At one second past midnight Kent jumped out of Lockdown 2 and straight into Tier 3 - a new, exclusive and, to some, baffling club designed to get the county's spiralling infection rate under control.

Last night Boris Johnson survived a rebellion which saw 78 MPs from a number of parties, including Tories from Kent, vote against the new system - in the end the motion was passed by a majority of 213.

Being in Tier 3 means people in every part of Kent face the toughest measures, which will be reviewed on December 16.

Households cannot mix indoors but Rule of Six will apply in certain outdoor areas, like parks; while shops, including the likes of barbers and nail bars, will open, pubs and restaurants must stay shut but can operate as takeaways; gyms can reopen but group activities are banned and outdoor sport can resume.

Rules relating to home working and schools stay the same; places of worship can open but those inside must stay with their household; weddings, funerals and wakes can go ahead but with a maximum of 15 and 30 guests respectively and without receptions; and visiting care homes is allowed if 'Covid-secure' measures are in place.

Crucially, indoor entertainment venues will stay shut and outdoor events can also not go ahead, unlike in Tiers 1 and 2.

After all of that you're probably wondering where we go from here? The answer is... plenty of places, as more venues and attractions than you might expect are able to open and lay on events near you safely, writes Angela Cole

Drive-in events

Although Tier 3 restrictions prohibit large outdoor events, an exception has been made for this year's go-to: the drive-in.

Which is great news for all those who have, or want to get, tickets to some of the county's set ups in the run-up to Christmas.

They include a Winter Wonderland 'pyromusical' fireworks extravaganza being staged by Wrotham-based Phoenix Fireworks at the Kent Showground near Maidstone.

The event, which had been planned before the second lockdown, will see a Drive-Thru Christmas Winter Wonderland with a chance to see Father Christmas, waving to children from his grotto, and his reindeer, as well as a Christmas concert, from Friday, December 18 to Sunday, December 20.

Visitors will be able to watch the show from their cars and in their own 'pod', two metres from the next car. Book your tickets for the Friday or Sunday, as the Saturday is sold out, here.

New dates have also been added for Monday, December 21 and Tuesday, December 22, which will feature the Winter Wonderland and concert, though there will be no fireworks.

Kent Drive-In Cinema will also be hosting some Christmas classics from Love Actually and Muppet Christmas Carol to Elf in Swanley Park, New Barn Road from Thursday, December 17 to Tuesday, December 22, and at Betteshanger Country Park on the same dates. Book here.

Outdoor trails

Leeds Castle's Christmas at the Castle and Hever Castle's Twilight Trail have both been able to open in lockdown due to their outdoor locations - and they will be able to continue, so little ones can still see the sights and post a letter into Santa's postbox at Leeds.

Ticket holders to the outdoor illuminated trail, Christmas at Bedgebury, are being contacted individually, but organisers say: "Following the Government's Tier announcement, at this moment in time it is our objective that Christmas at Bedgebury should continue as planned."

Look out for updates here.

Wildlife parks and other big venues

While their gift shops, cafes and soft play areas must close the venues themselves are allowed to continue in Tier 3.

The Aspinall Foundation’s wildlife parks, Port Lympne Reserve, near Hythe, and Howletts Wild Animal Park, near Canterbury, reopen on Thursday, December 3 to day visitors.

Both sites have plenty of outdoor space, as well as a chance to see the animals. Although cafes and restaurants will be closed, there will be catering on a takeaway basis.

Wildwood near Canterbury is also reopening and begins its Winter Woodland Guided Tour where visitors can find out fun facts such as what beavers store in their fridges and why Santa’s reindeers must all be girls, from Saturday, December 5. Book here.

Wingham Wildlife Park is also reopening this week, with some restrictions in place. Find out more here.

Chatham Historic Dockyard has now closed for winter and will reopen in 2021.

Markets

Want to keep getting your fresh bread and homemade cakes from your nearest farmers' market? Then we have good news, as outdoor markets, including Christmas markets and farmers' markets, are able to continue in Tier 3, along with boot fairs for bargain hunters.

Country parks and nature reserves

We're all still being encouraged to get out for some exercise, either alone or in our household bubbles, so it's good news if you like a stroll at one of the county's nine country parks. Visitor centres will be closed, of course, and any cafes on site will be offering takeaway service only. Find your nearest one, and details of the small charge for parking, here.

Nature reserves, with their open space and wildlife, are also staying open. From Lullingstone in the east to Dungeness in the south, the county has reserves in coastal areas, and inland, some with ancient woodlands and all with wildlife to enjoy. Kent Wildlife Trust runs many across the county, as does the RSPB, while Elmley on the Isle of Sheppey is a family-run business and farm.

Forestry England also runs Bedgebury Pinetum in Goudhurst and Jeskyns Community Woodland near Gravesend.

Bear in mind, if you are heading for a woodland or reserve, that others may have the same idea, and so if car parks and spaces become too crowded, they could be temporarily shut.

National Trust

You can visit the trust's sites for a walk, but if car parks get busy, the trust has warned it will temporarily close them so that social distancing isn't compromised. Find out more here.

Swimming pools

It's good news if you enjoy a dip as a family or alone as leisure and sports facilities, including gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools, can all open in Tier 3, though there are strict safety measures and one-way systems in the water, as well as the need to change at home. Golf courses will also be able to open.

Grottos

Great news for little ones, as Santa's grottos are being allowed to stay open - if the venue they are in is permitted to be open. Venues need to put in place appropriate safety measures. Check with individual venues to see if theirs is going ahead.

While more places than you might expect will be opening their doors from today some people aren't happy with the new rules.

Landlords and restauranteurs who have been hit by changing restrictions during the pandemic won't be able to welcome back punters.

Instead they'll have to rely on takeaways but many have opted not to open at all.

Phil Thorley, director of Thorley Taverns which runs pubs across Thanet, says the measures in place in hospitality venues across the county should allow them to reopen.

He said of the one million customers served since Lockdown 1 ended the group had only recorded one case.

Phil Thorley speaks to KMTV

Note: The government is urging us to walk or cycle where possible, but you can travel to venues which are open, but should aim to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible and avoid travelling to other parts of the UK, though this is not forbidden.

This means, as non-essential retail will be open in Tier 3, a socially distanced trip with your household to a big shopping centre such as Bluewater or the Ashford Designer Outlet, may be discouraged, but isn't breaking the rules.

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