insideKENT Magazine Issue 42 - September 2015 | Page 88

DAYSOUT

days out for animal lovers
If you’re feeling down about the end of the summer, perhaps a little animal therapy
can chase the autumn blues away? Kent has a wide range of animal-based
attractions, from wild beasts to furry little friends. Here are some of our favourites…

A taste of Africa at
Port Lympne and Howletts
For the ultimate animal experience, look no further
than a trip to the incredible Port Lympne Reserve
and Howletts Wild Animal Park. Start at Port
Lympne near Hythe and visit the big cats, black
rhino, apes and monkeys before hopping on a
safari truck for an up-close look at giraffe, buffalo
and antelope. Stay overnight in the Mansion hotel
or try one of the fabulous ‘glamping’ options and
receive free entry to Howletts the following day.
The Bekesbourne park has a wide collection of
impressive residents including its herd of African
elephants. What’s more, your visit will help to
support the Aspinall Foundation’s ongoing
conservation, rehabilitation and protection work
for endangered species around the world.
www.aspinallfoundation.org

A Rare Breed or two
The South of England Rare Breeds Centre is the
perfect place for families wanting to cuddle some
super cute animals. The 100-acre farm in
Woodchurch is home to a range of fun activities
for all ages. Little ones can head straight to the
Children’s Barn to pet the pygmy goats, sheep,
fluffy chicks, ducks and bunnies. Visitors can also
enjoy the exotic butterfly tunnel, creepy crawly

world, woodland walks to the secret lake, and a
soft play barn. The farm holds numerous special
events throughout the year, from pig racing to
Halloween fright nights. The Rare Breeds Centre
is also home to Canterbury Oast Trust, a charity
that supports over 160 adults who have learning
and physical disabilities.
www.rarebreeds.org.uk

Majestic beasts at Knole
Get a dose of history while admiring some
magnificent beasts... This beautiful National Trust
house in Sevenoaks is an art lover’s dream with
Reynolds, Gainsborough and Van Dyck to admire
indoors. But visitors can also marvel at the
grounds, which are home to a 350-strong wild
deer herd. These beauties are the (lucky)
descendants of those hunted by Henry VIII, and
they roam the 1,000 acres of parkland (Kent’s
last medieval deer park) year-round. A magical
day out for the most romantic of animal lovers.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

Spread your wings at Eagle Heights
Situated in Eynsford, Eagle Heights is one of the
UK’s largest birds of prey centres, with a collection
of more than 100 raptors and a thriving wildlife
conservation centre. Visitors can watch flying

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shows, try bird handling, tour the husky kennels
and book animal experience days at this allweather tractions. The site also has a new reptile
house and various mammals on display, including
meerkats, camel, and arctic fox.
www.eagleheights.co.uk

Seal the deal in Ramsgate
Take a break from land-based adventures and
hit the waves to see some of Kent’s aquatic
residents. Sea Searcher Boat Trips in Ramsgate
offer a one and a half hour trip to a local seal
colony in a National Nature Reserve. Take a trip
along the Kent coast and River Stour, taking in
the coastal sights along the way, before seeing
these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Don't forget your binoculars and camera!
www.seasearcher.co.uk

The 'bear' necessities at Wildwood
Nestled in truly wild woodland just outside of
Canterbury, Wildwood lets visitors come noseto-nose with British wildlife from past and present.
The park celebrates the various beasts, big and
small, that used to roam England’s countryside,
as well as those that still do. There are more than
200 native animals in 40 acres of ancient
woodland, including wolves, bison, deer, red