The summer season is upon us and there are so many exciting family activities and attractions in the Garden of England.

Explore the wonderfully refreshing Kentish countryside and the many colourful country parks and beaches, or take a trip to Kent's inspirational historical attractions with exciting events for children during the summer holidays. For more inspirational ideas and what to do in the Garden of England this summer, go to www.visitkent.co.uk [4]

Countdown to the Olympics- one year to go!

There is just one year left until the most exciting event this Century begins - the 2012 Games. Kent will be celebrating in style, both with the Torch Relay passing through Dover and Maidstone on its way to London, but also during the Paralympics, when the Paracycling will wind its way through North Kent and Brands Hatch.

Kent is a matter of minutes from the Olympic Park, thanks to Southeastern's High Speed trains from Ashford International and Ebbsfleet International Stations, making Kent the perfect destination to stay during the 2012 Games with its exceptional accommodation and attractions. To see and book our range of accommodation on offer go to www.visitkent.co.uk [5]  and for more information on Kent and the 2012 Games click here.

Discover Kent with a Kent Greeter

Kent Greeters are a fun, friendly group of volunteers who harbour a passion about their local area. They want to share their enthusiasm with visitors, taking them on a tailored tour to suit their interests and needs, whether that's ancient history or the hottest shops around! The service is completely free and has enhanced the holidays of over one hundred visitors, giving them the opportunity to wander off the beaten track and discover hidden gems in Kentish towns and countryside.

Booking a Greet with a Kent Greeter is simple and easy to do. Just visit www.kentgreeters.co.uk [6]  and fill in an application form online. Depending on your chosen area and interests, we will assign you a Greeter who will then phone to confirm a meeting place and time. The Greet is friendly and fun and designed to welcome visitors to the county and make them feel at home.

Entertain the children in Kent this summer

This summer, enjoy unlimited entrance to Dickens World for a whole year with the new annual pass, available now in celebration of Dickens World's fourth anniversary. This fantastic offer is available at just £20 for adults and £10 for children. To book advance tickets email bookings@dickensworld.co.uk [7]  or just turn up to buy your annual pass.

Kent and East Sussex Railway will be hosting many great events to salute the summer including ‘Kids for a Quid', giving two children travel for £1 with every adult. Enjoy traditional steam train travel through the Kentish countryside from Tenterden to Bodiam in East Sussex until 28th August. For information on all summer events go to www.kesr.org.uk [8] .

Have your children ever dreamt of performing on stage in the West End, singing and dancing along to their favourite musical? With six weeks of cheerful and entertaining musical events featuring hit shows Glee and Grease, 'Camp Hop - A Musical Medley' is the perfect event to be at this summer in the family friendly surroundings of The Hop Farm Family Park. Book tickets online now at www.thehopfarm.co.uk .

Get 20% off Southeastern train travel this summer

Visit the best of Kent for less this summer with Southeastern's fantastic discount offer - travel off peak until the end of August and get 20% off train tickets!

Combined with our great 2 for1 offers across many of Kent's top attractions, this is definitely not an offer to miss! Plus, with regular services from Kent to London, experience the captivating history of the Tower of London and watch dazzling West End shows. A wide range of exclusive London restaurants are also offering summer discounts.

Taste the delicious summer menu at Turner Contemporary

The inspirational Turner Contemporary gallery opened in April this year and has now launched its exclusive summer menu inspired by the finest locally produced ingredients. Available every Saturday, this exceptional menu is presented with a complimentary glass of Prossecco or Fino Puerto Sherry.

Led by locally established Head Chef Adrian Mowl, customers can indulge in a mouth watering three course meal for £23 or celebrate the summer with tapas bowls for £6 each.

Kent food needs your votes!

To celebrate British Food Fortnight's 10th anniversary, vote for your favourite Kent restaurant to make our county the best food spot in Britain! Log on and register your vote now at www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/votefoodspot [9]  before 11th September, and help make Kent the top spot for food!

Peddle your way across the Isle of Sheppey

Cycling on the Isle of Sheppey is a magnificent day out for the whole family. With its inspiring historical background and traditional seaside amenities, the new Sheerness Way, a six mile route of circular trails, is ideal for all keen cyclists.

Cycle over the bridge at Barton's Point Coastal Park to discover the Canal Bank, a mid 19th century ditch and mound fortification produced to protect the Sheerness Naval Dockyard. Continue the circuit with a short detour into the famous area of Blue Town, famous for its ramshackle houses built out of short pieces of wood known as Chips.

If this isn't enough then take a trip to one of the oldest and surviving clocktowers in Kent, standing at 36 feet tall after being built in 1902 to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VIII.

To discover the Isle of Sheppey's new routes, and many more great news across Kent, go to www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent [10].

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©