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Woof , Neigh , Roar ! cont ...
THE COSY CAT CAFE BUTTERCUPS
HUCKLEBERRY WOODS WILDWOOD TRUST
opportunity to get even closer to the park ’ s most loved creatures including penguins , meerkats and otters under the guidance and knowledge of a zookeeper .
The village of Wingham sits between Canterbury and the Kent coast , the latter of which is home to yet another cat café and more riding centres . The Cosy Cat Café is in the traditional seaside town of Herne Bay and is home to 12 resident cats of all ages . They are all rescues , many having had a difficult life or lived through traumatic experiences . This in turn has led to some being left behind in rescue centres for years . However , with lots of love , care and patience , they have all had a chance to come out of their shells and realise they are safe and very much loved . Enjoy a walk-in experience with a cup of tea , or have an afternoon tea in the company of these cuties .
Herne Bay is also the place to come nose-to-nose with British wildlife past and present at Wildwood . Set in 40 acres of ancient woodland , Wildwood holds a stunning collection of over 200 British animals in natural enclosures . See bears , wolves , otters , foxes , deer , badgers , owls , wild horses , lynx , beavers , wild cats , bison , squirrels , wild boar , reindeer and many more as you walk around the twisting trails through an ancient British woodland .
Nearby Birchington with its long , traditional high street is also home to Plum Pudding Riding School . Offering lessons for adults and children from three years old , Plum
Pudding has an American-style barn with indoor stables and their facilities include both a large indoor school and a large outdoor school . Riders can choose to benefit from private one-to-one tuition , with all instructors having a lifetime of experience . With focused individual attention , students receive the best learning and practical experience . Plum Pudding Riding School is hidden away by the coast in Minnis Bay ; this unique location makes it perfect for exploring miles of open countryside and sandy beaches on horseback and with expert guidance .
Wildwood in Herne Bay is far from being the only place in Kent to experience native wildlife up close , as plenty of other sanctuaries also host British wildlife and farm animals . These include Huckleberry Woods , a small rustic farm devoted to micro and miniature animals . Home to some gorgeous micro pigs , Pygmy goats , miniature donkeys , Teddy Bear sheep and alpacas , your family can mingle with animals all free-ranging around their orchard home . You can even arrange to take them for a walk . With none of the usual hustle and bustle , a two-hour visit to Huckleberry Woods provides a more relaxed and personal experience with limits on numbers of guests booked in at any one time . During your visit , you can relax and refresh with tea and cake , and children are encouraged to let off steam in the little play area .
Walking alpacas has become extremely popular over the last few years and Kent is now home to many different places that offer the opportunity to take them for a wander . This includes Lower Bush Alpacas in Cuxton . Take a peaceful 45-minute stroll through beautiful countryside while walking your very own sweet alpaca and , on your return to the farm , treat the alpacas to their favourite food - carrots from the vegetable plot . With plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the view , breathe in the fresh country air and take a selfie or two with your new friends , a visit to Lower Bush Alpacas is certain to be good for the soul !
More farm animals can be enjoyed at sanctuaries and farms all over Kent . This includes the lovely goat sanctuary , Buttercups in Maidstone , which cares for between 130 and 150 resident goats . The goats in the care of Buttercups come to the sanctuary for a multitude of different reasons but are mostly rescued goats in need of more space and the company of other goats as they are highly social animals . Try the Walking with Goats Experience , where you spend an hour-anda-half walking a goat around the sanctuary grounds .
Badgers Hill Farm in Chilham is also home to lots of different farm animals that will welcome your visit . Delight at miniature donkeys , sheep , billy goats , chickens , geese , rhea , mara , peacocks and even wallabies . This is also an exciting learning experience for children , with information to discover
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