After a blistering bank holiday, we're enjoying a hot half term.

We've found five things to try with the family before it's back to school on Monday...

Margate Caves

Concealed beneath an ordinary road in Margate and accessed via a twisty 15m tunnel, the caves have now reopened, with their colourful cave paintings and murals dating back to Georgian times. Above ground there is a cafe, gift shop and an exhibition displaying the history of the caves. Pre-book at margatecaves.co.uk

National Trust

The trust’s properties across the county has miles of estates, nature adventure trails and outdoor play areas waiting to be explored for the rest of half term.

Take part in spring bingo at Sissinghurst Castle Garden or tackle a spotter sheet at Emmetts Garden. And for something a bit different, a new outdoor trail at Chartwell explores letters between Sir Winston Churchill and his wife, Clementine. Cafés and shops at most sites are back open to visit, and many indoor spaces which allow for social distancing. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. At quieter times such as weekdays, booking shouldn’t be necessary, but to guarantee entry booking is recommended. Find out more here.

See our full half term round up for lots more ideas of things to do this weekend here.

Penshurst Place

There is a children’s garden trail running at the historic home, near Tunbridge Wells, this week for half term through to Sunday, June 6. The trail follows Tilly the Gardener and her tricky day in the gardens. It is the first in a series of garden trails for children running throughout the year as part of anniversary celebrations.

Penshurst’s Ben Thomas said: “It seems only right that we mark the 500 year anniversary of when King Henry VIII took ownership of Penshurst Place with a calendar of activities fit for a king.”

Read our feature on the anniversary here. Find out about events and book here.

National Fish and Chip Day

Fish and chips which came to prominence in about 1860. An overnight sensation, in 1910 there were around 25,000 fish and chip shops in the UK. This year’s celebration of one of our favourite dishes returns on Friday, June 4 - the perfect excuse for chips on a Friday night!

For more information on National Fish and Chip Day go to nfff.co.uk

Brogdale

The orchards at Brogdale Farm are currently exploding with flowers, wildlife and budding fruit so it’s also a great time to spot bees. The site is running guided Bee Walks until Thursday, June 3 encouraging children to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the orchards and explore bees and other insects attracted to the thousands of fruit trees. There is also an exhibition about the importance of bees and the day ends with making pollinator-friendly mini-wildflower patch to take home. Book here.

For more days out ideas across Kent click here