May half term 2026 runs from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May, with the Spring Bank Holiday falling on Monday 25 May, meaning the break kicks off with a long weekend already in the bag. Lucky you.
The good news? Kent in late May is glorious. The gardens are in full bloom, the coast is calling, and the county's castles, wildlife parks and heritage sites all have something special lined up for families. Whether you're locals looking for something new or families discovering the Garden of England for the first time, we've rounded up the best things to do in Kent this May half term 2026.
Looking for the best way to get around? Let the train take the strain with Southeastern's great value Kids for a Quid tickets - children travel for just £1 when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, making a Kent adventure even easier on the wallet.
Leeds Castle - Mazes, Falconry & Medieval Fun
Dates: 23–31 May 2026
Leeds Castle is one of those rare places that wows every generation. Take on the famous yew maze with its hidden grotto, let the kids run wild across three incredible playgrounds, catch a falconry display and, yes, discover the castle beach. With a brand new family trail launching this summer and 500 acres of estate to roam, this is a very easy full day out.
Hever Castle - Plant Hunters: Tales & Trails
Dates: 23–31 May 2026
This half term, Hever Castle invites families to follow in the footsteps of history's boldest explorers with Plant Hunters: Tales & Trails. Follow the Plant Hunters Trail through the award-winning castle grounds discovering hidden botanical treasures, then catch one of the daily interactive storytelling sessions on the Half Moon Lawn, where young adventurers join a mission to find the rarest plant on Earth and save the King. Face painting is available on selected dates (£6).
(c) Daniel Turner
The Historic Dockyard Chatham -Adventures on the High Seas
Open daily throughout May half term
Set across 80 acres of one of Britain's best-preserved naval dockyards, The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a genuine all-day adventure, and with so many indoor galleries, the weather is never a problem.
Sir Quentin Blake has brought his beloved characters Jack and Nancy to life in a brand new immersive trail across the Dockyard's 80-acre estate. Children follow the story through themed installations, taking on hands-on challenges, being swept into a storm, diving into an underwater world and discovering sailor life aboard HMS Gannet. Every child receives their own illustrated Jack and Nancy Adventure Journal to keep. A genuinely magical half-term experience, included in admission.
Quex Park - The Kent Tribute Festival
Dates: 22–24 May 2026
The Kent Tribute Festival has a brilliant new home at Quex Park in Birchington-on-Sea, launching right on the bank holiday weekend. With tribute acts across popular music, camping and touring pitches, food stalls and family-friendly activities, it's a fantastic way to kick off half term. And while you're there, don't miss the Powell-Cotton Museum on the estate, one of the most remarkable natural history collections in the country.
Howletts & Port Lympne - Go Wild in Kent
Open daily
Go on safari in the Kent countryside at Port Lympne Reserve, where giraffes, zebras and rhinos roam 600 spectacular acres. Near Canterbury, Howletts is home to the UK's largest African elephant herd, plus giant anteaters, a Dinosaur Forest and free animal talks. Port Lympne also offers unforgettable overnight stays, from Giraffe Lodge to Lion Lodge glamping.
Macknade - A Foodie Pit Stop for the Whole Family
Open daily
Not every half-term highlight needs to be a full-day event. Macknade, the much-loved independent food hall near Faversham, is the ideal pit stop - stocked with Kent cheeses, charcuterie, artisan bread and carefully curated wines. The deli counter is worth the trip alone, the café is wonderfully relaxed, and it's the kind of place you pop in for ten minutes and leave an hour later with a very full basket.
(c) Dreamland Margate
Dreamland Margate - Retro Thrills by the Sea
Open daily
There's nowhere quite like Dreamland. Set right on Margate's golden seafront, this free-to-enter heritage amusement park is a riot of retro rides, vintage charm and pure seaside joy. Pay only for the rides you want, or grab an unlimited wristband for the best value. Little ones, bigger kids and parents all find their thing here, and Margate's brilliant seafront is right on the doorstep for chips, ice cream and more.
Go Ape at Leeds Castle - Treetop Adventures
Open daily
If your family has energy to burn, and they always do, Go Ape at Leeds Castle delivers treetop thrills for all ages. Choose from Treetop Adventure for younger explorers up to the full Treetop Challenge: a 2–3 hour self-guided adventure with high-speed ziplines, Tarzan swings and canopy-high crossings. Pair it with a full day at Leeds Castle itself for an absolutely unbeatable family day out.
(c) Visit Tunbridge Wells
Kent & East Sussex Railway - All Aboard for a Steam Adventure
Running throughout half term
Climb aboard England's first light railway for a glorious ride through the Rother Valley. The Kent & East Sussex Railway has been running since 1900, and a steam-hauled journey through the countryside still feels like proper old-fashioned adventure. Pick up nature-spotting fact sheets for the kids on board, don't skip the buffet car, and check the programme for any special half-term events along the way.
Where to Stay - Family-Friendly Stays with Bloom Stays
Kent's favourite independent holiday letting agency offers over 130 handpicked homes across the county, from coastal beach houses and countryside retreats to Canterbury city pads and characterful Weald cottages. May half term availability moves quickly, so get in touch sooner rather than later. The Bloom Stays team knows Kent inside out and will find your perfect base, whether you need dog-friendly, hot-tub-equipped or large-group accommodation.
Penshurst Place & Gardens - A Medieval Manor and Magnificent Gardens
Open daily from 28 March | Admission required
One of England's finest fortified medieval manor houses, Penshurst Place has been home to the Sidney family for over 470 years and is still lived in today. The award-winning gardens are simply stunning in late May - and with the adventure playground, Woodland Trail and craft sessions in the Old Coach House all included in admission, children are very well catered for. Check the What's On page for any half-term specific activities, which are added regularly throughout the season.
The Rare Breeds Centre - Farm Fun in the Kentish Countryside
23–31 May 2026
COT's Rare Breeds Centre near Woodchurch is a wonderful family day out whatever the season, and the half-term programme is coming soon. While you wait for the full line-up, the regular attractions are reason enough to visit: pig racing, tractor-trailer rides, the butterfly tunnel, children's barn, indoor soft play, woodland walks and the discovery garden. Check the website for the May half-term programme as details are confirmed.
Getting Around - Kids for a Quid with Southeastern
Southeastern's Kids for a Quid offer means children travel for just £1 with a fare-paying adult, one of the best-value ways to explore Kent. Hop on a train to Chatham for the Dockyard, head to Margate for Dreamland, or discover Canterbury's medieval streets, all without the hassle of parking. Check the Southeastern website for full terms and conditions.
