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The Easter break is coming to an end and, with only a few days left, there’s still time to make the most of the school holidays.
We’ve got five great events taking place in Kent this weekend to help you end the Easter break with a bang…
GREAT COMP GARDEN, Platt
The best spring flowers from across the county and beyond will be on display at Great Comp’s annual Spring Fling. The colourful event marks the start of the season at this 17th century manor house and will see a number of award-winning plant growers set up shop on the lawn. There will be nurseries from Kent towns such as Sandwich, Cranbrook, Ashford and Broadstairs, a selection of RHS gold medal-winning nurseries, and collections of rare and unique plants that you won’t find anywhere else. Great Comp’s own spring flowers, such as magnolias and azaleas, will also be in bloom.
Details: Sunday, April 16 at Great Comp Garden in St Mary’s Platt. Book online here.
MARGATE CAVES
Browse vintage clothing and second-hand accessories below ground in the Margate Caves. The Vintage Fair made its debut inside the caves in the autumn, and is now making its return for a spring edition. There will be rows upon rows of retro garments, dating back to the 1930s, with a selection of unique fashion accessories, shoes, outerwear and more. Visitors can try on clothes in the on-site changing room and, after you’re done with your shopping, you can take a break with refreshments from the café, which will also have a vintage theme on the day.
Details: Saturday, April 15 at the Margate Caves. Entry is free, no need to book.
RIVERSIDE COUNTRY PARK, Rainham
Celebrate English traditions, both old and new, ahead of St George's Day at a free family festival. The English Festival at this award-winning country park will have lots of fun activities, such as Punch and Judy shows, a helter skelter, live music and a George and the Dragon show, for all ages to enjoy. There will also be a beach area, archery sessions, miniature steam engines, a tractor display, a fun fair and a medieval encampment for the thousands of visitors who are expected to turn up over the weekend.
Details: Saturday, April 15 at Riverside Country Park in Lower Rainham, near Gillingham. Entry is free, no need to book.
WATERSTONES, Greenhithe
This weekend, influencer and equestrian enthusiast Esme Higgs will be meeting fans and signing copies of her first book, the Starlight Stables Gang, at Bluewater. The book is set to be the first in a series of animal adventure books aimed at children aged 8 to 12 years from the Instagram and YouTube star. Esme, who has racked up more than 1 million followers online where she is known for sharing vlogs from her horse stables, will be at the Greenhithe shopping centre from 11am. Tickets include either a paperback or hardback copy of the book to be collected on the day.
Details: Saturday, April 15 at Waterstones in Bluewater, Greenhithe. Book online here.
WILLOWS BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE, Sevenoaks
Enjoy a traditional Tudor celebration with Henry VIII himself at this wildlife park. The Tudor Weekend is a two-day event which sees the park transform into a replica of Tudor times, with immersive demonstrations featuring the Tudor King, fascinating talks about Henry VIII’s early life, traditional family games and photo opportunities. During your visit, you can also follow the six acre wildlife trail with animals such as hawks, owls, parrots, ferrets, goats, pigs, raccoon dogs and more.
Details: Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 at Willows Birds of Prey Centre in Sevenoaks. Book online.