We have plenty of suggestions for entertaining you and the family in and around Tunbridge Wells this weekend. From storytelling and theatre, to family days out and walks – there’s something for everyone in our colourful town and beyond!
♥ Visit Southborough Civic Centre this Saturday for the World Book Day Fair hosted by Southborough Street! Taking place from 2 to 5pm, expect local authors and illustrators, storytelling and activities, a fancy dress competition and local stalls for all your bookworm needs! Great fun for all the family! Why not pop into The Earl Grey while in the area too?
♥ Somerhill independent school offers the best of co-education and single-sex schooling in one setting for 2–13-year-olds. Prospective families are warmly invited to book their place for the open day, to view the school, facilities, 150 acre parkland and meet the staff, on Saturday 12th March.
♥ If you fancy a stroll and some fresh air with the family close to home, how about a visit to Hargate Forest? There are two walks to enjoy at this beautiful forest in Broadwater Down. The entrance can be found at TN2 5PE which is the postcode for a property opposite the site entrance. We drove right by it so keep your eyes peeled! The green walk is one mile long and takes approximately 30 minutes to walk, with lots of different areas to explore. You can download a little map of the woods here.
♥ You may have seen Brooklands Museum on the current series of Secrets of the Transport Museum of Channel 4. The birthplace of aviation, the world’s first purpose-built racetrack and home of Concorde is just an hours’ drive from Tunbridge Wells. A day of family adventure awaits, visiting the interactive exhibits, stepping onboard Concorde, exploring WW2 Air Raid Shelters, jumping into a Formula One car for a photo opportunity and lots more!
♥ Shakespeare lovers (and haters too apparently) are most welcome to witness a fast paced, witty and physical live performance of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Earning the title of London’s longest-running comedy, three madcap actors condense 37 plays into 97 minutes at the Trinity Theatre until Saturday 12th March.
♥ If it’s high time for a shopping trip, how about tying it in with the ultimate “Flip Out’ experience. Lakeside shopping centre offers 2 hours sessions in a multi-level Ninja Tag zone, full-sized Travelator, traverse climbing wall, Parkour and Stunt Box arena – plus trampolines and inflatable obstacles! Phew, I feel exhausted just writing about it, but kids of all ages are bound to love it!
♥ Join local author/illustrator/performer Ed Boxall for his fantastic storytelling on Saturday 12th March from 2-3pm. Ed will be performing Carried Away with the Carnival, as well as songs, poems and lots of joining in perfect, for 3–10-year-olds. Join him at the fabulous Gulliver’s Play Café in Cranbrook, which serves a delicious home-cooked menu and has lots of toys to play with. No need to book, just roll up and join in!
♥ There are cute animals aplenty at Blackberry Farm Park. You can meet and cuddle some of the animals in the small animal barn, and there are larger farm animals dotted around the farm including llamas, alpacas and highland cows. There are also some fab indoor and outdoor play areas to keep the kids entertained.
♥ Celebrate International Women’s Day with a full line-up at The Forum on Sunday 13th March, including stalls, books, poems, music and talks. This event seeks to end bias, stereotypes and discrimination, celebrate women’s achievement and ultimately encourage taking action. Entry is free, from 1pm and a bar, Fine Grind coffee and Syrian food will be on hand to keep you fuelled until 4pm.
♥ Enjoy a wander around Tonbridge Farmer’s Market from 9.30am-1.30pm every second Sunday of the month at Sovereign Way. The playground near the swimming pool is well worth a visit too, with a sandpit, mini golf, tennis courts (with rackets available to hire), skate park and coffee van. If lunch is on the agenda, nearby Old Fire Station on Castle Street is open 9am-5pm at weekends serving coffee, cake and toasties!
♥ Something a bit different? A sound healing experience for the mind, body and soul, awaits at the Gong Bath at Penshurst Village Hall on Sunday night. Take the opportunity to unwind and destress, as you lay down and let the relaxing, rejuvenating effects of the gongs wash over you.