15 unique summer holiday ideas

We know there are many useful lists of places to visit over the holidays – in fact our What’s On calendar features lots of great local ideas for you but in addition to this, we wanted to bring you something a little different…

So we’ve come up with 15 unique and lesser known ideas to enhance your summer holidays! Have fun out there…

1. Take a cruise down the River Medway with Tonbridge River Trips:
Why not enjoy a relaxing 50 minute river trip or book for a private “voyage” either way you get close to nature and can glean some of the areas history from the skipper before finally returning to your starting point by the castle. Seats up to 12 people.

2. Sign up for Summer Forest School at Reuthes Lost Gardens:

The forest is filled with adventure! During each Forest School session, the Leader teaches woodland essentials like campfire building, whittling, and the ancient art of leaf crown making, and each child enjoys a delicious and nutritious lunch provided by Basecamp Café. It’s a perfect day of adventure and fun for children aged 5 to 10– book a place around the campfire for your child while spaces are available!

 

 

 

3. Keep the kids active at a kids boxing classes throughout the summer at The Better Body Group:

Monday’s @11am⁣
Wednesdays @9.15⁣
And new to this Summer a kids and adults class on Fridays @10.15⁣
⁣All £10 per session PAYG. Appropriate for kids aged 8-13⁣
To book your spot get in touch [email protected] or call us on 01732451979

4. Hire Canoes and paddle down the Medway 
You can enjoy seasonal paddling activities on the River Medway Canoe Trail between Tonbridge and Allington which stretches for 29km. Hire canoes and kayaks from Elveys-Canoe and paddle down the Medway taking in the scenery, wildlife and canoe chutes with are fantastic fun!

5. Book in for a half day Pony Morning at Limes Equestrian Farm in Hildenborough:
For all horse enthusiasts, this is the perfect way to spend a morning – 9-12pm (£30) of unadulterated horsey fun from grooming to riding, to cleaning – this will be sure to give your kids a full horsey fix! If they’re old enough/happy to be left – you can drop them off and have 3 blissful hours to yourself!

6. Treat the girls to a Pamper day at Jo & Co in Hollybush:
Why not gather a group of girls together and organise a pamper party at Jo & Co? They offer customised pamper sessions for little girls and help them to look like their favourite princesses. We offer age-appropriate makeup application, dress-up sessions, nail care and styling, and glitter tattooing.

7. Open up the world of Little Street to your little ones!
The eagerly awaited opening of Little Street in Riverhead is scheduled for 26 July! For those that don’t know it’s an award winning role play centre inspiring children to explore life in the world around them. Follow them on Facebook for opening times and more information.

 

 

8. EAT Picnic Bags are available now in Tonbridge:
Eat Around Tonbridge have launched gourmet picnic bags for you to pre-order to take the hassle out of picnicking at outdoor concerts & shows. The delicious contents have been handpicked from local producers and independent retailers. Why not pre-order before a performance at Tonbridge Castle? Check out their events for the summer.

9. Free organised Family Cycle Rides with Sevenoaks District Council:

Professionally-led cycle rides return this summer with a focus on building up confidence. The rides are open to all, including families with small children, and take place in Knole Park and the Brands Hatch racing track. Places must be booked in advance by calling us on 01732 227000 or emailing [email protected]

10. Want to get off grid for a few days? Have you heard of Yamp Camp?
They offer brilliant locations within easy reach of London & The South Coast and set deep in beautiful Sussex countryside. You get your own campfire on every spacious pitch where friends and family can all camp together. Go on give it a go…

11. Fruit Picking at Stonepitts:
Stonepitts Farm in seal has wonderful varieties of Strawberries and Raspberries to pick. Open daily, 9-6pm.

12. Calling all budding chefs – why not try a Cookery Workshop at Cookies Kitchen:
Various different cookery workshops available for the kids to choose from over the summer holidays. Check out their itinerary before booking.

13. Day out to Kingsgate Bay near Broadstairs:
Kingsgate Bay is a sheltered sandy cove backed by high white chalk cliffs. The beach is probably best known for its sea caves which are reputedly some of the best in the country. It’s a popular family beach and is also usually much quieter than the neighbouring beaches of Joss Bay and Botany Bay. Dogs are welcome all year round.

14. Unique Pottery & Art Workshops with Andrea Farndon:

There are many different art one-day holiday workshops available at Andrea’s Studio in Seal. Most courses are single day workshops in which students will be taught the skills necessary to produce their own personal artwork. Check out the schedule here.

15. Dip your toe into Open Water Swimming with TriSwim:
Have you ever tried open water swimming? If you are a confident swimmer you can try out open water in two local lakes – Haysden and Chipstead. TriSwim manage the open water sessions so you will need to buy membership and get an assessment on your first visit.

Annabel Evans
Author: Annabel Evans