More on KentOnline
It can be tricky finding things to do for Father's Day, but we've got you and your dad covered this year with these top ideas...
Ballin’, Maidstone
Give your dad a chance to indulge his inner child this Father’s Day with Maidstone’s first ever comic con. Ballin’, the county town’s unique gaming room and nightclub, will open up the dance floor for a number of comic book, film and TV guests to set up shop and meet their fans. Some of the guests confirmed include the Kenobi series’ Paul O’Kelley, original stormtrooper Vic Gallucci and Black Widow’s Yolanda Iynes, plus costume groups Vaders Raiders and the Medway Ghostbusters.
Maidstone Comic Con takes place on Sunday, June 19. Tickets cost £5 on the door. Find out more online.
Black Deer Festival, near Tunbridge Wells
If you’ve never been to a music festival with your dad, perhaps now is the perfect time to start. Black Deer Festival takes place in the beautiful Eridge Park and boasts three days of the biggest Americana, country and bluegrass musicians in the world. With huge artists such as James, Jake Bugg, Wilco and Van Morrison all set to appear over the weekend, this year’s festival might just be the biggest and best one yet, so make sure you don’t miss it.
Black Deer Festival takes place from Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19. Weekend tickets start from £191. Book online.
District Leisure Centre, Dover
Give yourself and your dad a real challenge to bond over this Father’s Day with a truly testing triathlon. The White Cliffs Spring Triathlon, organised by the Deal Triathlon Club, starts with a 400m swim in the pool at the Dover District Leisure Centre followed by a 14km bike ride and, finally, finishes off a 5k run, all while taking in sights of the famous cliffs and English Channel. If you want to do something different with your dad this year, especially if the two of you are fitness fanatics, then this could be the best way to spend your day.
The White Cliffs Spring Triathlon takes place on Sunday, June 19. Registration starts from £45. Book online.
Frasers of Egerton, Ashford
Award-winning restaurant Frasers is reopening for its summer season, bringing a splash of Mediterranean sunshine to the Kent countryside. However, for one day only, Frasers will be swapping its paella for a family barbecue feast to celebrate Father’s Day. Serving up a menu of favourites such as beef brisket, pulled pork, venison burgers and local sausages, as well as vegetarian options including garden vegetable kebabs and couscous. Whether you want to party in the garden pods or sit out on the terrace overlooking the rose garden, this will certainly be a meal to remember.
The family barbecue feast takes place on Sunday, June 19. Prices start from £29.50 per person. Book online.
Hever Castle and Gardens, Sevenoaks
This historic castle is calling all car enthusiasts to pull up on the lawns this Father’s Day. Cars at the Castle is a huge display of rare cars and vintage vehicles, with groups such as the Mustang Mafia UK, South East Mini Club and Rolls Royce Enthusiasts bringing their precious motors along for the weekend. There will also be outdoor play areas and a water maze for families to enjoy, as well as a number of food vendors serving hot food, ice cream and cake.
Cars at the Castle takes place on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19. Tickets start from £19.80. Book online.
Hop Farm Family Park, Paddock Wood
If your dad is a big music fan, then you might want to book tickets to one of these three huge concerts at the Hop Farm. Kicking off the farm’s series of outdoor summer concerts is Simply Red, whose hits - including Holding Back the Years - have sold more than 60 million albums. The following night will see The Jam frontman Paul Weller take to the stage, performing the best songs from his incredible career. And, finally, on finishing off the weekend is four-piece Keane, who met in Tonbridge and have sold out venues across the UK.
The Hop Farm concerts take place from Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19. Ticket prices for each concert vary. Book online.
Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden
Cheers to a fabulous Father's Day! The Kent and East Sussex Railway and CAMRA are teaming up to serve a refreshing range of real ale and fruity ciders across Tenterden town centre and aboard some steam trains. Grab yourself a pint at this delicious drinks festival and enjoy everything it has to offer, including a tasty BBQ, childrens' activities and live music from Sam Brothers, Great Mates, Gumboots Reggae and Men Without Hens.
The ale and cider festival takes place in Tenterden town centre on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18. This event is free and there is no need to book.
Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone
This show-stopping theatre production is bringing one of the biggest bands in rock ‘n’ roll history to life at Leas Cliff Hall. Mercury: The Ultimate Queen Tribute pays homage to one of the most flamboyant frontmen in music, recreating Freddie Mercury’s captivating stage presence and the band’s dynamic live music. With some of Queen’s biggest hits, such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Radio Ga Ga and We Will Rock You, under their belt, this group is sure to get the crowd on their feet.
Mercury: The Ultimate Queen Tribute takes place on Saturday, June 18. Tickets start from £13. Book online.
Margate beach, Thanet
Some people don’t let anything, ever Father’s Day, stand in the way of their workout plans. If you can’t drag your dad away from his health and fitness regime, why not join him for this unique 10 Bay Challenge? Run along the sands of 10 bays in and around the Thanet coast, heading from Margate to Ramsgate and back, covering an incredible distance and taking in stunning views along the way. Afterwards, you can both rest your legs in the chill out area on Margate beach and enjoy some well-deserved fish ‘n’ chips and an ice cream cone.
The 10 Bay Challenge takes place on Sunday, June 19. Registration starts from £24. Book online.
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells
Treat your day to a nostalgic lunch onboard a traditional steam train. Take a seat and tuck into a delicious Father’s Day Ploughman’s lunch as you travel through the Kent countryside, with hearty dishes such as tomato soup, roast ham and Eton mess on offer. Hop on or off at either Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge stations and take a stroll through these charming towns to walk off your tasty lunch and spend some quality time together.
The steam train lunch takes place on Sunday, June 19. Tickets start from £80 for a table of two. Book online.
The Winter Gardens, Margate
If your dad never grew out of his wrestling phase, then this action-packed show will be a real trest. The stars of LDN Wrestling are coming to this seaside venue for an evening of rip-roaring fights, edge-of-your-seat moves and lots of family fun. Top wrestling stars will battle it out for the championship as you cheer them on and wave your foam fingers from the crowd. This isn’t a place for inhibitions, so get ready to let it all out and get into the friendly fighting spirit.
LDN Wrestling takes place on Sunday, June 19. Tickets start from £16. Book online.