Wondering what to do for Father’s Day this year? Father’s Day falls on Sunday 21 June 2026 and there are plenty of great ways to celebrate across Tunbridge Wells, Kent and East Sussex, whether you’re planning a family day out, a relaxed Sunday lunch or something a little different.

Some  of these Father’s Day activities need to be pre-booked. To avoid any disappointment, please do book tickets where possible and check the website / social media for the venue before visiting…

♥ Dunorlan Park Boats are back open for the season, making it the perfect excuse for a relaxed family afternoon out on the lake if the sunshine appears.

♥ Who else loves a local fete or fair? This Saturday, perhaps pop along to Speldhurst Village Fete, St George’s Dummer Fair or Brenchley Summer Fete. Dad will love it!

♥ Chiddingstone Castle is always a lovely Father’s Day option, with beautiful grounds to explore, cream teas, picnic spots and special live music events running throughout June.

♥ Spa Valley Railway has a fantastic programme of special food and drink train experiences running throughout the summer, including gin, wine, whisky and cheese-themed journeys. Several of these take place over Father’s Day weekend, making it a brilliant option for dads who enjoy heritage trains, great scenery and something a little different. 

♥ Mr Mulligan’s Tonbridge is always a winner for competitive dads, with crazy golf, food and plenty of family-friendly fun.

♥ Hever’s Home Front takes place at Hever Castle over Father’s Day weekend (20–21 June), bringing wartime Britain to life with reenactors, vintage vehicles, live 1940s music, Lindy Hop dancing, model boat displays, vintage stalls and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. A brilliant choice for history-loving dads, with all activities included in normal admission. 

♥ Bewl Water is packed with options for active families, including bike hire, watersports, paddleboarding, fishing, walking trails and lakeside cafés.

♥ Bodiam Boating Station is always a fantastic warm-weather family day out, with rowing boats, paddleboards, kayaks and river trips available along the River Rother. Make sure you visit the Lime Wharf Cafe while there too. 

♥ Lower Ladysden Farm will be firmly into PYO strawberry season by Father’s Day weekend, making it a lovely seasonal family activity.

 ♥ Bedgebury Pinetum remains one of our favourite family days out, whether you’re cycling, tackling Go Ape, exploring woodland trails or hunting for The Gruffalo sculptures.

♥ Wilderness Wood is hosting a special Father’s Day & Summer Solstice celebration on Sunday 21 June, with wood-fired pizza, local beer and cider, woodland games and plenty of space to enjoy the longest day of the year together. There are also family bushcraft and green woodworking sessions taking place across the weekend, making it a brilliant option for outdoorsy dads and adventurous families. 

♥ How about a beach day? Camber Sands remains one of our favourite nearby beaches and Father’s Day often lands right as summer starts properly arriving. If you head to Camber then we recommend booking Hoof in Rye for lunch afterwards – their burgers and freakshakes will make most Dads’ dreams come true.

More Father’s Day activities in Kent and East Sussex to choose from…

♥ Choose one of our 35+ walks for families – there’s bound to be at least one that you haven’t tried? 

♥ Wellington Rocks and Tunbridge Wells Common are ideal for a low-cost Father’s Day outing, especially if combined with lunch, coffee or ice cream in The Pantiles afterwards.

♥ The beautiful Riverhill Himalayan Gardens is open for Bloom in June. There’s also stamp rocket making for kids. Perfect for all the family. 

♥ Have you been to Walshes Park in Crowborough? The park is a mix of boardwalk, slightly bumpy tracks and fields with a stream along the way.  Great for families with young kids…

♥ Kent’s National Trust properties including Scotney Castle, Ightham Mote, Bodiam Castle, Sissinghurst and Chartwell all make brilliant Father’s Day destinations if you’re after gardens, walks and historic houses.

♥ How about watching a film? Check out what’s on at Odeon in Tunbridge Wells or Uckfield Picture House. Another option is to treat yourself (and Dad!) to the reclining seats at Showcase Cinemas in Bluewater!

Try something new for Father’s Day?

♥ TriSwim’s Summer Solstice Celebration takes place at Chipstead Lake on 21 June, bringing together open water swimming, family swim areas, live music, hula hoop workshops, a lakeside sauna, BBQ food and plenty of community spirit. Whether Dad loves swimming or simply enjoys being outdoors, it’s a lovely way to spend Father’s Day by the water. 

♥ Wingham Wildlife Park is offering free entry for dads on 20–21 June when accompanied by at least one full-paying child. Spend Father’s Day weekend exploring the zoo together, spotting everything from big cats to primates and reptiles, while Dad enjoys free admission as part of the celebration. A brilliant excuse for a wild family day out. 

♥ Stormtroopers are landing at the Rare Breeds Centre on Father’s Day (21 June), with special meet-and-greet appearances throughout the day. Alongside the chance to snap photos with the iconic characters, families can enjoy a farm trail, face painting, animal encounters and a free hot drink per group, making it a fun-filled day out for Star Wars fans of all ages.

♥ Kenward Place offers alpaca walks, archery, disc golf and countryside café stops if you’re looking for something a little different.

♥ Enjoy some peace and quiet at Eridge Rocks. It has a huge rockface that you can walk underneath or on top of, plus gorgeous, peaceful woodland to enjoy. The reserve is 44 hectares and can be accessed via Warren Farm Lane. Parking is free, and close to The Nevill Crest & Gun if you fancied a Sunday roast to go with your walk.

♥ If you ever see my Insta stories you’ll know that we are big fans of a bike ride! Forest Way, Tonbridge Park to Haysden and The Cuckoo Trail are probably my favourites right now (flat, not hilly!). Check out our round-up of 9 of the best family bike rides in Kent and East Sussex! 

♥  Create your own grazing table at home full of delicious food from local farm shops. Think olives, cheese, freshly baked bread, cured meats, sweet treats, antipasti and more! Dragonfly Farm Shop, Fuller’s Farm Shop and Groombridge Farm Shop are great shouts for this…

♥ Fancy trying a pub with a play area? Then check out our guide with over 40 suggestions. But make sure you book ahead. Many of them can be combined with a walk too….

Whichever Father’s Day activities in Kent you choose this year, we hope you enjoy it!