DAYSOUT
Woof , Neigh , Roar ! cont ...
THE FENN BELL CONSERVATION PROJECT
EAGLE HEIGHTS about each of the animals they ’ ll find on their travels around the farm . Adults can bask in the sunshine with a chilled glass of Badgers Hill ’ s homemade cider , or any other beverage on offer from the cute café .
Chilham is part of the Kent Downs National Landscape , a truly beautiful area of Kent perfect for experiencing native wildlife on foot . Walkers that want to traverse these hills of Kent can do so knowing that they have a luxurious place to return to at the end of a long day walking and adventuring , especially when they stay at a property via Bloom Stays . The Hayloft in Lymbridge Green is one example of just this . Perched on the edge of a picture-perfect meadow and with mesmerising views of rolling hills and the North Downs , the Hayloft is a truly lovely countryside retreat with a public footpath at the end of the garden , plus nine acres of fields . Newly renovated , the owners have worked tirelessly with their Scandinavian interior designer to create a space that is luxurious , modern and homely in the Kent Downs National Landscape . The beautifully furnished , open-plan living area on the first floor , complete with woodburning stove , has wonderful views with one wall almost entirely glass . It opens onto a large sun trap terrace , complete with comfortable outdoor sofas and dining area , from which the surrounding countryside and sunsets feel even closer . Steps lead down to a patio and private hot tub - the perfect place to unwind after exploring the countryside .
A visit to Curly ’ s Farm on the Isle of Sheppey is another great way to embrace less-exotic animals . A multi-award-winning , not-for-profit working farm that supports the emotional , social , mental health and wellbeing of young people , Curly ’ s Farm is also a producer of its own rare breed pork , beef and lamb with the ethos ‘ farm local , buy local ’. From feeding chickens and handling rabbits , there ’ s plenty of furry friends at Curly ’ s to meet and lots to learn from the farming experts that work there .
Kent Life , Maidstone , also showcases and breeds traditional farm animals including free-range livestock such as sheep , pigs , horses , donkeys , goats , poultry , rabbits , guinea pigs , ferrets , ducks , geese and alpacas . All animals are housed in historic outhouse barns , so visitors can experience a real Kentish working farm and farmyard . The Cuddle Corner walkthrough provides the opportunity to get up close and personal to some of the smaller farmyard friends and there ’ s even an Adopt an Animal Scheme for benevolent animal lovers . Kent Life is also home to the Kent Owl Academy and their 12 owls , who offer experience days , bird of prey shows and more .
For those that have a particular interest in birds of prey and love to marvel at their magnificence , they can do so at Eagle Heights in Eynsford , home to one of the UK ’ s largest bird of prey centres with over
50 species . As well as incredible bird of prey shows , Eagle Heights is an opportunity to witness the other species that call this sanctuary home . Have experiences with meerkats , servals , fantastic birds , alpacas and more .
For up close experiences , Kent has plenty on offer for the budding zookeepers among us . Holding Medway ’ s very first zoo licence , The Fenn Bell Conservation Project is not only home to a brilliant food venue but also houses rescued meerkats , lemurs , racoons , rare foxes , monkeys and more . Become a zookeeper for the day or take a safari round the grounds to get up close and personal with the furry residents here . After a day full of animal adventure , visit the 17th-century pub which has great beers and ales on tap for thirsty parents , as well as a children ’ s menu and good pub favourites .
A continually growing zoo and wildlife centre , again with the idea of conservation at its core , is Hemsley Conservation Centre in Sevenoaks . Hemsley offers visitors the chance to see some of the world ’ s most endangered , least understood and underrepresented species , including beautiful , rare big cats , squirrel monkeys , capybaras , otters and lemurs up close . This sanctuary is dedicated to protecting animals , their habitats and caring for the planet while educating and inspiring the public .
The Rare Breeds Centre , Woodchurch is yet another place that one-to-one animal experiences are on offer . Set in 100 acres of farmland , enjoy a Meet the Animals session where the children can pet friendly animals of rare and native breeds and ask staff questions . Enjoy a daily bird of prey display , a woodland assault course , a tube maze , zip wire and hill fort , or for a quieter time together , enjoy the tunnel of exotic butterflies and take a woodland walk .
Perhaps Kent ’ s most unique animal experience comes in the form of Port Lympne . Kent ’ s largest wild animal park and breeding sanctuary , Port Lympne is home to over 900 rare and endangered species including the UK ’ s largest herd of black rhino , gorillas , lions , leopards and the county ’ s only spectacled bears . Step back in time and discover the UK ’ s largest dinosaur collection , or make your visit that bit more special by booking one of the many on-site experiences ; become a keeper for the day , or get up close and personal with one of Africa ’ s Big 5 on one of the bespoke safaris packages .
Extend your visit to Port Lympne by staying the night there in one of their luxury staycation experiences . Utterly unique and undoubtedly destined to be a break you will never forget , for stargazing on safari , stay at The Bubble ; an opportunity to get back to nature from the comfort of your very own ‘ bubble ’. Set on an escarpment in the reserve , this special setting offers panoramic views , which are striking at both
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