Looking for fun February half term activities with the kids? Bugs, Boots and Backpacks at Hever Castle is a hands-on outdoor adventure designed to get families exploring nature together.
Throughout February half term, children can become mini nature experts as they build bug hotels, create clay creatures and splash through the mud, in wellies. From collecting natural treasures to discovering how insects help our environment, this family-friendly event combines creativity, learning and outdoor play in the beautiful grounds of Hever Castle.
Wrap up warm, bring your backpack and pull on your wellington boots for a half term day out full of fresh air, discovery and messy fun. Activities are suitable for children of all ages and are included with general admission, unless stated otherwise.
Included in admission unless otherwise stated.
Location: Garden Exhibition
Dates: Daily from 14 to 22 February 2026
Time: 11:00 to 16:00
Children can explore the gardens to collect fallen twigs, leaves, bark, pinecones and stones, then use them to create their very own bug hotel. These natural materials can be taken home to finish, creating a cosy shelter for insects such as ladybirds, beetles and solitary bees. Please remember to only gather items found on the ground and not pick from trees or plants.
Location: Outside the Hever Shop
Dates: 14 to 22 February 2026
Visit our large handcrafted bug hotel built using natural materials gathered from the estate. Children can peek inside and learn about the tiny creatures that live there, discovering how insects play an important role in keeping nature healthy and thriving.
Location: Bell tent near the Hever Shop
Dates: 14 to 22 February 2026
Activity times: 11:00 to 16:00
Boot Parade: 11:30 and 14:30
Join Catkin and Conker for creative nature inspired workshops where children can make their own clay bug using sticks, leaves, conkers and other natural finds. There is also a backpack lucky dip and the chance to paint with mud on a giant canvas. Finish the experience by joining the Boot Parade, a joyful muddy march that celebrates outdoor play. Wellington boots are essential.
Catkin and Conker specialise in bringing nature to life through imaginative activities that add a sense of adventure and wonder to your family day out.
Join Lloyd of the Flies for a fun family AR bug hunt at Hever Castle this February! Scan marker boards around the gardens to unlock interactive scenes, pose with characters, take photos, and learn fascinating insect facts with help from the Royal Entomological Society. Included with admission.
Location: Garden Exhibition
Dates: Selected days during half term
Time: 12:00 to 16:00
Last face paint: 15:45
Price: £6 per person
Face painting is available with professional face painter Carol Slone from Sparkles Face Painting. Time slots are allocated on a first come, first served basis. To take part, book your slot with the face painter, visit the Courtyard Shop to pay, then return a few minutes before your allocated time.
Displayed in the grounds, the Earth Photo Exhibition features a curated selection of shortlisted images from the 2025 competition. Visitors can explore the exhibition at their own pace while enjoying the historic setting of Hever Castle and Gardens. The photographs share visually compelling stories that explore environmental change, human connection to the land and the global challenges facing our planet.
Always check details before travelling. Hever Castle reserves the right to close all or part of the Castle, grounds, catering outlets and activities, and to change or cancel and events. Please note that use of partner offers may be restricted or not valid on event days.
Book your visit to Hever Castle & Gardens.
Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
