Grand Prix. As if all that wasn’t enough there will also be Donkey Rides, a Wildlife Discovery Trail and a Piggy Hunt, as well as the chance to Paint-a-Pot and have a go on the junior electric quad bikes. Plus, on Bank Holiday Monday only, you can find out how bees make honey by watching them in the museum’s observation hive and you can also try your hand at candle dipping and rolling! Prices are Adults £8.95; Concessions £7.75; Children (4-15yrs) £6.50. Some activities may charge a supplement. Find out more by going to http://www.kentlife.org.uk or by calling 01622 763936.
This Art of Mine near Maidstone will be offering arty fun in the studio which will be open throughout the week of May 30th – June 5th. There will also be a couple of different activities during the week and to find out more about these keep checking the “News” page of their website on http://www.thisartofmine.co.uk or call 01622 735312 for full details.
And there’s more… Journey back in time at the Trywhitt-Drake Museum of Carriages in Maidstone and find out about the history of transport. The museum is home to more than 60 vehicles among which are Queen Victoria’s State Landau, antique sedan chairs and Victorian “growlers” – what’s a “growler”? I hear you ask. To find out you’ll have to go along and discover for yourself! As one of the finest transport museums in Europe it’s got to be worth a trip! The Carriage Museum, which is in the 14th stables that belonged to the Archbishop’s Palace, is open from Wednesday to Sunday every week and on Bank Holiday Monday 30th May between 12 noon and 4pm. For more information contact Kevin Bruce, Heritage Operations Manager on 01622 602855 or email kevinbrice@maidstone.gov.uk
So start planning your half-term now! But in the meantime, and if you think there’s not enough here to keep the kids entertained over half-term(!), keep an eye on the events page at thebestofmaidstone.co.uk for more half-term activities listed there.
Have fun! Until next time
India J