DAYSOUT Family Fun cont...
DISCOVER HISTORICAL HAPPENINGS
For families eager to learn more about Kent’ s extensive history, the county is home to a wealth of historic wonders and educational days out. Starting off at arguably one of the most famous castles in Kent, Hever Castle( hevercastle. co. uk) was once the beloved childhood home of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. Visitors can learn about how these walls shaped the young queen’ s life over 500 years ago.
Through August, the castle will host a packed calendar of events including falconry displays from Willow’ s Bird of Prey Centre. Visitors can see these incredible birds of prey- from barn owls to Golden Eagles- swooping in action. Over the bank holiday weekend, Hever in History is set to thrill as the castle steps back in time with re-enactments from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century. Families can discover authentic weaponry and armour alongside a chance to meet the Knights of Royal England who are back for another year to compete in the jousting tournament.
Heading north, visit the historic towns of Rochester and Chatham, the former housing the medieval Rochester Cathedral( rochestercathedral. org)- the second oldest cathedral in the UK. The latter is home to The Historic Dockyard Chatham( thedockyard. co. uk), where families can embark on the ultimate family adventure on Steve Backshall’ s Awesome Oceans Family Trail, a self-guided trail that takes visitors on a journey across the world’ s six oceans while also offering the chance to explore the historic dockyard further.
While on the trail, you will come face-to-face with marine life from across the world, from emperor penguins in Antarctica to the bobtail squid found in the English Channel. The trail is packed with fascinating discoveries as you track down real-world dangers and take on challenges to find out how you can help protect marine wildlife.
ACTION-PACKED PURSUITS
For families searching for high-speed thrill adventures and endless entertainment, a must-visit destination this summer needs to be Buckmore Park( buckmore. co. uk). Widely regarded as the UK’ s favourite kart circuit, the track has welcomed some of the biggest names in motorsport, giving visitors the chance to race on the same world-class stage.
Since opening in 1963, Buckmore Park has served as a platform for amateur and professional racers, making it ideal for adrenaline junkies and racing beginners. Junior karting is available for children aged six to 15, with a range of experiences to suit all abilities ranging from 30-minute race sessions and training programmes for dedicated junior clubs to lessons for six and seven-year-olds.
GO APE
On the track, you can aim to improve your technique and practice twists and turns, while parents can enjoy 30-minute adult practice sessions and races; tailored for a thrilling experience, the course is accessible for all ages and abilities.
Before heading home, refuel with an evening at Fields at Aylesford( fieldsaylesford. co. uk), which is just a 10-minute drive from Buckmore Park. This gastro pub has a traditional feel and high-quality ingredients inform its many tasty dishes from classic fish and chips to mushroom risotto and a kids’ menu that offers tasty dishes including creamy sausage and mash, and fish goujons served with skin-on fries and garden peas.
For families who aren’ t afraid of heights and enjoy a thrilling challenge, Go Ape( goape. co. uk) offers an action-packed day out. For the ultimate test of bravery, head to Bedgebury Forest( forestryengland. uk), with thrilling high rope courses nestled in its beautiful Kentish pinetum. Why not embark on the Treetop Challenge? Suitable for adults and older children aged 10 and above, the course lasts around two-and-a-half hours with tree-to-tree crossings, a Tarzan swing and iconic zip lines.
HEVER CASTLE
For younger children, the Treetop Adventure offers a gentle introduction to the treetops, with a one-hour ropes activity session for children over one metre tall. Those aged between six and 10 can test themselves on Treetop Adventure Plus, a step-up from Treetop Adventure, with trickier platforms to take on and bigger zip lines to conquer. Go Ape offers high-rope activities catered to each member of the family for a day out packed full of unrivalled fun and memorable moments.
38 • www. insidekent. co. uk