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Circus spectacular, steam train driving and a tree walk: events to New Year in Kent

From circus excitement to a steamy weekend and the coolest skating rinks, there's loads going on across the county to take you through to the New Year. Here's our guide to what's on:

CHRISTMAS CIRCUS SPECTACULAR, GROOMBRIDGE PLACE

There's a spectacular circus flying through the air from this week for two celebrations - Christmas and 250 years of circus.

The Big Top Christmas Circus Spectacular opens at Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells on Thursday, December 20, when performers from Happy Circus will be bringing their timeless magic four times a day.

Happy's Circus aerial skills at Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells
Happy's Circus aerial skills at Groombridge Place, Tunbridge Wells

Pip Randelle will unwrap a mix of international artists, performing thrilling acts interspersed with Christmas fun, from aerial acts and acrobatic feats. 2018 marks 250 years of modern circus - Philip Astley created the first in 1768 in London.

Shows will be held between Thursday, December 20 and Sunday, December 23 and again from Thursday, December 27 and Sunday, December 30 at 11.30am, 1pm, 3pm and 4.30pm. Entry to the big top circus shows are free with admission to Groombridge Place. While at the site pop in to the Groombridge Café for refreshments, and let the kids let off steam with Crusoe’s World and the Giant Tree Swings in the Enchanted Forest. Entry to the circus only costs £5.95 for children, £9.95 for adults and £25 for a family of four (two adults and two children). Father Christmas is also in his grotto between Thursday, December 20 and Sunday, December 23. For details visit groombridgeplace.com

DRIVER FOR A TENNER, SPA VALLEY

There’s a unique chance to drive a steam train or diesel locomotive, under the eye of an expert driver, at the Spa Valley Railway between Christmas and New Year. The Driver for a Tenner offer is on Saturday, December 29 and Sunday, December 30, needs to be booked in advance. The weekend also includes rides where mince pies are available and kids travel for just £1.

You could drive a steam train at the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells
You could drive a steam train at the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells

An increased service will operate over the weekend which will see two steam locomotives in service including the impressive 1901 built Great Western Railway Locomotive No. 813 visiting courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway and the GWR 813 Preservation Fund. Running alongside 813 will be another visiting Steam Locomotive No. 1982 Ring Haw courtesy of the North Norfolk Railway. The final locomotive to operate over the special weekend will be the newly-arrived Class 31/4 31430 Sister Dora. At Tunbridge Wells West newly-arrived Hunslet Newstead will be on static display for visitors to see and also in the Engine Shed will be LBSCR Terrier No. 650 Sutton, which will return to service in 2019. Fares cost £12, £1 for children and £26 for a family. For more details and to book tickets visit spavalleyrailway.co.uk

MRS BACK TO FRONT, KENT LIFE, MAIDSTONE

There’s some fun-packed magic on offer between Christmas and New Year down on the farm.

Mrs Back to Front gets into such a muddle and wears her clothes back to front – but she’ll also make little ones laugh with her crazy magic show. She’ll need lots of volunteers to help her, so head to Kent Life in Sandling, Maidstone, from Thursday, December 27 until Wednesday January 2 (excluding New Year’s Day). She’ll be performing at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm.

There's fun on the farm up to New Year at Kent Life, Maidstone
There's fun on the farm up to New Year at Kent Life, Maidstone

There will also be the usual activities on offer and a wooden snowmen trail. Find all the snowmen hiding to get a tasty reward from the shop. The site will be open from 10am to 3pm, with entry £6.95, £5.95 for three to 15s and free for threes and under.

For details go to kentlife.org.uk

TREE WALK, MOTE PARK

Thousands of trees call 450-acre Mote Park in Maidstone their home, but what do you know about them? You can learn more about them on a guided walk around the park on Saturday, December 22 from 10am. The event is one of the Mote Park Fellowship’s most popular events of the year, offering an introduction to the history of the park and the importance it plays on some of the oldest trees in the county. Tickets cost £2.50 and need to be booked in advance. Visit moteparkfellowship.org.uk for more details.

Mote Park in Maidstone Picture: Maidstone Borough Council
Mote Park in Maidstone Picture: Maidstone Borough Council

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

Ice skating runs at Calverley Grounds in Tunbridge Wells until New Year's Day. The amphitheatre is decorated with twinkling festive lights, plus there is festive food and drink. Main skating sessions take place from 11am to 8pm, except on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year’s Day when it will be 6pm. Book at assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or visittunbridgewells.com

BLUEWATER

Santa and his elves are in The Village until Christmas Eve to greet little ones with a traditional Christmas story presented in 4D, crafts with Mrs Claus and meeting Santa. There is also an outdoor, covered ice rink is open until Sunday, January 6, with DJ sets to entertain skaters on Fridays. Skating costs £11, £10 for 13 to 16-year-olds and £9 for children. To book tickets for all events go to bluewater.co.uk

HEMPSTEAD VALLEY, GILLINGHAM

The popular grotto stays open at the centre until Christmas Eve. Tickets are £5 per child. You can pre-book at hempsteadvalley.com though you don't have to book in advance, if you don't mind queuing on the day.

There are plenty of opportunities to see Santa Picture: Brogdale, Faversham
There are plenty of opportunities to see Santa Picture: Brogdale, Faversham

THE FORUM, SITTINGBOURNE

The free grotto runs every Saturday until Saturday, December 22 with Father Christmas in his grotto from 11am to 3pm. Every child receives a festive treat. For details visit theforumsc.co.uk.

BEWL WATER, LAMBERHURST

Festive fun in the secret woodland wonderland, fairground rides, ice skating, Christmas crafts and marshmallow toasting on a fire pit are a bonus to meeting the elves and time with Father Christmas at Bewl Water running from Friday, December 21 through to Christmas Eve. Tickets are £18 for adults and £35 for children. Book at bewlwater.co.uk/christmas.

Christmas at Brogdale runs until this weekend
Christmas at Brogdale runs until this weekend

CHRISTMAS AT BROGDALE, FAVERSHAM

There's a magical ride on the Faversham miniature railway to Santa’s grotto on offer, as well as Christmas crafts, Christmas owls and the chance to meet Carlos the goat, or take a seasonal selfie in the giant inflatable snow globe. Christmas at Brogdale runs until Saturday, December 22. Visit brogdalecollections.org or call 01795 536250.

EASTWELL MANOR, ASHFORD

Ice skating at the exclusive Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel and Spa near Ashford runs until Wednesday, January 2. Get into the festive spirit with mulled wine, hot chocolate, toasted chestnuts and mince pies. Visitors can also do some last minute shopping at Champneys' Christmas boutique. A 50-minute skating session and boot hire costs £14.50 and £9.50 for under 12s. For a festive afternoon tea with 50 minutes of skating and skate hire, it costs £99 for two adults and two children, or £39 for adults and £19 for under 12s. To book, call 0843 561 2019 or 01233 213000, or visit eastwellmanor.co.uk

Ice skating at Eastwell Manor near Ashford
Ice skating at Eastwell Manor near Ashford

PORT OF DOVER

The White Cliffs Christmas ICE-travaganza is at the Port of Dover until New Year's Day. The Cruise Terminal One features indoor ice skating, a Christmas grotto, rides, stalls, food and a new bar managed by Breakwater Brewery. Events run from 10am to 8pm, with live music from local bands. Book at whitecliffschristmas.co.uk or call 0843 561 2019 or 01233 213000.

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