The Kent Mumma Edit

02/09/2026

🐉🚣‍♀️ Eeek, are you excited for the Dragon Boat Race in Tonbridge this Sunday?!

The Dragon Boat Race has really become one of the top social events in the Tonbridge calendar, and it’s one we’ve really enjoyed attending over the last few years. It’s such a great community event and there’s always such a lovely atmosphere around the castle waters! ❤️

The Tonbridge Lions Club annual Dragon Boat Race returns this Sunday 6th September, with teams competing in heats from 9am, followed by the grand final later in the day.

If you’ve never watched dragon boat racing before, it’s definitely something a little different! 🐉 Teams of up to 16 people race in these huge dragon boats, paddling together over around 250m — and it’s surprisingly exciting to watch as they battle it out to reach the finish line! 🚣‍♂️

📍 Watergate (Big Bridge), Tonbridge High Street
📅 Sunday 6th September 2026
⏰ 9am – 4.30pm
💷 FREE

Even better, all proceeds from the event are donated to local charities and good causes, making it a brilliant event to support while enjoying a day out in Tonbridge.

And this year it coincides with the Tonbridge Food & Drink Festival, so there’s even more reason to head into town and make a day of it! 🍔🍰🥤

We’ve really enjoyed watching this over the years and it’s one I’d definitely recommend adding to your weekend plans if you haven’t been before.

Will we see you there? 🐉🚣‍♀️

For more details, head over to the Tonbridge Lions page.

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

🎒🍂 Are you ready for back to school?

You can definitely tell it’s nearly time for back to school because the weather finally feels like it’s changing after months of heatwaves and what feels like perpetual summer! ☀️🍂

I think I’m finally coming round to the idea that autumn is nearly upon us… those dark, cold evenings snuggled up in cosy blankets, everything having to be pumpkin spiced 🎃 and, of course, lots of cosy hot chocolates! ☕️🤎

One of my favourite things to do in autumn has to be a visit to Knole - National Trust. There’s something so magical about taking in all its grandeur and splendour, and because it’s so vast, there’s always so much to see and explore! 🍂🏰

And this autumn, there’s an extra reason to visit because The Gruffalo trail has arrived! 🐾🌳

From Saturday 29 August – Sunday 1 November, you can explore the parkland and Orangery with family and friends as you hunt for 12 giant, hand-painted Gruffalo sculptures. 🎨🐾

Each sculpture has been individually painted by artists, with designs inspired by the patterns, shapes and environments found in nature — making the trail a lovely way to see the familiar characters brought to life in a completely different way. 🍂🌳

The Gruffalo at Knole is presented by the National Trust and Wild in Art, in collaboration with Magic Light Pictures.

🎟️ Good to know:
Pre-booking admission to Knole is essential to guarantee entry. The trail is included with normal admission, with the minimum admission ticket required being an Outdoor and Tower ticket per person.

🍂 So if you’re looking for something to get you feeling excited about autumn, this sounds like such a lovely family day out!

Have you visited Knole before? And are you ready for autumn yet? 🎃🍂

30/08/2026

🎅🏼✨ Are you looking for an affordable grotto experience that the whole family can enjoy?

While some popular Christmas experiences, like the Polar Express, have already opened for bookings this year, don’t worry — you haven’t missed the grotto bookings! 🎄

Many garden centres offer fantastic grotto experiences at much more affordable prices for families, with locations closer to home and often lots of other things to see and do indoors too. So, for those cold winter days, they can be an ideal choice! ❤️

One of our favourite grotto experiences is Polhill Garden Centre, which is around a 30-minute drive from Tonbridge.

🎅🏼 During the session, the group will gather for a festive story or song with Santa before the children get the chance to share their Christmas wishes. A professional photographer will also be on hand to capture the special moment, and every child will receive a special present to take home. 🎁

Sessions are limited to just 10 children, with dates running at weekends from early November, then daily from late November until Christmas Eve.

🎟️ Booking is available online only, so don’t miss out on creating those special Christmas memories with your loved ones.

Tickets go on sale from 3rd September, so it’s definitely worth booking early if you’d like to secure a slot! 🎄

And while you’re there, why not make a day of it?

☕ Visit the café located at the far end of the centre
🎄 Marvel at all the beautiful Christmas decorations — and perhaps pick up a few to add to your collection
🎁 Have a look around the kids’ department for some Christmas presents
🥩 Don’t forget to stop off at the butchers and farm shop for some yummy goodies — perfect for putting together a Christmas hamper or picking up a lovely host gift!

It’s a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit without spending a fortune. ❤️🎅🏼

Would you choose a garden centre grotto this Christmas? 🎄👇🏼

29/08/2026

29/08/2026

Does your little one start school or nursery this September? 🎒 Or are you looking for a quick and easy way to label school uniform and belongings before the new term?

I’ve been using Easy2Name clothing labels since my eldest started school in 2023, and I genuinely wouldn’t be without them! They stick on really well, last for ages through countless washes, and have saved us from a few lost items.

As well as clothing labels, they also offer:
✨ Shoe labels
✨ Iron-on labels
✨ Name stamps
✨ Wristbands
✨ And lots more!

If you’re looking for a simple, reliable way to help keep your child’s belongings safe and make school mornings that little bit easier, I’d definitely recommend giving easy2name a try. 💙

I also use these on the kids water bottles and packed lunch bags! Have you started getting everything ready for September yet? 📚✏️

29/08/2026

🎬🍿 Looking for some films for the kids to enjoy over the summer holidays?

Whether you’re hoping to give yourself a little bit of peace and quiet 😅, looking for something to watch together as a family, or just wanting to try something new, here are a few films we’ve been enjoying this summer:

🎬 My Neighbour Totoro
🧌 Shrek
🧸 Toy Story 1–5
🚀 Lightyear
🦣 Ice Age
🐶 Homeward Bound
🐾 Paw Patrol
⚡ Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban
🐻 The Jungle Book
🌳 The Magic Faraway Tree

We’ve got a 4 & 7 year old, so finding films they can both enjoy isn’t always easy!

Have you got any favourite family films you’d recommend we try next? 🎥🍿

I’m always looking for new ideas for those rainy days, quiet afternoons and cosy movie nights! ❤️

27/08/2026

Dunorlan Park Tunbridge Wells in Tunbridge Wells is always a must on our summer holiday bucket list! 🌳☀️

I normally turn it into a mini adventure, but taking a bus trip there from where we live in North Tonbridge requires 2 buses there and back, so it’s quite a journey — but so much fun! 🚌

As we were running out of time to visit before the holidays ended, we decided to go by car this time. 🚗

The views here are beautiful and there are so many lovely spots to explore. Our must-see spots are the children’s natural play area, complete with the Dunorlan Dragon 🐉, the Grecian Temple, the fountain and, of course, the huge boating lake. 🦆🌊

We also popped into the café, which has such lovely views across the park. The staff were really friendly and there’s an extensive menu with plenty of food and drink options — perfect for refuelling after exploring! ☕️🥪

Another lovely day out ticked off our summer holiday bucket list! 💚

27/08/2026

💔 RIP Dolly Parton 💔

A country legend who not only brought so much joy to people through her music, but spent her life helping, encouraging and inspiring others.

Throughout her life, Dolly supported communities in need, particularly in her home state of Tennessee. She funded medical research that helped lead to the development of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, donated to wildfire victims and even helped protect the once-endangered bald eagle, America’s national bird. (The Guardian)

But for me, one of the most incredible parts of Dolly’s legacy is her Imagination Library. 📚❤️

Through the programme, millions of children around the world have received free books, helping encourage a love of reading and giving children the gift of imagination.

And the reason behind it makes it even more special.

The Imagination Library was inspired by Dolly’s father, who couldn’t read or write. Dolly once wrote that she believed, deep down, her daddy was prouder of the library than he was of her career.

In 1988, she established the Dollywood Foundation to help support children’s education, and the Imagination Library became one of its most important projects.

But Dolly’s generosity didn’t stop there.

In the early 1990s, she offered seventh and eighth-grade students in Sevier County, Tennessee, $500 if they graduated high school. They had to have a buddy to keep each other on track — and it worked. The dropout rate reportedly fell from 35% to just 6%.

It’s easy to look at Dolly Parton and see a country music icon, but her legacy is so much bigger than the songs she gave us.

She helped children read.
She supported communities.
She gave people hope.
She encouraged education.
And she used her success to help others.

What an incredible woman and an incredible legacy. ❤️

RIP Dolly Parton. 🕊️

Thank you for the music, the kindness and the millions of little imaginations you helped inspire. 📚✨