Is cabin fever setting in this summer? Children climbing the walls, couples itching for adventure, already tired of Pokémon GO?

Then it's the perfect time for a staycation in Kent, The Garden of England. We've rounded up some of the best events happening this summer, including:

• Kent Festivals
• Family Fun
• Big Days Out
• History Brought To Life
• Rainy Days
• Summer Cottages

Whether you want to be beside the seaside, go on safari or step back in time, you are sure to find a fantastic summer break. Make it a short break with a stay in a chic city centre hotel, trendy B&B by the sea or a self-catering cottage for that rural escape you've been searching for. And if you don't want to take the car, countless attractions and surprising beauty spots are accessible by Southeastern trains (www.southeasternrailway.co.uk), and by the county's bus network.

Have a look below to see what's on offer in Kent this summer, or for more information and inspiration, go to www.visitkent.co.uk.

NEW FOR SUMMER 2016

• Copper Rivet Distillery – Chatham (opening August)
• The Yarrow Hotel – Broadstairs (opened July)
• One Warwick Park Hotel – Tunbridge Wells (opened July)

KENT FESTIVALS

Broadstairs Folk Week

Music lovers, morris dancers or just those who like a spot of sea & sunshine with their tunes – there's only one place to be this summer. The beautiful, historic seaside town comes alive with song and dance from 5th- 12th August as one of the best folk festivals in the country takes place on the seafront. With more than 70 events a day, great food and drink, activities and workshops for youngsters AND an inviting sandy beach, there's plenty for all ages to enjoy http://www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk/

Music Mayhem at Dreamland Margate
You'd be forgiven for thinking Dreamland Margate feels like one big vintage festival…and this summer, it pretty much is! Follow the sounds (and screams) of delight to this sensational, seafront pleasure park and enjoy the retro-fitted rides and amusements from the Golden Age of British seaside holidays. This summer, there's a party every week with Twilight music sessions, concerts, Little Fish Big Fish children's rave, and Pride parties. Who needs Majorca when we've got Margate? https://www.dreamland.co.uk/

Cider Festival at Brogdale Collections
More than 50 local and artisan ciders, live music, trifle-eating competitions, demonstrations and a foraging tent – what's not to love about the annual Brogdale Cider Festival near Faversham? Taking place on the August Bank Holiday Weekend, there's lots for little festival goers to enjoy too, and plenty of food choices and tours of the orchards. FREE Shuttle bus running from Faversham Station to Brogdale throughout the weekend. ciderfestivalkent.co.uk/

Kent Life Ice Cream Festival

Cool off the old-fashioned way down at Kent Life this summer, as the attraction hosts its first ever Ice Cream Festival on 29th August, with ice cream vendors, chocolatiers and sweet stalls galore! The family-friendly farming attraction near Maidstone is the perfect place for a family day out and has a packed programme of activities this summer. http://www.kentlife.org.uk/

FAMILY FUN

bOing! International Family Festival

Canterbury's fantastic family arts festival comes bouncing back to The Gulbenkian Theatre this summer, bigger than ever. From Saturday 27th to Sunday 28th August, the theatre and grounds at University of Kent will host a packed programme of the very best in theatre, dance, music, and film for all the family. Expect magical performances and exciting experiences, including the premiere of Pinocchio by Jasmin Vardimon Company, the enchanting Dybwikdans' The Princess and the Pea, new commissions by leading arts and dance groups, and the UK premiere of Pop-Up Garden. Block out the bOing! weekend in your diary now for a festival your family will never forget. http://boingfestival.com/

Jousting Japes at Hever Castle

For a day trip fit for royalty this summer, head to Anne Boleyn's childhood home to see The Knights of Royal England battle it out at the Jousting Tournaments. Taking place throughout July and August, the thrilling tournaments in the stunning grounds are a must-see on a visit to the county. Why not join the Tudor Living weekend at the end of August for an authentic historic experience? Don't miss a visit to the new interactive Astor's Garden Legacy exhibition, for a rare insight into the design and creation of the stunning Hever Castle gardens. http://www.hevercastle.co.uk/

Theatrics at Leeds Castle
Thespians, theatre lovers and theatrical youngsters should set up camp at Leeds Castle this summer, as lashings of music, drama and adventure await. Little ones can don costumes and join professional actors to perform historic tales with the interactive theatre experience Heroes, Heroine and Hoods on 13th & 14th August.

Theatre and film fanatics can also grab the picnic basket and blanket and settle down to enjoy a magical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz on 5th and 6th August or the outdoor cinema on 30th July with a screening of Top Gun. These are just some of the family friendly activities and events taking place at the castle this summer – don't miss out! https://www.leeds-castle.com/home

BIG DAYS OUTS

Bonkers Bike Festival at Betteshanger Country Park

For fun-filled events for the whole family, make a bee-line for Betteshanger Country Park this summer. The sustainable park near Deal has a wide range of events including the free Bonkers Bike Festival. See awe inspiring bike based feats, including the unique spectacle of Bicycle Ballet's Strictly Bicycle, ride high with Mr Phoebus' Penny Farthing Experience, or enjoy mountain bike and wacky races for all. You can even race your own home-made two-wheeled vehicle or perhaps be the best dressed cyclist in the Fancy Dress Race? https://www.betteshanger-park.co.uk/

Command of the Oceans at The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Explore a submarine, command a warship, make your own rope, and set sail for your voyage through England's naval history. The Historic Dockyard Chatham's brand new visitor experience, Command of the Oceans, has opened in the enormous maritime site on the River Medway, offering families an even bigger day out this summer. Explore four superb new interactive galleries bringing the story of the Age of Sail to life, with imaginative audio-visual experiences, new discoveries from the dockyard's past, a brand new children's play area and new restaurant. What's more, one child goes free throughout this summer with every full paying adult! http://thedockyard.co.uk/explore/command-of-the-ocean/

Port Lympne Animal Reserve

For a full on safari experience but without the journey to Africa, look no further than Port Lympne Reserve near Hythe. Set over 600 acres, Port Lympne is home to the UK's most authentic safari experience, with 100 acres of African animals from giraffes to rhinos. This summer, you can also step back to the Jurassic period as you visit Port Lympne's Dinosaur Forest, home to the largest collection of life-size dinosaurs in Europe. And with amazing glamping options including the new stylish Shepherd's Hut, the reserve is perfect for short breaks with a twist for the whole family. http://www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne

Adventures with Winnie-The-Pooh at National Trust
Enjoy a world class day out at one of Kent's fantastic National Trust properties this season. From the glorious gardens of Sissinghurst Castle, Victorian fun days at Ightham Mote, or the deer galloping through Knole Park, there's somewhere for young and old alike to explore. This summer, families can even join Winnie-the-Pooh and friends in a series of trails around Kent properties from July to September. Help Pooh get ready for Eeyore's birthday at Emmetts Garden, or join him on an adventure trail at Sir Winston Churchill's former home Chartwell! https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Summer Camps at Bewl Water

Looking for ways to keep the kids entertained this summer? There are plenty of activities to choose from at Bewl Water, as kids aged five and over are invited to join some of the Children's Summer Camps from 25th July to 26th August. Available for full and half days, the camps have a huge range of fun-filled activities to enjoy – from football and cricket to cheerleading and pedalos! Booking is essential. https://www.bewlwater.co.uk

HISTORY BROUGHT TO LIFE

Romans invade Dover Castle
The mighty Roman army meets the fortress of Dover Castle on 30th and 31st July – which side will you be on? Kids can play their part by dressing up and joining the fun, and see how Romans lived by tasting culinary Roman delights, playing Roman games and testing their skills at archery. Come face to face with the Ermine Street Guard, be thrilled by the skill of the cavalry and choose the fate of those facing the brutal gladiators. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/dover-castle/events

Darwinian Discoveries at Down House
The family home of world-renowned scientist Charles Darwin comes alive this summer with a bevy of character-led workshops for youngsters. You can meet the Darwins from 26th to 30th July and find out about their life and work in Victorian England, become an archaeological explorer and uncover secrets at Brilliant Bones, get your thinking caps on with Ada Lovelace at Discoveries and Inventions, and discover Secret Science in the gorgeous English Heritage house and gardens. www.english-heritage.org.uk/downhouse

Medieval Merriment at Rochester Castle
Step back in time this August and see the castle in all its medieval glory on 13th and 14th August. The castle grounds will host a series of historic activities including have-a-go archery, falconry, a medieval jester and a living history camp complete with a trebuchet. The fun and games are free to all in the castle gardens, so there's no reason not to embrace the past and enjoy some medieval mayhem this summer.

The Canterbury Tales Medieval Story Garden

New for 2016 - immerse yourself in marvellous medieval activities at The Canterbury Tales, as a bevy of medieval characters take over the attraction's walled garden throughout August. Enjoy maypole dancing, learn at the knights' school, and experience the art of alchemy and storytelling in a beautiful medieval garden. The award-winning Canterbury Tale's team will be bringing medieval tradition and fun to life. All activities are included in your admission ticket. https://www.canterburytales.org.uk/

For Rainy Days….

In the unlikely event of rainfall this summer, there's still plenty for the whole family to see and do at Bluewater. With more than 330 stores, 40 cafes, bars and restaurants, a 13-screen cinema, you can spend the day indoors and still have plenty to show for it. Sports fans can have a ball at Football FEST, the world's first indoor football theme park, until 22nd August. Don't forget, that Bluewater also has great outdoor space and nature trails if the weather improves… http://www.bluewater.co.uk/

Summer Cottages

Kent has a huge array of self-catering cottages to choose from, and are a great choice for anyone looking for a hassle-free staycation. The Hive from Mulberry Cottages is the perfect place for a stylish getaway, with chic interiors, a swimming pool, and the many shops, bars and arts venues of Tunbridge Wells on your doorstep. https://www.mulberrycottages.com/cottage/holiday-cottages-in-kent/414188-the-hive/. Or you can head to the Oast Barn near Faversham for an idyllic rural getaway for two (still walking distance to the pub…) https://www.mulberrycottages.com/cottage/holiday-cottages-in-kent/414326-oast-barn-cottage/

But if you and your friends are hankering for a summer getaway together, look no further than Kent & Sussex Cottage's Upton Lodge in trendy Broadstairs – this gorgeous country house sleeps 10, is a stone's throw from Thanet's famous beaches, and has last minute availability in the last two weeks of August.

https://www.kentandsussexcottages.co.uk/cottage/coastal-kent/broadstairs/ek758-upton-lodge

For more information and inspiration, please visit www.visitkent.co.uk

ENDS

About Visit Kent
Visit Kent Ltd is the Destination Management Organisation for Kent (the Garden of England), championing the county's £3.4 billion tourism industry and supporting more than 67,000 jobs. It is recognised as one of the country's leading DMOs, targeting UK and overseas markets to raise Kent's profile as a premier destination, improving quality and skills within the industry, and growing investment in tourism. Visit Kent is a public/private sector partnership supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council, district and borough councils, and the leading sector tourism businesses in Kent.  For further information visit www.visitkent.co.uk (consumer) or www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk (business), or tweet @visitkent.