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February half term, what is there to do in Sevenoaks during the first school holiday of the year?
I have compiled a list of things in and around Sevenoaks to keep the kids entertained. Some are free and others will cost a few pounds. Some are very local and others are a bit further afield – but worth it for the day out.
To keep up to date with events in Sevenoaks please join my Facebook group Incidentally Sevenoaks where you can check out the latest things to do in Sevenoaks and add your own events.
Barracudas Activity Day Camps have also kindly given me one day at one of their camps to give away – you’ll need to read to the end of this post to find out how to enter.
First of all, February is snowdrop season – spring is on the way! So you can go for a walk and take in the first of the season’s flowers for free!
Bradbourne Lakes, Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks
It’s free and there are lots of snowdrops and a few crocus out at the moment. We take some Organic Porridge Oats with us to feed the ducks.
Just across the road from Bradbourne Lakes is:
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is one of our go-to places at the weekend. It’s just 5 minutes away from us and FREE! There are toilets, a cafe and shop selling gifts and bird food etc (I always buy mine here as it supports Kent Wildlife trust and it is grown locally too). There is also a museum with some stuffed animals (they’ve been there since I was a kid!).
Make sure you wrap up warm in the cold and wear wellies as it gets muddy in places – it is pushchair accessible but do bear in mind it gets muddy.
Coolings Green and Pleasant, Knockholt
The nature trail is always a winner with the various animals as well as the daily flying displays by Willows. There is a nice little cafe where you can grab a small snack or a proper lunch too.
Polhill Garden Centre
The cimbing frame and slide at Polhill
Polhill, opposite the Toby Carvery, is a fab place to take the kids. There is the great playground which is AstroTurf so they don’t get muddy, right in front of the cafe so you can sit and watch the kids while you enjoy a coffee and cake.
There is also Maidenhead Aquatics on site with an array of fish and a tank with huge koi carp that you can buy food for. They really are enormous and have been a hit with our boys for many years.
Bewl Water, Lamberhurst
A bit further out but worth the car journey is Bewl. Entry is £4 per car and then you pay as little or as much as you wish. The playgrounds are free. There is an indoor soft play for the colder months. There is also laser tag – something to keep the whole family amused for a good few hours.
Hever Castle, Edenbridge
The grounds at Hever are always a pleasure to explore. For February half term (15th to 23rd) they are running a Living with Nature week where children can learn more about wildlife and nature. Come and watch the falconry displays and learn about the work of different wildlife charities as well as take part in children’s activities.
Follow the nature trail in the grounds to investigate animal footprints and tracks, create a ladybug or bumble bee in a free craft workshop or transform into an animal with our fabulous facepainter (there is a small additional charge for facepainting) with various free activities and some with a nominal fee. Usual entrance fee applies.
Bluewater, Dartford
If the weather is awful then Bluewater offers plenty to keep the kids occupied both outdoors and undercover.
For half term there is Story Time with the Very Hungry Caterpillar, Lower mall, outside M&S | 17th – 20th February
From Monday 17th to Thursday 20th February, families are invited to enjoy Story Time with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Taking place every day 10am-5.30pm, this classic children’s book will be beautifully told in a 20 minute interactive show, children will take part in a craft activity and get to meet the caterpillar himself. The whole event is £3 per person – places are limited, so guests should head to the event Box Office outside M&S (lower level) on the day to reserve a place.
If that doesn’t float the kids boat Bluewater now offers a soft play with a difference in the form of Dinotropolis. We reviewed it recently, read what we thought here. Or you can take in a film at the Showcase Cinemas (make sure you sign up for the Insider cards to get discounts and earn cashback). If the weather is good of course there is the nature trail and crazy golf outside too!
Godstone Farm, Godstone
A bit further out but worth the drive for the animals and activities. At this time of year you might be lucky and see lambs and other baby animals.
For February half term Godstone Farm are inviting everyone to
Join us for an action packed day on the farm and celebrate this Olympic year as you complete our farm themed challenges. Will your toy tractor win the race? Will your welly throw be far enough? Get all 5 rings and join us on the winners podium! With animal encounters and play areas to keep all mini Olympians busy, everyone’s a winner!
This means Welly Throwing, Toy Tractor Racing, Guinea Pig Fishing, Target Practice and Meet the mascots.
We reviewed Godstone Farm last year – check out our review: Godstone Farm, Fun for all the Family
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
We only discovered Spa Valley Railway last year but it’s one of the places I would highly recommend for a family day out – drag along grandparents too, if you can!
Over half term Spa Valley have their hugely popular Kids for a Quid days. All details can be found on their website – read my review from one of our visits last year: Spa Valley Review and follow the links from there.
While you’re in the area why not treat yourself to a bottomless brunch in Tunbridge Wells? There are some lovely ones to choose from
Sevenoaks Playgrounds
There are plenty of free playgrounds in Sevenoaks, including Pontoise Close. There is also the Environmental Park behind the leisure centre, Otford, Hollybush and a little one on the Vine next to the lovely cafe.
Churchill Theatre, Bromley, Kent
Peppa Pig Live – Peppa’s Best Day Ever!
On 15th & 16th February Peppa Pig and friends will be checking in to Bromley’s Churchill Theatre. We went to review the show when it was at the Duke of York’s theatre in London – you can check out our review here, there is also the link to buy tickets: Peppa Pig Live – Peppa’s Best Day Ever
Time for a run down of the local National Trust Properties, stand by your beds there is a LOT going on! :
Chartwell, Kent
Family trail: Art at Chartwell
Sat 11 Jan –Sun 23 Feb, 10am–3pm
Explore the garden at Chartwell through the eyes of Sir Winston Churchill and his paintbrush. Churchill was an avid painter who used this hobby as a way of escaping his busy life. Discover frames and paintings in the landscape on this interactive trail. Try out the new interactive display in Churchill’s art studio to find out all about the places he went to and how he painted.
Price: Free trail. Normal admission applies
For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell
Scotney Castle, Kent
Scotney Castle Murder Mystery trail
Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb, 10am-4pm
Visit the house and help us to solve a crime this half term. Search the rooms and be ready to ask the suspects some questions. Collect the answers to work out who committed the crime and which object from our collection was used, before collecting your prize from Visitor Reception. Normal admission charges apply.
Price: £2 per trail. Normal admission applies
Nature photography workshops for children
Budding young photographers can join a nature photography workshop with Sharp Shots Photo Club on Thursday 20 February. Chose from a morning workshop for 7-11 year olds or an afternoon workshop for teenagers aged 12-15.
Price: Photography workshops £39. Normal admission applies
For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle
Emmetts Garden, Kent
Plant Explorers Trail
Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb, 10am-4pm
Follow the adventures of the famous Victorian plant explorer, Ernest Wilson. Plant hunters journeyed across the globe to find their botanical treasures, hoping to be the first to bring their latest specimens back home. Become a plant hunter at Emmetts Garden and see what you can discover as you adventure around the gardens.
Price: £1 per child. Normal admission applies
For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden
Bateman’s, East Sussex
Nature trail
10am-3pm
Complete our garden nature trail and claim your prize.
Price: £2.50 per child, including a prize. Normal admission applies
For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans
Ightham Mote, Kent
Animal homes trail
Sat 15 – Sun 23 Feb, 10am-4pm
Follow the trail around the gardens to discover which of our native creatures live at Ightham Mote. They may be having a snooze until the weather gets a bit warmer, so you’ll need to use your stealthiest detective skills to spot them.
Price: Free trail. Normal admission applies
For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote
Knole, Kent
Children’s windchime workshop
Wed 19 Feb & Thu 20 Feb 10.30-12noon
Design your own set of windchimes using paints, ribbons, beads and feathers.
Price: £8 per child. Suitable for ages 5-11
For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole
Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
Princess Acorn and the knight Sir Oakley nature trail
15 – 23 February, 10am-4pm
Help Princess Acorn and the knight Sir Oakley discover nature on this trail around the grounds on their mission to look after the local wildlife.
Price: £2.50 per child, including a prize. Normal admission applies
For more information, please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
Time to plan your childcare for Easter and the Summer holidays
Barracudas Activity Day Camps
Their Sevenoaks site is based at Walthamstow School and ideal for children aged 4 and a half to fourteen years old.
Barracudas Activity Day Camps also have other sites across Kent including Tonbridge, Hayes, Chiselhurst and Croydon as well as further afield across England.
It is rated Outstanding by Ofsted giving parents and carers peace of mind. Children have the chance to try their hands at lots of different activities while making new friends. Usual hours are 8.30 to 5.30 with the option to increase this from 8am to 6pm with their Early and Late clubs. Perfect for all parents and children!
I have one day at the Sevenoaks Day Camp to give away to one lucky reader – click here to enter.
If you have any events that you would like me to add to this or include in future round ups please email me erica@theincidentalparent.com
If you’re looking for something a little further afield try Suburban Mum’s What’s on for kids over half term in Surrey
