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Things to do between Christmas and New Year in Kent

Off work with the family, but not sure what day of the week it is, or what to do to amuse little ones?

We've rounded up some ideas for you:

Baby Beats at Dreamland between Christmas and New Year
Baby Beats at Dreamland between Christmas and New Year

BABY BEATS FOR BETWIXTMAS, DREAMLAND

From Boxing Day through to New Year's Eve the Margate attraction's Roller Disco be free to skate for those six days only. For families won’t want to miss the Little Fluffy Clouds X Junior Jungle on Sunday, December 29, an all-day family rave for two to eight-year-olds and their families in Hall By The Sea. Expect glow sticks, stickers, balloons, projections, confetti canons, plus a lunch break. There will also be an arts and crafts station for little ones to get creative with face painting, and bar for thirsty parents. Tickets are £12 for adults plus a booking fee and £8 for children with a booking fee and they both include access to the park’s winter rides. Details at dreamland.co.uk. The New Year's Eve Chase & Status DJ set is now sold out.

Take a winter walk with the National Trust Picture: Chris Lacey/National Trust
Take a winter walk with the National Trust Picture: Chris Lacey/National Trust

IGHTHAM MOTE BOXING DAY RAMBLE & NEW YEAR TREK

Join the Boxing Day ramble with a tasty full English breakfast to fuel an informal guided walk through the estate, from 10.30am to 1.30pm, or a New Year's Day trek at the same time, costing £21.50 with breakfast. Pick up an estate walks leaflet from visitor reception for inspiration and see how far your legs can take you in January. The garden, cafe and shop are open 10am to 4pm daily throughout the winter. Booking is essential for the walks by calling 01732 811314.

KENT LIFE, SANDLING, MAIDSTONE

Wrap up in your bobble hat and scarf and venture out for some fresh air at the heritage park in Sandling which is open for the Christmas holidays, from Friday, December 27 to Sunday, January 5 (excluding New Year’s Day). There will be games on the green and farm rides as well as special sessions to meet some of the farm animals and a chance to hunt for wooden snowmen to claim an edible treat from the shop. Mrs Back to Front’s Fun Packed Magic Show will be staged daily at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

The site is open from 10am to 3pm during the holidays. Find out more at kentlife.org.uk.

Mrs Back to Front at Kent Life, Sandling with Harry last year Picture: Chris Davey
Mrs Back to Front at Kent Life, Sandling with Harry last year Picture: Chris Davey

LEEDS CASTLE WALKS & DECORATIONS, MAIDSTONE

The state rooms of the castle are a kingdom of birds and festive feathers with their Christmas decorations until New Year’s Day, with a magical forest of owls to red breasted robins surrounded by snowdrops and a lavishly-dressed banqueting table, laid for a Christmas feast. And until Sunday, January 5, you can visit the estate and take part in a fun trail on the new Winter Trail app, across the woodland walk, Castle Island and formal gardens. Find out more at leeds-castle.com.

INTERNATIONAL GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR, SISSINGHURST

Brighten up your winter as the Oast House will be hosting the annual photographic exhibition, showing the very best amateur and professional garden photography from across the world from Saturday, January 4. Pick up a leaflet in visitor reception for walking inspiration or check out the panoramic views from the top of the tower before you set off. The garden is now also open at weekends and selected week days over the colder months. Inside, delve into the world of Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West in the South Cottage. The Gatehouse exhibition space reveals more about the ongoing garden restoration project, now in its fifth year, with images of Vita and Harold’s visits to Delos in Greece. The restaurant and shop will be open 10am to 4.30pm.Details here.

For other ideas across Kent this holiday period, click here.

Lady Churchill's Rose Garden at Chartwell Picture: Andrew Butler/National Trust
Lady Churchill's Rose Garden at Chartwell Picture: Andrew Butler/National Trust

CHARTWELL NEAR SEVENOAKS

Several walks are available across the estate, with a natural play area for children, a Second World War bomb crater and a Canadian camp to be discovered along the way. Warm up with a tasty pre or post walk festive brunch on Boxing Day, Friday, December 27 and New Year's Day from 11am to 2.30pm. From Saturday, January 11 there will also be a new outdoor trail around the garden exploring Sir Winston Churchill’s love of painting. The shop, café and gardens are open from 10am to 4pm, with the studio open noon to 3.30pm throughout the winter.

For more winter walks inspiration from the National Trust go to nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/winter-walks-in-kent

To find out what’s going on in the county and for all the latest entertainment news click here.

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