Tonbridge Bean

Half term is here again from the 23rd May to 1st June 2026 in Kent.

Luckily, Tonbridge and its leafy surroundings are packed with brilliant options for family adventures, rainy day saviours, and good old-fashioned fun. Whether you’ve got toddlers who love soft play, tweens in need of a challenge, or teens who claim “there’s nothing to do” – this list has you covered.

From castle quests and countryside trails to theatre shows, here are 60+ things to do this May Half Term in and around Tonbridge. We also include loads of free events, so fun doesn’t have to break the bank!

ACTIVE ADVENTURES

There are so many active adventures locally, and for many of them – you don’t even have to leave the park!

1/ Paddleboarding Children’s Camps

We are so lucky in Tonbridge to have access to some fantastic paddle boarding kids clubs during school holidays. Local companies Epic Life and Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Ana run sessions designed for kids over 8 on the River Medway.

2/ Outdoor Swim at Tonbridge Lido

Enjoy a refreshing dip at Tonbridge Swimming Pool’s heated outdoor lido. Open throughout the half term, it’s perfect for families looking to cool off and have some fun in the sun.

3/ Badminton or Five-a-Side at the Angel Centre

Keep the kids active indoors by booking a court at the Angel Centre. Whether it’s badminton or five-a-side football, it’s a great way to burn off some energy.

4/ Ping Pong in the Park – Tonbridge Park ⭐(Free)

An underused resource in our opinion. Challenge the family to a game of table tennis at Tonbridge Park. The outdoor tables are free to use—just bring your own bats and balls!

5/ Tennis – Tonbridge Park

Book an inexpensive (and newly refurbished) tennis court at Tonbridge Park and enjoy a friendly match amidst beautiful surroundings. Just pay at the hut to secure your court and bring your own equipment.

6/ Mini Golf in Tonbridge Park

Grab your clubs at the park’s mini-golf shack for a fun-filled game. For a more adventurous experience, head to Mulligans Crazy Golf, or older kids might enjoy the range at American Golf.

7/ Tonbridge Park Playgrounds ⭐(Free)

Always a hit with the little ones, Tonbridge Park’s playgrounds are perfect for a day out. Pack a picnic or arrange to meet friends for added fun.

8/ Clip and Climb Tonbridge

Experience the thrill of climbing at Clip and Climb Tonbridge. With various challenges and often discounted sessions during half term, it’s an adventure not to be missed.

9/ Recre8 Tonbridge Half Term Classes

Recre8 offers a variety of half term classes, including climbing, gymnastics, scuba, athletics, and trampolining. Perfect for kids looking to try something new or improve their skills.

10/ Bewl Water Adventures

Bewl Water always has fun activities taking place over school holidays. This May half term, there’s laser tag, soft play and water activities taking place.

11/ Amazon Adventure Soft Play – Tunbridge Wells

Let the kids explore the huge indoor and outdoor adventure play areas at Amazon Adventure. With thrilling family-friendly activities, it’s a great spot for younger children.

12/ Tonbridge Junior Park Run ⭐(Free)

Kickstart a new tradition with the Tonbridge Junior Park Run. Held every Sunday at 9am, it’s a free, fun, and friendly 2k event for juniors aged 4 to 14.

CASTLES, GARDENS AND TRAILS

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful gardens and castles to visit in and around Tonbridge. This half term, many of them are holding family friendly events too!

13/ Ightham Mote

Step back in time at Ightham Mote, a 14th-century moated manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens and estate walks. It’s a perfect blend of history and nature. This year, you can enjoy Ruby Plants a Radish Trail: A playful garden trail based on the popular children’s book.

14/ Plant Hunters at Hever Castle

Unleash your child’s inner botanist at this fascinating trail about historic plant hunting. It promises to be a lot of fun and learning for the whole family at Hever Castle.

15/ Visit Knole Park

Knole Park is always a winner. Stop by on 26th May for a special session with Emily Ann Davison who will be leading interactive story time – Every Bunny is a Yoga Bunny.

16/ Around Penshurst Place in 9 days

Join this adventurous trail at Penshurst Place – Around Penshurst in 9 days. A delightful outdoor activity that combines nature and storytelling.

17/ Butterfly Trail – Sissinghurst Castle Garden

This year on the 23rd May, you can join a butterfly trail at Sissinghurst Castle Garden. This is included with admission. Discover the beauty of nature. A fun and educational experience for the whole family.

18/ Emmetts Garden

Pack a picnic and enjoy the vibrant flowers at Emmetts Garden. With stunning views and open spaces, it’s ideal for a relaxing day out.

19/ How to be a Pirate Trail– Bodiam Castle

Embark on a pirate-themed adventure at Bodiam Castle. Explore medieval encampments, have-a-go archery, storytelling, and crafts. Tickets are £3.50 in addition to the Bodiam Castle normal entry fee. This starts on the 23rd May.

DINING OUT / FOOD AND DRINK

For foodie families, there are loads of great food and drink events as well as places to visit close to Tonbridge this half term.

20/ Poacher and Partridge Pub – Tudely

Easily accessible by foot or car, the Poacher and Partridge offers an excellent playground, ample parking, and delicious pizzas. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it’s perfect for families and always a big hit!

21/ Kids Eat Free Deals ⭐(Free for the kids)

During half term, many restaurants offer a kids eat free deal. Look out for potential offers at Pizza Express Tonbridge and Bill’s in Tunbridge Wells.

22/ Ice Cream and River Stroll ⭐(Free – not inc icecream!)

Grab an ice cream on the high street and take a leisurely stroll along the river. Watch the swans and paddle boarders for a relaxing afternoon.

23/ Pantiles Market – Street Food Festival (23-25 May)⭐(Free)

Bank Holiday weekend normally means some fabulous food at the pantiles in Tunbridge Wells. This year, is a three day street food festival – bound to be inviting!

24/ Tonbridge Food and Drink Festival (30-31 May) ⭐(Free)

Head to Tonbridge Castle for the Food and Drink Festival. Enjoy cooking demonstrations, and a variety of food stalls. This is always such a wonderful event and totally free to enter too!

25/ Halfway House Beer Festival – Brenchley (22-25 May)

From Friday to Monday, the Halfway House in Brenchley hosts its annual Beer Festival. With live music, a hog roast, and family-friendly activities, it’s more than just a beer festival. But, it’s always nice to enjoy a cheeky pint whilst the kids are entertained!

26/ Paws Cat Café – Tonbridge

Visit Paws Cat Café in Tonbridge for a unique experience. Enjoy drinks and snacks while meeting the resident rescue cats – perfect for a calm morning or afternoon with little animal lovers.

WALKS AND NATURE

27/ Geocaching in and Around Tonbridge ⭐(Free)

Embark on a treasure hunt with geocaching. Explore the hidden gems of Tonbridge and its surroundings while enjoying the great outdoors. A totally free activity.

28/ Dene Park and Lunch at The Chaser Inn – Shipbourne ⭐(Free – not inc lunch)

Take a scenic walk through Dene Park and reward yourself with a delicious lunch at The Chaser Inn in Shipbourne.

29/ Walk Around Haysden Water ⭐(Free)

Enjoy a peaceful walk around Haysden Water. Less busy than Barden Lake, it’s a great spot for nature lovers. Pack a picnic and sit by the water, you might get a glimpse of the sailing boats.

30/ Broadwater Warren – Walk and Bird Watching ⭐(Free)

Don your wellies and explore the trails of Broadwater Warren and indulge in some bird watching. A tranquil escape into nature.

31/ Harrison’s Rocks Walk ⭐(Free)

Discover the unique sandstone crags at Harrison’s Rocks in Tunbridge Wells. A popular spot for climbers and walkers alike. This isn’t a well known spot, so I love how peaceful it is here!

32/ Kingdom Penshurst Walking Loop and Basil Café ⭐(Free – not inc cafe visit)

Enjoy a lovely walking loop at Kingdom Penshurst and treat yourself to some cake and a cuppa at Basil Café.

DAYS OUT

Fancy getting out of Tonbridge? Here are some great ideas for days out.

33/ Ashdown Forest and Pooh Sticks ⭐(Free)

Winnie-the-Pooh fans, this one’s for you. Head to Ashdown Forest and bring your best stick for a few rounds of Pooh Sticks at the original bridge. The forest is beautiful in late spring – perfect for a family walk and picnic.

34/ Spa Valley Railway Events

All aboard! The Spa Valley Railway has family-friendly heritage train rides running throughout the week – keep an eye out for themed events like teddy bear picnics and Thomas the Tank engine rides.

35/ Groombridge Place

A real-life enchanted forest! With zip wires, a giant chessboard, and peacocks wandering the grounds, Groombridge Place is a magical half-day out. There’s also a canal boat, formal gardens and forest trails.

36/ Bedgebury Park

An absolute gem for nature lovers. Stroll among towering trees, cycle the family-friendly paths, or simply enjoy the big natural playground. Pack a picnic and stay a while.

37/ Go Ape Bedgebury

For your mini thrill-seekers (over 1m tall), the treetop challenge at Go Ape is a huge hit. Think ziplines, rope bridges, and squeals of excitement – all set within the towering pines.

38/ Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats

A sweet and gentle day out near Maidstone. Kids will love getting up close to rescued goats in this tranquil sanctuary. Entry is free, donations welcome. More info here.

39/ Discovery Land at Priory Farm

Over the border into Surrey, but worth the short trip (30 mins or so). Discovery Land is a nature-themed adventure trail with puzzles and play along the way. Fun and educational in equal measure. There’s loads to do on the estate, including cafes for grown ups with excellent coffee.

40/ The Great Outdoors at Museum of Kent Life

There’s loads going on at Kent Life this half term – animal encounters, funfair rides, crafts and a huge outdoor play area. Great for mixed ages and an easy win for a full day of play. Full details can be found here.

41/ Margate ⭐(Free to explore)

Colourful streets, retro arcades and sandy beaches. Margate’s perfect for a seaside day out. Check out the Turner Contemporary for a dose of culture, or head to Dreamland for vintage rides.

42/ Camber Sands – Walking and Ice Cream ⭐(Free to explore)

Big skies and wide open sand make Camber the ultimate beach walk. Take your shoes off, paddle in the shallows, then reward yourself with an ice cream from the little kiosks near the dunes.

43/ Joss Bay ⭐(Free to explore)

A quiet and sandy beach with surf-school vibes. Pack a bodyboard or bucket and spade – it’s one of the prettiest spots for a low-key day by the sea.

44/ Broadstairs ⭐(Free to explore)

Think fish and chips, pastel-painted beach huts, and old-school charm. Broadstairs is a proper British seaside town – ideal for a gentle wander and a few hours on the sand.

45/ Godstone Farm – Nature Explorers Week

Godstone’s animal farm gets an educational twist this half term. Nature Explorers Week brings themed activities and trails that help kids learn as they play. Suitable for toddlers upwards.

46/ Drusillas Park

Part zoo, part soft play paradise – Drusillas is always a hit. Expect lemurs, train rides and splash zones.

47/ London for the Day

Fancy a bigger adventure? Jump on the train to London and spend the day at the Science Museum (free and very interactive!) or play tourist – Big Ben, South Bank, and a river boat ride.

48/ Hollywood Bowl Tunbridge Wells

If the weather’s a bit meh, head to Hollywood Bowl. It’s classic half-term entertainment – bowling, arcade games and the occasional slushie-induced sugar high.

49/ Bodiam Paddling Adventures

Hire kayaks or paddle boats and float down the River Rother. There’s also lovely café for post-adventure cake. A mini watersports escape just outside Kent.

50/ Bluebell Steam Train

Chug through the countryside on this beautiful old steam train. Great fun for train-loving kids (and nostalgic parents). Look out for themed days – some include dressing up!

51/ Heathfield Agricultural Show

On 23May, this traditional country show brings tractors, animals and family fun to the fields of Sussex. A lovely blend of rural life, craft stalls and activities.

52/ Micro-Camping Adventure

Pitch a tent for a night or two near Tonbridge. It’s a low-cost, big-reward kind of trip – toast marshmallows, sleep under canvas, and return with muddy boots and tired, happy kids.

CREATIVE AND THEATRE

53/ Razzamataz Theatre School Tonbridge – Free Taster Session ⭐(Free)

Got a budding performer at home? Razzamataz in Tonbridge offers musical theatre, dance and drama – and they offer a free taster session. A fun way to burn energy and boost confidence.

54/ Arty Farty Half Term Classes

Get messy in the best possible way. Arty Farty in Southborough has creative classes for all ages – from family craft afternoons to an introduction to collage.

55/ Visit Tonbridge Library ⭐(Free)

Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Escape a rainy afternoon by diving into a new story, or join a themed event if one’s running. Check their noticeboard for half-term extras.

56/ The Amelia ⭐(Free for kids)

The Amelia in Tunbridge Wells often hosts wonderful events for kids during half term. This year on the 23rd May, there’s a “moth morning“, sure to be a hit.

57/ The Detective Dog at Trinity Theatre

An on-stage dramatization of the book The Detective Dog by Julia Donaldson. This show runs at the Trinity Theatre on the 26th and 27th May 2026. Details here.

58/ Little Street Sevenoaks

Miniature towns for maximum fun – Little Street lets kids role-play as shopkeepers, chefs, vets and more. It’s indoors and packed with detail – great for imaginative play.

59/ Odeon Tunbridge Wells – Family Movie Trip

Sometimes you just need popcorn and a big screen. Check the listings for kid-friendly films showing this week – ideal for an easy afternoon treat.

60/ Unfest Tunbridge Wells ⭐(Free)

Running over the bank holiday weekend, Unfest features spoken word, live music, and creative performances. While some events are adult-focused, there are a few gems suitable for curious kids too – keep an eye on the listings.

61/ Manic Ceramix – Pottery Fun

This colourful ceramics café offers special kids’ sessions during half term. Paint a plate, make a handprint, or just enjoy the creative chaos. Check out the sessions here.

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