The peak of the summer season is here and there are so many exciting and cultural activities on offer in the county throughout August and September.

 With fantastic discounts on train travel within Kent and 2 for1 entry into many of the county's top attractions, make the most of the summer sun with a visit to the Garden of England.

For more inspirational ideas on great days out go to www.visitkent.co.uk [4]

They have the perfect recipe to keep all the family entertained during the summer holidays without even the hassle of driving and finding a parking place at the county's many tourism honeypots.

Top attractions, restaurants, shopping centres, luxury cottages and more are offering a whole selection of 2 for1 offers and special discounts for people taking advantage of Southeastern trains, and Stagecoach and Arriva buses. Start planning your trip now and download your 2 for1 vouchers at www.visitkent.co.uk/offers

Indulge in cheap, guilt free days out to Kent's fantastic attractions with Southeastern's 20% off promotion on off peak train tickets throughout August when you buy online. With so many exciting summer events and the forthcoming bank holiday, there is no better excuse than to treat yourself to a day out in the Garden of England! To book your tickets now, go to www.southeasternrailway.co.uk

This year is the 20th anniversary of Kent's native hit TV series 'The Darling Buds of May', which was filmed in the beautifully picturesque village of Pluckley and its surrounding areas of the North Downs.

The comedy drama set in the 1950s captures the life of the lovable Larkin family living on a Kentish farm in the heart of the countryside. Celebrate this iconic television series with a trail through the Kent countryside, taking in many of the rural attractions made famous by the programme.

Click here...to download your free trail and while you're there don't forget to enter the great competition.

Explore the spectacular trail in your own time or gain a unique and exclusive behind the scenes insight with a Kent Greeter, a local volunteer who harbours a passion for the village. Your personal greeter will have a special knowledge of the area and will show you sights that you would never have imagined were there. They will also share their experiences of nearby restaurants and attractions that have fascinating connections with The Darling Buds of May.

As part of Kent's Summer of Culture, the Folkestone Trennial is presenting an array of fascinating art works based on the unique features of the charming harbour town.

The stunning collection of sculptures, films, installations and sound works are displayed around the historic and coastal areas of the town and have been inspired by local and international artists.

The Folkestone Triennial provides visitors with a unique and fascinating illustration of contemporary Britain and is a brilliant, low cost day out for the whole family. There is an exciting programme of events scheduled until the end of the Triennial on 25th September, including guided tours with local artists and activities taking place in the Leas Cliff Hall.

For a full list of events go to www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk

During August Bank Holiday there are lots of events for the whole family.

Children can set sail on their own nautical adventure and learn the ropes of seafaring at Time Travellers Go...Seafaring from 27th to 29th August at Dover Castle or celebrate everything you love about your favourite woolly friends at Kent Life's Sheep Fest (to 29th August) with a fascinating daily sheep show and an exciting hunt to find the missing sheep!

For an outdoor experience, go al fresco at Scotney's Castle's And All That Jazz, sipping Champagne and enjoying a picnic in the grounds whilst listening to classic swing hits from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Michael Bublé, or enjoy an outdoor performance Wind in the Willows at Leeds Castle on 27th and 28th August, presented by the Cambridge Touring Theatre.

Step back in time to the pinnacle of the Peninsular War at Penshurst Place for a weekend of regency events, see Tudor Falconry at Hever Castle, watch a fantastic adaptation of Fantastic Mr Fox at Bedgebury Pinetum or marvel at the magnificent Titanic Honour & Glory exhibition at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.

For more fantastic events this summer, go to www.visitkent.co.uk/whats-on [5]

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©