DAYSOUT
FAMILY FUN IN THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND
ALL THE BEST DAYS OUT - BOTH ON AND OFF THE BEATEN TRACK - FOR YOU TO ENJOY WITH YOUR FAMILY THIS SUMMER .
With the summer holidays inching closer , your attention might have turned to planning ways to keep everyone occupied during that long six week break . Perhaps you ’ ll be jetting off to sunnier climes , or exploring other counties , but if you ’ re staying put in Kent , then The Garden of England has plenty to offer .
From activities to keep babies and toddlers captivated to thrilling adventures for even the hardest-to-please teens , this corner of the country is filled with escapes and events for the whole family to immerse themselves in . So , gather your nearest and dearest and hit the road - family fun in Kent awaits .
FOR LITTLE ONES
If you ’ ve got a baby , toddler or preschooler , then you ’ ll likely be on the lookout for enjoyable days out that suit little legs . Whether it ’ s pathways perfect for buggies or animal-filled activities you ’ re after , there ’ s plenty on offer to occupy little ones .
Kearsney Parks , Dover www . kearsneyparks . co . uk
Kearsney Abbey , Russell Gardens and Bushy Ruff are popular and historic parks located in the Alkham Valley , and although they ’ re enjoyable for everyone , they hold a special appeal for parents with little ones . Their accessible pathways are perfect for bringing the buggy along and within the parks there ’ s two exceptional play areas ; visit Russell Gardens ’ natural play area which was created in 2020 and features a slide , playhouse and climbing rope , or spend time in the playground at Kearsney Abbey , where there ’ s a large sandpit , multiple slides and tunnels that are all enclosed making them perfect for visiting with younger children .
Howletts , Bekesbourne www . aspinallfoundation . org / howletts
Howletts Wild Animal Park is located near Canterbury . The sister park to Port Lympne , its focus is also on rare and endangered animals , but unlike Port Lympne , which is spread out over 600 acres , Howletts is a modest 90 , which is a little bit easier on small legs , or for an adult who ’ ll inevitably end up carrying a tired toddler . Amongst the animals you can spot at Howletts are elephants , tigers , lions and leopards . The whole family will be captivated by the experience and it ’ s sure to be a day out none of you will forget in a hurry .
Rare Breeds Centre , Woodchurch www . rarebreeds . org . uk
A hugely popular place for families with little ones to visit , the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch , near Ashford , is filled with adorable animals and plenty of activities . From the petting barn where kids can stroke rabbits and piglets to daily tractor rides on offer , the farm is well worth a visit at any time of year . The Rare Breeds Centre is part of the Canterbury Oast Trust , a charity that supports adults with learning disabilities , so when you visit you ’ re also helping a good cause . www . insidekent . co . uk • 29