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Summer... over? There’s still one last weekend. Here's how to squeeze out the final drops of summer across Kent
SUMMER WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST
Some summer activities with the trust continue through to Sunday, September 1. At Scotney Castle in Lamberhurst, the family trail has its last weekend, opening from 10am to 4pm, with skills workshops and the chance to relive the Victorian Hussey family's summer holidays. The trail is £2 plus normal admission.
The Butterfly Trail at Chartwell in Westerham also runs until Sunday, looking at Winston Churchill's favourite butterflies - see how many you can spot. The trail costs £1 plus normal entry. Emmetts Garden nearby has an Ant Trail running through to Sunday, where you can learn about ants around the world and look out for the ants around the garden. Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk
Summer activities at the Historic Dockyard Chatham run until Sunday, September 1, including kids costing just £1 with a full paying adult. A beach with traditional beach huts and deck chairs is open for bucket and spade duties and resident scientists Doc and Bunsen will be staging Science of Superheroes up on the Mezzanine Pier with experiments from the Amazing Moving Hand to the Strongest Child in the World. Book in advance at thedockyard.co.uk
The six-acre Penshurst Place Maize Maze, with three challenges this year, is open until Sunday, September 1, as are Summer Sundays with free entertainment and crafts. Find out more at penshurstplace.com
SUMMER & ANIMAL ANTICS, KENT LIFE
The summer holidays fun runs up to Sunday, September 1 at the farming attraction in Sandling, Maidstone with an animal show in the Big Top on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1. There are also the usual attractions and donkey riding for a small extra charge. Details at kentlife.org.uk or by calling 01622 763936.
The castle holds its last summer event, Medieval Falconry, on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1. Look up to see hawks and falcons soar above the castle. Visitors can discover the art of training, exercising and hunting with birds and hear the stories and legends from medieval times. Book your tickets and find out more at english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/dover-castle
The shopping centre in Sittingbourne will welcome Transformers Bumblebee and Optimus Prime, which each stand at 3m tall, are set to meet their biggest admirers yet on Friday, August 30. They will be entertaining shoppers at intervals between 11am and 4pm and posing for pictures with fans. Find out more at theforumsc.co.uk
ROLLER COAST FESTIVAL, DREAMLAND, MARGATE
The final week of family fun at the Margate amusement park, which runs until Sunday, September 1, is Milkshake Week, with Channel 5’s Milkshake! taking over. There will be live shows starring Fireman Sam, Milkshake Monkey, Nella the Princess Knight an Digby Dragon. The park is free to enter, and you pay per ride or buy discounted ride wristbands in advance online. Go to dreamland.co.uk for more details.
WEALD OF KENT COUNTRY CRAFT SHOW
Stalls packed with goodies will be mingling with entertainment, workshops and live music at the Weald of Kent Country Craft Show, at Penshurst Place parkland from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1.
There will be 150 stands to browse and buy from, between 10am and 5pm on all three days, a food hall, children’s play area and pop up petting zoo and heritage craft demonstrations. Tickets are £7, or £10 to also go in the house and gardens. Book at thecraftshows.co.uk/kent/autumn
BEWL'S BIG DOG DAY OUT, LAMBERHURST
The Big Dog Day Out on Saturday, August 31 at the reservoir includes a treasure trail, dog agility course, stalls, face painting, tips from dog trainers and mobile dog groomers. Running from 10am to 4pm, admission is free, with all day parking £4. Register your attendance and find out more of what’s on offer at bewlwater.co.uk
A treasure hunt, fun stalls and refreshments will be raising funds for the Heart of Kent Hospice at Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, on Saturday, August 31 from 9.30am to 1om. Entry is £12 and £8 for three to 16-year-olds with entry to Leeds Castle up to 6pm. Details at hokh.org/events
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