PORT LYMPNE
ROCHESTER CASTLE
Lions and tigers and bears , oh my ! Don ’ t worry we aren ’ t suggesting you go through the hassle of following Dorothy to Oz for a picnic . Simply pack up your supplies , herd the kids , grandparents and the neighbours into the car and head to renowned Hythe wildlife park Port Lympne ( www . aspinallfoundation . org / portlympne ). With over 900 animals inside its gates , this unique day out is perfect for people passionate about conservation and the cutest creatures in town . Just some of the animals that call this place home include camels , cheetahs , wolves , red pandas and zebras , and you get to see them all in person when you choose this wild day out . When you opt for a picnic at Port Lympne you are also opting to support the reserve in its mission to help endangered animals , so not only are you sure to have a magical day filled with wonder when you get to see and interact with these incredible animals , you will also be helping the conservation work done by The Aspinall Foundation ( www . aspinallfoundation . org ) that takes place all over the world .
Now , the park is over 600 acres , so in terms of a picnic you will need something to give everyone fuel to make sure those little legs can make it all the way round and catch a glimpse of all their favourite animals . Fresh pasta salad using Kentish grown tomatoes is the perfect recipe for a big day out ; packed with healthy salad and filling carbs , it ’ s a meal everyone can enjoy and perfect for keeping flavour high and those energy levels up . If you ' re not much of a cook , keep it simple with the kids ' favourite sandwich , some crisps ( you can ’ t go wrong with crisps !) and some Kentish-made boxed snacks for when they just won ’ t sit still ! Try a packet of Goupie ( goupiechocolate . com ) mini chocolate treats , they come in a range of different flavours so everyone can enjoy one ( or five ), are made in the Garden of England and have nothing artificial about them ! The perfect addition to your fun and fearsome family day out .
Now is there anything more atmospheric than picnicking in the grounds of an ancient castle ? No , we didn ’ t think so either , so if you are looking for a day out filled with history , mystery , maybe a little intrigue and some great picnic food head off to Rochester Castle ( www . english-heritage . org . uk / visit / places / rochestercastle ). In years gone by , this was an important fortress guarding the crossing of the River Medway . Now a charming relic of Kentish history , this stone structure stands towering and imposing yet beautiful , the perfect place to spread out a picnic and enjoy the ambience of being in the presence of such antiquity . Before settling down for your royal inspired feast , wander around the castle and learn about how the fortress was designed by the same man responsible for the infamous Tower of London , the epic siege of King John in 1215 , and the rebuilding of the fortress by Henry III and Edward I .
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