Ellie Motta
29th May 2023

Every year Father’s Day comes around and we can never find the perfect gift to show how grateful we are to have them around even if they do say jokes that just aren’t that funny!

Sometimes the date can slip your mind so we are here to remind you that this year Father’s Day takes place on the 18th of June, but, before the panic sets in we have some amazing present ideas that are all locally based!

Credit - Hever Castle and Gardens

Supercar at Hever Castle

Why not treat dad this year to a motor themed Father’s Day at Hever Castle? Come along and look at a variety of cars through the ages from Jaguar, MG, Porsche, Alfa Romeo and Mini and take a ride in one of 10 genuine Austin J40 pedal cars on the traditional fun fayre ride (additional cost). The event is spread over the 17th and 18th of June allowing you to see the different types of cars on different days.

Looking at cars can be very tiring so don’t forget to treat your dad to a range of tempting food options from the restaurants or also onsite food outlets, or if it’s a nice hot day, relax in the beautiful grounds with a picnic.

Bridgewood Manor Hotel and Spa

Weekends are usually a time for relaxation and comfort, what better way to do this with your father than a spa day for two at Bridgewood Manor. Enjoy a 50 minute signature treatment, a delicious light lunch, a snugly robe, towel and slippers, use of the leisure facilities and also a £10 skincare voucher each. This package is subject to availability on Sundays so book now!

Then head down into the restaurant and enjoy a four course carvery lunch in the hotel which includes a gift for the dads.

Curious Brewery

Curious Brewery is known for its amazing drinks that have been crafted here in Ashford, so why not treat your dad to a tour learning how they make their brews and then head upstairs to taste some of the amazing food, and that craft beer on tap… nothing beats delicious tasting food, paired with a perfectly brewed beer or cider after the tour.

Gusbourne

This year gift your father with a tour and tasting experience at Gusbourne’s vineyards in Appledore. Explore, dine and enjoy the award-winning sparkling wines as well as taking part in the Estate Tour or Discovery Experience. Unwind in the countryside with a glass in your hands and find out about the award-winning wines on one of these tours.

Kent Cookery School

Challenge yourselves this year to a BBQ course at Kent Cookery School. Is your father a keen chef or does he want to learn some tips and tricks when in the kitchen? The Weber BBQ courses are the perfect match for those wanting to learn the ‘Weber way’ with an introductory course to BBQing. This session is great for those who want to learn outside of box and not cook your basic sausages and burgers.

The Beach at Leeds Castle

Yes you heard right… Leeds Castle have just launched The Beach! Build sand castles or sculptures in the sand with your bucket and spade and, although there isn’t a sea in the countryside, there is everything you need for a fun father’s day out with the family!

Relax on the man-made sandy shores with gorgeous views overlooking the beautiful Great Waters and watch the birds fly up into the parklands. Bring a picnic along with you making this a thoughtful and fun gift for everyone to enjoy.

Keepers Cottages

Kent is definitely somewhere you want to be in the summer chilling on the beaches or exploring long walks in the countryside so what better way to gift your father than with a gift voucher used for a trip away for the whole family with Keepers Cottages.

Or if your dad likes golf then book him an apartment which is perfect for a dad’s golf weekend away! Have a swinging day at Prince's Golf Club or Royal St George's Golf Club both located in Sandwich and then head back to relax at either Albion Cottage or Links Bay both located in Deal perfect for the golf fans. 

 

Hornby Visitor Centre

Take a trip to Hornby Visitor Centre and discover the fascinating displays featuring the Hornby Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi archives and track the history of the iconic model trains. Trace the development of Scalextric and also learn how Airfix models are made and see over 80 years of history.

Sea Searcher

Look no further for a fantastic day out with the whole family to celebrate Father’s Day. Book a sightseeing trip, seal and wildlife watching tours or a three hour fishing trip with Sea Searcher.

Take a trip to where an active seal colony lives inside a National Nature Reserve and discover a wide range of birds perfect for all the family and a brilliant photograph opportunity. Or book a fishing trip for up to 12 people from beginners to experienced anglers and have a time of your life learning and catching fish.

RAF Manston History Museum

Are you looking for a place to take your father filled with history? Visit the RAF Manston History Museum which is tells the history of the airfield from 1916 to this present day. Find out about the aircraft and explore the artifacts from World War I to modern search and rescue operations.

Credit - Tourism at Thanet District Council

Spitfire and Hurricane Museum

Is your father into World War planes? Well, The Spitfire and Hurricane Museum displays two of the most iconic war planes, Spitfire MK XVI and Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc. Not only this but it is filled with objects and artefacts which tell the story of life in and around Ramsgate during the Second World War. Don’t forget to relax after a history filled day in the café which serves teas, coffees and quality hot food and also has an outside seating area where you can relax in the sunshine.

Credit - Tourism at Thanet District Council

Ramsgate Tunnels

Head underground for your Father’s Day treat and unlock a hidden city. Travel back in time and find out about Ramsgate’s history! When the town above was destroyed, inhabitants built a city in the tunnels and by 1940s over 300 families were living underground permanently. Listen to the guides who will tell you the story and will bring it to life with resident anecdotes and authentic recreations of the tunnel.

Westwood Cross Shopping Centre

If you’re in the Thanet area on Sunday 18th then stop off from 10am to 4pm for a FREE day out at Westwood Cross and visit the classic motor and music show. The event features a wide variety of classic vehicles from the 1920s all the way to today. With over 130 classic cars on display as well as high performance cars like Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini and prestige cars such as Rolls Royce, Jaguar and Bentley.

Listen out for the Classic Music show and live bands and artists who are performing songs from across the decades. Make sure your dad gets involved in the Dad Dancing Competition to show off those dance moves… it might be embarrassing but he might win the prize!

Howletts Wild Animal Park

Back by popular demand, Howletts Wild Animal Park is bringing back their 'Dads go Free' offer on Sunday 18th June 2023. Discover the wild and lose yourself in 90 acres of ancient parkland and explore the world's most endangered animals from tigers, gorillas and elephants!