Are you longing to get away from the everyday during the Easter school holidays or over the long Easter Bank Holiday weekend? At just over an hour by high-speed train from London and easy to get to by car, White Cliffs Country is the ideal choice for some quality time by the sea and it's a wonderful time of year to visit. The countryside is greening up, sheep are lambing, hedgerows and verges are blooming, and you may be lucky enough to see some of the first swallows arriving on our shores...
There is still availability in a few of the area's lovely self-catering properties, hotels and B&Bs, and there is so much to do while you're here. Our walking and cycling trails are among the best in the country with routes to suit all levels and abilities, from short scenic walks along the seafront to longer more challenging cross-country routes. Our fantastic visitor attractions are open, including Kent's Best Family Attraction Wingham Wildlife Park, and Dover Castle and Walmer Castle and Gardens, where there are Easter-themed activities planned, plus there are other egg-citing activities with fun for all the family. Here's a selection of fabulous things to do here this Easter:
Easter Trail at South Foreland Lighthouse - 31 March to 16 April, 11am-4.30pm. Help the Lighthouse Keeper find a cargo of Easter Eggs that has been shipwrecked! Search for clues, complete the fun activities and collect an egg at the end. You may even catch a glimpse of France on a sunny day. No need to pre-book, just turn up on the day and have fun. Mrs Knotts Tearoom will be open from 11am-5pm. £3 per child (under 16s).
Easter Egg Trail at Betteshanger Park - 1 to 16 April, 10am-4pm. Head to Betteshanger Park this Easter for their legendary Easter Egg Trail - with lots of fun for the family, follow the carrots to find the Easter Eggs! Recommended for children aged 2-10, booking advised. £10 per child/£3 per adult.
Dogs on leads are welcome and there are plenty of other outdoor activities to do while you're there, including a large children's play area. An Easter Market, with over 30 stalls selling Easter goodies, will be at at the park on the weekends of 1-2 and 15-16 April.
Easter adventure quest at Walmer Castle and Gardens © English Heritage
Easter Adventure Quest at Walmer Castle and Gardens - 1 to 16 April, 10am-5pm. Explore the gardens to hunt for clues and challenges and discover traditional Easter games like egg rolling and the egg and spoon race. Track down the Easter eggs and you'll be rewarded with an adventurer's certificate and a tasty chocolate treat. £2 (payable on the gate, in addition to normal ticket price).
Meet the Lambs, Dover - 1 to 16 April, 1-4pm. Broadlees Farm on the hills next to Dover Castle opens to the public to educate and show visitors lambing in progress and how their farm works during this very busy period. You may hold a lamb and even get to see one being born – it's a fun and enlightening afternoon for all the family. NB Pregnant women must not visit the farm for health and safety reasons. £5 per child/£6 per adult.
Easter Adventure Quest at Dover Castle - 1 to 6 April and 11 to 16 April, 10am-5pm. Undertake a similar adventure quest at Dover Castle where there's lots more to enjoy (such as the Secret Wartime Tunnels immersive exhibition, a tour of the Underground Hospital, the Great Tower with amazing views from the roof, the Port War Signalling Station, a Roman lighthouse and medieval tunnels). £2 (in addition to normal ticket price).
Dover Sea Safari - see website for day and time availability. Dover Sea Safari's exhilarating sea safari trips will be running throughout the Easter holidays and are great fun for all the family! Seal Safaris (for great views of these wonderful creatures without disturbing them) and the White Cliffs & Beyond Safaris (the best way to see the White Cliffs!) are available to book now (link above).
Easter Escapades at Dover Castle - 7 to 10 April, 10am-4pm. Join performers at Dover Castle for four days of Easter fun with traditional games, activities and races, including egg and spoon races, sword school and historical musicians, along with storytelling sessions throughout the day. Admission to this event is in addition to the standard admission ticket price and there is an extra cost for members. See website for details.
Dover Castle © Paul Wells
Easter Local Makers' Market in Sandwich - 7 to 10 April, 10am-4pm. A popular Local Makers' Market featuring products from local businesses and artisans in St Mary's Arts Centre, Strand Street in Sandwich.
Easter Fun Day in Dover - 8 April, 10am-3pm. Collect a trail sheet from the Visitor Information Centre at Dover Museum and follow a wildlife-themed Easter trail around the town. Find all the clues to win a chocolate egg. There will also be live music, face-painting and ride-on toy horses in the Market Square and Easter crafts at the museum, so come along and make a day of it! Free event.
Ripple Windmill Open Day - 9 April, 12-4pm. A rare opportunity to visit a working Kentish Smock Mill built in1810 and fully restored by the current owners to working order. It has stunning views of the coast and countryside and is on some great walking routes. Park in nearby Ringwould - access is on foot only. The gardens and tearoom will be open to visitors. Free entry (donations welcome).
Check out our What's On pages to see all the other events taking place in the holidays and browse the website to find other fabulous attractions to visit while you're here. Book your stay today to discover this wonderful corner of the Kent coast.