Spring Guide

Top Things to Do in Spring in Kent

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to explore Kent. Bluebells bloom across ancient woodlands, gardens burst into life, and the coastline becomes perfect for early-season strolls.

Top spring experiences:

• Easter events and egg hunts across Kent

• Castles in bloom, including Hever Castle, Leeds Castle and Scotney Castle

• Kent’s famous gardens at their colourful best

• Spring hotel breaks and countryside escapes

• Nature walks through bluebell woods and blossom trails

• Family days out at farm parks, coastal towns and outdoor attractions

Easter in Kent

Easter brings some of the busiest and most exciting family events of the year. Expect egg hunts, adventure trails, spring fairs and special seasonal openings at attractions across Kent.

Key Easter highlights:

• Leeds Castle Easter Adventure Quest

• Hever Castle Easter Family Trail

• Kent Life Heritage Farm Park egg hunts and animal encounters

• Chatham Historic Dockyard special Easter programming

• Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch Easter activities and spring lambing

Castles in Spring

Spring is the perfect time to visit Kent’s castles as gardens burst into bloom and grounds become full of life.

Best castles to visit in spring:

• Leeds Castle — blossom, spring flowers, and seasonal trails

• Hever Castle — tulips, magnolias and blossoming Italian Garden

• Scotney Castle — vibrant spring colours across the estate

• Dover Castle — stunning coastal walks and early-season events

Spring is also when The Queen’s Joust at Leeds Castle takes place, one of Kent’s most exciting medieval re-enactment events featuring knights, horses, falconry and family entertainment.

Kent Gardens in Spring

Kent’s gardens are world-renowned, and spring sees the biggest surge of colour.

Top gardens for spring displays:

• Mount Ephraim Gardens — blossom, formal gardens and spring colour

• Sissinghurst Castle Garden — iconic borders and spring planting

• Goodnestone Park Gardens — scented walks and woodland flowers

• Riverhill Himalayan Gardens — sculpture trails and rhododendrons

• Pashley Manor — famous tulip displays in April and May

March to May is also peak bluebell season, with carpets of wildflowers across Blean Woods, King’s Wood and Hothfield Heathlands.

Spring Getaways

With longer days and warmer weather, spring is ideal for a countryside break, boutique coastal stay or hotel escape.

Best spring getaway ideas:

• Coastal retreats in Whitstable, Deal and Broadstairs

• Countryside inns near the Kent Downs

• Hotel spa breaks in Tunbridge Wells and Ashford

• Vineyard stays at Chapel Down or Balfour

• Romantic escapes at boutique hotels and country estates

Spring is also a great time for Twixmas-style mini breaks, but with better weather and lower prices than summer.

Spring Nature Walks

Kent’s landscapes come alive with blossom, wildflowers and wildlife. Spring is one of the best walking seasons in the county.

Recommended spring walks:

• Bluebell woods — Blean Woods, King’s Wood, Hothfield Heathlands

• Coastal walks — Whitstable to Tankerton, Deal to Walmer, Folkestone Harbour

• Kent Downs — Wye Downs, Egerton, Lullingstone Country Park

• Blossom trails in orchards around Faversham and Canterbury

• Wildlife walks at Oare Marshes and Elmley Nature Reserve

Family Days Out in Spring

Spring is full of family-friendly activities, especially during the Easter holidays and May half-term.

Top picks for families:

• Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch — lambing, animal feeding and adventure barns

• Castle Farm — spring lavender fields, farm shop and countryside walks

• Betteshanger Park — cycling, nature trails and outdoor play

• Kent & East Sussex Railway — spring steam journeys

• Canterbury River Tours — early-season boat trips

• Faversham — markets, creekside walks and heritage attractions

Many attractions also reopen their full outdoor spaces after winter closures.

Mother’s Day in Kent

Mother’s Day is one of spring’s most popular weekends, with special events across Kent including:

• Afternoon teas at country house hotels

• Garden openings at Sissinghurst, Goodnestone and Mount Ephraim

• Vineyard lunches and tastings

• Mother’s Day lunches at countryside pubs

• Spa days and hotel breaks

Advance booking is essential across most venues.

Spotlight: Spring Destinations & Events

Mount Ephraim Gardens

Set in the Swale countryside, these 10 acres of Edwardian gardens feature blossom trees, ponds, terraces and spring flowers.

Faversham in Spring

Historic buildings, independent shops, creekside walks and one of Kent’s best spring markets.

The Queen’s Joust at Leeds Castle

A spectacular medieval tournament with real jousting, falconry, archery demonstrations and family entertainment.

Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch

A favourite family attraction in spring with lambing, animal encounters, tractor rides and indoor play.

Castle Farm

The county’s most famous lavender farm, offering spring farm shop produce, countryside trails and early-season blossom.

Betteshanger Country Park

Ideal for spring cycling, nature paths, woodland trails and outdoor family activities.