Things to see and do in Thanet in the Summer holidays (week 4)

SANTUS CIRCUS le cirque de France

Ramsgate (just off Lord of the Manor) Now until August 25

The French family run circus is set up on land off Lord of the Manor roundabout/Hengist Way and has a variety of exciting acts on offer.

​From Portugal, the Nare family, thrill the audiences with the extremely dangerous Globe of Death.

Also returning from Portugal, with the “Wheel of Death” and  the amazing, scary talents with their crossbows, are the Silva Family!

There are also aerial and juggling acts .

Tuesday 12th:       5pm ONLY

Wednesday 13th:  2pm and 5pm (ALL SEATS £10)

Thursday 14th:     2pm and 5pm (ALL SEATS £10)

Friday 15th:           5pm ONLY

Saturday 16th:      2pm and 5pm

Sunday 17th:         2pm and 5pm

Monday 18th:         NO SHOWS

Tuesday 19th:        5pm ONLY

Wednesday 20th:   2pm and 5pm (ALL SEATS £10)

Thursday 21st:       2pm and 5pm (ALL SEATS £10)

Friday 22nd:           5pm ONLY

Saturday 23rd:       2pm and 5pm

Sunday 24th:          2pm and 5pm

Monday 25th:          3pm ONLY

​Prices and booking: https://www.santuscircus.com/information-and-prices

JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH – 12A

Palace Cinema Broadstairs

Dinosaurs on the loose alert! Scarlett Johansson and two-time Oscar-winner Mahershala Ali lead an intrepid team racing to secure DNA samples from the three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air when things go badly wrong.

8 August 2025 to 12 August. Details here

Ramsgate Costumed Walk – West Cliff

12th August. Start time: 2.30pm

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.

West Cliff Walk (Meet: West Cliff Lift near Government Acre) – This walk is of particular interest for its architecture, which includes The Grange & St. Augustine’s Church, designed by Augustus Pugin. His most famous work is the inside of the Palace of Westminster in London. You may be able to meet him personally.

To pre-book for groups, please contact 01843 852780

Free (suggested donation £2)

Seashore Safaris

Wed 13 Aug, 8:30am: Seashore Safari – St Mildred’s Bay, Westgate. Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book here (select correct date for your location required!)

Thu 14 Aug, 9am: Seashore Safari – Westbrook Bay, Margate. Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book here (select correct date for your location required!)

Fri 15 Aug, 9:30am: Seashore Safari – Margate Main Sands. Explore Thanet’s chalk rocky shore for its fascinating rockpool wildlife (2hrs; suitable for 4-11s; £2.50pp donation) Book here (select correct date for your location required!)

Summer Holidays Kids Book Club: ‘Emerald and the New Arrival’

13th August, The Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop Broadstairs

9.30am – 10am

A joyful 30-minute storytime and craft session for ages 5+ during the Summer Holidays at the Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop at Staple store.

Step into a sparkly, magical world with Nicci at Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop! We’ll be reading Emerald and the New Arrival, the enchanting new story from Harriet Muncaster, part of the much-loved world of Isadora Moon.

After the read-along, children can enjoy themed craft activities inspired by Emerald’s story — perfect for young fans of magic, mischief, and creativity.

Each £5 ticket includes a paperback copy of Emerald and the New Arrival, publishing 7th August with Oxford University Press.

There are a couple of seats for adults who wish to attend with their children, otherwise adults will be expected to stand and watch from the main shop area, or enjoy a lovely coffee and pastry downstairs in STAPLE.

Booking essential – online or in store

Tickets: £5 (includes a FREE copy of the book for signing after the event, RRP £6.99) Book now

Proud 2 Create Summer Exhibition

13th August – 30th August, The Margate School, 11am to 4pm each day

Art4All will be showcasing over 180 original paintings from artists of all genres at The Margate School.

Art 4 All is back at The Margate School after the success of previous years, bringing the joy of art to the public once again. Previous exhibitions had an incredible turn out with a steady stream of curious people making their way through the doors. The response from the public has been an overwhelmingly positive one, with kids and adults alike being drawn in by the colourful display and expressing their joy at seeing the work.

The art on display is all made by children and young people who are Deaf, have communication difficulties, additional needs, and a wide range of abilities and learning needs. All the art is for sale and the proceeds go towards the artists, minus material costs.

Private View Wednesday 13 Aug, 4pm – 8pm

The Big Bike Revival – Dane Valley Woods Biodiversity Led Ride and Talk

13th August, 10am to noon

The Big Bike Revival – Free Bike Ride Event funded by Cycling UK with talks from, Steve Darling – Dane Valley Woods and Phoebe Cullingworth, in Margate.

This is the first free biodiversity led ride and talk with Colin from Col’s Kent Bike tours and Jilly from Ride Margate. Meet at the Dane Valley Woods HQ and learn more about the woods from Steve Darling.

To get to the HQ from St Peter’s Footpath – Go past the school and look out for the sign on the gate on your left.

Then ride with Phoebe the Thanet District Council Tree Officer and visit some of the biodiversity projects she has been working on. The Birdwise team will also be there!

You’ll finish the ride at the Age UK cafe in Dane Valley for a free hot drink for anyone who signs up on Eventbrite.

You do need your own bikes for this event and to be able to flat cycle for 1 hour. Children that are able to cycle for an hour are welcome on this ride too!

(If you don’t have a bike and would like to join in, please go to the Bike Shed on Canterbury Road Margate and they can arrange £5 discount Bike rental for this ride.)

Organised by Thanet District Council

Free – sign up via Eventbrite Book now

Summer Holidays Kids Book Club: ‘Amber Class: Making Friends’

14th August, The Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop Broadstairs, 9.30am to 10am

A joyful 30-minute storytime and craft session for ages 5+ during the Summer Holidays at the Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop at Staple

Celebrate friendship and first days with Amber Class: Making Friends, a heartwarming book of school-based short stories by Enomwoyi Damali, beautifully illustrated by Ruthine Burton.

Join Nicci at Happy Reading Children’s Bookshop for a gentle read-along and creative activity inspired by the characters and themes of Amber Class — perfect for children preparing for new experiences or enjoying stories about school and community.

Each £5 ticket includes a paperback copy of the book, published by Otter-Barry Books and available from 7th August.

There are a couple of seats for adults who wish to attend with their children, otherwise adults will be expected to stand and watch from the main shop area, or enjoy a lovely coffee and pastry downstairs in STAPLE.

Booking essential – online or in store

Tickets: £5 (includes a FREE copy of the book for signing after the event, RRP £8.99) Book now

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – Cliftonville Outdoor Cinema

15th August, The Oval Bandstand and Lawns Cliftonville

Open 7.30pm – 10.30pm (film starts at 8.30pm)

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a classic teen comedy that follows charismatic high schooler Ferris Bueller as he fakes an illness to skip school and embark on the ultimate day of adventure in Chicago. Alongside his best friend and girlfriend, Ferris outsmarts authority figures, embraces spontaneity, and reminds us all to enjoy life while we can. With sharp humour, unforgettable moments, and a carefree spirit, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is a joyful celebration of rebellion and living in the moment.

The Oval Bar will be onsite serving a wide selection of drinks including beer, prosecco, wines, spirits, cocktails, and soft drinks. Hot drinks, cold drinks, popcorn and cinema treats will be available at The Oval Kiosk and Bar. They accept card payments, which is their preferred method of payment.

Please note that all under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

From £13 + booking fee Book now

Ellington Park Costumed Walks

15th August, 10.30am, Ellington Park

Join the Ellington Park Players and learn all about the history of the park in Ramsgate.

Meet at Ellington Park café.

Come and meet the people who lived and worked in Ellington over the centuries and let them tell you their stories down through the ages.

For bookings, call Sue on 07940473097

Free, donations welcome.

Ramsgate Blitz Walks with Bob

15th August, 7pm, meet outside Ramsgate Library

A guided tour of wartime Ramsgate, telling the stories of the heaviest-bombed seaside town of WW2

Free, but please book in advance

Donations welcome

01843 599755

Mrs Fox’s Skulduggery Tour of Ramsgate

15th August, 7pm, meet at the Maritime Museum

Join Mrs Fox on a thrilling and mischievous tour of Ramsgate, filled with secrets and surprises!

Get ready to explore the dark and mysterious side of Ramsgate with the intrepid Mrs Fox as your guide.

You’ll hear tales of scandal and intrigue, with a dollop of the town’s social history, as we follow in the footsteps of smugglers, murderers and smack boys – keep your wits about you for footpads and phantoms!

Tickets can be bought on the day, cash-only payment of £9, unless tour is already full.

Well-behaved dogs welcome. Book now

VJ Day 80th Anniversary

15th August – 17th August

Ramsgate Tunnels, 9.30am – 4pm

Small display within Ramsgate Tunnels museum commemorating Ken Almond.

Ken Almond was a local man from Ramsgate who served with the 14th Army in Burma (Myanmar) and was declared missing in action in 1944.

Joe Ellwood from the HMS Relentless Association will be bringing his pop-up display to the Tunnels. He will be on hand to share the story of HMS Relentless, a frigate that served in the South East Asia during the Second World War, covering her history and life on board.

The HMS Relentless Association will be in Ramsgate Tunnels from Friday 15 August until Sunday 17th August with a model of the ship and personal stories of life on board during the campaign in the Far East. You will also find a wealth of other information about RELENTLESS: incidents from WW2, the 1945 Mutiny, and the 1954 collision with HMS VIGILANT. What was a Bahamas, or a Beira Patrol like, and why did we do them?

Smurfs – U

Carlton Cinema Westgate

When evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel take Papa Smurf, the Smurfs embark on a mission to the real world to save him. With help from some new friends, they must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. Details here

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.

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/

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

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

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

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

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

Vue at Westwood Cross

https://www.myvue.com/cinema/thanet/whats-on

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