What to see and where to stay in Kent for the February Half Term
February is always the poorer sister of half term holidays in our view. Unless you’re hitting the slopes or jetting off to the sun, staying at home in what’s likely to be a whole lot of cold wet stuff takes a whole lot of imagination and fun-making. Lucky for you, we’ve found the fun in Kent just in time for the February half term, not to mention the holiday home to match. Picking the one for you is homework of the nice kind.
Code breaking whilst learning how to steer your (virtual) ship across the choppy waters of the Medway will stand you in good stead to navigate your way around the Chatham Dockyard. They’re celebrating the 80th Anniversary of HMS Cavalier, the last surviving Royal Navy Destroyer from WWII.. Step aboard and test your Morse Code skills with their brain-teasing signalling activity. Young naval cadets can unlock master knots like the Reef Knot and Bowline or even jump into the Captain’s Chair and discover exactly how to command the seas.
Not so secretly hidden are The Kennels in Norton near Faversham, nestled in the rolling North Kent Downs, with countless lovely walks, cycle routes and country pubs on its doorstep. This holiday home sleeps and has a large garden which is walled so your four-legged friends are safe to roam.
For those with younger shipmates on board set your sights on a trip to Kent Life. Your teenies can meet the animals on the farm, including pigs, ponies and alpacas and join in with some of their feeding sessions or get creative in the art studio. Perfect even if the weather isn’t playing ball.
Not far from Kent Life is Farriers Cottage, a characterful period holiday home in West Malling which sleeps seven plus two dogs. Nearby is the historic St Leonard’s Towers, or for those hankering for more adventurous pursuits, Go Ape at Leeds Castle just 13 miles away. In West Malling, you’ll find Brewers Fayre Castle Lake, a fantastic indoor play area ideal for letting the kids explore and blow off some steam whilst you get 5 minutes of peace!
The fun comes in mini beast shape at Leeds Castle this half term. Often called the “loveliest castle in the world,” their outdoor adventure trail really captures the imaginations of everyone aged 2 to 92. Alternatively, explore the castle grounds but make sure you stop to find the weasels and owls, as well as exploring the maze and 1000 years of Royal history with drama around every moated corner.
February’s reputation as the shortest and often cruellest month is undeserved with the arrival of the snowdrops as they push their little white flowers up through the hardened earth to signal that spring may be on its way. The snowdrop walk at Hever Castle opens on 7th of February and it will literally put a spring in your step. Over 140,000 snowdrop bulbs have been planted with all kinds of unusual varieties available to see. If you’re worried they won’t be in bloom you can check the Snowdrop Watch Facebook page so you can see exactly what it’s like before you visit. Conservation comes to life in front of our eyes at Port Lympne, Kent’s largest wildlife park. Here over 900 animals including giraffes, zebras and lions compete for your attention on the broad, vast Kentish savannah that has to be seen to be believed.
No trip to Kent is complete without a visit to our beautiful coastline and less than a 20-minute drive from Port Lympne you’ll reach Wave Cottage in Sandgate, a 5-star reviewed property right on the promenade. The whole family (and your four-legged friends) can enjoy wonderful coastal walks towards foodie Hythe in one direction or Folkestone with its vintage shops and reinvented harbour arm in the other.
Further into Folkestone go hunting for Leas Coastal Park, home to the largest free adventure play area in the Southeast. Reserve a couple of hours here as the playground is roughly in four parts: a pirate ship, climbing web, bridges and zip wires, and a sandpit. The park is just above Mermaid Beach where they sell good quality snacks if you need to refuel.
Unleash your children’s creativity at The Turner Contemporary in Margate which is collaborating with the artist duo Leap Then Look to encourage imaginative play. Taking place in the Core Learning Studio this engaging workshop is free and running from Saturday 3rd February through to Monday 6th May.
Come rain or shine Kent & East Sussex Railway is a fantastic day out and this year marks its 50th anniversary. Join them onboard their steam-hauled trains this February half-term for a chance to become a young nature detective by seeing what birds you can spot along the journey. Break your journey in two by stopping off at Bodiam Castle which is just a short walk from the station and complete their ‘Knights Quest’. They’ve hidden six golden goblets around the castle courtyard on a family-friendly trail. Grab a trail sheet from their visitor reception and head to the castle to begin the quest!
For those wanting to head into the city, Canterbury is brimming with half-term fun. Be thoroughly entertained at The Marlowe Theatre with the Live performance of Ministry Science – “100% educational, 200% entertaining, 300% explosive, 400% fun.” After a long day of exploring the independent shops, check in to The Loft at Emperor Court, located in the heart of Canterbury, offering a spacious open-plan living area. Sleeping up to five guests which makes it an ideal choice for couples and families visiting the city.
See all our Kent holiday homes available for the February half term here: From coastal cottages to city centre apartments to countryside retreats, there’s something for everyone.
