October half term events in Kent 2017

October half term is already here.

And despite its distinctly autumnal feel there is plenty happening in Kent to keep your family busy.

For a run down of all those events with a Halloween feel click here. But if you're looking for a less spooky spot to hang out in we have plenty of other activities happening at attractions across the county to keep your half term happy:

EMMETTS GARDEN

There will be an Edwardian themed trail at the garden from Saturday, October 21 to Sunday, October 29, between 10am to 4pm daily. It costs £1 per trail, normal admission applies.

BROGDALE

Half term fun at the Faversham site runs from Monday, October 23 to Thursday, October 26. On the Monday, keep the kids entertained with Brogdale’s Beastie Day when young visitors can hunt for insects in the orchards and then get crafty. On the Thursday, learn about the effect the weather has on the orchards, ride the tractor trailer, and make a human sundial on Wild Weather Day.

There will also be walks in the orchards. For details visit brogdalecollections.org or call 01795 536250.

BEDGEBURY PINETUM

The park is open daily between 8am and 6pm, and the Gruffalo Trail is on offer for little ones with the Gruffalo sculpture and his child to spot. Details at forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury

The Forestry Commission has also made free family autumn activity sheets available to help you get the most from your woodland walks this autumn. They can be found by clicking here.

Don't miss our half term Halloween guide

DOVER CASTLE

On Saturday, October 28, there is a showing recommended for ages nine and over of Hocus Pocus. To book call 0370 333 1183 or visit english-heritage.org.uk/dovercastle

GULBENKIAN, CANTERBURY

Head to the Canterbury theatre in your finest Halloween fancy dress and Potter gear for a Halloween special screening of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PG) on Saturday, October 28. Tickets cost £3 with babies on laps £1. To book visit thegulbenkian.co.uk

KNOLE

Knole's deer park is the perfect place for an autumnal walk and a roam in the woods this half term. You may even spot some of its most famous residents roaming the parkland.

Family fun and making lanterns are also on offer at the Sevenoaks historic site for half term. Monday, October 23, between 11am and 3pm will feature free arts and crafts with a leafy hedgehogs and leaf sun catchers theme. Suitable for ages five to 12. A paper lanterns family workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 25 and Thursday, October 26 at 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

QUEX PARK, BIRCHINGTON

Half term fun runs from Tuesday, October 24 to Friday, October 27, between 11am and noon and 1.30pm and 3pm. As part of the Big Draw festival, young visitors can try drawing Victorian toys and spinning tops, and then see them come alive. For entry and more details, call 01843 842168

WALMER CASTLE AND GARDENS

Enjoy some autumn adventures from Tuesday, October 24 until Thursday, October 26 at Walmer Castle and Gardens. Young outdoor explorers can get hands-on with den building along the woodland walk, enjoy the fruits of harvest and discover the garden wildlife. Tickets to the English Heritage attraction are £10.70 for adults and £6.40 for children. English Heritate members can visit for free. For more details visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/walmercastle

WHITSTABLE CASTLE

The popular Scarecrow Festival and Trail returns to Whistable Castle half term week for families looking for a less spooky activity trail. Grab a trail sheet from the tearooms and wander the gardens to find all of the scarecrows tucked within the trees. No visit would be complete without a visit to the Pirate Adventure Playground also within the castle grounds.

For all the details click here.

For a bumper list of Halloween related half term events click here.

CREATIVE WRITING, SEVENOAKS BOOKSHOP

Join Lucy Strange, author of The Secret of Nightingale Wood, who will be leading a creative writing workshop inspired by the characters in the story. The event is taking place at Sevenoaks Bookshop and is perfect for all bookworms and aspiring young writers aged nine to 12.

Tickets are £7 and price includes refreshments and a signed copy of the book. Spaces are limited and tickets are allocated on a first come first served basis. Telephone 01732 452055 for details.