Kentish Express Ashford & District - What's On
STILLPLENTY S GOINGON
The bank holiday weekend may be behind us, but there’s still plenty of Easter fun to hunt out across Kent for the school holidays. Angela Cole rounds up what’s on offer…
B BLUEWATERThere’s T a roarsome new Dinosaur Trail, which opened
t the shopping centre this week, where young visitors fo ollow a trail with explorers Rhys R and Rosie using a trail map from the concierge desk utside M&S, to see dinosaurs round the centre and pick up prehistoric prize. n More details at bluewater.co.uk
BETTESHANGER COUNTRY PARK, DEAL
Birds of prey will be sweeping low this weekend with an experience to remember on Saturday and Sunday, April 7-8, with an expert birds of prey display team. It costs £40 and is for ages eight and over. On Wednesday, April 11 there will also be an allaction session for Wear ‘em Out Wednesday, when the school holiday club will have Nerf tag, orienteering and a military-style obstacle course. Suitable for ages eight to 14, it costs £30 per person. n Go to betteshanger-park.co.uk/ easter for details.
DREAMLAND, MARGATE
The Shaun the Sheep Championsheeps Live come to the Margate site for village fete-themed fun, with a line-up of eight difference activities from hula hooping to jumping around a fun farmyard, between noon and 4pm from Saturday to Sunday, April 7-15.
On Friday, April 6, there’s also the chance to meet Peter Rabbit with storytime at intervals between noon and 4pm and watch the British Juggling Convention perform juggling, spinning and hooping shows and running workshops from noon to 3pm. n For entry costs and details go to dreamland.co.uk
HOWLETTS, NEAR CANTERBURY
Animals of the Ice Age has opened featuring life-sized beasts which will take you back to the Ice Age. The creatures from 2.6 million years ago join some 400 animals from giant anteaters and African elephants to gorillas, tigers and leopards at the wild animal park. n Details at aspinallfoundation.org/ howletts
KENT LIFE, MAIDSTONE
There will be a range of entertainment on offer in the Big Top, from Flip’s Puppet Show and Bubblejo’s Bubble Show to the Animal Show and magic shows, throughout the school holidays until Sunday, April 15. While at the farming attraction, you can see baby animals including piglets and lambs, and watch owl flying demonstrations between 11am and 3pm. n For details call 01622 763936 or visit kentlife.org.uk kentlife.org.
LEEDS CASTLE
The Easter holiday fun at the castle, near Maidstone, runs until Sunday, April 15 with the Easter Quest. Seek out clues hidden around the grounds on a fun quest for children of all ages - with a chocolate treat awaiting at the end. There is an additional £1 charge for the Easter Quest on top of normal admission fees. n For details and to book, visit leeds-castle.com
PENSHURST PLACE, NEAR TONBRIDGE
Children’s crafts are on offer from 11am to 4pm daily until Sunday, April 15. While at the property, head to the revamped woodland trail, improved adventure playground or go for a ride with Countrybike. n Details at penshurstplace.com
PORT LYMPNE, NEAR HYTHE
There’s a Golden Egg Competition to win a baboon encounter each day by spotting the six golden eggs that are hidden around the reserve running until Sunday, April 15 – just look out for the winning eggs around the site. While at the Port Lympne, don’t miss the baby Bactrian camel, who surprised keepers by recently
arriving to mum Healini. n Details at aspinallfoundation.org/ portlympne
ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS
There will be Peter Rabbit storytime on Wednesday, April 11, with a treasure trail and stories at intervals through the day between
11am and 3pm. n For more details, visit royalvictoriaplace. com
NATIONAL TRUST
The trust has teamed up with Cadbury for its Easter Egg Hunts which run throughout the school holidays untilu Sunday, April 15, and includenclude themes from birds to giant leaves, with the chance to get outside and celebrate nature. There are hunts at Chartwell, Emmetts Garden and Scotney Castle. n For the full story go to kentonline.co.uk/whats-on
GROOMBRIDGE PLACE, NEAR TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Alice’s Circus Adventures is the theme for family-friendly fun until Saturday, April 14, between 10am and 5pm daily. There will be two musical shows a day with characters from Alice in Wonderland plus storytelling and other surprises. n For admission and details go to groombridgeplace.com
HEMPSTEAD VALLEY, VALLEY GILLINGHAM
The malls will be alive with Easter treats right through the school holidays including free family events up to Sunday, April 8. n For details visit hempsteadvalley. com or call 01634 387076.
HOP FARM, PADDOCK WOOD
The park will be open every day through the school holidays from 10am until Sunday, April 15. Entry is £3 per person. Young visitors can try pony grooming, feeding the lambs and meeting ferrets, as well as horse and cart rides. n Details at thehopfarm.co.uk