Wise Words Festival

The Wise Words Festival in Canterbury runs for 10 days covering 2 weekends at the end April/beginning of May. The festival incorporates poetry, story telling, talks and music including family events. So having seen a family day advertised in conjunction with City Sound Project last year we thought we'd try a taster... there were lots of events listed on the website some free but many required pre-booking and payment in advance. So I booked the boys on to the Shake, Rattle and Roll drum workshop which was only £3 each and the tickets were emailed through.

We found the Secret Garden, which in itself is worth a little visit as usually hidden from view. It was decorated with ribbons, hanging frames, and I particularly liked the archway of books which added to the feel. There were various Tee-pee's, Bell Tent's and Yurt's set up for events. There was a little pallet stage with some dress up and a chalk board for the tots as well as a few craft sessions going on.

The Drum Workshop took place inside a bell tent and although I think there were a few more than expected all the kids got an African drum. They all had a great time learning different rhythms and rhymes, and performing at the end. I thoroughly recommended giving it a go this year.

Afterwards we purchased some refreshments (Gin cocktails were rather lush if your not driving), there were a variety of food and drink outlets and had a chill in the garden while the kids had a run about. Altogether we were probably there about 2 hours. This year if you choose the right day there are a few more free sessions and drop in craft sessions including puppet making and Mayday crowns so you can probably make more of a day of it than we did but recommend you book at least one event.

This year the festival runs from 28th April to 7th May. The free events include 'Mayday Dancing' on 1st May, 'Stories Woven from Wood' and the 'Lantern Parade' on Saturday 6th May which we unfortunately couldn't get to last year. Get busy making the lanterns for this at various workshops on both weekends. And the 'Sunday Kichen Session' with coffee and croissants on 7th May! So try something new; the kids will love it!

Our Top Picks for 2017:

For Pre-schoolers - 6,  is 'The Three Muskteers ' starring Three Half Pints of CBeebies fame at only £5 a ticket! (1st May)
For all ages 'Storytelling on the River' take a journey on a punt with stories of myths and legends with Emily Henessey. (6th&7th May)
For 7-11 yr olds 'Tongue Fu for Kids' a combination of spoken word, poets, rappers and comedians. (30th April)
For 12+ 'Poet in Da Corner' a combination of poetry, grime and movement inspired by dizzi rascal. (30th April)

Toddlers Cove

A Hidden gem in Canterbury and part of the Westgate Gardens, Toddlers Cove has come into its own as a destination playground since the revamp! Located along side the River Stour hidden from the ring road. Only about a 10 minute walk from Canterbury East and Canterbury West train station and a bit further from the bus station so great if your using public transport. There is a car park which unfortunately like the rest of Canterbury has seen a big price hike, gone is the 2 hours for a few pennies, now only 30 mins free parking then £1.50 an hour. Alternatively get the park and ride in from Wincheap for £3.

The playpark has a large variety of new wooden play equipment. Think platforms, slides, cargo nets, climbing walls. Add in a zip wire, sunken ship, basket swings, traditional swings and wooden tent style houses! There is still our old favourite the metal bus with slide from the original playpark and for my football mad 8yr old there is a grass area with metal goal.

There is even some outdoor gym equipment if you fancy a work out too!If your kids are big enough to just go it alone please be aware that you can't quite see the whole area no matter where you sit. We tend to let the little ones play in one area then move so we can see them in the other, it's not too close to the river but as anyone knows they can be pretty speedy in the wrong direction.

If their getting restless or you need to stretch your legs... you can take the path along the river,  east towards wincheap, this part of the Great Stour Way Cycle Path that goes right out to Chartham so remember to bring the kids bikes or just go for a stroll. Alternatively take the bridge over the river and head West through the beautiful Westgate Gardens ending up at the towers, don't forget to wave at passing boats or kayakers. If your feeling adventurous you could take a tour on the river with Westgate Punts, for a short trip 30/40minutes it's £12 per adult and £6 per child.

There are a few picnic benches at Toddlers Cove and plenty of room to lay out a rug if you want to stay for lunch. If the weathers reasonable then you will often find a snack wagon on site selling hot drinks, sandwiches and chips for a reasonable price. There is also always an ice cream van when the suns out in the school holidays!

The site now has 2 disabled toilets with baby change open throughout the day. A marked improvement on the old style conveniences although a shame they couldn't have stretched to fully accessible facilities as well as more play equipment for children with special needs.

There are various events put on throughout the year by the friends of Westgate Gardens or in conjunction with Tower House. Past events have included a Scary Scavenger hunt, Fun Day, Teddy Bears Picnic and the Scarecrow Trail! These activities are usually very good value for money. This Easter there is an Trail on Saturday 15th April for £2.50 each, follow the trail and receive an Easter Egg also look out for the Easter bunny and the price also includes Easter crafts. Or how about a spot of River Dipping during May half term, for £4 including booking fee per child book online or by phone. Look out for more events on the Website .