Summer fun in Canterbury

Looking for fun things to do in Kent during the summer holidays? Here’s what’s happening at Canterbury Museums & Galleries…

the facade of a grand tudor style building with large arched windows, decorative woodwork and three triangular roofs.

The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday but closed Mondays (except Monday 26 August 2024 when we’ll open for the Bank Holiday!)

All summer you’ll find activities throughout the galleries as well as comfortable spaces to slow down and relax. In addition to all of our usual activities, there’s always something new to discover at The Beaney and this summer is no different….


Spymaster

Get the family together and test your skills, creativity and knowledge around the museum! Reveal hidden messages, find clues and solve a variety of fun tasks.


an old envelope with red wax seal with a B design. The word 'Spymaster' is written in red

How it works…

  • Pick up a trail from an information desk (£2 suggested donation)
  • Find a location on the trail and ask staff for a Spymaster Task
  • Tasks can be completed in any order
  • For each successful task you complete you will get a stamp
  • Collect five stamps to become a certified Beaney Spymaster!

(Slightly older visitors might spot some bonus tasks hidden around the museum to take part in on social media!)

All ages welcome, younger children may need support with some tasks. Sensory Spymaster bags are also available from the Aphra Behn: Literature’s Best Kept Secret exhibition.

Available Saturday 8 June to Sunday 18 August 2024 (closed Mondays)

£2 Suggested donation


Spymaster was inspired by Canterbury’s Aphra Behn – 17th century playwright, poet, fiction-writer, translator… oh, and international spy!

Make sure you visit the exhibition…


Aphra Behn: Literature’s Best Kept Secret

Alongside amazing historical objects including 17th century armour, helmets, spy letters and other treasures, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep kids entertained!


Hoist the city basket!

Step into the streets of 17th century Canterbury, fill the city basket with food and hoist it up to prisoners in Westgate Towers. Nearby you’ll find artworks and artefacts that help illustrate what the city was like around 400 years ago!



Take to the stage!

Aphra Behn was a fantastically popular playwright and although many people haven’t heard of her she was actually the first professional woman writer in English (no wonder she’s getting her own statue in Canterbury!)

In the exhibition you’ll find costumes and props to enact your own historical performances – remember to share your photos with us!

Open Saturday 8 June to Sunday 18 August 2024 (closed Mondays)

£3 Suggested donation



Activities for visitors with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

If you’re visiting with someone who would benefit from some sensory support or different ways of exploring the museum then pick up a free SEND Family backpack!

Or if you’re feeling more like a detective than an explorer go to the Aphra Behn exhibition and ask for a Sensory Spymaster Bag!

On Wednesday 31 July we’ll be running an Arts Award ‘Discover Level In a Day’ event for Children and Young People under 18 years old with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

Email Learning@canterbury.gov.uk to find out more and take part (Limited availability. Booking essential)



Summer treats

The gift shop is packed full of fun things, from unique games, geology, and Smallfilms merchandise you’ll find special gifts for the whole family here.

The Beaney is a free for everyone, so buying something from the gift shop is a great way to support the museum!


Canterbury Roman Museum

The Roman Museum will be open every day of the summer holidays and Kids Go Free* so make sure you plan a trip!


A mother and two young boys in a museum investigating a large illustration of Roman Cabterbury/ Behind them is a museum display case with artefacts

Explore Roman Canterbury together and discover ancient artefacts such as iron age helmets, coins, jewellery, sculpture and the amazing remains of the Roman Town House with beautiful mosaic floor.

Pick up  your Mosaic Makers Kit (£5) and create your own miniature piece of Roman Canterbury. The perfect memento for a memorable summer trip to Canterbury (and go to activity for a rainy day during the holidays).

*Offer available from Wednesday 24 July to Sunday 1 September 2024. 2 Kids Go Free per paying adult


Find out more

Our website has lots of handy information to help plan your visit as well as listings of What’s On and coming up at the museums.

Plan your visit to The Beaney Book your visit to Canterbury Roman Museum

We hope to see you soon!

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Artefacts in exhibition case The Beaney Museum

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