Go Ape, Bedgebury Forest, nr Goudhurst
Go Ape offers action-packed forest days out. Experience a 2-3 hour Tree Top Adventure where you’ll fly down zip-wires, leap off a Tarzan Swing and tackle a range of obstacles whilst enjoying some of Britain’s most breathtaking scenery. Suitable for both children and adults, you can choose from a range of activities and difficulty levels from February to November. Bedgebury also offers excellent bike trails through the forest, plus the beautiful National Pinetum is just a stone’s throw away, making Bedgebury a fantastic day out near Tunbridge Wells.
Book by calling 0843 770 4128 or see www.goape.co.uk
RYA Young Sailors Scheme, Bewl Water Outdoor Centre
The RYA Young Sailors Scheme has been developed to encourage young people over eight years old to learn to sail in Stages within a sound framework of safety and tuition. No time limits are given for the different stages, as children are encouraged to learn at very different rates, according to their age and enthusiasm. With each of the stages expressed in terms of competencies, it gives instructors the flexibility to sign off each part of the syllabus as competence in that skill is demonstrated. Stage 1: ‘Start Sailing’ (£124) is an introductory two-day course where you’ll learn how to launch a dinghy and get under way; steer and turn a dinghy when sailing; tie figure of eight knots and be confident in the water wearing personal buoyancy. Stage 2: ‘Start Sailing’ (£170) is a three-day RYA Stage 2 sailing course which follows on from Stage 1 and will develop your sailing skills along the RYA syllabus as found in RYA Young Sailors Logbook G11.
(Pre-requisite is Stage 1 or other suitable experience.) Stage 3 & 4: Start Sailing (suitable for 11yrs+, £261) is a five-day RYA Stage 3 & 4 sailing course will cover the syllabus of both the Stages 3 & 4, as appropriate to each individual. By the end everyone should hope to confidently sail a dinghy in light wind conditions.
Courses run until late October. For more info, and to book, see www.bewlwater.org or call 01892 890716.
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Canterbury
The revitalised, extended and restored Beaney Art Museum and Library encompasses library and information, art and heritage and collections and visitor services. The Beaney offers the perfect opportunity to explore, learn, participate and create, taking inspiration from its permanent collections, special exhibitions and educational activities.
Entrance to The Beaney is free, however a charge may apply for certain special exhibitions and events. Keep up-to-date with what’s on at www.canterbury.co.uk/beaney
Go karting at Buckmore Park Kart Circuit, Chatham
Suitable for any age from 4 onwards, this is the kart circuit where current British F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button honed their skills. Try your hand at driving vehicles from Buckmore’s seven fleets of karts plus quad bikes and Powerturn buggies and let off some steam during Laser Warfare games.
Info & booking: 01634 201562 www.buckmore.co.uk
Dover Castle
Enjoy a great family day out at this magnificent castle which has guarded our shores from invasion for 20 centuries. Explore the darkly atmospheric Secret Wartime Tunnels including the vivid recreation of the Dunkirk evacuation in ‘Operation Dynamo: Rescue from Dunkirk’, complete with dramatic projections of swooping Spitfires and real film footage.
Find out about medieval life in the richly-furnished Great Tower, where costumed actors introduce what it must have been like in King Henry II’s court.
Children’s tickets cost £10.80 and adult’s £18.00
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/dover-castle
Rochester Castle
Let imaginations run wild with a visit to this imposing fortress. Uncover its complex history of destruction and rebuilding and navigate your way around its maze of crumbling rooms and staircases.
Entry for children is £3.90 and £6.20 for adults
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/rochester-castle
South of England Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch
Families, adults and groups can enjoy a perfect day out on a beautiful 100 acre farm in the heart of the Kent countryside. Stroll around woodland walks, get up-close to exotic butterflies in the Butterfly Tunnel and meet and pet lots of gorgeous animals. The centre also holds falconry displays, pig racing and many special events throughout the year. Accompanying adults can browse the Rare Breeds Plants and Produce shop where plants and produce grown on the farm can be purchased.
Entry costs from as little as £5.50
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is one of Britain’s leading maritime heritage destinations and the world’s most complete dockyard from the Age of Sail. Uncover the history behind three incredible historic warships that are resident at the dockyard and the stunning quarter of a mile Ropewalk or dip into the programme of temporary exhibitions. All tickets are valid for a year, giving visitors 12 months to enjoy the fantastic array of attractions found at this 80 acre estate.
Family tickets cost £49.50 (2 Adults + 2 Children or 1 Adult + 3 Children).
Explore what the site has to offer at www.thedockyard.co.uk
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