Family Activities

Tucked away down a side street behind ancient walls, Tonbridge Castle could easily be missed.  But venture just a few steps from Tonbridge High Street and you’ll instantly be transported into a medieval world.

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of history and explore the gatehouse, great hall and basement. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the top!

The castle is open daily for tours and with its central location why not extend your outing with a stroll around the town and enjoy the local shops, pubs, restaurants and parks, all in a riverside setting.

Tonbridge Castle hosts a huge range of events all year round from live music and open-air theatre to artisan markets and food festivals.  Christmas at the Castle is not to be missed with a magical light trail and a Christmas village with market stalls, food and drink and cosy seating.

If you’re looking for a fun family day out, Tonbridge Castle has so much to offer.

journey through picturesque Kent countryside to find a destination at every station on the Spa Valley Railway. The heritage railway offers visitors the chance to ride the rails between Eridge and Tunbridge Wells on a five-mile journey through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This branch line was closed in 1986 and has now been running as a popular tourist attraction, manned by volunteers, for over 25 years.

Enjoy the Polar Express experience in November and December too!

Step into the heart of Chatham’s legendary ship building heritage and return to the ‘Age of Sail’, when the Dockyard built mighty ships that won command of the world’s oceans.

 A visit to The Historic Dockyard Chatham – one of Britain’s leading maritime heritage destinations – is a guaranteed adventure. 

Test your sea legs as you peer through the periscope of a Cold War Submarine, command the bridge of a Second World War Destroyer and ring the ship’s bell on the deck of a Victorian Sloop. 

Visit the award-winning Command of the Oceans interactive gallery and uncover the secrets of the centuries old ship beneath the floor. Imagine the crash of the waves as you explore the UK’s largest collection of RNLI Historic Lifeboats and delve into the treasure house that is No. 1 Smithery, home to incredible collections from Royal Museums Greenwich and Imperial War Museums. 

Gain first-hand experience of life on a Victorian dockyard and walk in the footsteps of the master ropemakers who have been making rope for Britain’s ships on the quarter-mile-long ropery since 1618. 

For generations, the dockyard was a secret and secure site – now it is open and just waiting for you to explore. 

Tickets are valid for a year, giving you 12 months to enjoy the fantastic array of attractions found at this iconic 80-acre estate.