Great Coastal Birdwatch
Minnis Bay Guided Walk
28th October, 1pm – 2.30pm
As part of the Great Coastal Birdwatch, join Bird Wise East Kent’s knowledgeable Rangers for a guided walk through Minnis Bay.
Minnis Bay is known for its numerous bird species, as it is an important feeding and roosting area for hundreds of our wintering waders.
Expect to see Sanderlings, Ringed Plovers, Brent Geese and much more along this walk…
The Rangers will be on hand to help with spotting and identification tips, and with the help of their Spotting Scope you’ll be able to observe these birds in close detail without the worry of getting too close and disturbing them.
As part of the Great Coastal Birdwatch, you’ll be completing a spotting sheet as a group, to feed back invaluable data to help understand the population levels of the birds found along the East Kent coast.
Look out for the bright Bird Wise Van near the Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie and meet the Rangers prior to starting the walk. Book Your Place
* This event is suitable for all age groups and abilities. It will consist of a short 3-4km walk, most of which is on flat concreted ground. The route includes a short flight of steps, and so regrettably will not be suitable for wheelchair users.
Great Coastal Birdwatch – Walpole Bay Pit Stop
29th October, 9am – 1pm
Originally created by Bird Aware Solent, but now a multi-organisation event, The Great Coastal Bird Watch is a celebration of the arrival of the migratory birds which spend the winter on our coastlines.
By taking part you’ll increase your knowledge of the coastal birds in your local area, help contribute valuable data and learn how to become more bird-wise.
Join Bird Wise East Kent at the Walpole Bay Pit Stop. Grab a spotting sheet and take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour to walk the East Kent coast and note down all the bird species you see.
You’ll also be able to visit the Bird Wise Van, with lots of informational material as well as the famous Turnstone Game at each of the Pit Stops for the whole family to enjoy. Get your dogs involved with some Savvy Sea Dog freebies and photo opportunities!
The Great Coastal Bird Watch – Ramsgate Pit Stop
31st October, 9am – 1pm
The Great Coastal Bird Watch – Pegwell Bay Pit Stop
1st November, 9am – 4pm
Scavenger Hunts
Walpole Bay
29th October, 2pm – 3.30pm. Meet: On the beach at Walpole Bay, Cliftonville, Margate (CT9 3HF)
Join a Scavenger Hunt to discover what our shoreline clues reveal about the local marine life, on this activity that includes a Beach Art challenge at the end
Take the shoreline challenge to find out what clues reveal about the local marine and bird life, and coastal environment, and end with a creative BeachART challenge.
Aimed at young children (4-11s) working in family teams, but please dress up warm for the outdoors and the beach!
Free, but suggested donation £2.50pp to help the Thanet Coast Project
Ramsgate Main Sands
31st October, 2pm – 3.30pm. Meet: By the ‘Needle’ or Obelisk (outside Royal Victoria Pavilion)
Monkton Nature Reserve
29th October
Build A Tree & DIY Toadstool Bunting – 10.30am
A fun filled hunt around the reserve to find fallen leaves for a tree template. Make cheerful bunting to decorate your room.
Alchemy Alive – 11am-1pm
A children’s introduction to ancient science. Suitable for ages 6+. A two hour session for children to explore relaxation techniques such as ‘Children’s Yoga Flow’, breathing exercises and guided meditation. Discover the ‘Magic in Your Daily Life’. Spellcasting & ‘potion-making’ (child-safe, cough tincture)
Thursday 31st October
Skeleton Sculptures – 11am
See the animal skulls and skeletons in our museum. Gather twig ‘bones’ and chalk stones. Make skeletons to take home.
Magic at Monkton – 12.30pm & 2pm
Come and discover the world of the Monkton fairies and their magical plants that inhabit this realm. Discover the secrets of the trees and plants around the reserve. Which tree bleeds red when cut? Where do the fairies like to build their homes? A walk with the Warden that takes place around the lower reserve. Suitable for all ages. Free but please reserve your space: [email protected]
Friday 1st November
Autumn Leaf Lanterns – 11am
Collect a range of autumnal leaves and design a tea light holder
Wild Classroom – 11.30am
The welcome return of this popular, open fire cooking experience. A chance to cook a tasty vegetable chilli and flatbreads, outdoors, over fire.
Pumpkin Spiced Salt Dough & Autumn Scavenger Hunt- 1pm
Get hands on with seasonally scented salt dough and spooky shaped cutters. Hunt for autumnal bounty around the reserve. Can you spot everything? There’s a small treat for scavengers!
Prices vary Book now
For little bookworms
Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop at STAPLE, 30A Reading Street, Broadstairs
Local children’s author and illustrator, Em Cosh : Creature Craft (For ages 3+)
10.30am – 11am, Wednesday 30th October
Ticket Price = FREE (booking essential)
Em Cosh is an author/illustrator who makes stories with heart. Originally from the wilds of Shropshire, they now live in Margate. Their first picture book, ‘Kip and the Squiggledoodle’ is out in May 2025 publishing with Farshore / Harper Collins. Following their fantastic art exhibition recently at High Tide Social & Play Cafe in Margate, I’m delighted to be welcoming Em to Happy Reading to share their love for art and craft with us… I’m so looking forward to us all making some wonderful imagination-fun monster creatures together!
Local Children’s Author/Illustrator, Inky Willis : ‘Scribble Witch’ Storytime + Draw-Along (For ages 6+)
11am – 11.30am, 31st October
Ticket Price = £5 includes a copy of the book for signing (booking essential)
Meet Children’s author:illustrator, Inky Willis, the creator of the brilliantly engaging younger reader illustrated chapter book ‘Scribble Witch’ series published by Hachette. Inky Willis grew up in Hastings, spending much of her childhood on the beach or playing on the rocks around Hastings Castle. She decided she wanted to be a children’s author and illustrator at the age of eight, following her parents’ advice to always carry a sketchbook wherever she went. Inky studied fine art at Reading University and then went to the Royal College of Art, where she specialised in children’s book illustration. Inky now lives in Ramsgate, where she spends many happy hours beachcombing with her kids.
N.B. feel free to dress up in your spooky Halloween costumes for this fun event
Multi Award-Winning Children’s author/Illustrator, Chloe Savage : ‘The Search for Carmella’ Storytime + Craft (For ages 3+)
11.30am – noon & 1.30pm – 2pm, Friday 1st November
Ticket Price = £5 includes a copy of the book for signing (booking essential)
Meet a multi-award winning Children’s author:illustrator… Chloe Savage is the author-illustrator of ‘The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish’. She has a First Class BA Honours in TV and Film Set Design from Cardiff and an MA in Children’s Book Illustration from The Cambridge School of Art. She has worked for a number of years in opera, film and television. While doodling on call sheets Chloe found her way to her great love of illustration and storytelling. Chloe is a great lover of food and the seaside, she currently lives in Hitchin with her husband and has never been happier. Find her online at chloesavage.co.uk and on Instagram as @chloe.the.savage.
Children’s Author, Lanisha Butterfield : ‘Flower Block’ Storytime + Craft (For ages 3+)
11.30am – noon, Saturday 2nd November
Ticket Price = £5 includes a copy of the book for signing (booking essential)
Meet Children’s author, Lanisha Butterfield, the author of ‘Flower Block’, her debut picture book illustrated by Hoang Giang, published by Puffin. Lanisha is a lifelong book junkie, whose quiet ambition of becoming an author – long-held and nurtured with lunchtime trips to the local bookshop – were realised during lockdown, with a serendipitous, snap decision to join an online Penguin Children’s Book Workshop. A woman of Black mixed race heritage, born and raised on a council estate in Oxford, to a hardworking single mother, she is very proud of her working class roots and hopes to challenge misconceptions of council estate life and remind readers – that, no matter where they are from, or what their family might look like, they are just as worthy of fairy-tale and magic, as anyone else.
All tickets available in-store and also online via this booking link: https://www.happyreading.uk/
Kent Wildlife Trust
Join Nina, KWT Warden, for a free guided walk of Pegwell Bay or take part in the Sandwich Bay Beach Clean
Beach Clean on October 29th www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2024-10-29-sandwich-bay-autumn-beach-clean
Free walk on November 1st www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events/2024-10-01-autumn-family-walks-pegwell-bay-great-coastal-bird-watch
Discovery Planet
The Mortal Immortal
29th October, drop in sessions – 10am to noon, 12.30pm-2.30pm and 3pm-5pm
Please turn up 5 minutes before a session. If a session is full you may be asked to join another.
Free graphic novel workshop at Discovery Planet, High Street, Ramsgate
Enter the world of Mary Shelley’s The Mortal Immortal where a young man meets a mad scientist with a magic potion bringing eternal life….. bring this story to life through pictures by translating the words of a classic tale by Mary Shelley — who once lived here in Ramsgate – into a new form in this graphic novel workshop.
Bring your imagination + creativity, they’ll provide the rest!
Target audience 7-16 but all ages welcome.
At the cinema
Special Event: CORPSE BRIDE (PG) + Q&A with animators from the film
Sunday 2 November, 3pm
A special treat to see the classic, dark, animated musical tale of a shy young man and the bride who rises from the grave, followed by a fantastic opportunity to meet animators Andy Gent, Maggie Hayden and Richard Blakey who worked on CORPSE BRIDE (as well as CORALINE, FANTASTIC MR FOX and many more!) and find out how the film was made.
Before CORPSE BRIDE there’ll be amazing animated short film THE WEDDING VEIL OF THE PROUD PRINCESS (PG).
The Wild Robot (U)
Shipwrecked on a deserted island, a robot named Roz must learn to adapt to its new surroundings. Building relationships with the native animals, Roz soon develops a parental bond with an orphaned gosling.
Carlton Cinema Westgate, now until October 31
The WonderWorks at Hornby
Make your own Aardman characters
Monday 28th & Tuesday 29th October
This autumn half term, join us the Wonderworks to experience the fun of making some of your favourite Aardman characters!
The session will be run by an expert model maker from Aardman, who’s worked on some of their best loved productions. They will have lots of great anecdotes and insights into the wonderful world of Aardman to share too! Aardman are the creators of Morph
Each session is £10 per model builder. Booking is essential, please call us at the Wonderworks 01843 233524to reserve your space today!
*Children under the age of 6 to be accompanied by an adult.
Halloween Fun at The WonderWorks
October 31, 10am until 2pm, £3,00pp
Get into the Halloween spirit with a fun shortbread decorating session. For just £3 per person, you can unleash your creativity and decorate spooky treats.
Theatre shows
The Little Mermaid
28th October, noon to 6pm, The Granville Theatre Ramsgate
Join Ariel and her fishy friends in this whimsical underwater pantomime adventure filled with dazzling costumes, catchy tunes and endless laughter.
From the depths of the sea to the shores of the Prince’s kingdom, embark on a journey packed with special moments of magic and excitement for the whole family.
409 Productions is an award-winning production company owned and managed by Producer, Ethan J Smith, with a vision to create and deliver quality family touring shows.
Tickets from £19.25 + £2.50 booking fee Book now
Mrs Armitage on Wheels
3rd November, 5pm-5.40pm, ARK – Cliftonville Cultural Space, Albion Road, Cliftonville
Adapted from Quentin Blake’s classic tale, Scoot Theatre present a 40-minute interactive, energetic show, celebrating the joy of getting outdoors and being active at ARK, Cliftonville’s Cultural Space
When Mrs Armitage goes out for a ride with her trusty dog Breakspear, she decides her bicycle needs improvement. With a new horn, a picnic hamper…and a sail, will Mrs Armitage manage to keep her bicycle in one piece or will her crazy contraption prove too much to handle?
Featuring live music, puppetry and physical comedy.
Suitable for aged 3+
Tickets £5 plus £1.40 booking fee Book now
Turner Contemporary
29th October – 3rd November
Tues 29 Oct 1pm-4:30pm Mussell Shell Pigment Workshop with Polly Bennett
Wed 30 Oct 1pm-3:30pm Seaweed Pressing Workshop with The Driftweed Artist
Wed 30 Oct 3:30pm-4:30pm Scribblers Clore Learning Studio
Fri 1 Nov 11:30am-12pm Exhibition Highlight Tour Starting in Sunley Gallery
Sat 2 Nov 11:30am-12pm Family Tour Starting in Sunley Gallery
Sat 2 Nov 12pm-1pm BSL Tour with Jason Tennant Starting in Sunley Gallery
Sat & Sun 2-3 Nov 11am-3pm Brighter Days Market Foyle Rooms
Sat & Sun 2-3 Nov 2pm-4pm Art Rebels: Nature Badges Clore Learning Studio
Halloween
Teen Halloween party
Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council is hosting an Under 18’s Halloween party at Pierremont Hall on October 31 from 7pm to 9 pm. This event is for teenagers aged 13 to 17 years old.
Full of treats and dancing tricks! Tickets are £5 each. Your ticket includes; a DJ, Entrance fee, Halloween Mocktail and Treats! Tickets for this event can be found here
While the party will be staffed, the council will not be responsible for the attendees, if they choose to leave the venue. Staff cannot physically stop any child from leaving.
The event is disability friendly and run by DBS-checked staff.
Call: 01843 263609
Email: [email protected]
Pierremont Hall, Pierremont Park, Broadstairs
Trick or Treat Trail at Quex
This October half-term, Quex Adventure Farm Park celebrates its fifth year of the family-friendly Trick or Treat Trail and Slime Blaster Express.
Book a spooktacular family friendly trip through the spooky woods, blasting the ghosts on the Slime Blaster Express and winning trick or treat surprises. Then choose your own pumpkin from the Bewitched pumpkin picking patch and order some food from the German Swing-style BBQ.
Trick or Treat Trail and Slime Blaster Express runs from October 19- 31.
Children’s tickets from £19.95 at https://www.quexadventurefarmpark.com/trickortreat
Halloween Party at Mia’s
31st October, 4pm-5.30pm, 19 Albion Street, Broadstairs
Child’s meal, unlimited squash, spooky games, dancing, fancy dress competition and prizes.
Limited spaces available, pre-booking essential
Message Mia’s for menu choices and to book or pop in to the restaurant
Tickets £10 per child
Halloween in Newington
October 31, from 5pm, 44 St John’s Crescent
Photo props, tombola, raffle, candyfloss, games and activities for families on Newington estate.
Halloween Spooky Science
31st October
Free Halloween inspired science activities at Discovery Planet, 47 High Street, Ramsgate.
Drop in anytime between 10am – 3pm
Invent goo, blend potions, pore over spiders and produce ghosts.
All ages welcome.
Spooktacular Scarecrow Trail
27th October – 3rd November, 9am – 2pm,Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve
Spooky scarecrows have taken over and are scaring away the wildlife at Pegwell Bay Country Park!
Upon arrival head to the cafe to pick up your trail sheet before setting out on a quest to track them down, the trail takes place around circular pathed route, taking around an hour to complete. Find them all to claim your prize!
Cost is per trail sheet with one prize available per trail sheet.
Trail sheet includes some extra activities for the children.
Booking in advance is essential, a limited number of trails are available each day and only redeemable on your booked day.
Trail sheets can be collected from 9am onwards, prizes must be collected by 2pm.
Please wear suitable shoes and dress for the weather, usual parking charges will be in operation
Tickets £3.50 Book now
Spooky Crafts
26th October – 3rd November
Take your children to Kinder Collective in Broadstairs this half term for some free Halloween crafts!
Open daily:
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sunday 11am-3pm
The craft table is back and this time with a spooky twist!
Your little ones are invited to make bats and day of the dead masks in the little store by the sea.
No need to book, just drop in!
Message Kinder Collective on Instagram for more information
Halloween Mask Making
28th October – 1st November, The Old Curiosity Shop, Harbour Street in Broadstairs
Free drop in sessions 2pm – 4pm
Have a coffee and cake while the kids get busy creating spooky masks!
No need to book, just drop in!
Halloween disco and soft play
October 30, noon-2pm and 4pm-6pm, Kids Brighthouse, High Street, Ramsgate
Best dressed contest, games, disco, soft play
£6.50 entry. Pre-book via https://kidsbrighthouse.com/
Pumpkin Party
29th October, noon to 3pm, Windmill Community Gardens Margate
Halloween activities : Carve your own Pumpkin (please book your pumpkin in advance), Crafts, Scarecrows, plus much more.
Food & Drink : Homemade food and seasonal drinks, alongside an array of delicious homemade cakes.
Get involved : With our Children’s Fancy Dress Parade and activities for the whole family, including helping to fill our new bug hotel
Learn more : Find out about volunteering, our weekly activities for all the family, market stall and veg bag scheme.
This year there will be a pumpkin carving activity, please purchase your pumpkin with your tickets to ensure there is a pumpkin available for you on the day.
PRE BOOKING REQUIRED – Adult: £6 (Supported Tickets available) Children:£1 (An Adult Ticket must be purchased) Book now
Halloween at the Caves
26th October – 3rd November, Margate Caves, Northdown Road. Open daily 10am – 5pm
Join Margate Caves for some spooktacular fun this Halloween Half Term- explore the subterranean Halloween land- fun for all the family.
Halloween themed Messy Monday on Monday 28th October, 11am to 4pm- £1.50 per child, normal admission applies for the Caves
Tickets Adult £5, Child (4 – 16 yrs) £2.50, Concession £4, Family £12
Halloween Trail
26th October – 3rd November, RAF Manston History Museum, 10am – 4pm
Explore the museum and find the hidden pictures to win a prize!
Tickets £1.50 – normal museum admission fees apply.
Afternoon trick or treat
Organised by Birchington Traders for pre-school and primary children to collect treats while parents/carers shop.
Takes place October 31, noon to 4.30pm, Station Road businesses, Birchington
Halloween Monster Hunt
October 24-31, shops in Birchington
Pick up a trail sheet from any shop displaying a Monster Hunt poster
Prizes and treats if all the monsters are found
Design your own monster competition
Organised by Birchington Traders Together.
Pumpkin Paths at the Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex
2nd & 3rd November, 11am to 3pm
Explore the Gourd Trail inside the museum and discover how different world cultures make use of this fascinating fruit! Visit Quex House, where spooky tales from around the globe await you at intervals throughout the day.
Step outside and embark on the Pumpkin Paths Trail in the beautiful gardens. Discover ceramic pumpkins, hand-crafted by local students, hidden throughout the grounds. Put your skills to the test and enter “Guess the Weight of the Pumpkin” for a chance to win tickets to a future event.
As you explore the gardens reward yourself with a complimentary cup of Autumnal Soup made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Find yours in the winter garden glasshouse.
Adult: £6
Concession: £5.50
Child: £5
Infant (0-3): Free
Powell-Cotton Museum Members: Free
Tickets at: https://powell-cottonmuseum.org/event/pumpkin-paths-october-half-term/
Fireworks
Quex Park Bonfire & Fireworks
2nd November, Quex Park
Get ready for an explosive evening of enchantment and thrill at the Quex Park Fireworks & Bonfire
Car park open from 2pm and gates at 3pm for fairground, food kiosks and bar
3.30pm Walkabout Characters
5pm and 6.40pm Fire Performers
5.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.45pm Musical entertainment
6.30pm and 8.30pm Two Stunning Firework Displays – Enjoy dazzling displays including being set to music. Second display set to Hollywood Movie Soundtrack
7pm Spectacular Bonfire – Gather around and enjoy the warmth
Live bands and music – Listen to great tunes
Food and drink stalls – Choose from tasty treats and beverages.
Funfair Rides – have a blast with rides for all ages.
Free Parking
For updates on event timings, please click here
Adult (16+) £15.95 / Child (5-15 years ) £14.85 / Under 5 years £1 / Family Ticket (2 Adults and 2 child) £61.60
Buy tickets at: https://www.quexparkfireworks.co.uk/
Viking Bay
November 5
Music at Broadstairs Bandstand from 5pm and Fireworks at Viking Bay at 6pm.
Brought to you by Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council
