insideKENT Magazine Issue 52 - July 2016 | Page 100

VISITKENT

Summer at Betteshanger Park
With miles of traffic-free cycling, muddy mountain bike trails, woodland,
grassland, and marshland to explore, a visit to Betteshanger Park, near
Deal, is ideal for a day of active adventure.
This summer throw yourself into the Park’s
sensational programme of lively events and
outdoor activities. From archery, to fossil hunting,
and even den building – you are guaranteed an
energising day out for the whole family.
If the Tour de France has you all fired up this
month and you fancy yourself as the next Chris
Froome, why not get saddled up on one of
Betteshanger’s 100-strong fleet of modern cycles
for hire. Take your pick from smooth traffic-free
tarmac tracks, or rugged mountain trails. A range
of regular cycle clubs and lessons cater to young
or old, novice or skilled, and are led by British
Cycling qualified coaches.
For those needing a rush of adrenaline, scale
new heights on the 9-metre climbing wall. The
wall is packed with thrilling features and challenges
and provides opportunities to try a range of
climbing techniques.

school holiday, mornings kick off with awesome
cycling skills training, led by qualified instructors.
Then it’s off to activities such as archery, climbing,
den building, geocaching, fossil hunting,
orienteering and team games in the afternoon.
From 10am-4pm, it’s the perfect school holiday
solution. Extended hours available with Basecamp
bolt-ons… That should wear them out!
Need a break from all the action? Betteshanger
has over 250 acres of fabulous open countryside,
woodland walks and nature rambles to explore
at your own pace. The Park is abundant with
native wildlife throughout the seasons. As you’re
walking, keep a watchful eye out for the frogs,
newts, water voles, dragonflies, butterflies,
spiders, jays, waxwings, kestrels and owls who
may join you along the way.

Families with little ones will love a trip to the
Betteshanger playground. Swing, slide, climb
and enjoy non-stop fun! Suitable for anyone under
16 years, there’s no better space to learn, discover
and play to your hearts content.

BOOK BETTESHANGER
INTO YOUR DIARY
With a whole host of events running
throughout the summer, it’s time to get
your calendars out and pencil
Betteshanger straight in!

Betteshanger Basecamp, the Park’s actionpacked school holiday club is the perfect place
for kids suffering with a case of summer holiday
boredom (and for parents who need some
childcare!). Running weekdays throughout the

Betteshanger’s Bouncing (30-31 July)
A bumper bouncy weekend! Scale heights, crawl,
jump and slide through our giant 195ft inflatable
obstacle course. An energy-fuelled fun weekend
for the whole family.

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Bonkers Bike Festival (14 August)
A family fun day celebrating all things pedal
powered. See awe-inspiring bike-based feats,
including the unique spectacle of Strictly Come
Bicycle; ride high on iconic British cycling
machines with Mr Phoebus’ Penny Farthing
Experience; enthusiasts can join time-trials and
wacky races are open for all. Could you win the
Bonkers Bike Race with your crazy home-made
2-wheeled vehicle or perhaps be the best dressed
cyclist in our Fancy Dress Race? A guaranteed
fun day out for the whole family to enjoy.
Open Air Cinema: The Jungle Book (19 August)
Bring a blanket and picnic, sit back, relax and
enjoy Disney’s all new live-action epic adventure
under the stars.
Wild Weekend (27–28 August)
A celebration of native wildlife and woodcraft.
Come and explore the Park through activities,
workshops and adventure trails. Visit the wild
campfire kitchen, watch stunning Birds of Prey
displays and ‘go wild’ on our fun-packed
weekend.
Keep up to date with everything that’s happening
at Betteshanger, including the exciting journey
of the build of the Park’s new state-of-the-art
new Visitor Centre, due to open in Spring 2017,
at www.betteshanger-park.co.uk