5 castles to visit over the bank holiday weekend

Kent is home to some fantastic castles, from Tudor forts to medieval buildings, and there’s no shortage of royal history in the county. If you’re looking for a fun day out that brings entertainment and education in equal measure, especially with the early May bank holiday coming up, here are five Kent castles to get you started..

. CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE, Edenbridge This Grade II-listed estate is set in 35 acres of beautiful grounds that come to life in the spring and summer. The grass maze and Japanese cherry blossom trees are just a couple of sights worth seeing in the gardens, while inside the house, visitors can explore Ancient Egyptian, Japanese and Buddhist collections of artwork and artefacts.



Over the bank holiday weekend, there will be workshops that show children how to be a Samurai. Visitors can learn how to bow, count in Japanese, have a go at origami and become a warrior. Details : Open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 5pm.

Children’s workshop takes place on Sunday, May 4. Entry tickets cost £15.25 for adults and £10.

50 for children. DOVER CASTLE Visit one of the country’s most famous castles, located at the top of Kent’s striking White Cliffs. The medieval castle, built by King Henry II, has been at the forefront of Britain’s wartime history and includes plenty of things to see and do, such as the secret underground tunnels, the royal Great Tower, the Roman lighthouse and outdoor play areas.

Details : Open daily from 10am to 5pm. Entry tickets start from £28.50 for adults and £18 for children.

Entry is free for English Heritage members. HEVER CASTLE, near Edenbridge This stunning 14th-century castle is steeped in royal history. The grand estate, which was once home to Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I, boasts award-winning gardens and beautifully decorated rooms.

There are ornate tapestries and Tudor portraits inside the castle, while the gardens include more than 5,000 rose bushes and a 38-acre lake. There’s a traditional May Day celebration during the bank holiday weekend. Visitors can join in with maypole dancing, have a go at the tug of war and watch an interactive play on the castle forecourt.

Details : Open daily from 10.30am to 6pm. May Day events take place from Saturday, May 3 to Monday, May 5.

Entry tickets start from £24.65 for adults and £13.65 for children.

LEEDS CASTLE, near Maidstone No matter the time of year, there’s always a jam-packed day waiting at Leeds Castle. Your ticket, which is valid for a whole year, includes lots of activities, such as the 1930s-themed castle rooms, the outdoor maze and underground grotto, falconry displays, adventure golf, playgrounds, summer gardens and woodland walks. Details : Open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Entry tickets start from £33 for adults and £23.50 for children. WALMER CASTLE, near Deal If you want to soak up the sights of spring, the eight-acre gardens at Walmer Castle are the place to be.

This former Tudor fortress has been transformed into a picturesque country house, complete with award-winning gardens that boast flower borders, wildflower meadows, woodlands and a kitchen garden. There’s a children’s trail in the woods and, if the weather starts to turn, you can head inside and discover the private rooms where the Queen Mother stayed during her visits to Walmer. Details : Open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Entry tickets start from £15 for adults and £9 for children. Entry is free for English Heritage members..