More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
With the days beginning to get longer, it’s time to blow away the cobwebs and get outdoors. Here's the top 10 ideas for getting out in the fresh air this spring.
Get on the water
Sports normally associated with exotic faraway places are
available in Kent at the Action Watersports centre in Lydd. Try jet
skiing, wakeboarding or water skiing with the help of the centre,
which supplies all the necessary equipment and tuition. If you want
to try something that doesn’t involve a boat, kite surfing is one
of the fastest growing watersports and Kent is a great place to
learn how to soar through the air. Head down to Dungeness, like Sir
Richard Branson did to celebrate his 60th birthday, or try one of
the other great beaches such as Greatstone, Dymchurch, Minnis Bay,
Pegwell Bay and Ramsgate Main Sands. If you are a novice, you can
book some lessons at Surface2Air Sports in Folkestone.
www.kentsplash.co.uk or www.actionwatersports.co.uk
Be amazed at Samphire Hoe, Dover
On the coast between Dover and Folkestone, this man-made part of
Kent was built from the materials dug to create the Channel Tunnel.
One of the best places to appreciate the dramatic White Cliffs,
there are wild flowers, birds, sea angling spots and peace and
quiet. Guided walks and other activities are regularly
organised.
www.samphirehoe.com or www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk
Explore Kent’s country parks
Kent has 16 beautiful country parks to explore. From glorious
ancient woodlands to lazy riverbank settings, many have been
thousands of years in the making.
Lullingstone Country Park, located within the North Downs Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was once a medieval deer park on the
estate of Lullingstone Castle. This historic park now provides 460
acres of public open space to enjoy and with the River Darent
flowing through it, there is plenty of opportunity to spot
kingfishers, herons, grass snakes and numerous damselflies and
dragonflies.
Discover Bewl Water
Bewl Water reservoir is the largest stretch of open water in
south east England. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty in
the heart of the High Weald on the Kent and Sussex border, the
reservoir is host to a variety of wildlife. There are many outdoor
pursuits on offer, from windsurfing, fishing, cycling and walking
to the interactive exhibition and gift shop. You can also visit the
water-efficient garden, which proves you can create a colourful,
vibrant garden with minimum use of water.
The Hands and Molecule Sculpture, Ramsgate
Lianne Groves got in touch with us via www.mykent.co.uk and said: “The Hands and Molecule sculpture is situated on the West Cliff, Ramsgate, overlooking Pegwell Bay, with the now disused Richborough
Power Station on the other side of the bay. It is a great stop along the coast with a superb scenic walk along the promenade. This is a fantastic day out to spend with the family.”
Go Ape at Leeds Castle
Challenge yourself to handle three hours of tree top adventure.
Try to clamber 30ft up a rope ladder, Tarzan Swing into a giant
rope net, then zip wire through trees, crawl through tunnels and
tackle high wire rope bridges. Everyone taking part must be more
than 10 years old and 4ft 7in tall. It’s time to go bananas! Go Ape
is also available at Bedgebury.
Giddy up!
There are 665 miles of rights of way in Kent to explore on a
horse. Choose your own pace on the network of bridleways and byways
from Shorne Woods in the west of the county to St. Margaret’s
overlooking the English Channel. Experience the freedom of the
ancient droveways and routes through the North Downs and if you do
not have your own horse or pony, the county’s riding schools lead
escorted rides through the countryside.
Be inspired at Romney Marsh
Some say it is wild and desolate, while artists and writers find
it inspirational. It is a green paradise with more than a hundred
square miles of unspoilt countryside rolling down from wooded hills
to meet broad sands and shingle beaches. It is also a land of
legend. Visitors sense the history in the Cinque Port towns of New
Romney and Lydd and in the loneliness of the thirteen medieval
churches that stand above meadows grazed by thousands of sheep.
Cast your nets
Put your sea legs to the test with some sea angling on a fishing
trip in Ramsgate. Day-long trips run on the charterboat Duke IV
from the Ramsgate Outer Harbour, but you have to book a place. They
supply bait, rods, food, drink and tuition. If you get a taste for
the sport, the Dover Sea Angling Association runs regular
competitions and is always looking for new members.
www.fishingramsgate.com or http://www.dover-sea-angling.com/
Adventure in a world of trees at Bedgebury National
Pinetum and Forest
Open every day, Bedgebury is the perfect place for cycling,
walking, riding and playing in a world of trees. The National
Pinetum is a collection of conifers and a beautiful setting for a
country walk in all seasons. The 2,000 acre Bedgebury Forest offers
miles of family cycling, mountain-biking, riding, walking and
adventure play for all ages and abilities. The Visitor Centre has
cycle hire, refreshments and showers. As a location for healthy
outdoor activities in a beautiful setting, Bedgebury is in a class
of its own.
