insideKENT Magazine Issue 76 - July 2018 | Page 91

Bedgebury National Pinetum
Rare Breeds Centre
Historic Dockyard
Bedgebury National Pinetum // Goudhurst
Bedgebury National Pinetum is all about peace
and tranquillity so a day out here is always
going to be something to remember for all the
right reasons. Look out for the many birds and
butterflies that live in the area and make sure
you take a walk off the beaten track to discover
the hidden secrets that Bedgebury has to offer.
There is even a treasure hunt to follow if you’re
feeling more adventurous.
www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk Dover Sea Safari // Dover
Jump aboard one of the various Dover Sea
Safari trips and be in for an adventure. You
can choose from the White Cliffs & Beyond
trip, Secret Seals, Maunsell Forts, or the
Goodwin Sands & Seals trip, and each one
comes with a full itinerary, a knowledgeable
skipper and lots to see and do. Make sure you
bring your camera to snap some shots of this
once in a lifetime adventure.
www.doverseasafari.co.uk
Groombridge Place // Tonbridge
Groombridge Place opened to the public in
1994 (it was previously solely a private
residence) and since then it has grown to
become one of the best loved attractions in
Kent. There is always something different
happening here including outdoor
performances and lots of themed events. The
main attraction has to be the Enchanted Forest
where children can play to their hearts’ content
in totally natural and safe surroundings,
discovering nature as they do. If you have a
head for heights don’t miss out on the treetop
walkway, the highest of its kind in the country
(it’s 20 metres up).
www.groombridgeplace.com Rare Breeds Centre // Ashford
There is a huge amount to do and enjoy at the
Rare Breeds Centre. Start with the cute farm
animals and work your way through birds of
prey, play areas, soft play, trailer rides, the
butterfly tunnel, woodland walks, creepy
crawly world and an excellent restaurant to
re-energise in afterwards!
www.rarebreeds.org.uk
Historic Dockyard // Chatham
Once a real working dockyard, the History
Dockyard Chatham is now home to many
different ships, boats and even a submarine
that visitors can explore. There are special
events taking place throughout the year, and
for drama fans you can even visit the set of
the BBC’s Call The Midwife.
www.thedockyard.co.uk
Kent Surf School // Broadstairs
This award-winning surf school based in
beautiful Broadstairs offers surfing lessons and
other water activities whilst promoting water
safety and an appreciation of nature. Join in
with a pre-arranged class or speak to the
experts to determine which aspects you need
to know more about, and they will try to create
a bespoke training time just for you.
www.kentsurfschool.co.uk
The Hop Farm // Paddock Wood
Oast houses are an important symbol of Kent,
and at The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood you
can see the largest collection in the world. This
is where families used to journey to from
London in order to spend their summers
picking the hops, but you don’t have to do any
back-breaking work when you visit in the
sunshine; instead you can have lots of fun on
the giant jumping pillows, playing Combat
Laser Quest, watching live magic shows and
movies in the 4D theatre and seeing all the
animals too.
www.thehopfarm.co.uk
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