The South East Airshow and Bayfest among the things to do in Herne Bay
Like parents everywhere, mum of two Jodi Eeles is bracing herself for six weeks of summer with her offspring.
But she has some ideas already up her sleeve and confesses to being more prepared this year than usual thanks to some discoveries she's made within one Kent seaside town.
In a post for My Kent Family, Jodi shares some of her suggestions as the schools prepare to break for the holidays...
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 some extra tools in my entertainment armour!
And that tool is Herne Bay. This town I think has got summer sorted and will be 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.
The town has been praised for its friendly welcome, independent shops, long sweeping promenade and award-winning beach – perfect for soaking up the best of the British seaside.
Here are the top things 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, suncream and we’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 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 they have been good, we may just finish off the day with a home-made Italian icecream from renowned Makcari’s at the bandstand before we head home.
The South East Airshow – Saturday 19 August – FREE EVENT
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).
I can’t wait to see the children’s faces as the airplanes 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 shop A Bundle Of Books, the theme is a pirate story with craft to follow and is free! 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
But there’s lots more to choose from.
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 (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 martin’s 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, this 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.
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 and Twitter page@hellohernebay #hellohernebay
Good luck parents - Maybe we will say ‘hello’ to you in Herne Bay this summer!
