Every day’s a school day, but we don’t need to be anywhere near a classroom to be picking up new skills and learning about the world around us in Kent. Learning can mean exciting adventures like flying bows and arrows at the castle or swimming in wild lakes, or getting creative with paint pots or cooking pots! We’ve got a brand-new hobby for you to discover - and with brilliant teachers ready to show you the ropes in Kent’s scenic spots, we think you’ll be mastering these new skills pretty quickly too!
Penshurst Place
Head down to the historic gardens of Penshurst Place for a daring day of archery, falconry and yes, even axe-throwing with country games expert Joe’s Bows! You’ll be heading out into the picturesque woodland trail to learn your new skills and making use of having Penshurst Place all to yourself while they are closed to general public. Unleash your inner Robin Hood and become the reigning family champion in this fun and safe experience perfect for teens and older kids to get involved in!
Cowshed Workshop
Are you ready for a day of arts and crafts in the middle of the picturesque Kent countryside? Make whatever your heart desires in The Cowshed Workshop’s range of art courses, ranging from sculpture to soft furnishings and dress making to pottery and silversmithing at this chic, modern farmhouse location. Opt for the kids ‘cook and create’ course where both adult and child can make a willow dragonfly and fish then spend the day on our outdoor cooking area under a 400 year old oak tree, perfect for getting the kids in the fresh air and learning handy new skills.
Craftship Enterprise (Made in Ashford)
Made in Ashford is a community of local designers ready to help you pick up a pen, needle or camera and create something beautiful in the heart of Ashford town centre. Parents - beat the winter blues by creative, phone-free tasks that have been proven to boost your wellbeing with adult art lessons and or a term-time Knit and Natter class, but be sure to bring the kids along for the children’s festive workshops including bauble making, Christmas tree suncatchers and winter water colour scenes!
Dr Forager
Take the classroom to the coast this winter with a lesson in seaside foraging with the amazing Dr Forager! Embark on a 2 hour foraging expedition as a family and uncover edible seaweed, sea purslane and wild spinach peppered along the Margate coastline. Finish off your day with a walk to the warming community space on Westgate-on-Sea where Dr Forager will show you how to cook up your foraged goods, including sea purslane pesto pasta and seafood snacks!
TriSwim
Wild water swimming is the trend storming celebrities from actors to supermodels, but above all else, it’s great for your health, boosts endorphins and a simply fun day out the whole family can enjoy! There’s no better way to try this icy activity than under the supervision of the TriSwim team at the stunning Bewl Water. This picturesque spot with amble of space, free parking and playgrounds and the TwiSwim team will help new explorers use meditative breathing exercise and safe cold-water submersion to help reap all the benefits of this outdoorsy activity! Did we mention the on-site heated changing rooms and café too? We thought that might seal the deal…
Wild Classroom
Sometimes the best way to reconnect as a family is by putting away with all the nifty modern luxuries we know and getting back to the ancient methods, like talking together and learning as you cook your own food over fires, picked fresh from the Garden of England itself. In a range of stunning locations across the county, you’ll be getting super hands-on with The Wild Classroom, cooking over the fires yourselves, supervised by expert Scott, and trying your delicious dishes after. Kids aged 4-15 can enjoy this fascinating and fiery experience.
Royal Engineers Museum
Inspire future engineers and immerse yourself in Kent’s fascinating history Royal Engineers Museum, Library and Archive. As you wander through the exhibits, follow the compelling story of the Royal Engineers and how they have helped the British Army live, move and fight since the time of William the Conqueror. You’ll be surprised at the diverse collection of historical objects and cultural artefacts on display at this hidden gem, which feature both British and International marvels, including Wellington’s map from Waterloo and a large section of the Berlin Wall.
Turner Contemporary
Is there a more apt place to roll up your sleeves and grab the paint brushes than the famous Turner Contemporary Art Gallery in Margate? This family-friendly art gallery is running creative workshops every weekend all winter long, so hurry in from the cold and make photo collages, write poetry on ceramics or invent your own gallery gadget! Best of all, this priceless entertainment for kids is literally… free!
London Golf Club
Inspired by the glorious 149th Open that was held in Kent this year? We don’t blame you! We’ve all been bitten by the golf bug(gys) since the best pro’s in the world graced Royal St George’s grounds in July, and we’re taking that inspiration with us through the winter months! Teach the little ones the difference between a bogey and a birdie and inspire the next Rory MacIlroy, while adults hone their skills and dream of bagging that elusive hole-in-one.
WiderX
Looking for an eco-friendly way to see more of Kent’s stunning terrain? Whether you’re ready to teach the little ones the tricks of riding with two wheels or an advanced cyclist dreaming of your own Tour de Kent, WiderX have the gear and the knowledge for your perfect family cycling adventure. Take a family tour in the Kent Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or Kent’s Heritage Coast (which just secured it’s place as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel Regions for 2022…) for an active and exciting adventure this winter.
