17 Best Things to Do in Kent in February 2026: A Local’s Guide

As February arrives, the Kent landscape finally starts to wake up. I’ve lived here for nearly thirty years, and while January is mostly for staying indoors, February is when I feel that first spark of life is returning back the countryside. It’s a real month of transitions—you might get a dusting of snow one morning, but by the afternoon, you’ll spot the first snowdrops peeking through the soil.

If you’re wondering whether February is a good time to visit Kent, I always say: absolutely, as long as you embrace the season! It’s the month of romance (thanks to Valentine’s Day) and the month of “half-term” school holidays, so you’ll find a bit more buzz in the air than you did in January.

If you’re planning a trip or just looking for something to do with the kids, here is my personal guide to making the most of Kent in February.

Is February a good time to visit Kent?

In my opinion, February is a fantastic time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds later in the season.

The weather in February can be a bit of a mixed bag. We often get those beautiful, biting “blue sky” days where the light is perfect for photography, but it can also be quite wet. Temperatures usually hover around 7°C, though the wind chill on the North Downs or the White Cliffs can make it feel much nippier!

While it is technically the end of winter, it feels like the county is slowly waking up. You’ll find that most of the major heritage sites and family attractions—which might have taken a short break in early January—are now fully open and hosting events for the February half-term.

Since most schools in Kent are off from Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February 2026, almost all the big attractions put on special events for children.

The real joy of visiting this month is the lack of summer queues. You can often get a prime table at the best gastropubs or have an art gallery almost to yourself. Plus, by mid-February, our woodlands start to transform with carpets of white snowdrops—it’s a sight that always makes me feel like spring is just around the corner.

Special Days in February 2026:

• 14th February (Saturday): Valentine’s Day
• 16 – 20 February: Kent school’s half-term holiday
• 17th February (Tuesday): Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day)

Bank Holidays: Just a heads-up, there are no bank holidays in February in the UK, so shops and transport will run on their normal schedules.

1. Explore the Historic Dockyard Chatham

While some outdoor attractions can feel a bit exposed in February, the Historic Dockyard in Chatham is fantastic because so much of it is undercover in large exhibition galleries. You can walk through the Victorian Ropery (which is still making rope today!) or step aboard a Cold War submarine. It officially reopens for the 2026 season in February for half-term holiday and it’s lovely to see the place so full of life again after the winter break.

• Location: Main Gate Rd, Chatham ME4 4TZ
• Opening Times: Daily from early February, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
• Tickets: Adults approx. £28.50 (Online), Children £18.00. (Tickets last for a full year!)

2. Snowdrops Garden & Parkland Walks at Goodnestone Park

By February, the ground starts to wake up, and there is nothing more hopeful than seeing thousands of snowdrops carpet the woodland floor. Goodnestone Park & Gardens is one of my absolute favourite spots for this. The gardens were frequently visited by Jane Austen as her brother married into the family that owned the house and walking through the white-dappled groves feels like stepping straight into a period drama. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the very first signs of spring.

My Local Tip: After your walk, head to the Old Dairy Tea Room on-site. Their homemade cakes are legendary and the perfect reward for a chilly stroll.

• Location: Goodnestone, Canterbury CT3 3BP
• Opening Times: Open daily (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM with last admission at 3 pm).
• Tickets: Adults £10.00, Children £5.00 (Historic Houses Members: Free)

3. “Chaos in the Castle” at Leeds Castle

I always thought that Leeds Castle is the loveliest castle in the Kent for children and they really pull out all the stops for half-term. This year, they have a brilliant interactive trail called Chaos in the Castle. I love how it gets the kids running around solving riddles and completing challenges while you get to enjoy the stunning winter views of the castle and the moat.

There are other child friendly attractions within the Leeds Castle ground, including maze, falconry displays, large playground and train ride from the castle back to the ground entrance.

• Location: Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL
• Opening Times: Daily 10 am – 4 pm
• Tickets: Adults £33, Children £23 (But remember, the ticket is valid for a whole year!)

4. Fossil Hunting at Betteshanger Park

If your kids are into dinosaurs, I think this is a must-do. Betteshanger park is built on an old colliery, and in February, they often run Dino Hunt activities. It’s a great way to get some fresh air. Even if it’s chilly, the kids will be so busy hunting for “prehistoric secrets” that they won’t even notice. This is also one of the best places for easy and off road cycling as there are several different routes you can take depending on your abilities and your bike!

My local tip: If you are not into outdoors, you can always visit the mining museum on side or have a delicious lunch in the Lamp Room cafe.

• Location: Sandwich Road, Deal CT14 0BF
• Opening Times: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tickets: Park entry is free (pay for parking), special activities usually cost around £5–£10.

5. “Make It!” Crafts at Maidstone Museum

When the February rain starts pouring, I always head for the museums. Maidstone Museum runs Make It! Craft sessions during the half-term week. Each day has a different theme—like making Olympic skiers or ice hockey games. It’s very affordable and keeps little hands busy for an hour while you stay nice and dry.

• Location: St Faith’s St, Maidstone ME14 1LH
• Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm, Sessions at 10:15 AM, 11:30 AM, and 1:30 PM
• Tickets: Entry to the museum is free; craft sessions are £4 per child.

6. A Stormy Walk at Dungeness

February is the month for “big” weather, and there is nowhere more dramatic than Dungeness. It is Britain’s only desert—a vast expanse of shingle, abandoned fishing boats, and quirky tiny houses.

I love it here in February because the light is silver and the wind feels like it’s scrubbing your soul clean. Afterwards, grab a famous “Crab Hut” snack or sit inside the The Derek Jarman Prospect Cottage (check for specific February tour dates) for a bit of artistic inspiration.

My local tip: You can also get here by traveling in style on the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch miniature railway from Hythe.

• Location: Dungeness, near Romney Marsh (TN29 9NE)
• Opening Times: Open access landscape; Derek Jarman’s garden is visible year-round.
• Tickets: Free to explore the beach; lighthouse tours (if open) approx. £5.00.

7. All Aboard the Kent & East Sussex Railway

I think there’s nothing more perfect than a steam train ride on a cold day! During the February half-term, they often run a Waterbirds Family Fun Trail. You can hop on at Tenterden, enjoy the warmth of the steam carriage, and look out for birds along the line. It’s a lovely, slow-paced way to see the Wealden countryside.

• Location: Tenterden Town Station, Station Rd, Tenterden TN30 6HE
• Opening Times: Trains usually depart at 10:40 AM and 1:15 PM
• Tickets: Family tickets (2 adults, 2 kids) are around £50–£60.

8. The snowdrop walks at Hever Castle

If you really want to see the best carpet of white flowers in the county, I think you absolutely have to visit Hever Castle & Gardens.

They have planted over 120,000 snowdrop bulbs across the grounds! I love how they aren’t just in one little corner; they are everywhere—lining the walks, under the trees, and even along the banks of the lake. It feels like walking through a fairytale. The best thing about it is that they have different varieties, so even if you go early in February, there is always something beautiful to see. It’s the perfect way to blow away the winter blues and see the first signs that spring is finally on its way.

• Location: Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
• Opening Times: Gardens open at 10:30 AM, Castle opens at 12:00 PM. (Last entry is usually at 3:00 PM in winter).
• Tickets: Adults £23.10, Children £13.45 (I always recommend booking online at least 24 hours before you go to save a bit of money).

9. Valentine’s Date at Chapel Down Winery

If you’re looking for a bit of romance this February, I think you can’t do much better than Chapel Down Winery. I love how the vineyard looks even in the winter—there is something so peaceful about the rows of vines dusted with frost.

For 2026, they have a lovely Tea and Tour Experience that is perfect if you want something a bit different from just a standard dinner. You get a guided tour (wrap up warm!) and a tasting of five wines, followed by a traditional afternoon tea with a glass of their famous bubbly. If you want to go all out, The Swan restaurant on-site is fantastic. I love their “Sharing the Love” menu and the food is always locally sourced from right here in Kent.

• Location: Smallhythe Road, Tenterden TN30 7NG
• Opening Times: Tours usually start around 10:30 AM or 2:00 PM; The Swan is open for lunch and dinner (closed Mon/Tue).
• Tickets: Tea and Tour starts from approx. £60 per person. Valentine’s tasting menus at The Swan are usually around £90 per person.

10. Step into the “White Garden” at Sissinghurst Castle

While Sissinghurst is famous for its summer roses, I actually think February is a brilliant time to visit too. Without the dense leaves, you can really see the “bones” of the garden—the incredible structure and yew hedges that Harold Nicolson designed.

Plus you can also visit the South Cottage (Vita and Harold’s private retreat) and the tower – Vita’s writing room when it gets too cold. There are also estate walks you can do and follow the snowdrops trails.

• Location: Biddenden Rd, nr Cranbrook TN17 2AB
• Opening Times: Gardens, Tower, Tearooms & Gift Shop open daily 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
• Tickets: Adults £13.00, Children £6.50 (winter season tickets) Free for National Trust members.

11. Light Up Maidstone

If you are around in early February, don’t miss Light Up Maidstone. It’s a fantastic light festival where the town’s historic buildings and riverfront are transformed with glowing art installations and projections. It’s the perfect way to brighten up a dark winter evening, and there’s usually a great atmosphere with local food stalls and music.

• Location: Maidstone Town Centre & Riverside
• Time: 6 February 2026, from 5:00 PM onwards.
• Tickets: Free!

12. Find a Hidden Treasure at the Faversham Literary Festival

For the bookworms, the Faversham Literary Festival (taking place around 21–22 February 2026) is a total gem. It’s hosted in various historic venues across the town, from the Guildhall to the Old Brewery Store. You can listen to world-class authors and poets in a very relaxed, friendly setting. It’s the ultimate “cosy” February activity—intellectually stimulating and indoors!

• Location: Various venues, Faversham ME13
• Tickets: Individual event tickets usually range from £10.00 – £15.00.

13. Take a Romantic Steam Train Ride (Spa Valley Railway)

With Valentine’s Day right in the middle of the month, the Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells often runs special “Winter Steam” or Afternoon Tea trains. There is something incredibly cosy about sitting in a vintage carriage with the steam billowing past the window as you rumble through the High Weald countryside. It’s a great way to see the landscape without having to brave the February mud!

My local tip: You can also visit Tunbridge Wells town at the same time, especially the historic area close to the train station, which is where the centre used to be when the town was a spa back in the day.

• Location: West Station, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5QY
• Opening Times: Specific weekends in February (Check the 2026 timetable for “Heritage Diesel” or “Steam” days).
• Tickets: All-day travel from £15.00; Afternoon Tea experiences require booking in advance.

14. Storm-Watching at the South Foreland Lighthouse

For a truly dramatic February experience, hike up to this Victorian lighthouse on the White Cliffs. It doesn’t reopen its doors fully until the end of the month, but the walk there is spectacular when a winter storm is brewing over the Channel. If you time it for late February, you can pop into Mrs Knott’s Tea Room inside the lighthouse for a slice of Victorian sponge and a pot of tea while the wind howls outside.

My Local Tip: Park at St Margaret’s Bay and walk up—it’s a steep climb but the views of the churning sea are worth every step.

• Location: The Front, St Margaret’s Bay, Dover CT15 6HP

15. Go Antique Hunting in Hungerford Arcade (Sandwich)

If the February rain sets in, I head to the medieval town of Sandwich. I love getting lost in the various antique shops and the “Sandwich Antiques & Collectables” centre is perfect place to find a treasure. It’s smaller and more intimate than the huge emporiums in Hythe town and it’s tucked away in beautiful timber-framed buildings. You can spend an hour browsing for silver spoons or vintage postcards, then pop next door to a cosy cafe for a hot drink.

• Location: 38-44 High St, Sandwich CT13 9EB
• Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
• Tickets: Free entry.

16. The “History Makers” at Dover Castle

I think Dover Castle is one of the most impressive sights in the country. In February, they usually run a “History Makers” event for half-term where kids can meet characters from the past. Even if it’s windy on the cliffs, the Secret Wartime Tunnels are underground and stay at a steady temperature, so they are perfect for escaping a cold breeze!

• Location: Castle Hill Road, Dover CT16 1HU
• Opening Times: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Daily during half-term)
• Tickets: Adults approx. £21, Children £12.50 (Free for English Heritage members)

17. Visit the animals at Wildwood Trust

If the kids need to burn off some half-term energy, Wildwood (near Herne Bay) is my go-to. Because it’s set in ancient woodland, it feels like a proper winter adventure. The best part? The native British animals—like the wolves, lynx, and bison—are often far more active in the cold February air than they are in the summer heat.

They usually have a special half-term trail where kids can learn about British wildlife and earn a little prize.

• Location: Wealden Forest Park, Canterbury Rd, Herne Bay CT6 7LQ
• Opening Times: Daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
• Tickets: Adults £16.50, Children £13.50

This blog post was originally published on 5 January 2026 and last updated on 5 January 2026