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Kent: Christmas markets and activities at Brogdale, Walmer Castle, Canterbury Tales, Deal, Gravesend and Margate

Looking to wrap up some festive activities for the weekend? We have the pick of the Christmas markets and events to head to.

BROGDALE, FAVERSHAM

Brogdale at Faversham opens its doors for free with a range of festive activities this weekend.

Brogdale's Christmas event this weekend has plenty of goodies to tempt you Picture: Tony Flashman
Brogdale's Christmas event this weekend has plenty of goodies to tempt you Picture: Tony Flashman

There’s free entry on Sunday, December 3, when young visitors can take a ride on Faversham Miniature Railway’s Polar Express through the frosty orchards to visit Santa in his grotto and pick up a gift.

His elves have also been busy picking apples for the reindeer – little ones can follow the trail around the farm and find all the enchanted elf doors, to collect a prize at the end.

There will be the chance to make crafts and decorations for your home, such as wooden reindeer, stars and wreaths. Visitors can also meet Carlos the friendly Angora goat and see an owl display in the apple barn. The festive day will also include hot mulled cider, liqueurs, wines and local ciders.

There are charges for some activities. For details visit brogdalecollections.org.

Lizzie Offen with Carlos the goat, who you can meet at Brogdale
Lizzie Offen with Carlos the goat, who you can meet at Brogdale

WALMER CASTLE, NEAR DEAL

See Walmer Castle after hours next week for special Christmas tours. Three tours will be held between 3pm and 6pm on Thursdays, December 7, 14 and 21.

Explore the castle’s interior in its full festive glory and hear about aspects of Christmas at the Tudor fortress and how the stately rooms would have been decorated.

Between 10am and 3pm, the Second World War Home Front Christmas continues at weekends until Sunday, December 17. To book and find out more call 0370 333 1183 or visit english-heritage.org.uk/walmercastle.

Walmer Castle
Walmer Castle

CANTERBURY TALES

Artisan market stalls will be set among the streets of the Canterbury Tales this weekend. On Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 Chaucer’s medieval streets between London and Kent will have traders selling festive wares.

Craftspeople from across the county will be selling jewellery, wooden gifts, edible treats and more at the attraction in Margaret Street. Entry to the gift fair is free. The visitor attraction will only be holding the fair this weekend, so the usual tour won’t be available. For details go to canterburytales.org.uk or call 01227 696002.

BETTESHANGER COUNTRY PARK, DEAL

The festive countdown starts with wreath making on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, and a Woodland Elf School on Sunday, December 17. Activities are £15 per child and £5 for an accompanying adult. Snow tubing arrives from Thursday, December 21 until New Year’s Day. Hop on an inflatable ring and speed down an 18m-long slope. You can also visit caves underneath the artificial ski slope. See betteshanger-park.co.uk/Christmas.

Browse the Christmas markets
Browse the Christmas markets

GRAVESEND: ALL THINGS MAGICAL

The theme for Christmas events in Gravesend is All Things Magical. Running on Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, there will be a Frost Fair including a wizard and princess-themed parade from New Road to Gravesend Borough Market, an ice rink between 10am and 4pm on the Market Square and entertainment through the afternoon. On Sunday, December 3, there will be entertainment from 11.30am to 2.30pm.

Festivities in Gravesend will be held on weekends throughout the month
Festivities in Gravesend will be held on weekends throughout the month

TURNER CONTEMPORARY, MARGATE

Carols and a visit from Father Christmas will herald the switching on of the Christmas lights at Turner Contemporary in Margate on Saturday, December 2 at 6pm. There will also be a festive workshop both days from 1pm to 4pm, making Christmas decoration with artist Lydia Brockless inspired by the work of Hans Jean Arp and a Christmas market between 10am and 6pm on the Saturday and 10am and 5pm on the Sunday. Nearby at Dreamland, the Frosted Fairground opens from Friday, December 1.

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