insideKENT Magazine Issue 53 - August 2016 | Page 126

DAYSOUT

get outside THIS SUMMER! cont.
Cyclopark // www.cyclopark.com

Go Ape // www.goape.co.uk

Cyclopark, located in Gravesend and just off the A2, is Kent’s most exciting
and exceptional multi-sports activity centre. It can be found amidst 43
hectares of landscaped parkland, but is close enough to civilisation to
enable a day out there to be more fun than bothersome. Although the name
might suggest that it is just about bikes, there is a lot more to it than that
including a 600sqm games area (perfect for basketball and football), a
2.9km long tarmac running track, 1400sqm skate park, and a 3000sqm
kids’ adventure playground.

Kent Ballooning // www.kentballooning.com
Kent Ballooning is
the longest running
hot air balloon
company in Kent,
and as such this is
the place to go to
find the best of the
best when it comes
to these spectacular
and unusual flights.
Chief pilot, Michael,
has lived in Kent all
of his life, and he
knows the county
and all its quirks. He
knows it best from
the sky, which is why
you can rest assured
you will be in safe
hands if and when
you decide to take
advantage of the
tours that Kent
Ballooning offers.
Flying season
for hot air balloons
runs from April to
October, so the
summer is the
perfect time to enjoy this exhilarating mode of transport. A variety of different
packages are available, each one showcasing the Garden of England at
its best. Float gently over sights including Leeds Castle and Canterbury
Cathedral to see Kent as you’ve never seen it before.
To really make the most of your time in the air, you can upgrade your
flight to include champagne or even in-flight photography.

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There are two places where you can ‘Go Ape’ in Kent: Leeds Castle and
Bedgebury Pinetum. Both are excellent bases from which to fling yourself
into the trees and embark on an adventure that will take you through places
that humans rarely experience. These high-wire treetop adventures, as well
as zip line fun, are suitable for everyone over the age of 6 (although 6-12
year olds have their own special junior course) who have a sense of adventure
and a he ad for heights! The original adventure includes Tarzan swings, rope
bridges, high-rise obstacles, and an enormous zip wire amongst other
fabulous games. This one of a kind adventure will kindle the explorer’s spirit
within you, and once you have completed the course, the sense of
achievement that goes with it will be immense!

Buckmore Park // www.buckmore.co.uk

Buckmore Park is a world-renowned go-karting track based in Kent, not
too far from Chatham. This track is where Jenson Button honed his driving
skills, and where Lewis Hamilton chose to practice. It is also where it is
possible to race against friends, family and colleagues, or simply against
your own personal best to find out who is the ultimate karting champion.
There are two ‘turn up ‘n’ drive’ circuits that cater for everyone aged
four upwards, and everyone who goes karting at Buckmore gets full and
comprehensive training and instruction – as well as a natty racing suit and
helmet. For fun, thrills, and a few spills (it’s inevitable), visit Buckmore Park
and try something new. You never know, this could become a new hobby…