DAYSOUT
KENT INDOOR ATTRACTIONS cont.
Dover Museum Dover
Dover Museum and its Bronze Age Boat Gallery is a great place to spend some time on a rainy day in Kent – or any other day, come to that. Free entry is always a bonus, but when there is as much to explore as there is at this locally themed museum it’ s made even better. Situated right in the town centre, Dover Museum showcases the story and the history of Dover. Within the museum is the renowned and fascinating Bronze Age Boat Gallery, which relates back to the discovery of a Bronze Age boat in 1992 and explains why it was and still is such an important find.
www
. dovermuseum. co. uk
Lullingstone Roman Villa Lullingstone
There are some truly amazing Roman villas left in the UK, but this one in Kent is one of the best and most well preserved. The build of this particular villa began in about 100 AD, but it was extended and rebuilt over the centuries until it became one of the most luxurious homes in the area in the 4th century. Today, you can see the gorgeous mosaics, prints, and rare wall paintings. There are lots of Roman artefacts to be found on this site in the stunning Darent Valley including two human skeletons and rare paintings. Children can dress up in traditional Roman costumes and take part in seasonal activities too.
www
. english-heritage. org. uk / visit / places / lullingstone-roman-villa
Chislehurst Caves Chislehurst
The weather is not an issue when you’ re underground, which is why a trip to the Chislehurst Caves is such a good idea when the sun decides not to shine. The caves are 22 miles of connected underground passageways, 30 metres below the ground. Tours are available from Wednesday to Sunday each week, and there is a café and gift shop available as well as ample free parking. The caves were first opened to the public in 1900, and have a lot of history to them, including the fact that they became the largest World War II air raid shelter outside of London.
www
. chislehurst-caves. co. uk
Clip‘ n’ Climb Tonbridge
Huguenot Museum Rochester
The Huguenot Museum is the perfect place to visit for those who want to understand more about the history of Britain or, more specifically, the history of Britain’ s first refugees. Learn about the persecution of the Huguenots in France, and why – and how – they travelled to Britain to escape the terrors of their homeland; there is an interesting and thought-provoking link to the refugees of today too.
www. huguenotmuseum. org
Clip‘ n’ Climb is where climbing meets theme park and is ideal for those who love to be active even when the rain is threatening, or indeed, falling! The different climbing walls and games are suitable for ages four and up, so the whole family can join in if they want to. If not, there is plenty of opportunity to sit and watch the more athletic or adventurous family members do their thing. There is no experience necessary, so if you’ ve never climbed before it’ s no problem – you will receive all training and all safety equipment. With climbing walls such as Stairway to Heaven, Lightning Crack and Spaghetti Junction to have fun with, this is a day out with a difference. There’ s a great café there too, making it even easier to stay for longer!
www. clipnclimbtonbridge. co. uk
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