Kent Staycation 2019 | Page 60

Country: Days Out Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch Sissinghurst Castle, Cranbrook Howletts Wild Animal Park, nr Canterbury A fortified manor house built in c.1378-80 inspired by 'picturesque' style. Discover the romantic ruins of a medieval castle and moat, with celebrated gardens featuring spectacular flower displays. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle A fun and enjoyable day out for all the family, meet creepy crawlies, birds of prey, encounter farm and pet animals, delight in the indoor and outdoor play areas and even race the pigs! www.rarebreeds.org.uk Created by poet and writer Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson, discover the castle and its famous Grade 1 listed country gardens, divided into intimate garden ‘rooms’ which offer an array of color all year round. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle- garden Over 450 animals and 50 individual species, plus plenty of births and arrivals. Visitors have the opportunity to see real animals up close and to be part of conservation in action. www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts/ Wingham WIldlife Park, nr Canterbury See mandrills, penguins, aldabra giant tortoises and smooth-coated otters, which you cannot see in any other wildlife park in the world! Or, take a walk on the wild side in the dinosaur exhibit. www.winghamwildlifepark.co.uk Leeds Castle, Maidstone Visit the stunning castle, sat majestically in the still waters of its moat, surrounded by 500 acres of gardens. Visit in 2019, its 900th year, as it celebrates its former residents of six medieval queens, King Henry VIII and Lady Baillie. www.leeds-castle.com The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood Ideal family day out with outdoor and indoor play areas, farm animals, live entertainment and regular school holiday activities. www.thehopfarm.co.uk Scotney Castle 60