DAYS OUT : THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Mount Ephraim Gardens , Faversham Spectacular 10-acre Edwardian gardens featuring a topiary garden , rock and water garden , arboretum , rose garden and fabulous grass maze . www . mountephraimgardens . co . uk
Smallhythe Place , nr Tenterden Discover the National Trust ’ s half-timbered early 16thcentury former residence of Dame Ellen Terry . Beautiful gardens and performances , as well as talks and exhibitions at the Barn Theatre . www . nationaltrust . org . uk / smallhythe-place
Scotney Castle , Lamberhurst 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
Bedgebury Pinetum , Goudhurst Award-winning visitor attraction surrounded by 10.5 sq . kilometres of forest . A beautiful setting for peaceful walks and picnics with wonderful views across the pinetum . With play areas for all ages and an on-site cafe right next to the lake , enjoy activities all year from fitness and wellbeing sessions to Gruffalo sculpture hunts . www . forestryengland . uk / bedgebury
Chiddingstone Castle , Chiddingstone Fascinating historic house with breathtaking views of the North Downs complemented by its large lawns . Perfect for picnics , fishing in the beautiful lake , or marvelling at the daffodils in springtime . www . chiddingstonecastle . org . uk
Samphire Hoe , Dover Pathways with beautiful views of the cliffs and English Channel . Brimming with wildlife , Samphire Hoe has been awarded 17 Green Flags and is prided on its biodiversity , which includes 200 plant species . www . samphirehoe . com
Leybourne Lakes , nr Snodland Stunning country park near Larkfield and Snodland consisting of ponds and lakes . Perfect for a picnic , pond dipping or trying a huge selection of outdoor watersports including windsurfing , paddle boarding , canoeing , scuba diving and open water swimming . www . tmactive . co . uk / locations / leybourne-lakes
Shorne Woods Country Park , Gravesend With its eco-friendly visitor centre and restaurant , fishing lakes , trim trail and picnic and play areas – not to mention 292 acres of beautiful woodlands , wetlands and meadows to explore – Shorne Woods Country Park has everything you need to spend a day enjoying the best of Kent ’ s countryside . www . kent . gov . uk / leisure-and-community
Dunorlan Park , Tunbridge Wells Historic Victorian gardens with fantastic views across the lake to the Weald . Explore the water garden and meadows , and take up the opportunity to boat hire and pond dip ! A variety of events are held throughout the year including park runs and fireworks . www . tunbridgewells . gov . uk / community-and-leisure
Lullingstone Castle , nr Dartford One of England ’ s oldest family estates , dating back to the time of the Domesday Book . The World Garden combines plant heritage and cutting-edge horticulture with rare and beguiling botanicals being added to the impressive collection year on year . www . lullingstonecastle . co . uk
Blean Woods Nature Reserve , Rough Common A wonderful place for a peaceful walk taking in the ancient woodlands . With five main trails to follow , the longest around eight-miles long , you ’ re sure to see a woodpecker or two in this RSBP reserve . www . rspb . org . uk / days-out / reserves / blean-woods
Haysden Country Park , nr Tonbridge A 64-hectare country park and nature reserve offering a great family day out with water activities and walks as well as refreshments and picnic areas . www . tmbc . gov . uk / leisure-parks / haysden-country-park
Samphire Hoe
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