Summer of Play at South Foreland Lighthouse
This summer, join us for South Foreland's Family Festival Fun. We've got sports day games, nature activities, and you can 'chill out' with some mindful activities. Or, book a lighthouse tour or scan your membership card for our luxury zone.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Whether you're young or young at heart, there’s lots of fun to be had this summer at South Foreland Lighthouse. From Saturday 19 July to Sunday 31 August, put your sun hat on, slap on some suncream and join us in one of our 'zones'. Our Active Zone features a selection of sports day games and activities. Try your hand at hula hoops, bean bags, skipping, skittles, quoits and more. Want to get closer to nature? Try our Nature Zone, where you can play 'guess the bird song, hunt some bugs, create art with nature or try building a den. Then there's our Chillout Zone, where you can enjoy some mindful colouring, animal yoga, or quiet meditation. Or why not book a lighthouse tour, or scan your membership card for access to our Luxury Zone, where you can borrow deckchairs, picnic blankets, binoculars and outdoor cushions. Our Summer of Play has something fun for everyone, so make the most of being outdoors this summer. No need to book. Games and activities are free of charge for all, subject to availability. Some may require adult help. While the children are playing, why not relax with a nice cuppa and one of our delicious cakes from Mrs Knott's tea room? Admission to the Lighthouse grounds is free; normal parking charges apply - National Trust members can park for free. Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Supervised children and dogs are welcome.
- Meeting point
Parking is at the National Trust White Cliffs Visitor Centre. Postcode CT16 1HJ, with a spectacular walk along the newly surfaced coast path to the Lighthouse.
- What to bring and wear
The games are outdoors, so please come prepared for the weather.
- Accessibility
If you are a disabled blue badge holder, please telephone the contact number for advice. Please see our accessibility statement on the Accessable website: https://www.accessable.co.uk/national-trust/access-guides/south-foreland-lighthouse-lighthouse-national-trust.
- Other
If our additional parking area is open, this is only a 15-minute walk to the Lighthouse. Games and activities are free to use and are not supervised - please ensure you and your children use the equipment responsibly. Admission to the Luxury Zone requires a lighthouse tour ticket or membership card scan. In case of bad weather, we may need to suspend games and outdoor activities for safety reasons. Admission to the lighthouse tower is by ticket only. Please purchase your tickets for the lighthouse tower tours at the shop. Members can tour the tower for free but must still collect a ticket from the shop.
Upcoming events
SE Kent Astronomical Society
Interested in stargazing? We have a special visit from the SE Kent Astronomical Society, who will bring some of their lovely telescopes and show us how astronomy can be enjoyed safely in the daytime too.
Storytelling with Viv at South Foreland Lighthouse
Does your child like a good story? Then bring them along to one of our Summer of Play storytelling events. We've some lovely, captivating stories to tell - and a lovely place to tell them in.
Summer Sports Day
Have fun with the family, the staff and the volunteers of the lighthouse on the last day of the Summer Holidays with our Summer Sports Day.