18 Best Things to Do in Kent in March: A Local’s Spring Guide (2026)

Discover the 18 best things to do in Kent this March. From spring walks at the White Cliffs of Dover to beautiful gardens and local events, explore the Garden of England before the busy Easter crowds with this insider guide.

I have lived in Kent for nearly 30 years and I’m always looking forward to March to see my favourite gardens in spring bloom and finally plan a longer walks as it’s starts to get warmer and the days are getting longer. I love that as the Garden of England wakes up, you get the first real display of daffodils and fruit blossoms across the orchards. It is a brilliant time to explore because the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, but the landscape is already turning a vibrant green.

My March guide includes the best activities and things to do across the county this month. I’m sharing my top picks for coastal walks along the White Cliffs of Dover, the best historic sites to visit before the peak season, and where to find a proper Sunday roast in a local pub. Some activities slightly overlap with things to do in February and in April, so make sure you check out those guides too.

Just remember that British springtime is notoriously fickle! You might experience bright sunshine and a sudden rain in the same afternoon. I always recommend layers and a reliable pair of boots, especially if you’re planning to explore our woodland trails which can still be a bit muddy.

Is March a good month to visit Kent?

In my opinion, March is a lovely time to visit if you enjoy spring weather and a bit of a quiet before the busy Easter holidays. The weather in March is getting milder (usually averaging between 8°C and 12°C in the shade), though I always say: don’t put your coat away just yet! You can definitely expect a few April showers arriving a month early.

I’ve lived here for nearly thirty years, and while February is about spotting those first brave snowdrops, March is when I feel the Garden of England truly wakes up. It’s a month of real optimism—the days are noticeably longer, and you’ll see golden carpets of daffodils appearing along our country lanes.

My other favourite thing about March are the beautiful apple and cherry blooms you get everywhere. Most of our world-class gardens and historic houses that took a break over winter officially reopen their doors, and because the schools are still in session for most of the month, you can often have these amazing places almost to yourself.

Special Days in March 2026:

• 15th March (Sunday): Mothering Sunday. This is a big day in Kent, so if you’re planning a pub lunch or afternoon tea, I highly recommend booking weeks in advance!
• 17th March (Tuesday): St Patrick’s Day. Look out for themed nights and live Irish music in the pubs of Canterbury and Rochester.
• 20th March (Friday): Spring Equinox. The official start of spring!
• 29th March (Sunday): British Summer Time begins. Don’t forget that the clocks go forward—it means an extra hour of daylight for those evening walks.
• 30th March (Monday): Most Kent schools break up for the Easter holidays on this day (Easter is the same week)

My local tip: Keep in mind that Mother’s Day is Sunday, 15th March 2026 and in my experience, many attractions especially Sissinghurst, Hever or Leeds Castle and the vineyards, will be very busy that weekend, so I’d recommend booking any tours or lunches at least a few weeks in advance.

1. Dazzling Daffodils at Hever Castle

I absolutely love Hever Castle in the spring. In mid-March, they host their “Dazzling Daffodils” event and it’s absolutely amazing! They plant close to 120,000 bulbs, creating huge waves of yellow across the grounds.

I find it’s the perfect place for a gentle walk through the gardens to see the first signs of the spring. If you want to take a longer walk, the circular walk around the lake takes about 45 minutes. The walk is mainly flat and you’ll get the chance to cross the river Eden couple of times. There are also garden tours where you can learn about the different varieties and you can of course visit the castle too.

• Location: Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
• Opening Times: Gardens open at 10:30 AM; Castle opens at 12:00 PM
• Tickets: Adults approx. £24, Children £14 (Usually a bit cheaper if you book online)

2. The Heart of Kent Walking Festival

If you’re like me and love blowing away the cobwebs after winter, March is perfect for hiking. I usually hike solo, but sometimes it’s nice to join a guided walk with a knowledgeable guide. The Heart of Kent Walking Festival is a fantastic initiative where local guides lead groups through the North Downs, pretty villages and hidden valleys.

It’s a 10-day celebration of our landscape with over 50 guided walks. Whether you fancy a “Night Walk” under the stars in Luddesdown or a “Royal Kentish Camino” pilgrimage walk to Canterbury, there is something for every fitness level. You can also join the “Wine and Wellness” walks that combine a hike with a visit to a local Kent vineyard like Balfour.

One of my favourites is the historical walk from Hollingbourne to Leeds Castle, which is about 8 miles taking you through a lovely Kentish countryside. Each year the walks are slightly different and you can choose from different lengths and difficulties.

• Location: Various starts (Maidstone, Charing, and Hollingbourne)
• Opening times: 20th–29th March
• Tickets: Many walks are free or have a small booking fee; pre-registration is essential via website.

3. Mother’s Day Tea at Kent Life

If you’d like to experience a old fashioned Kent rural life, I think Kent Life Heritage Farm Park is a great place to visit for Mothering Sunday. Their afternoon tea includes live music and table magic. What I like most is that your ticket usually includes entry to the whole farm, so you can go and see the newborn lambs afterwards. It’s a very relaxed, family-friendly way to spend the day.

My local tip: When I visited the Kent Life for the first time back in the 2000’s the site was originally set up as a Kent open-air museum with rural buildings saved from across the county. The buildings are still there and you still visit some inside.

• Location: Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU
• Opening Times: Events usually run from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tickets: Afternoon tea packages approx. £35–£40 per adult; standard entry is around £12.

4. Ocean Photographer of the Year at Chatham Dockyard

If the March weather turns a bit “British” (meaning rainy!), I head to the Historic Dockyard Chatham. Starting on 28th March 2026, they are hosting the Ocean Photographer of the Year exhibition. It’s a world-class gallery of marine photography housed in one of our most historic industrial settings. I think the contrast between the gritty, historic dockyard and the beautiful, fragile underwater images is just stunning.

• Location: Main Gate Road, Chatham ME4 4TZ
• Opening Times: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Tickets: Adults approx. £28.50 (but the ticket lasts for a whole year!), Children £18.

5. Rochester Rocks Festival

If you’re looking for something with a bit more volume, I think Rochester Rocks is a brilliant day out. It’s an all-day indoor rock festival held right in the heart of Rochester. I love the energy of this one—it brings together some of the most exciting rock acts in the country. It’s a great excuse to spend the morning exploring Rochester town’s independent shops and the historic Rochester castle before heading in for the music.

• Location: Casino Rooms, Blue Boar Lane, Rochester ME1 1PD
• Date: Saturday, 7th March 2026
• Tickets: Usually around £25 per person; booking in advance is a must as it’s a popular local gig.

6. Farm Expo 2026

For a true Garden of England experience, I think Farm Expo at the Kent Showground is fascinating. It’s not just for farmers! It’s a large exhibition that showcases the latest in rural life and technology. I enjoy learning about the farming machinery and talk to the local producers – it really gives you a sense of how the Kentish countryside actually works behind the scenes.

• Location: Kent Event Centre, Detling, Maidstone ME14 3JF
• Date: Wednesday, 4th March 2026
• Opening Times: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Tickets: Usually free to attend, but you often need to register for a ticket online in advance.

7. The Kent Card Show

If you’re a collector (or have kids who are!), the Kent Card Show is a huge event that takes over the Detling Showground at the very start of the month. It’s one of the biggest trading card events in the UK, covering everything from Pokémon to vintage sports cards. I think it’s a great indoor option if the March weather is looking a bit grey!

• Location: Kent Event Centre, Detling, Maidstone ME14 3JF
• Dates: Saturday 28th February – Sunday 1st March 2026
• Tickets: Usually start from approx. £10 for early bird entry.

8. Lambing at Frampton Farm

March is the peak of the lambing season, and Frampton Farm near Dover offers a more intimate “baby animal experience” than some of the larger commercial sites. You can meet pregnant ewes, new lambs, and Boer goat kids. It’s a very hands-on experience where you can often help with bottle-feeding.

• Location: Frampton Farm, Sutton, Dover CT15 5DF
• Dates: Sessions run throughout March 2026
• Tickets: Pre-booking is essential; prices are typically around £100 for a private group of up to 6 people.

9. Sissinghurst Castle Garden: The Daffodil Display

While Sissinghurst is famous for its beautiful White Garden in summer, March is when the orchard floor is completely transformed by thousands of yellow daffodils. The Lime Walk also looks amazing this month, filled with early spring bulbs like crocuses. It’s much quieter in March than in the peak summer months, which makes it easier to see everything, including climbing the castle’s tower for the pretty views.

• Location: Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook TN17 2AB
• Dates: Garden open daily; daffodils usually peak in mid-March.
• Tickets: Free for National Trust members; approx. £15 for non-members.

10. Pilgrimage of Love at Leeds Castle

Leeds Castle is launching a specific new event in March 2026 called the “Pilgrimage of Love.” This explores the history of Eleanor of Castile and is part of their wider spring program which includes the “Darling Daffodil Walks.” The castle grounds are extensive, so it’s a great place for a long spring walk combined with a bit of medieval history.

• Location: Broomfield, Maidstone ME17 1PL
• Dates: Starts 9th March 2026
• Tickets: Standard admission applies; tickets are valid for repeat visits for 12 months.

11. Blossom Tours at Brogdale Collections

I always say you haven’t seen the Garden of England until you’ve seen the orchards in bloom. Starting on 28th March 2026, Brogdale begins their guided blossom tours. I love walking through the National Fruit Collection when the apple trees are covered in delicate pink and white flowers. It’s a photographer’s dream and feels like the first real celebration of spring.

• Location: Brogdale Farm, Faversham ME13 8XZ
• Dates: Weekends from 28th March 2026
• Tickets: Adults approx. £15; booking is usually recommended for guided sessions.

12. Tenterden High Street Markets

If you would like to see a large Kentish farmer’s market, I highly recommend a Friday trip to Tenterden. In March 2026, they have two big High Street Markets on the 13th and 27th. I love the atmosphere here – you can pick up local cheeses, handmade crafts, and fresh spring flowers. It’s the perfect excuse to spend a morning wandering around the Tenterden followed by lunch in one of the many independent cafes.

• Location: High Street, Tenterden TN30 6AS
• Dates: Friday 13th and Friday 27th March 2026
• Tickets: Free to attend; runs from 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM.

13. Spring Workshops in Faversham

I think March is a great time to learn a new skill while we wait for the warmer weather. Faversham is hosting some lovely creative sessions this month, including a Lampshade Making Workshop on the 17th and Linocut Printing on the 23rd. There’s something so satisfying about spending a few hours being creative and then spend the rest of the day exploring the historic market town of Faversham!

• Location: Various venues in Faversham town centre
• Dates: 17th and 23rd March 2026
• Tickets: Prices vary by workshop, typically around £35–£50.

14. Folkestone Spring Festival & World Record Attempt

I think Folkestone is one of our most colourful towns in Kent, and it’s going to be buzzing on Saturday, 28th March 2026. Not only is there the Folkestone Spring Festival on Guildhall Street with local food and music, but there is also a Guinness World Record attempt happening at Sunny Sands beach from 12:00 PM. It’s a great chance to see the community come together and soak up that fresh sea air.

• Location: Sunny Sands and Guildhall Street, Folkestone
• Date: 28th March 2026
• Tickets: Free to attend and watch.

15. Spring Beach Clean at Pegwell Bay

If you’re like me and love giving back to our beautiful coastline, the Thanet Coast Project is hosting a Spring Beach Clean on Friday, 20th March 2026. It’s a lovely way to spend a couple of hours at the Sandwich & Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve. It’s great for kids too, as you get to learn about the local wildlife while helping protect their habitat.

• Location: Pegwell Bay, Cliffsend
• Date: 20th March 2026, starting at 2:30 PM
• Tickets: Free, but they usually ask you to book a spot on their website so they have enough litter pickers!

16. Stelling Minnis 10K

For those who prefer a more active start to the month, the Stelling Minnis 10K on Sunday, 1st March 2026 is a real local favourite. The route takes you across the ancient common land of the Minnis. Even if you aren’t running, I think it’s a lovely spot to visit for a morning walk followed by a coffee at the village store.

• Location: Stelling Minnis Village Hall (Start/Finish)
• Date: 1st March 2026, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Entry: Approx. £18–£20 if you want to race; free to spectate.

17. Seaweed & Their Secrets at Walpole Bay

This is one of those wonderfully quirky Kent events I really enjoy. On Tuesday, 31st March 2026, an expert from the Natural History Museum leads a walk at Walpole Bay to explore the world of seaweed. It sounds a bit niche, but it’s actually fascinating to see what’s hidden in our rockpools once you know what you’re looking for!

• Location: Walpole Bay, Margate
• Date: 31st March 2026, 4:30 PM
• Tickets: Usually by donation (approx. £5 suggested); suitable for ages 14+.

18. West Kent Expo 2026

If you’re interested in the local business scene or just want to see what our regional creators are up to, the West Kent Expo is happening on Wednesday, 11th March 2026. With over 60 exhibitors, it’s a great way to discover local suppliers and attend some practical workshops in the heart of Tonbridge.

• Location: The River Centre, Tonbridge TN9 1CH
• Date: 11th March 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Tickets: Usually free for visitors to attend.

This blog post was originally published on 21 February 2026 and last updated on 21 February 2026