50+ awesome things to do with children in and around Sevenoaks this summer

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Something different to do in and around Sevenoaks EVERY DAY this summer holiday!

I have lived in Sevenoaks my whole life and I am still finding new places to go with my children. I recently asked in the class WhatsApp for more ideas (thanks to them for their suggestions) and here they are! Some are paid, some are free. You can save a few pennies by grabbing a portable picnic blanket and taking your own food and drink!

Where possible I have included clickable links to the websites. Please remember you may need to book in advance and check websites or social media first to avoid disappointment.

Why not join my Facebook group Incidentally Sevenoaks where you can find lots of things to do and share your own events FOR FREE!

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve: Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks – free to enter. Please note the visitor centre is currently being refurbished and there is no parking on site or any loos! Entry to the site is to the left of the nature pond etc. No dogs, bikes etc (it’s a wildlife reserve). They also have various activities during the holidays so check their website for what’s on offer.

Bradbourne Lakes: Various entrances, Bradbourne Vale Road, Lambarde Road & Betensen Avenue. Several ponds with lots of wildlife. Feed the ducks, take your own or buy from the recently installed duck feeder (£1.50). Dogs must be kept on leads. Free parking on street. No toilets  

Lullingstone Roman Villa: (English Heritage) Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Nr Sevenoaks – Pay to enter (free for English Heritage members). Museum with gallery, self service food and drink, picnics and toilets. 

Castle Farm Lavender and PYO: Redmans Lane, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7UB – Parking onsite but this year you do need to pre book tickets to visit. Beautiful (and very popular) lavender fields and PYO apples when in season. Farm shop with all sorts of produce and gifts, kiosk selling tea, coffee etc. 

Mount Vineyard: The Mount, Church Street, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7SD – A lovely vineyard with a restaurant (stone fired pizzas) you can sit indoors or out and take away is available. Coffee kiosk also on site – venue is dog friendly inside & out! Free parking on site. The surrounding roads are a tight squeeze and blink and you’ll miss the entrance!

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens: Riverhill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RR. A gorgeous garden that puts on all sorts of activities (changing weekly – check their website for details) over the school holidays and has a resident yeti in the woods who makes an appearance weekend afternoons between 2pm and 4pm. Parking on site, cafe, toilets, outdoor shop selling plants and gifts. Check out what we thought here 

Riverhill Himalayan Gardens

Sevenoaks Library & Museum: Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, TN13 1LQ – the library is open to borrow books and rent DVDs. The museum is also open and often art exhibitions taking place. Located next to several central Sevenoaks car parks (Suffolk Way etc)

Sevenoaks Leisure Centre: Buckhurst Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1LW Swimming is available along with other classes. Check online and book ahead. Pay to park 

Chipstead Lake: In the village of Chipstead is Chipstead Lake. Enjoy a walk here, Tri Swim offer open water swimming (don’t just go for a dip) and members of the angling club fish. Parking can be difficult on the surrounding residential roads. The Bricklayers Arms pub faces the lake and has tables on the green – booking recommended.

Coolings Lifestyle (formerly Green & Pleasant): Main Rd, Knockholt, Sevenoaks TN14 7LJ – A lovely garden centre which also boasts a lovely nature trail featuring all sorts of animals (paid) and Willows Birds of Prey. Cafe and toilets, free parking on site 

Polhill Garden Centre: London Road, Sevenoaks, TN14 7AD- A vast garden centre with a restaurant serving hot & cold food and tiki huts outside. There is also a children’s  playground as well as go karts and inflatables on water (in season)

Woodlands Garden Centre & Kent Firefighting Museum: Ash Lane, Ash, Nr Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 7EG A garden centre with a cafe featuring Kent Firefighting Museum (open 3 days a week). Parking on site, cafe and toilets

Spa Valley Railway: West Station, Nevill Terrace, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY – steam & diesel trains, buy tickets online and board at one of the several stations. A really lovely day out with the kids, they also do special afternoon teas, dining evenings and so on.

We’ve been a couple of times, our review is here

Ugly – Spa Valley Railway, High Rocks Station

Eagle Heights: Lullingstone Lane, Eynsford, Sevenoaks, Kent, DA40JB – One of the UKs largest bird of prey centres but also home to alpacas, huskies and more. You can spend a day here or even camp in one of their tents overnight. Tearoom, toilets, playgrounds, picnics. Free parking on site

Bore Place: Bore Place Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7AR – Bore Place is set in 500 acres of countryside which encompass an organic dairy farm, organic market gardens, conference centre, environmental education centre, as well as programmes to provide opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. There are lots of different child only activities over the holidays like den building, wildlife and arts and crafts 

Stag Theatre: London Road, Sevenoaks, KENT TN13 1ZZ – Cinema & live performances along with a cafe. Parking in the car park behind the Stag

Hever  Festival Theatre:  Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NG – A fabulous outdoor theatre set in the glorious grounds of Hever Castle. Check the website for shows including child friendly ones. We visited a few years ago, our review is here, the venue is now fully covered to protect from the inevitable English rain! 

Bedgebury Pinetum: Lady Oak Lane, Goudhurst, TN17 2SJ – Three walking trails, bike hire, Go Ape, horseriding as well as themed days! Dogs on leads welcome. Parking, cafe toilets  

Bewl Water: Bewlbridge Lane, Lamberhurst, Kent, TN3 8JH – Take on the 13 mile walk around the lake, hire bikes, laser tag, aqua park, playgrounds. £5 to park all day. Take a picnic or eat in the restaurant/cafe 

Penshurst Place: Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG UK – visit the house or just take in the gardens with their adventure playground & woodland trail. 

Pepenbury Nature Trail: Aspens Bluebell Cafe  Cornford Lane, Pembury, Kent TN2 4QU – a cafe with playground and woodland walk set in the grounds of a very special residential home for people with disabilities and complex needs. Limited parking on site 

Free! Activities from Sevenoaks Town Council

Skate Jam

Get ready for a high-energy day on 25th July with Skate Jam 2025, held in partnership
with King Ramps, with lots of skateboarding, BMX, and scooter action! Come along to
Greatness Recreation Ground from 11am to 4pm to compete or just enjoy the vibes. Top
athletes will perform live demos, and there’ll be music, food, and refreshments, including
ice cream from Batch 18. At the event, special guests will include Barclays Bank offering
advice, Sevenoaks Repair Café, Kent Fire and Rescue, Sevenoaks Area Youth Trust, as well as
House in the Basement Youth Café bringing the fun with their giant inflatable dart board.
In the run up to the Skate Jam, between 26th June and 17th July, free skateboarding sessions
hosted by Samsara Sport were funded by Sevenoaks District Council and the Sevenoaks
Town Council Youth Outreach Budget. These fun sessions provided a fantastic opportunity
for young people to learn new tricks and improve their skills.

Family Fun Day

This much-loved event will be held on 4th August at Greatness Recreation Ground, from
10.30am to 1.30pm. Family Fun Day is funded by Sevenoaks District Council and hosted by
Sevenoaks Town Council. Following their roaring success at last year’s event, Quest 4
Entertainment will be bringing along their Baby Dinosaur Show. You also won’t want to miss
activities from Small Champions, We Make Footballers and Play Place. West Kent Housing
will be coming along, as well as Kent Police who will be providing free bike marking. Families
can also enjoy rock painting at the Sevenoaks Town Council stall.

Open Mic Night

Calling all young performers aged 11-17! For one special evening, the Vine Bandstand will
transform into a stage for you. Come along and share your talents with the crowd at this
Open Mic Night.
Check out the Vine events brochure to see who else will be performing on the Bandstand
this summer at free concerts every Thursday and Sunday from 20th July to 7th September
at www.bit.ly/VineEvents25.
There will also be an Open Mic Night at House in the Basement on 12th September, from
5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Summer Trip to Broadstairs

Youths aged 11-17 are invited to join a fun-filled summer adventure on 20th August. House
in the Basement Youth Café is running a fantastic day trip to Broadstairs from 10am. It’s a
great chance to hang out with friends and enjoy something different before the summer
ends. Spaces are limited so don’t miss out – book a place by emailing
manager@houseinthebasement.co.uk.

Free Theatre Shows:

“Fungi Frida and the Myco Heroes”
Experience this whimsical, eco-themed theatre show by Georgie Taylor, perfect for 0-12-
year-olds and families. No booking is needed, just turn up! All shows start at 2pm:
• 19th August – Bat & Ball Centre
• 20th August – Pontoise Park
• 21st August – Greatness Recreation Ground
• 22nd August – Vine Gardens

Design a Christmas Light Competition

Children aged 11 and under are invited to take part in a festive challenge – to design a
Christmas light! The winning design will be brought to life and displayed in Sevenoaks later
this year. The deadline for entries is 26th September. This exciting competition is sponsored
by Knocker & Foskett as well the Youth Services Committee, who each provided funding of
£400. To find out more information about how to enter, email
youthwork@sevenoakstown.gov.uk.

FREE! Family Fun Days from Sevenoaks District Council

The days may change at short notice if there’s wet weather, so please check the above webpage or their Facebook and X accounts before setting off.

Please bring waterproof clothing, sunscreen, and your own refreshments.

Monday 28 July – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Gamecock Meadow, West Kingsdown, London Road, TN15 6BZ

Tuesday 29 July – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Shoreham Recreation Ground, High Street, TN14 7TB

Wednesday 30 July – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Dunton Green Recreation Ground, TN13 2UR

Thursday 31 July – 2pm to 5pm

Stangrove Park, Edenbridge TH8 5LU

Friday 1 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Chiddingstone Causeway Sports Field, Tonbridge Road, TN11 8JS

Monday 4 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Greatness Recreation Ground, Mill Lane, Sevenoaks, TN14 5BX (free bike marking)

Tuesday 5 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Hextable Heritage Centre, College Road, BR8 7LT

Wednesday 6 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Crockenhill Village Hall, Stones Cross Road, BR8 8LT

Thursday 7 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Swanley Park, New Barn Road, BR8 7PW  (free bike marking)

Friday 8 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Chipstead Recreation Ground, Chevening Road, TN13 2SA

Monday 11 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Heathside Recreation Area, South Darenth, DA4 9AZ  (free bike marking)

Tuesday 12 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Woodland Avenue Recreation Ground, Woodland Avenue, Hartley, DA3 7DB  (free bike marking)

Wednesday 13 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Anthony Roper School, High Street, Eynsford, DA4 0AA

Thursday 14 August – 10am to 1pm

King George’s Playing Field, Westerham, TN16 1BN

Friday 15 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

The Green, Leigh, TN11 8QP

Monday 18 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Four Elms Field, (behind Four Elms School), Bough Beech Road, TN8 6NE

Tuesday 19 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

The Minnis, New Ash Green, DA3 8HH

Wednesday 20 August – 10.30am to 1.30pm

Market Meadow, High Street, Farningham, DA4 0DH

Thursday 21 August – 10am to 1pm

King George’s Playing Field, Westerham TN16 1BN  (free bike marking)

Friday 22 August – 10.30am to 1pm

Knockholt Recreation Ground, Main Road, Knockholt, TN14 7LG

If this event inspires you to host your own outdoor celebration, you can enjoy a fun family party and even hire party planning services in Sevenoaks to help organise everything for you.

Sevenoaks Model Railway Show

Kent Country Parks

All have parking on site, toilets and cafes. There are various activities at each centre including play equipment, zip wires, swings etc. They also put on events throughout the holidays – check the website for up to date information.

Trosley: Waterlow Road, Vigo, Kent, DA13 0SG

Lullingstone: Castle Road, Eynsford, Kent, DA40JF

Manor Park: St Leonard’s Street, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6PE

National Trust properties, gardens and parks in and around Sevenoaks:

Unplug & Play this Summer; 5 ways to escape the screens and join real life adventures at National Trust places in Kent

• Escape the sofa and join The Festival of Archaeology from 16 to 31 July, meet expert archaeologists, handle real finds and learn more about recent local digs.
• Offline games and activities for children of all ages from Summer of Play, Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties to Little People Big Dreams.
• No filter required as gardens are looking stunning and visitors can explore them at leisure taking their own insta-ready photographs along the way or book exclusive early morning or late evening entry.
• Swap screens for scenes and discover outdoor events including live theatre, music events and outdoor cinema.
• Ditch the drama binge-watch and learn about the drama on your doorstep with guided tours, walks and talks.

Archaeologists working on a dig to find the gateway in the external wall which was opened by traitors to let Parliamentary forces enter during the Civil War at Corfe Castle, Dorset

• Smallhythe Place – Meet the Archaeologists
  Bring along your budding archaeologists to meet members of our archaeology team every other Sunday at Smallhythe Place. In these drop-in sessions, visitors can handle objects, take part in activities and ask any burning questions to our team.
  22 June, 6 & 20 July, 11am – 5pm, Free with normal admission.
   
• Smallhythe Place – Festival of Archaeology: ‘Smallfest’
  Join us for a celebration of archaeology at Smallhythe Place. Explore the garden for clues to the history of this place, get hands on with some drawing and games and see some of the archaeological artefacts from our collection.
  20 July, 11am – 5pm, Free with normal admission.
   
• Smallhythe Place – Archaeology Along the River Rother
  National Trust Archaeologist Nathalie Cohen uncovers the recent fascinating projects at Smallhythe Place. Discover 2000 years of history at Smallhythe Place, from the Romans to Medieval shipbuilding, and what was found during the three years dig here between 2021 – 2023.
  20 July, 7:30-9pm, £7.50 per person.
   
• Knole – The changing faces of Knole: An archaeology walk
  Join an expert guide on a walk in the parkland at Knole and discover how recent archaeological projects have shaped our understanding of Knole and what the landscape can tell us about how people have used and enjoyed the park for thousands of years. Look inside the historic icehouse from the newly installed viewing platform.
  22, 29 July and 7 October £7.50 per person plus normal admission which is free for members. Pre-booking the event and admission is essential.
   
• Knole – Festival of Archaeology: Family Explorer Day
  Find out what an archaeologist does, have a go with some of the equipment and dig out some ‘artefacts’ yourself. Try being a ‘Heritage Explorer’ and see how much everyday archaeological evidence you can find around the courtyards and parkland at Knole. Discover a LEGO® brick recreation of the icehouse and have a go at making your own mini version. Take the opportunity to view inside the newly restored icehouse, which will be open throughout the day.
  28 July, Free with normal admission. Pre-booking admission is essential.
   
• Ightham Mote – Festival of Archaeology
  The Archaeology Room at Ightham is full of treasures that speak to lives spent at this place – from hidden shoes to pottery fragments. As part of the Festival of Archaeology, for one week only, we’ll open this room housed in the Tower at Ightham Mote. And on Monday 21 July, there’s a rare opportunity to join our National Trust archaeologist Natalie Cohen to ask questions and find out more about Ightham Mote’s treasures. Families can pick up one of our Explorer Challenge archaeology spotter sheets.
  21 to 25 July, Free with normal admission.

• Chartwell – Shaped by Sir Winston and Lady Churchill, summer highlights include Lady Churchill’s pastel-hued rose garden and a butterfly-friendly border filled with nectar-rich blooms. The Gavin Jones Cascade and surrounding garden was originally part of the 1948 Chelsea Flower Show where Clementine Churchill first saw it, she liked it so much that the designer Gavin Jones gave it to her as a gift. This summer get involved in the ‘Inspired by Chartwell’ painting competition to get the chance for your artwork to be displayed in Churchill’s studio.

• Sissinghurst – The garden at Sissinghurst Castle, created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, is a world-renowned example of English garden design, featuring a series of distinct garden rooms, including the famous White Garden and the Mediterranean-inspired Delos Garden. Combining formal structure with exuberant planting, Sissinghurst offers a seasonal spectacle of roses, alliums, and wildflowers, making it a must-visit for garden lovers. You can book onto a private morning or evening tour to see the garden before it’s open to the public. With just 30 tickets per session it’s an incredible opportunity to see the garden at it’s best in the early morning or late evening light.

• Emmetts Garden – is an Edwardian hillside retreat, offers a stunning mix of historic trees, vibrant flower displays, and far-reaching views over the Weald of Kent. Inspired by William Robinson’s naturalistic gardening style, it features a formal Italianate Rose Garden, wildflower meadows, and rare species like the Persian Silk Tree and Katsura Tree, making it a haven for nature lovers.

• Ightham Mote – The garden at Ightham Mote blends formal courtyard spaces with wild, natural landscapes, creating a tranquil retreat around its medieval moated manor house. Visitors can explore herbaceous borders, orchards, and pleasure grounds, where Rosa ‘Rambling Rosie’ arches, sweet peas, and lavender walks provide seasonal colour. The stumpery and fernery, inspired by Victorian garden design, add a touch of wilderness, while the historic lakes and streams reflect the estate’s centuries-old connection to nature.

• Scotney Castle – Scotney has one of the best examples of a Picturesque-designed Garden in the United Kingdom. With a moat, quarry garden, woodland glade, hidden walkways, heather-thatched icehouse, Victorian boathouse, and expansive views across the wider estate, the edges between tamed and wild nature are deliberately blurred. The separate one-acre octagonal walled kitchen garden is filled with wall-trained and standard fruit trees, vegetable beds and flowers for cutting. Visit the old castle ruins to see the nature and wildlife photography exhibition ‘Islandness’ running until 17 October.

• Smallhythe Place – The garden at Smallhythe Place is a tranquil retreat, blending a traditional rose garden, orchard, nuttery, and ponds with a rich history tied to Victorian actress Ellen Terry. In summer, the Ellen Terry Rose and climbing roses create a spectacular display, while the 55m-long pergola blooms with 52 varieties. The orchard, home to over 30 apple varieties, is managed traditionally, avoiding chemicals, and the herb garden, possibly planted by Terry’s daughter, adds a rustic charm. With its wildflower beds and historic character, Smallhythe’s garden offers a peaceful escape into nature.

• Quebec House – Quebec House has a small but charming Georgian-style space, reflecting the era when General James Wolfe lived there. Designed with pleached limes, herbaceous borders, and traditional roses, it offers a glimpse into 18th-century planting schemes. The herb garden, running alongside the Coach House, features lavender, lungwort, and other medicinal and culinary plants, while the bee boles built into the walls hint at historic honey production. Seasonal highlights include spring tulips, summer foxgloves, and autumn’s rich foliage, making it a picturesque retreat throughout the year.

• White Cliffs – Moth Survey Nights – 25 July & 22 August

• White Cliffs – Guided Walks to South Foreland Lighthouse – 19 July and 23 August

• Knole – Attic Tours – Selected dates until 20 December

• Sissinghurst – Private Morning and Evening Tours – Selected dates until 27 September

• Chartwell Highlights Tour: Life at Chartwell – Until 29 August

• British sign language (BSL) interpreted tours – Selected dates until 6 December

Live performance of ‘The Secret Garden’ 

• Emmetts Garden Outdoor Theatre – 27 July Pride & Prejudice, 30 July The Tempest, 8 August Twelfth Night, 21 August The Wind in the Willows.
• Scotney Castle Outdoor Theatre – 2 August Alice Through the Looking Glass, 8 August The Big Bad Wolf, 9 August Twelfth Night, 10 August The Secret Garden, 15 August An Evening with The Swinging Little Big Band, 16 August An Evening with Abba’s Angels, 17 August An Evening with ‘Our Own Way’ Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, 29 August A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
• Knole – 2 August The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, 13 September Peter Rabbit Outdoor Cinema.
• Chartwell – 4 & 28 August Upstream, 5 September The Great Escaper Outdoor Cinema.
• Ightham Mote – 16 August Music at the Mote.
• Sissinghurst Castle Garden – 30 August A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
• Smallhythe Place – 18 & 19 July Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead | National Trust, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31 July, and 1, 3 August A Midsummer Night’s Dream | National Trust, 7 August The Secret Garden | National Trust.

Families enjoying ‘Summer of Play’ activities at Scotney Castle, Kent

• Scotney Castle – Summer of Play – 19 July to 31 August

• Summer at Chartwell with Little People, BIG DREAMS® – 19 July to 7 September

• Ightham Mote – The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – 20, 27 July and 3, 17 24 August

• Ightham Mote Alice in Wonderland: Summer Crafts 24 and 31 August and 7, 14, 21, 28 August.

• South Foreland Lighthouse – Summer of Play – 19 July

• Quebec House – Summer of Play – 19 July to 7 September

• Smallhythe Place – Summer of Play – 19 July to 31 August

• Sissinghurst Castle Garden – Summer of Play – 23 July to 31 August

• Emmetts Garden – Summer of Play – 19 July to 7 September

Playgrounds in and around Sevenoaks – FREE!

Hollybush: Hollybush Cl, Sevenoaks TN13 3UH – free parking in residential streets, also a paid car park. Cafe and toilets (ask for the key in the cafe). Playing fields, playground with swings etc.

Pontoise Close aka The Sandy Mountains (bigger kids): Pontoise Cl, Sevenoaks TN13 3ES – children’s playground with swings, slide, climbing frame. Field with football goals, walk up the “mountain”. Free parking on site – no toilets

Pontoise Close/Mount Close (toddlers): Hidden between two houses a short walk from Pontoise Close play park is a playground especially for little ones to enjoy.   

Greatness Recreation Ground: Mill Lane, Sevenoaks, TN14 5BX – outdoor gym, swings and slides, skate ramps and large open space

Otford Recreation Ground: High Street, Otford, TN14 5PG – Full size football pitches, swings and slides. Parking on site

Castles in and around Sevenoaks

Hever Castle: Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG – Famous for being the childhood home of Anne Boleyn there is so much to do at Hever Castle. Even if you aren’t visiting the house itself the gardens are packed with adventures. There are two play grounds, two mazes – one is water (take a towel and change of clothes!), a huge lake to walk around and over the holidays there are different quests along with jousting events. Cafes, restaurants, kiosks, take a picnic. Parking on site

Leeds Castle: Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL – Within the grounds, as well as the gardens, there is an obstacle course, adventure golf and playgrounds. This summer there will be challenges, open air cinema and children’s theatre.

I hope you find something to keep you occupied – if you have anything you think I should add feel free to email me. 

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