DAYSOUT
FAMILY FUN IN KENT
WHAT BETTER TIME TO MAKE FUN, LASTING MEMORIES THAN DURING THE SIX-WEEK SCHOOL SUMMER HOLIDAY? WHETHER BIG OR SMALL, THERE ARE ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUDGET- FRIENDLY ADVENTURES AND EXPERIENCES ACROSS KENT- THE PERFECT SEASON IN THE IDEAL PLACE TO CREATE MEMORABLE MOMENTS TOGETHER, WHERE SIX WEEKS CAN BE PACKED FULL OF ACTIVITIES TO SUIT EVERY FAMILY WITH EASE.
THE WILD SIDE
For families looking to enjoy a wildlife day out, Howletts Wild Animal Park( aspinallfoundation. org) is a must-visit this summer. Home to more than 390 animals, the park is renowned for its incredible collection of rare and endangered species including Kent’ s only giant anteaters, the largest herd of African elephants in the UK and the country’ s largest groups of gorillas, leopards and monkeys.
Set across 90 acres of parkland, Howletts offers a day of adventure for all the family, with the chance to get up close to some of the world’ s most fascinating animals. Families can learn about the park’ s pioneering conservation work, breeding programmes and reintroductions of rare and endangered species to the park, and throughout the summer holidays, visitors can also enjoy free animal talks and feeding sessions- all included in the entry ticket.
Little explorers can continue their wildlife exploration through the woodland walk, where life-sized prehistoric creatures can be discovered. If you are lucky, you could encounter a woolly mammoth or sabretooth tiger hiding amongst the trees. and countryside, the centre is dedicated to protecting some of Britain’ s rarest native farm animals. Families can enjoy pig feeding and tractor rides, and woodland walks across farmland- along the way, you’ ll discover a variety of rare animals so it’ s a really fun day out to learn about the UK’ s native species.
While you’ re there, be sure to visit the Royal Golden Guernsey goats, classified as a rare breed in the UK. The breed was almost extinct during the Second World War and the breed’ s survival is entirely credited to Miss Miriam Milbourne, who managed to hide a small group of her goats from German soldiers.
Once the war had finished, her brave act initiated a breeding programme which managed to successfully bring the breed back from near extinction. The Royal Golden Guernsey goats are just one of the incredible rare breeds at the centre, each telling stories of survival and resilience.
When it is time to recharge, head to one of the cafes, restaurants and kiosks on site. Serving a selection of lunches and refreshments such as locally sourced sandwiches and freshly brewed coffee, the warmer weather offers ice cream and cold drinks to help cool down, too.
Heading across the county to Woodchurch near Ashford, why not spend a day out at the Rare Breeds Centre( canterburyoasttrust. org. uk)? Set within 120 acres of working farmland
HOWLETTS
www. insidekent. co. uk • 37