Bank Holiday Activities in Kent

Ice cream melted over fingers, grazed knees from climbing trees, laughter mixing with the sound of the waves by the beach... bank holidays gift us a little extra time for memory-making with our loved ones. 

Finding the experiences you want to enjoy together over the long weekend should feel as effortless as daily life in your Hartley Acres home. Keep reading for our guide on the bank holiday activities you can enjoy around Kent, within easy travelling distance of our Cranbrook properties.

Family-friendly bank holiday activities in Kent 

When it comes to days out in Kent, you’re spoiled for choice, rain or shine. Here are a few of the best places to visit with family, reachable from Cranbrook by car. 

Sunny day activities

• Explore Sissinghurst Castle Garden 

Just an eight-minute drive from Hartley Aces, Sissinghurst Castle offers a window into the 16th century, surrounded by blooming, flower-filled gardens. When you’re done admiring the roses, why not explore the house library or grab some refreshments from The Old Dairy Café?

• Picnic at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

13 minutes from Hartley Acres by car, you’ll find Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest. As part of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the forest is home to around 2000 acres of carefully preserved greenery. It’s every active family’s dream, with miles of cycling routes, relaxing walks and even a Go Ape trail in the canopy. 

• Embrace the adventure at Outdoor Pursuits UK

Outdoor Pursuits UK’s mantra ‘adrenaline is our business' speaks for itself. A visit here is ideal for families with a keen sense of adventure, looking to develop new skills. It has everything from quad biking and paintballing to archery and clay pigeon shooting. The facility is located on Wormdale Farm, around a 45-minute drive from Hartley Acres.

Go wild with water sports at St Andrews Lake

Once a quarry, St Andrews Lake is now an idyllic spot for some water sports on hot days. You can try paddle boarding, pedalos, sailing and more. However, if you prefer dry land, activities like rock climbing and archery are also available. St Andrews Lake is reachable by car from Cranbrook in under an hour. 

• All hail Howlett’s Wild Animal National Park

Wildlife lovers in the family will enjoy a day out at Howletts Wild Animal Park. This Littlebourne sanctuary for endangered animals is just an hour’s drive away. Choose between a guided animal experience day or exploring the park freely to spot more than 300 animals. 

Don’t let rainy days stop you

When the weather is hard to predict, there are plenty of indoor activities in Cranbrook and around Kent to enjoy with your loved ones. Why not:

• Visit Kent Battle of Britain Museum

Kent Battle of Britain Museum is the dream day out for any aircraft lovers, with more than 700 wartime aircraft on display. It’s a particularly affordable day out, with children’s tickets costing just £5. It’s also a great way to take a break from your phone, as mobiles, cameras and other digital equipment aren’t allowed in the museum.

• Swim at the Weald Community Sports Centre

Just a short 17-minute walk from Hartley Acres, Weald Community Sports Centre has a large five-lane indoor swimming pool and a learner pool. A family swim session offers a low-maintenance morning or afternoon activity close to home. 

• Catch a film at Kino cinema in Hawkhurst

A movie day with your loved ones is another low-key bank holiday activity. Cranbrook’s nearest cinema is Kino cinema in Hawkhurst, around a seven-minute drive from the development. Family tickets are available for age-appropriate viewings, and there are plenty of new releases on the timetable. 

• Plan for Prison Island, Maidstone 

A half-hour drive from Hartley Acres, you’ll find Prison Island, full of games and activities including crazy golf, shuffleboard and AR Darts. Activities are suitable for anyone aged eight and upwards, and you can book experiences lasting up to two hours. 

Tick off some of Kent’s tourist attractions 

• Kent’s castles

The spirit of Kent is in every brick of its castles, and there are so many old fortresses to choose from – Leeds Castle, Hever Castle and Gardens, Scotney Castle, to name just a few. 

• Shell Grotto

Shell Grotto forms part of the Margate Caves and is a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award winner for good reason. This vast network of tunnels is entirely covered in a mosaic of 4.6 million shells. Its origins remain a mystery, but it’s one of Kent’s most unique attractions.

• Dover

If you’re looking for a coastal staycation spot that’s easy to get to, you’ve found it. Dover Beach, Dover Castle, the legendary White Cliffs of Dover... exploring everything this ferry port town has to offer could easily fill a bank holiday weekend. Spending yours here will make for a trip to remember.

H2: Our newest homes in Cranbrook, Kent: Created for Living

Looking to become a homeowner in Kent? Explore what our homes in Hartley Acres have to offer, from access to local amenities and activities to connectivity.