49 ideas for family fun this Summer holiday (week one)

Ramsgate Costumed Walk – East Cliff

Tuesday 22nd July at 7pm

Join a guided walk around Historical Ramsgate and meet famous characters from the past…

The group is run by dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers. Whatever the weather, so long as members of the public turn up, they carry on the walks!

They do not make a charge for the walks and ask only for donations towards the coat of costumes and printing of leaflets.

East Cliff Walk (Meet at Albion Gardens) – On this walk you will pass many splendid Regency & Victorian buildings, including Wellington Crescent built immediately after the Napoleonic Wars during which Ramsgate had been a garrison town.

To pre-book for groups, please contact 01843 852780

Free (suggested donation £2)

St Peter’s Village Tour

The St Peter’s Village Tour is an independent group of volunteers with a constitution formed to offer four free award winning guided walks around the historic village and churchyard of St Peter’s. The Tours are arranged by a team of over 100 volunteers.

For 2025 the tour is conducted in 5 groups of 8 visitors in each, setting off at 5 minute intervals and covers less than a mile of flat walking, but does involve standing for a number of 5 minute presentations. It includes a break for tea or coffee. You are advised to allow two and a half hours for your tour. In very inclement weather we provide a dramatic presentation inside the church.

Access for visitors with disabilities. Children are very welcome, a minimum age of 10 yearsis suggested. At the end of the tour you are invited to contribute towards our costs which average £5 per adult.

Find dates and times at https://www.villagetour.co.uk/

The Great Birchington Seagull Trail

See how many  Seagull friends you can spot around the village!

Enjoy all that the village has to offer, including independent shops, cafés & restaurants

When you’ve spotted as many Seagulls as you can, pop into Monty’s Of Birchington for a little sweetie treat!

The Birchington Knitting Brigade and a mystery knitter in Germany made all the Seagull Stars for the trail

Broadstairs Fireworks

23rd July

A spectacular seafront display over Broadstairs Viking Bay

Music from 8pm with Decades Showband

Fireworks at 9.45pm (weather dependent)

Children’s Funfair Rides * Hot and cold food on Victoria Gardens and at the Bandstand Cafe * Live music on the bandstand from 8pm

Classic Cars at the museum- cancelled due to weather

Replica Nao Santa Maria in Ramsgate

23rd July – 27th July, open 10am to 7pm

Replica ship of Columbus’ fleet, which landed in America in 1492, visits Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour…

A 2018 replica of the 15th Century Noa Santa Maria, is coming to Ramsgate Harbour as part of a world-wide tour…

The Noa Santa Maria was one of three sailing vessels commanded by Christopher Columbus, when he landed in America in 1492.

The current replica Santa María was launched on March 16th 2018. It is a 200 tonne ship, with 28.30m maximum length, 7.96 m beam and 3.49 m height. Like the original, the replica has three masts, the main mast, mainsail mizzen and a bowsprit, with the height of the main mast being almost 25 metres from the waterline to the highest point.

The lower part of the vessel is an exhibition area for visitors to discover its history. People will be able to get on board and see how the adventurers of yesteryear sailed and lived.

It is advised to buy tickets in advance…

Any problems with bookings/tickets, please email: [email protected] or call 678953440 during working hours Monday-Friday from 8am to 3pm.

Dates and times are subject to change due to weather & sea conditions. See www.tallshipexperience.com

Adult: £10, Child (5- 10): £5

Family: £25 Family (2 adults + up to 3 children 5- 10).

Free for children under 5, who must be accompanied by an adult Book now

Ultimate Messy Play

July 24, 10am, The Millmead Children’s Centre

For 2 to 8 year olds

Water games, messy activities and all round great fun.

Bring a change of clothes and enter the Millmead Community Centre Messy Play Zone.

Located in the Community garden, there is a wide selection of activities and games

Adults do not require a ticket but you will need to submit ALL attendees full name, postcode and child age when booking.

Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/millmead-childrens-centre/t-zzvrvgp

Children’s Book Event

Thanet children’s author Sarah Ogilvie, and illustrator Helen Desai will be holding a Children’s Book Event to celebrate the launch of Sarah’s second children’s book, ‘Pearl Proves A Point’.   Visitors will be able to buy signed copies of ‘Pearl Proves A Point’ as well as  Sarah’s first book, ‘101’, for the special price of £5.  There will be hands-on maths puzzles to try, and illustrator Helen will be on hand to help children create new comic-style characters which could end up in book three!

The event will be held at The Westgate Galleria, Westgate-on-Sea on Wednesday 23 July 2025, 11am – 1 pm

Pearl Proves A Point, Sarah’s second rhyming book for children aged 8+  explores, with a light touch, the concept of Growth and Fixed Mindsets.  As with Sarah’s first book ‘101’, Pearl Proves A Point is based on a true story – this time from Sarah’s own Year 6 classroom.

Some of the Year 5 and 6 pupils from Garlinge and Palm Bay Primary Schools in Margate were beta readers for Pearl Proves A Point and their feedback on the book was overwhelmingly positive.  The children made many useful comments on the story and the illustrations which helped with the final edits prior to publishing day.

“Pearl Proves A Point”, written by Sarah Ogilvie and illustrated by Helen Desai, is available now from www.so-nimble-books.com, The Westgate Galleria in Westgate-on Sea and The Little Green Bookshop in Herne Bay,  and is released in paperback.  It is not available on Amazon.

Windmill Summer Fair

25th July, noon to 3pm, Windmill Community Gardens

There will be craft activities for the whole family to enjoy, including mosaic workshops with ARK and a Mindful children’s arts and craft workshop with the Sunshine Club.

Children’s activities, with Turner Contemporary joining with their under 12 months Tiny Turnip sensory workshops, and so much more

Wildlife walks and talks with an interactive pond life activity, The Bumblebee conservation will be joining for a Bee walk and talk.

Market Stall selling fresh seasonal and chemical produce, learn more about their weekly veg bag scheme and discover plants at their plant stall

Plus more…

Tickets are £6 per family (up to 2 adults) and £4 per individual adult. Book now

No Prep 1/8th Mile Drag Racing – No Guts, No Glory

26th July – 27th July, Manston Raceway Park

No Prep Heads Up 1/8th Mile Drag Racing, featuring all the usual Classes, Big Tyre, Small Tyre, Tailgate, Stick Shift, FWD, True Street, Daily Driver and RWYB.

Also a special section for Big Money Callout and Grudge. If you have something you wanna get off your chest, someone who has been talking trash. Now is the time to see if they can talk the talk and walk the walk.

Spectators… Day tickets £20 (in advance) or £25 on the day / Weekend tickets £40 (in advance) or £50 on the day.

Children under 10 free / Children 10-16 years £10 Book now

Broadstairs Summer Fair

26th July – 30th July from 10am each day

Annual event to raise funds for Broadstairs Water Gala at Victoria Gardens

Thanet Virtual High Street & Thanet Stalls Directory have once again joined forces with Sylvia Scorey and her brilliant family funfair to deliver the Broadstairs Summer Fair, raising funds for Broadstairs Water Gala.

Expect another bustling promenade packed with fantastic local stalls, live entertainment both afternoons at the Broadstairs Bandstand, and family rides in Victoria Gardens.  The Funfair lasts from 26th-30th July, right through to the Water Gala.

Rumble Wrestling

26th July, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns

Doors open 5pm (be the first to grab your seat and soak in the buzz of pre-show excitement!), 6pm – The Show Begins! 8.15pm – Meet the Stars, event ends at 9pm

Rumble Wrestling is back at the Oval Bandstand, promising an action-packed evening that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.

After last year’s explosive event the anticipation is sky-high, and tickets are set to fly out faster than a championship belt is raised in victory!

Watch your favourite Rumble Wrestling stars battle it out in jaw-dropping matches filled with high-flying moves, powerhouse slams, and plenty of drama (includes a fifteen-minute interval to catch your breath before the next round of epic clashes!)

Don’t miss your chance to meet the legends in person! Snap a photo, grab some autographs, and take home exclusive merchandise to commemorate this unforgettable evening (meet and greet access requires a purchase.) After the night ends, but the memories will last forever!

Tickets £5 – £16 plus booking fee Book now

Ramsgate Carnival

26th July – 27th July 2025

Join Ramsgate Carnival as it celebrates its 102nd anniversary

Saturday 26th

Dog Show with categories including Cheekiest Rascal, Best Friend, Golden Oldie (over 8 years), Most Lovable Munchkin (under 12 months), Crowd Favourite and more

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th 

Government Acre plays host to a weekend fair – stalls, bar, food court, arts and crafts, funfair,

Sunday 27th at 4pm with judging from 3pm 

The annual colourful carnival parade starts from Government Acre (Royal Esplanade) to circle the town back to Government Acre.

Route: Start Government Acre, St Augustine’s Road, Royal Parade, Harbour Street, Queen Street, West Cliff Road and finish Government Acre

Monster Slam

27th July, Quex Park Birchington

Morning show 11am – 2pm, Afternoon show 4pm – 7pm

Watch in awe as Big Pete, The Grim Reaper, and Swamp Thing smash, crush, and leap through the arena with unstoppable force. These giant-wheeled beasts will deliver high-octane, metal-crunching action that will leave you breathless!

Plus, don’t miss the UK’s top motorcycle display team, Bolddog FMX Display Team, performing daring backflips and jumps 35ft in the air, and the incredible Stannage International Stunt Team with motorbike stunts, fire dives, and explosive thrills!

Looking for a thrill? Take a ride in a real monster truck with the Extreme Express Monster Ride Truck! Buckle up and feel the raw power as you’re taken for an adrenaline-pumping ride like no other—an experience you just don’t get every day! (Height restrictions apply, chargeable activity.)

Enjoy family fun with fairground rides, inflatables, and mini monster trucks the kids can drive. Face painting, food stalls, and a licensed bar will keep everyone entertained.

Children aged 2 and under get in FREE, and tickets for kids aged 3-5 are now £5.95!

Sponsored by Reclamet Ltd.

Under 2s go free. Children 3-5 £5.95. See website for all prices. Book now

The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever 2025

27th July, noon to 5pm, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns

This lively event promises an afternoon filled with dancing, singing, and absolute fun for everyone. It’s a celebration of connection, community, and coming together with both friends and strangers to partake in a truly unique global movement recreating the iconic dance from the ‘Wuthering Heights’ music video—all for great local causes!

In addition to the charity fund-raising dance, there will be an afternoon filled with Kate Bush themed entertainment, including singers, DJ performances, dance tutorial with Debs from Midlife Mover , dance competitions, and more!

Organised by GRASS Cliftonville CIC, supporting Oasis, a local charity dedicated to alleviating the impact of domestic violence, and Mama to Mama, an organisation providing essential pre-loved items to vulnerable pregnant women, caregivers, and children under 5 living in poverty.

The aim is ambitious: to raise over £2000 and gather at least 200 enthusiastic dancers, embodying the spirit of Kate, to support these incredible causes. All proceeds from the event go directly to these charities, ensuring your participation makes an immediate difference.

Tickets £2 – £50 donation ticket for charities Book now

Dino Discovery Trail

Get ready for a Jurassic-sized adventure as Westwood Cross’s much-loved Dino Discovery Trail makes a stomping return – and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and more roar-some than ever before.

Families are invited to step back in time and track down a fearsome line-up of prehistoric giants hiding across the centre. From gentle giant Bernard the Parasaurolophus and fierce queen Camilla the Stegosaurus to the centre’s legendary T-Rex duo, Boris and Napoleon.

The free trail is the perfect day out for dino-loving explorers of all ages, with fun facts and photo ops waiting at every turn. The dinosaurs will remain in residence throughout the school holidays, giving guests plenty of time to roam with the reptiles all the way through to November 2025.

Crampton Tower Broadstairs

The Crampton Tower Museum is a fascinating small museum partly housed in a flint tower adjacent to the Broadstairs Railway Station. The tower formed part of the first Broadstairs public water supply and was put in repair by Thanet District Council.

Thomas Russell Crampton is perhaps chiefly remembered as a designer of locomotives and of railways, but he was also concerned with gas, water works and the submarine telegraph cable. He was the first to succeed in laying an effective telegraph cable under the English Channel.

Open Friday, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from 2pm until 4.30pm, last admission 4pm.

Admission costs are: £5.00 – Adults, £3.00 – Child, aged 4-16 years, £13.00 – Family, 2 adults & 2 children.

Rascal Bay Adventure Golf

Manston Road, Ramsgate

Designed in Sweden, the adventure encounters pirates, cannons, an octopus, snakes, skulls, a cannibal’s cooking pot, a crashed jeep, rocks, a volcano, dinosaurs, waterfalls, dinosaur eggs, a treasure chest, crocodiles and two rafts that the whole family will love!

Booking online is essential  at https://rascalbaymanston.setmore.com/kids-go-free-before-1100

Under 16s £6.50 per game

16+ £8.75 per game

Offers available for family tickets

Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat & Sun 9am-5pm

Ramsgate Tunnels

Ramsgate’s Tunnels tours take you deep underground to unlock the story of a hidden city, which evolved from the largest and only known Civilian Deep Shelter Air Raid Precaution scheme authorised by Central Government.

The military story is told elsewhere, but very little remains of the civilian story of a front line town under some of the heaviest aerial bombing in Britain.

In 1939 Ramsgate’s ingenious Borough Engineer managed to get his scheme for sheltering the town’s civilians in an underground city, put into practice with the help of the flamboyant ‘Top Hat’ Mayor.

The Free-to-enter Tunnel Museum and Home Front Collection is now open within the Tunnels, featuring displays ranging from Ramsgate’s part in World War One, through the construction and use of the Tunnels, to the eventual closure, dereliction and reopening. It also displays part of the Tunnels’ collection of Home Front memorabilia

http://www.ramsgatetunnels.org/

Margate Crab Museum

Margate’s Crab Museum is ready for visitors to explore all thing crustacean. The venue is headed by enthusiasts and brothers Ned and Bertie Suesat-Williams, from Margate, Chase Coley, from Canvey Island, and GRETL – the museums AI guide.

Find the Crab Museum at 9 Broad Street Margate

Opening Times

Saturday: 11am – 5pm

Sunday: 11am – 5pm

Last entry 4.30pm

Or go online at www.crab.mu or find them on facebook here

Lillyputt Minigolf Broadstairs

Lillyputt is open school holidays from 10am-4pm(ish)!

It has 12 championship holes and a lucky 13th hole.. The Garden Cafe is also open, serving a full menu of tasty treats, from classic toasties, rolls and tea cakes, to the amazing sweet and savoury crepes and their freshly ground coffee.

Entry, adults £8, Under 10s £7

https://www.minigolfbroadstairs.com/

Lost Island

Angry gods, chattering monkeys, a mineshaft that plunges downwards ‘forever’ and a host of interactive features can be found by players at the second Lost Island adventure golf course in Margate.

Based at the Flamingo on Margate seafront the new addition takes crazy golf into escape room territory.

Opening hours

Mon– Thurs
10am – 8pm

Fri – Sun
10am – 9pm

Find out more here

Shell Grotto: 

Open Wednesday – Sunday 10am-5pm. Open daily Wednesday 16th July – Sunday 31st August 10am-5pm

Margate Caves: 

Open Wednesday – Sunday 10am-5pm. Open daily Wednesday 16th July – Sunday 31st August 10am-5pm

Bugsy’s Bowling: 

Monday – Thursday 12 noon-8pm, Friday 12 noon-10pm and Weekends 10am-10pm. Pre-booking required.

Summer bowling offer throughout July: All ages £6 for 1 game, £12 for 2 games and all extra games £3.90 each. Family Deals also available

Augmented reality darts suitable for ages 8+ (with adult supervision) also on offer.

£25 for 60 mins (Up to 8 players)

£15 for 30 mins (perfect for smaller groups)

Shuffleboard from £10.

Book your session online now at www.bugsys.co.uk or call on 01843 228632

Also see the Bugsy’s team at Margate Carnival on 3rd August and Margate Pride on 9th August for the chance to get yourself some Bugsy’s goodies.

Strokes Adventure Golf: 

Open Wednesday – Monday 10am-5pm (weather permitting). Please phone or check social media before to check opening

Drapers Windmill:

Open Sunday 4th May to Sunday 28th September on Sundays 2pm-4pm

The WonderWorks Margate:

Open daily 10am -4pm

Elev8:

School Holidays Monday 10am-6pm Tuesday – Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm & Sunday 9am-4pm

Hollywood Bowl: 

Monday – Thursday and Sunday 10am-11pm, Friday and Saturday 10am – midnight

Jump Inc Westwood Cross: 

Open daily 10am – 8pm

Monkton Nature Reserve: 

Tuesday, Thursday and Weekends 10am-4pm plus Fridays in school holidays. Last entry 3pm.

Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens:

Friday – Sunday 11am-4pm, plus between Wednesday 23rd July to Sunday 31st August open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am–4pm

Quex Adventure Farm Park: 

Daily 9.30am – 5pm

Quex Paintballing: 

Weekends 9am-5pm. Pre-booking required

Quex Goat Walking Experience: 

Weekends 11am-4pm. Pre-booking required

Seashore Safaris

Thanet Coast Project and its volunteers are running Seashore Safaris this summer to explore the isle’s fascinating chalk reef and rock pools.

Those taking part will get the chance to spot crabs, shrimps, fish, shellfish, anemones and all sorts of colourful seaweed.

The fun and educational events are designed for the whole family to enjoy and are especially engaging for children aged 4-11 who must always be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the session, which lasts around two hours.

More details at: https://theisleofthanetnews.com/2025/07/18/join-a-seashore-safari-with-thanet-coast-project/

Active Ramsgate

If getting outdoors and keeping active is your pastime of choice, then Active Ramsgate features activities such as cycling routes, walking trails, birdwatching and kayaking.

The Contra Trail: Ramsgate to Pegwell Bay

Sea It All: Ramsgate to Broadstairs

Town Rounders: Regency, Royal and Riviera

Beach Roamer: Ramsgate to Margate

The Way of St Augustine: Ramsgate to Canterbury

England Coastal Path: Ramsgate to Camber

Augustine Camino: Rochester Cathedral to Ramsgate

Active Ramsgate not only features scenic walking trails, but also family-friendly cycle routes and even kayak routes, all in downloadable, easy-to-use format.

Download a copy of the latest Active Ramsgate leaflet 

The Spitfire and Hurricane Museum

Displaying the two iconic war planes, and also holding a host of objects and artefacts telling the story of life in and around Ramsgate during WWII. Central to the display are the iconic Spitfire Mk XVI and Hawker Hurricane Mk IIc.

Free entry. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am to 4pm

RAF Manston History Museum: 

Daily 10am-4pm (last entry 3.15pm)

Aircraft displays, models and more plus the NAAFI Vafe.

Revolution skate park and climbing

Offering 3 huge warehouses, crammed full of all types of ramps for beginners and expert riders alike. Users can Skateboard, Scooter, Inline Skate and BMX, all in the safety of the state-of-the-art, immaculately maintained, indoor environment.

Alongside the Skatepark is a further warehouse, which houses the Climbing Centre, and is packed with a diverse range of colourful walls, suitable for all levels of climber.

Housed in between these facilities is a Skate & Surf & Climbing shop with everything you could ever need, along with a snack bar for refuelling between activities.

All staff are fully trained, friendly, passionate and happy to help every visitor have a great time.

Find details at: https://www.facebook.com/revolutionskateparkandclimbingcentre

The Micro Museum Ramsgate

In 2014, The Micro Museum opened to the public as the first museum in Kent dedicated to the history and experience of vintage home computing and games.

The venue showcases owners Mike and Carol Deer’s private collection of hundreds of personal computers, games consoles and related technology.

Gathered over more than four decades, the displays span the period from the 1970s to the early 2000s.

The Micro Museum is at 11 Church Hill. It is seasonal, opening at weekends from Spring to Autumn with some additional openings at holiday times.

More details can be found on the website www.themicromuseum.org.

This Museum is (Not) Obsolete

5-7 Church Hill, Ramsgate, Open every Saturday and Sunday.

Mornings 9am – 1pm for private recording and sessions

Afternoons 1pm – 4pm Public Open day :-

Admission Adults £7 Under 13’s £5 Under 3’s FREE

This Museum Is (Not) Obsolete was launched in 2020 by Sam Battle AKA Look Mum No Computer.

Sam is a Musician / Inventor and is the driving force behind the museums mission to keep the ‘obsolete’ alive and evolving for all to experience.

Details at: https://this-museum-is-not-obsolete.com/visit

Little Seaside Town

High Street, Ramsgate

A centre for children and families, unlike traditional soft play centres, it promotes imaginative role play in a stimulating play “town” environment.

Each themed set is full of play props, costumes and toys to encourage children to explore and make believe. Everything at Little Seaside Town has been carefully designed to be as realistic as possible, so they can experience and act out real life scenarios.

Find details on the Website

Dickens House Museum

The museum celebrates Charles Dickens’ long connection with Broadstairs (1837-1851). It is housed in the cottage that was Charles Dickens’ inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield. According to the reminiscences of Charles Dickens son Charley, they regularly had tea there with Miss Mary Pearson Strong, and her belief of her right to stop the passage of donkeys in front of her cottage became the donkey incident for the character of Betsey Trotwood.

Visitors to Dickens House Museum will see items that once belonged to Charles Dickens including letters written about Broadstairs, his writing box and mahogany sideboard, along with a fine collection of prints by H K Browne (Phiz), one of Dickens’ principal illustrators. There are also displays of Dickensian memorabilia, Victorian costumes and Victoriana, as well as a feature on “Our English Watering Place”.

2025 Season: 2nd April to 2nd November: Wednesday to Sunday, 1pm to 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)

Kids Bright House

Kids Bright House is a family-run, indoor play area for kids from 0 – 11 years.

There is a baby area for babies under 2, and a host of other indoor fun for children over 2.

No need to book

Toddler group and Tortoise visit every Monday 10am-12pm & Thursday 12:30pm-2:30pm

For more information  See Here.

Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve

Sandwich Road, Cliffsend

Of international importance for its bird population.

The site includes Pegwell Bay Country Park, a little gem with stunning sea views, a play area and picnic spot with mobile refreshments nearby – perfect for family fun in the fresh air.

Dreamland:

Park open every day of the school holidays 10.30am to 6pm, rides from 11am

Whitemills Wake (Sandwich)

Beginners session every morning through the school holidays.

The sessions are 2 hours long, all children must be 6+ and an adult must be on site.

£35 (£5 extra if you are wanting a wetsuit)

10am – 12 noon

No experience needed

Book at Whitemillswake.co.uk

Films on the big screen

Palace Cinema Broadstairs https://thepalacecinema.co.uk/whats-on/

Carlton Cinema Westgate https://westgate-on-sea.picturedromecinemas.co.uk/

Ramsgate Community Cinema https://www.facebook.com/ramsgatecommunitycinema

Vue at Westwood Cross https://www.myvue.com/cinema/thanet/whats-on

Find more events and attractions at https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/