Kent Outdoor Activities
ENJOY AUTUMN
Kent Outdoor Activities
DAYSOUT
Stepping outside on a true autumn day, hearing the comforting crackle of fallen leaves underfoot and seeing the dew-dropped cobwebs that wave in the breeze is a magical thing. We are so lucky in Kent to be able to experience autumn is all its glory, and whether the day is chilly and heralding winter, or warm and waving goodbye to summer, you will always be able to find something to do.
A Walk In The Park www. kent. gov. uk / leisure-and-community / parks-and-outdoor-activities
Wherever you live in the county you are sure to be close to a country park. There are many of them to choose from, and each one offers something unique to the area. For a simple, pleasurable day out during which you can enjoy autumn at its finest, Kent’ s country parks are ideal. Some of these parks include: Trosley, Betteshanger, Shorne Woods, Brockhill, Lullingstone, Teston Bridge, Pegwell Bay and Manor Park.
Bedgebury Pinetum www. bedgeburypinetum. org. uk
Whereas most of the trees you’ ll see and think of during autumn are leafless and all but lifeless, if you are craving a bit of greenery then there is no better place to visit than Bedgebury Pinetum. This national pinetum, managed by the Forestry Commission, is 350 acres of beautiful conifers and broadleaved specimens set in the gorgeous Wealden countryside. The Forestry Commission has looked after this stunning spot since 1925, but the collection was actually started in the 1840s by the Beresford Hope family. Until 1987 the same genera of tree were kept together, so it wasn’ t as interesting as it could have been( although it was easier for the trees to be catalogued and compared), but when the great storm destroyed as much as a third of the pinetum, the curators took the opportunity to re-imagine the place. And today it is a fascinating forest to visit.
Jack Raven Bushcraft www. jackravenbushcraft. co. uk
At Jack Raven Bushcraft you can get completely back to nature as you learn how to fend for yourself out in the wilderness of Kent. There are number of different courses to try including one-toone bushcraft training. This fantastic course allows you to find out more about fire by friction, tracking and identification of animal signs, natural cordage, woodland cooking, tree and plant identification and uses, becoming competent with an axe and herbal remedies. Or what about trying your hand at the foraging course, on which you learn how to source and prepare your own food? Perhaps the Mindfulness in the Woods course sounds more like your thing – here you can learn simple techniques to‘ wake up the senses’ so that you re-connect with the nature and gain a profound sense of balance, peace and harmony.
UK Electric Bike Tours www. ukelectricbiketours. co. uk
Autumn can be the perfect time to get out on your bike to explore the Kent countryside. It’ s not too hot, not too cold, and is just right for those who want to experience Kent head on. But although many people like the idea of getting on their bikes and heading off into the unknown( or even the well-known) paths of our county, we’ re just not all up to it. Thanks to UK Electric Bike Tours based in Biddenden, now everyone can enjoy that feeling of wind in their hair – hire an electric bike and you’ ll get all of the pleasure with hardly any of the work. With UK Electric Bike Tours you can choose either a self-guided hire or a scheduled tour. Cycle past historic castles, vineyards, gardens, picturesque villages, breweries and much more – you can even incorporate a wine tasting with your e-bike tour. The self-guided route is 27 miles long, and there are plenty of pubs to rest up at along the way! And of course, if you prefer to cycle in the conventional way, all you need to do is switch off the motor.
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