Defying Holiday Boredom by Shelby Thomas

Days Out In Kent –Top 3

1) Rare Breeds Centre and Farm Park – Set over 100 acres of land in the middle amid the tumbling Kent countryside, the Rare Breeds Centre is an ideal day out for all the family. The special events are very interactive with daily ‘Meet the Animals’ sessions in the Children’s Barn and Pig Races which involve everyone interested. Let the whole family come face to face with cute little bunny rabbits or bouncing pygmy goats! Also on site are two play parks (one complete with a wooden fortress and even an assault course!), a tube maze, an indoor soft play area, tractor trailer rides, a magnificent butterfly tunnel and even a restaurant (with a kids menu and extremely reasonable prices). For tickets prices and further info take a look at http://www.rarebreeds.org.uk .

2) Groombridge Place Gardens & Enchanted Forest – Steeped in history this unique attraction is not only a fun visit but can be hugely educational too. All of the attractions have fantasy-themed names such as The Mystic Pool, The Double Spiral and the Dinosaur and Dragon Valley. Furthermore, the Enchanted Forest benefits from playgrounds, tree swings, and wild animals roaming about (even a Zeedonk lurks somewhere around being only one of two in the whole of Britain). Crusoe’s World is also worth a look as it was based on the smash hit film and is made up of some genuine props shipped all the way from Africa. Groombridge is favoured by those with those with slightly younger children as it is a very peaceful place to visit. For more info visit http://www.groombridge.co.uk.

3) Bumps & Babies Group, Canterbury – Something for those expecting or new parents, Baby Clubs are a great way to break the initial fear of going out with the baby or with the bump. Mutual mums and mums-to-be can all get together for a chin-wag, swapping advice over free cups of coffee in undisturbed surroundings. Bumps & Babies Group in Canterbury is one of many in Kent; you can also try Ash Parent & Toddler Group, Aylesham Parent & Toddler Group and Bumps to Ones at Little Bees Children’s Centre (Littlebourne).