insideKENT Magazine Issue 112 - August 2021 | Page 30

SUMMERSTAYCATION
Summer Days Out IN KENT CONT .
SPORT & ADVENTURE
Greenfields Shooting Grounds www . greenfieldsshooting . co . uk
Greenfields in Sturry , Canterbury , offer shooting taster sessions , which are an ideal way to try the sport without any commitment of buying equipment or obtaining a gun licence ( they also give you the hearing protection ). They have guns to suit all ages , shapes and sizes – and youngsters can take part from 10 years old . You can do a one-off Saturday or Sunday outing for the family or with friends and you never know , you may just get hooked .
Planet Ice www . planet-ice . co . uk
A 3 or 5 day course for children to either learn to ice skate or play ice hockey . The lessons run for 30 minutes each morning over three or five consecutive days during the school holidays and consist of a group of children enjoying the best start in learning how to skate , then through to the fundamentals of playing hockey if you choose that course .
Go Ape Bedgebury www . goape . co . uk
Get treetop savvy and brace yourself for setting an example and not showing any fear of heights in front of your kids !
This is an award-winning high ropes experience packed with tunnels , rope ladders . stepping stones , zip wires and the brilliantly titled , ‘ Grandpops Crossing ’! Young daredevils over 6 years and 1.2m can up the thrill even more on Treetop Adventure Plus with longer leaps and an epic solo zipline . The Treetop Challenge features a knee trembling 170 metres long zip wire and will definitely put your ability to put on a brave face to the test . Don ’ t forget to take in the views of Bedgebury Forest once you reach the top .
Cathedral to Coast Cycle Ride
This picturesque 50 mile circular ride uses Regional Routes 16 and 17 and will take you through Folkestone , Dover and Canterbury .
You ’ ll ride through some of Kent ’ s prettiest and most peaceful rolling hills and leafy lanes . It is advisable to start the journey anti-clockwise via Route 16 , as the climb out of Dover is short and steep compared to the longer , harder climb out of Folkestone .
Enjoy stunning views of Dover Castle and then carry back on to the quiet country lanes and meander through the countryside all the way back up to quaint old villages like Patrixbourne , where the North Downs Way leads to Canterbury . The return leg from Canterbury branches off Route 16 . Here you can pick up the scenic Route 17 through the village of Bridge , to follow quiet valley lanes past Lynsore Bottom to Elham .
Headcorn Aerodrome www . headcornaerodrome . co . uk
An absolute for the bucket list is learning to fly – even if it is just trying it one time .
Whether it is as a gift for a friend or relative or as an introduction to flying , the first step to take is to arrange a trial flying lesson . This involves a thorough briefing by the instructor followed by the flight , during which you will be given as much time at the controls as possible . The instructor will carry out
the take-off and will then demonstrate the effects of controls on the aircraft , involving turning as well as climbing and descending . Following this you will be given control of the aircraft and will be flying until the end of the allocated time when the instructor will land the plane . If you decide to proceed with your private pilot ' s licence this time will count towards your required flying hours .
Hang Loose Bluewater hangloosebluewater . com
Thrill seekers get ready ... to zoom down the longest and fastest zipline in the country at Hangloose ! The 725m long zip line offers 4 lines for 4 flyers to zip from the dispatch tower down and along the lake and will soon be joined by giant swings , slides , indoor skydiving , a bungee jump and more !
Historic Dockyard Chatham thedockyard . co . uk
Begin your summer voyage of discovery with a guaranteed adventure at the Dockyard . From submarines to Victorian Sloops , a World War Destroyer to the Victorian ropery , combine history with fun as adventurers young and old can get on deck and hands on at this unique and welcoming attraction . This summer children can also join Doc . Yard ’ s Summer Show , where budding scientists will have enormous fun with forces and participate in hands-on science experiments before meeting Doc and his able assistant Bunsen in their all-new interactive show which will explore the answer to questions like ‘ How can a ship weighing thousands of tonnes float on water ?‘ ‘ Why did Archimedes jump out of the bath shouting ‘ Eureka ’?’ and ‘ Which falls faster a feather or a hammer ?’
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