Wondering how you’re going to survive the summer holidays? Head to Herne Bay. Mum-of-two Jodi Eeles from Maidstone explains why

Instead of feeling the usual pre-summer holiday panic creep in (bored children, expensive and exhausting days out), I’m actually feeling a little smug because this year I’ve got an extra tool in my entertainment armour... and it’s Herne Bay.

The town is on the top of my list of things to do to keep my seven-year-old daughter and five-year-old son occupied during the six-week break.

Often praised for its friendly welcome, independent shops, long, sweeping promenade and award-winning beach, here are the top things that our family will be enjoying in Herne Bay this summer:

The pier, promenade and beach

My two are easily entertained at the beach. Pitch up a towel, bring a picnic, sun cream and you’re set.

The great thing about Herne Bay is that there’s lots to do all around the beach too. Crabbing is popular off the pier, which is also home to a great collection of retail huts – from gifts, to smoothies and the famous Herne Bay Helter Skelter.

The promenade is also great for scooting or cycling along from the beach huts at the Hamptons, up as far as Reculver. We will be bringing our pennies for the arcades along the front for some indoor fun too. And if everyone’s been good, we may just finish off the day with a homemade Italian ice cream from renowned Makcari’s at the bandstand before we head home.

The South East Airshow, on Saturday, August 19 – free

Last year my little boy was so excited at seeing the Red Arrows pass our car by chance, that I can’t wait to take him to see them up close at the South East Airshow in Herne Bay this summer. People flock to the town especially for this free event which will feature the Red Arrows, the Typhoon and a firework finale.

Organisers suggest arriving by public transport. There is a pleasant short walk from the station into town which cuts through the memorial gardens (again, great for scooting). Look out for some happy faces as the planes swoop across the shoreline for what is set to be a spectacular display.

BayFest

During August, Herne Bay’s community festival BayFest has a whole host of events happening in the town which we will be keeping our eye on. Ones we like the look of so far include:

Friday, August 4 – Storytelling at A Bundle Of Books. The theme is a pirate story with crafts to follow and is free, although booking is recommended.

Tuesday, August 15 – Sandcastle competition for little ones at Herne Bay Beach, west of the pier.

Sunday, August 27 – Model boat regatta at the memorial park. For all the details and lots more events, go to hernebayfestival.com

Café Culture

Herne Bay has some fantastic cafes and restaurants, from vintage teas and ration book menus at Vintage Emporium, to Alice and the Hatter’s open book sandwiches. The town’s cafes are child-friendly and have become an experience within themselves.

I’m hoping to treat my daughter to an afternoon tea at Alice and the Hatter for her seventh birthday in August. Other favourites include The Wallflower Café, which is vegan, The Coffee Pot, The Green Door Deli, Very Vintage Tea Rooms and Mortimers – there’s plenty to choose from.

Reculver Country Park & Cycling

For a day of outdoors exercise or wildlife watching, Reculver Country Park along the famous Saxon Shore Way is a great spot. With cliff top wildflower meadows, children can spot the sand martins nesting in the cliffs and the visitor centre will help them to learn more about the geology, ecology and climate.

Reculver is also en route for a great cycling route from Herne Bay along the coast, which can be done as a circular route with a stop-off at the visitor centre for lunch or as part of a bigger route which takes cyclists further along the coastline. There is parking at Reculver and walks and cycle routes are well signposted.

DETAILS

To keep up to date with what is going on in Herne Bay this summer, go to visithernebay.co.uk or visit the Hello Herne Bay Facebook/Twitter page @hellohernebay – and if you’re sharing your pictures, or want to see others use #hellohernebay