Enjoy a summer of family fun at Hever Castle Visit Hever Castle & Gardens this summer to enjoy an entertaining programme of events and activities set amidst award-winning gardens. You’ll discover 700 years of history in the double-moated castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The splendid rooms contain fine furniture, tapestries, antiques, an important collection of Tudor paintings and two prayer books inscribed and signed by Anne Boleyn herself. For some medieval action, the Knights of Royal England will once again delight crowds with the annual Summer Jousting Tournament. Throughout the summer spectators will be treated to exhilarating displays of action, stunts, falls and fights in an authentic arena complete with Royal Box. You can join the procession from the castle forecourt as Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Knights of Royal England make their way to the Jousting arena. Jousting tournaments take place on July 15th & 16th; 22nd & 23rd; 29th & 30th, August 12th & 13th; 19th & 20th; 25th-28th. Discover what life was like when English archers ruled the battlefield, with Tudor Tales on 22nd and 23rd July. You’ll learn about the history of the bow and its use in Tudor times, and wander among the encampments. Kids can experience what it was like to grow up and serve in a royal household in medieval times during Knights & Princesses School, which starts on 22nd July. Knights in training will learn how to prepare and protect armour and discover the best way to arm and disarm their master before battle. Princesses are shown the correct way to give a proper and perfect curtsey. Children are encouraged to get into the spirit by coming in costume. At the end of each session they can take part in a fun sword practice before receiving their Knight School Certificate and being officiated as Knights and Princesses of Hever. Enjoy a weekend dedicated to our four-legged friends with Castle Canines on August 5th and 6th. With informative displays and entertainment on offer, you can also enter your pooch into a dog show, with rosettes for the winners in each category. Other attractions to enjoy over the summer holidays include the Water Maze, the 100-year-old Yew Maze, Have-a-Go Archery* and boating* on the 38-acre lake (*additional charge). www.hevercastle.co.uk
‘the Pantaloons’ Midsummer Night’s Dream
It’s going to be a wild summer
Join family-friendly events organised by Kent Wildlife Trust Kent Wildlife Trust have four visitor centres across the county at Sevenoaks, Bough Beech, Maidstone and Romney Marsh, and this summer they are hosting a fantastic variety of family events for you to enjoy a wild summer. 14
LOV E GOING OUT
Image credits: Hever Castle & Gardens
During the school holidays, kids can be part of ‘team wild’ at bushcraft, pond dipping or mini beast adventure events at Sevenoaks and Tyland Barn. If you’re feeling a bit crafty, come to Nature Prints at Bough Beech to make a tile using clay and natural objects, or make birds and bugs out of recycled plastic at the Recycling Workshop. At Romney Marsh Kite Workshop, you can design and create a kite to fly on the beach. For adults, there are Felting Workshops with Di Buttenshaw, who will show you how to make a wall hanging inspired by nature and wild plants. For those who like a bit of fun entertainment, come to Romney Marsh for a traditional Punch and Judy show followed by a puppet-making workshop, or bring a picnic and a group of family and friends to one of three outdoor theatre productions of Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed by the critically-acclaimed Pantaloons Theatre company at Bough Beech, Romney Marsh or Sevenoaks. Discover all about owls and get to see them fly around Tyland Barn at Owls in the Barn with Kent Owl Academy. And if you want to learn new facts about wildlife, join a walk with the warden at Bough Beech on a Tuesday or Wednesday once a month. Booking is essential for most events as places are often limited. For more information about dates, times and prices or to book online please go to kentwildlifetrust.org.uk KUDOS JULY/AUGUST 2017