Enjoy the May Bank Holiday and half term at Bluewater

by | May 24, 2016 | Where to go locally

Head to Bluewater for events and activities to keep all the family entertained. You can shop until 9pm and the restaurants and cinema are open until late.

At Pirate’s Cove Adventure Park, guests of all ages can navigate their way through two adventure-filled 18-hole mini golf courses, featuring pirate ships, cascading waterfalls, castles and sunken boats, followed by family fun aboard the Pirate Pedaloes over on the Blue Lagoon.

For families who enjoy a sweeter treat, Krispy Kreme at Bluewater will be hosting a series of activities over the break for all to enjoy:

· Doughnut-decorating workshops, 10am-12pm (28th – 30th May & 4th and 5th June)

· Colouring competitions, all day (28th May – 5th June)

· 15 minute doughnut tours, 10am-12pm (31st May and 1st June) £4.85pp

· Face painting, 10am-12pm (2nd and 3rd June)

For a more serene experience, guests are invited to explore the 50 acres of stunning parkland and lakes surrounding Bluewater. This beautiful space is a haven for many species of flora and fauna, and is the perfect place for family walks and cycle rides. The great outdoors at Bluewater is also home to three kid’s playgrounds, including sandpits, climbing areas and an adventure trail.

Film fans can head to Showcase Cinema De Lux to enjoy the latest movie releases. As well as The Angry Bird Movie (out 13th May) and Thomas and Friends: The Great Race (out 21st May), the cinema will be screening the latest instalment in the X Men franchise – X Men: Apocalypse (out 18th May) starring Jennifer Lawrence and James McAvoy.

For added thrills, the Sega XD Theatre is a must. The 4D motion ride – the first of its kind in England – gives people the chance to watch 3D movies with motion seats and giant fans to experience a film like no other.

Younger family members will have a great time at Splat, the soft play zone where children up to the age of seven can leap about and run riot. A small Splat play area for under threes is also available offering lots of fun and entertainment for tiny tots.

THE VERY BEST SHOPPING & DINING

Bluewater has over 300 stores offering the latest brands and fashion must-haves. As well as leading brands such as Reiss, Anthropologie and American Eagle Outfitters, Europe’s leading retail destination has recently opened its doors to New Look Men (20th May).

There’s plenty for kids too with stores including LEGO, The Entertainer, Early Learning Centre and Disney Store offering the latest toys, games and merchandise. Mini creatives should head to Smiggle, Australia’s most colourful stationery brand, which is filled to the brim with bright and bold stationery, bags, lunchboxes, accessories and gadgets.

Vistors can also enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Bluewater, with lots of family favourites such as Côte, Byron and the newly opened Bella Italia which boasts a full size gelato van serving fresh Italian ice cream.

For more info visit www.Bluewater.co.uk

LOCAL CHILDREN GIVEN CHANCE TO SHINE IN THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS PANTO AT THE ORCHARD THEATRE

Young performers across Kent are being given the chance to step into the spotlight this Christmas as The Orchard Theatre announces open auditions for this year’s magical family pantomime, Cinderella. Youngsters aged 9–16 (school years 4–11) are invited to audition for...

Bluewater to Host ‘The Monster’ – One of the World’s Largest Inflatable Obstacle Courses

Bluewater is set for an action-packed summer as one of the world’s largest inflatable assault courses, The Monster, arrives during the summer holidays, with tickets on sale now. From Saturday 18th July to Monday 31st August, the Kent shopping and leisure destination...

Orchard Theatre – WE’RE HIRING

The Orchard Theatre Announces Search for a New Buildings and Technical Manager to Lead Landmark Reopening Following a period of major refurbishment, Dartford’s iconic Orchard Theatre is officially launching a nationwide search for a visionary Buildings and Technical...

‘A Brief History of Me and My Time’ – Local Author’s new book is released in September

My name is Richard Winston. I am a retired teacher of languages, living in Sidcup. Since retirement I have written a couple of novels and a memoir. The novel, called "The Seed of Change", is currently with Troubador Publishers and is due for release on 28th September....

Dartford’s Night Food Market returns with a World Cup twist

Dartford will once again host its popular Night Food Market on Friday 12 th  June, transforming the town centre into a vibrant celebration of flavour, live entertainment, and community spirit.  Visitors will be able to taste their way around the...

The Kindness of Strangers: A Reminder of What Unites Us

We never truly know how a day is going to unfold. One moment you are enjoying a sunny  Sunday afternoon listening to the Bandstand Concert in Dartford’s Central Park. The next you  are waking up from a sudden blackout, surrounded by confusion and panic....

Dartford Juniors lift the inaugural Kent County Chess Association Foundation Cup

Dartford Juniors are the 2026 KCCA Foundation Cup champions — and the first team ever to lift the trophy. On Saturday 30th May, our squad beat Petts Wood & Orpington 2½–1½ in a tense final to write their names into Kent chess history. The Foundation Cup is a...

“FAMILIES CALL US THE COMFORT BLANKET”

“When you spend time with Tina, you quickly understand why families remember her. She puts people at ease immediately and makes families feel like they’re not going through difficult moments on their own. Tina brings warmth and reassurance into people’s homes every...

Paralympian JohnBoy Smith to Scale the O2 in Wheelchair for We Are Beams

Commonwealth Games Medallist, Team GB Paralympian and Patron of We Are Beams JohnBoy Smith is taking his support to new heights by undertaking a breath taking wheelchair climb over the iconic O2 Arena in London. This special fundraising event, which will take...

Pop Icon Sinitta and Drag Royalty Divina De Campo announced to headline Dartford Pride

Pop Icon Sinitta and Drag Royalty Divina De Campo Announced to Headline Milestone 5th Anniversary of Dartford Pride. Orchard West, in partnership with Dartford Borough Council, is thrilled to announce that 80s pop sensation Sinitta will headline PrideFest: The Party...