DAYSOUT
The insideKENT Summer Scrapbook cont...
HOWLETTS
DIGGERLAND strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, with pumpkins coming soon in October.
To make a whole day adventure out of a visit to Lower Ladysden, be sure to try their PYO experience in the late morning before heading to The Goudhurst Inn for a selection of fresh sourdough pizzas and seafood dishes. Afterwards, make sure to visit Balfour Winery in Staplehurst, a 400-acre Tudor estate with ancient oak woodlands, vineyards and apple orchards. Home to award-winning English wine, why not enjoy a tour of the estate or indulge in one of their acclaimed tasting experiences?
Scotney Castle Outdoor Theatre, Tunbridge Wells nationaltrust. org. uk
Kent’ s touring theatre group, Changeling Theatre will soon be bringing their production of William Shakespeare’ s Twelfth Night to Kent’ s beloved Scotney Castle. An open-air experience like no other, this production captures the original aesthetic of the renowned playwright’ s work, exploring the text in a way that’ s still relatable in our modern day. A tale of love, relationships and mistaken identity, Shakespeare’ s Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy that appeals to everyone. Visitors are encouraged to bring suitable outdoor clothing with them, as well as picnics, rugs and low-backed chairs, with level access to the courtyard making this accessible Shakespearean fun for all the family. Taking place on 9 August from 7pm- 9:30pm, the Changeling Theatre’ s tour continues across Kent until 17 August, so check their website for further details( changeling-theatre. com). Situated within the 780-acre estate of Scotney Castle, theatre-enthusiasts can turn this evening production into the final stop of an adventurous day out, strolling through the open parkland surrounding the castle. With one of the largest National Trust collections in the mansion house, visitors can learn all about Scotney Castle’ s history before travelling back to the time of Shakespeare.
Howletts Wild Animal Park, Canterbury aspinallfoundation. org
For a day of conservation-themed fun well worth its very own page in your summer scrapbook, head to Howletts Wild Animal Park this August. A sanctuary of aweinspiring beauty and rare or endangered animals, Howletts offers a truly unique experience in Kent. Home to over 300 animals, across the 100-acre park you’ ll find everything from your favourite animals to play areas, restaurants and specialised fact-filled animal talks and feeds. Across the Woodland Walk, visitors can marvel at life-size prehistoric creatures before stopping for a freshly brewed drink at The Coffee House.
Howletts’ Animal Experience Days are perhaps the most unique of all activities, giving visitors the chance to get close to their favourite species within a small group led by an expert animal keeper. With access to behind-the-scenes and exclusive areas of the sanctuary, you can ask animalthemed questions and interact with species from lemurs, lions and snow leopards to elephants and rhinos. Best of all, every visit to Howletts Wild Animal Park supports their vital conservation efforts, making a day out not only a memorable family experience but also an important step for building a thriving future for wildlife.
Diggerland, Strood diggerland. com
Located within Medway Valley Leisure Park just a short drive from the M2, Diggerland is a family-friendly park where guests of all ages can ride, drive and operate real diggers. Featuring the Spindizzy, Dig-a-Round and Mini- Tractor rides alongside go-karts and dodgems, Diggerland offers endless fun for all who visit. Open for the season until 3 November, all rides and drives at Diggerland are included in the price of admission, so whether you’ re a little adventurer or a thrill-seeking grown-up, there’ s something for everyone. www. insidekent. co. uk • 37