Youngsters can climb aboard a pirate ship at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard during the holidays, until Sunday, June 4.

They can join pirates on the deck of HMS Gannet for story-telling sessions with tales of life at sea. Children can learn the art of tying knots and, if they’re brave enough, walk the plank over a glass floor.

To book tickets, call 01634 823826 or visit thedockyard.co.uk/whats-on/pirates.

Fiddlesticks, a ladies clog dancing group, will entertain crowds at Rochester Castle Gardens on Monday at 10am, 11am and noon.

The group, based in Norwich, will be accompanied by traditional instruments including the violin, melodeon, accordion and guitar.

A family friendly workshop will also be held between 11.30am and noon. Visit www.fiddlesticks-clog.org.uk.

Young gardeners can get messy at Elm Court Garden Centre, Capstone Road, Gillingham all next week.

The centre is hosting a range of hands-on activities aimed to encourage children to get growing.

These include super seed bursters, a session where kids can mould colourful creations to throw into the garden on Monday, decorating a plant pot on Tuesday and making savoury muffins on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Youngsters can also grow their own pizza toppings on Friday, and grow their own mini allotment on Sunday. Visit wyevalegardencentres.co.uk/events.

Some events taking place next week have a Battle of Medway theme, ahead of the main events this summer.

Children can build their own fort at Rochester’s Guildhall Museum, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

The free family craft session is based around the museum’s Journey to Chatham exhibition, which is part of the commemorations. For more information, call 01634 332900.

Little ones can hunt for clues around Upnor Castle to find out what happened during the raid, until June 4, from 10am to 6pm. This costs 80p per child.

Children can make their own Royal Charles flagship at the castle on Wednesday or create their own Battle of Medway print for a flag or tote bag on Friday, both 10.30am to 3.30pm.

There is also a heritage trail around Rochester Castle to June 4, from 10am to 6pm and youngsters can make their own King of the Castle Crown at the castle Tower Two on Tuesday and Thursday from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

There’s plenty of fun to be had at Medway’s libraries too.

Young dancers can take part in hip-hop and dance hall workshops at Lordswood Library on Tuesday, from 11am to noon and 1pm to 2pm. All levels welcome.

A free pirates and parrots stories and craft workshop will be held at Twydall Library on Tuesday, from 2.15pm to 3pm.

Youngsters can make their own pirate parrots at Hoo Library on Tuesday from 2.15pm to 2.45pm.

Children can hoist the Jolly Roger at Wigmore Library on Wednesday, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.

A free pirate stories and craft workshop will be held at Cuxton Library on Thursday, from 2.30pm to 3.15pm.

Another pirate session is at Hempstead Library on Friday, from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Booking is essential for many of the library activities. Call 01634 337799 for more information and to book places.

For more ideas pick up a copy of today's Monday Messenger.