Summer Day Out Exploring Wingham Wildlife Park

Looking for a family fun day out? Then why not head to Wingham Wildlife Park

Wingham Wildlife Park is a fantastic family run park that house the largest number of animal species out of all wildlife parks and zoos in Kent. It is packed full of beautiful animals from Moon bears giraffes, chimps, meerkats, tigers and even some very exclusive dinosaurs.  

Choose to either picnic at one of the many picnic tables provided at the park or grab a treat in the café. With one café at the entrance to the park and the other located with the indoor play area.

It’s very hard to choose a favorite part but I do love the giraffes, they are just beautiful.

If you’re looking for that something extra special then you could book an animal experience or a VIP guided tour.

With an excellent indoor play area and an expanding outdoor play area, a season ticket is great for you to keep the children entertained all year round. 

It’s a wonderful place to take a visit on your own, with your family or maybe as a couple or with friends, no matter who you visit with you will not be disappointed. 

With the whole park having step free access it’s a great place for everyone to enjoy.

My top tip would be to go early and spend the whole day immersed in this truly brilliant wildlife park. 

Interesting note: The wildlife park had fantastic local support during COVID-19 from people purchasing off the Amazon wish list, they were really overwhelmed with the support from people. Keepers hosted many Facebook lives that were just truly wonderful when so many people could not leave their homes. Let’s remember people’s kindness during COVID-19 didn’t keep the money rolling in the bank and they will need support to keep their amazing wildlife Park going and I can tell you is worth every single penny for a visit or maybe two or three. 

Reculver Towers

I have spent time this morning with a wonderful friend and took a walk by Reculver Towers. The towers are steeped in history and a beautiful place to explore. With an easy trail for many to walk or cycle along the sea shore.

Reculver is believed to be one of the first Roman Forts and was later transformed into an Anglo Saxon Monastery and then later again transformed into the parish church of Reculver. The towers were added later when the church was remodelled in the 12th century. The towers are used by many as a navigation point from ships at sea to planes in the sky.

Why not make a visit and explore what is left of the ruins, the towers and walk along the coastal path either towards Birchington or Herne Bay.

In Reculver there is a lovely coffee shop Hat Hats. There are public toilet facilities and a car park making it a great place to base yourself.

Vitamin D

Taking a walk at the beautiful Tankerton Slopes

Getting outside helps you to get vitamin d, which is important for your bones, blood cells and immune system. Sunlight helps your body make vitamin d and this helps your body absorb certain minerals like calcium.

Getting out and about in the sunlight even just for 15 minutes really helps and remember that in the winter you might even need to get outside a little bit more.

The Countryside Code

As we adventure and explore others are preserving and protecting so we can continue to enjoy. Do your bit and ensure you follow the countryside code when your exploring:

Respect everyone
✅ be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
✅ leave gates and property as you find them
✅ do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
✅ be nice, say hello, share the space
✅ follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available

Protect the environment
✅ take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
✅ take care with BBQs and do not light fires
✅ always keep dogs under control and in sight
✅ dog poo –bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do
✅ care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance

Enjoy the outdoors
✅ check your route and local conditions
✅ plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do
✅ enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory

Health Benefits of Walking

Walking increases cardiovascular fitness, and boost muscle power and endurance.

It improves self-perception and self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, and it reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue.

Is low impact, requires minimal equipment, can be done at any time of day and can be performed at your own pace.

Walking with others can turn exercise into an enjoyable social occasion.

Physical activity does not have to be vigorous or done for long periods in order to improve your health.

The beautiful ‘clock’ of the dandelion 💛

The seedhead is a large conspicuous ‘clock’ composed of cylindrical seeds with a long-stalked pappus or parachute to aid dispersal.

Dandelions have many uses including as a diuretic, the blanched leaves can be added to salads, roots are used to make dandelion ‘coffee’ and dandelion wine is made from the flowers.

Did you ever blow to tell the time or make a wish?

Experience Kent, England

I am currently in the process of designing, planning, collaborating and training to launch my very own experiences in Kent. Looking to provide unforgettable adventures in my very own home county. Over the coming weeks I will start to share information before my official launch. Thank you @kent_downs_aonb @visitkent for you support in making this happen.

Simpson’s Wine Estate

Simpsons’ wine estate have two vineyards nestled in the North Downs that produce delicious still and sparkling wines.

We completed their weekend vineyard and winery tour and tasting experience and I would highly recommend it.

With covid restrictions in place across England they have provided excellent facilities to accommodate their tours. With hand sanitiser station at the front of the building and an impressive area which was set up for the wine tasting.

Once everyone had arrived our hosts Henry and Sylvia took us on the short walk to one of their nearby vineyards, walking through the beautiful churchyard of St John’s and a few of the beautiful village lanes of Barham you come to one of the two of Simpsons Vineyards.

Henry explained a vast amount about the history of Simpsons and the vineyard in an eloquent way and was excellent at ensuring everyone heard what he was saying. Both Henry and Sylvia answered the questions asked by the group and provided comprehensive answers.

We spent an enjoyable amount of time out exploring and then headed back to the winery to undertake the wine tasting.

Wine tasting was in the ‘media barn’ which is used to host media events (tasting is normally inside the building). Tables were set out with tablecloth’s, glasses, flowers, breadsticks, water and an information pack. Perfect set up for the current circumstances.

As each wine was poured by Sylvia, Henry discussed the wine. We placed little hearts by on the information sheet to show which wines we liked the most. We were both delighted with how delicious the wines were.

There was no pressure to purchase wines they spoke for themselves and we purchased several bottles to enjoy at home.

The experience started at 10:30 and finished at 13:15 and ran spot on time. A great experience showcasing English wines at their finest.

Don’t forget to scan your NHS Covid app to register where you have been.

You can order Simpsons wine and book experiences online including their sunset sessions.

P.S. My favourite was the Canterbury Rose Sparkling Rosé 2018

Aged for 15 months on lees, Canterbury Rose is delicately pink with a fine mousse and a soft bouquet of rose petal and strawberry sorbet. A creamy, rounded texture is balanced with crisp berry flavors and a refined finish.

The Bluebells of Kent

Bluebells are a famous feature of many of our woodlands and they are truly beautiful. As we move further into April they will carpet woodland areas. This annual display is just stunning.
Did you know native bluebells have a strong sweet scent? Much weaker scents come from the non native varieties. Native bluebells are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Ancient Woodland

Next time you walk into the woods spend a little time looking at the magic they create.

Ancient woods are areas of woodland that have persisted since 1600 in England and Wales, and 1750 in Scotland.

They are relatively undisturbed by human development. As a result, they are unique and complex communities of plants, fungi, insects and other microorganisms.

How do I know if I’m exploring an ancient woodland? Look out for indicator species these include the commonly know bluebells, primroses and wood anemones or the less commonly known scaly male fern or hazel gloves fungus.

#RespectProtectEnjoy

Create a website or blog at WordPress.com

Up ↑