Pawfest

The perfect day out for dog lovers and canine companions, Pawfest returns to Betteshanger Park near Deal on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October. Be prepared for a fun-filled weekend dedicated to dogs with activities for all breeds and sizes including an agility course and Best in Show, practical demonstrations, pet product stalls and opportunities for dogs to play and socialise. There will also be food and drink for accompanying humans.

Dogs receive as warm a welcome as you in the Dover, Deal and Sandwich area. To help you find your way around, we've curated lists of dog-friendly places to stay, eat and drink and visit on our website, and provided information on beach restrictions and dog-walking on our clifftops and in the countryside.

Click the links below to find out more.

See Roman Dubris

The extraordinary Roman Painted House in Dover is now open to the public, free of charge, every Saturday until the end of November and on Monday to Friday during half term week. Described as the finest Roman house on show in Britain, it dates from around 200AD and is a part of other significant Roman archaeology and remains found in the town.

Please complete the short visitor survey which will enable the council to seek grant funding to transform the Roman Painted House and nearby Roman Bath House and Roman Lawn into a leading heritage visitor attraction and preserve them for future generations.

Pumpkin picking

Head to Felderland Farm near Sandwich between 19 and 31 October to pick your own pumpkin (or squash). An instagrammable family-friendly activity, there’s a playground for young children, on-site coffee shop and lots of seasonal fun including face-painting on selected days (please see website). Pumpkin prices start at £2 for a small one. You are advised to wear wellies as the farm will get muddy (which may be tricky for prams, buggies and wheelchairs).

Halloween fun

If you’re fond of spooky happenings, there are plenty of creepy goings on in the area this Halloween, including a Halloween trail at Kearsney Parks on Wednesday 30 October, 10am-3pm. Each child who completes the trail will receive a sweet treat, sticker and a certificate to colour in. There will also be the opportunity to meet and hold rescue owls, face painting and other activities too! Dressing up is optional but it’s a good opportunity to wear your spookiest costume. Tickets are limited so book early.

October half-term holiday

It’s not too late to book a break in the Dover, Deal and Sandwich area for half term week. From cosy, self-catering cottages and homely bed & breakfasts to restaurants with rooms and beachfront hotels, there are plenty of lovely places to stay for a family trip to the coast. You’ll find magnificent castles to explore and loads of other visitor attractions that are sure to appeal to all ages, plus child-friendly events during half term. See our website for details of places to stay and fantastic things to do while you’re here.

Explore Crabble Mill

Visit one of the best-preserved working watermills in the southeast in River just outside Dover. Crabble Corn Mill gets its power from the River Dour, a rare chalk stream that runs past, and is open to the public every day except Fridays from 11am to 3pm. If you’re lucky, the wheel will be turning, and the miller will be milling wheat into flour (which you can buy to take home). Run by volunteers, the mill is a wonderful visitor attraction giving a glimpse into our incredible industrial heritage and demonstrating the age-old flour-making process. Guided tours for a family (2 adults and 2 children) are just £13.