Outdoor places in Kent remaining open in lockdown including Hever Castle, Leeds Castle and National Trust
Playgrounds and play areas are to remain open this month as we're all encouraged to continue enjoying time outside. But latest government rules also allow for larger parks, woodlands and attractions with outdoor spaces to open too.
Here's 7 places in Kent you could take the kids during November's lockdown...
1. Hever Castle
Hever Castle says it has reviewed the government guidance on outdoor public spaces and will keep parts of its historic site open during this second lockdown.
The gardens will remain open to visitors, who will continue to have to book in advance before arriving. Its play areas Tudor Towers and Acorn Dell will remain available and whilst indoor catering will close, outdoor takeaway options will open. The Castle itself will close until restrictions are lifted.
But visitors are being reminded that meeting people in outdoor public places must only include the people you live with, with a support bubble or, when on your own, with one person from another household (not including pre-school aged children).
The move also means Hever Castle hopes to be able to continue with some of its planned Christmas events many of which are held outside. More details available about this here .
For more information about visiting Hever or to book tickets for a specific date or time please visit its website.
2. National Trust properties in Kent
The National Trust says it will keep the outdoor spaces it cares for open, including car parks, gardens and parklands but will close its houses, other properties, shops and holiday accommodation in England.
Takeaway food and drink will be made available from cafes or food outlets and outdoor play areas will stay open in line with the latest government guidelines.
Visitors, including members, will need to book tickets in advance particularly at busier times such as weekends or bank holidays.
Tickets are released every Friday for the following week. More details at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
3. Leeds Castle
In a message on its website Leeds Castle near Maidstone has confirmed it will remain open to visitors keen to enjoy its outdoor open spaces.
Whilst the Castle itself will be closed, the grounds, gardens, maze and children's playgrounds will remain open. Outlets offering takeaway food and drink will also be available to families.
Those looking to enjoy Leeds Castle's picturesque surroundings should book their ticket for a specified date and time in advance of visiting. To learn more please click here .
4. Kent Country Parks
KCC’s nine country parks across the county alongside car parks, toilets and play areas are remaining open this month.
Visitors will be able to buy takeaway food and drinks from cafes and although the main shops at Shorne Country Park and Lullingstone will be closed, KCC will be selling essential items such as logs. The front desk will also be open to provide for customer queries, tramper hire and sale of essential items.
For further information about visiting a country park owned and maintained by KCC please visit www.kent.gov.uk
5. Forest England sites including Bedgebury Pinetum and Jeskyns Community Woodland
Forestry England says it will be keeping its forests open for people to enjoy during this lockdown, in line with all government guidelines.
The organisation has two sites in Kent - at Bedgebury Pinetum near Lamberhurst and Jeskyns Community Woodland near Gravesend.
For further information on visiting and any restrictions in please visit www.forestryengland.uk
6. Bewl Water near Lamberhurst
Described as 'the perfect place to walk, cycle and run in beautiful Wealden countryside' Bewl Water is keeping its vast open spaces, miles of paths, toilets and takeaway services open during lockdown.
The car park is open 8am until 5pm and parking and admission is by pay and display and costs £5.
To learn more about visiting during this latest lockdown please click here .
7. Betteshanger Country Park near Deal
The 250 acres of parkland at Betteshanger is remaining open to visitors who want to blow away the lockdown blues and get the kids out into a vast open space.
Activities including geocaching and archery are temporarily suspended but toilets and the cafe for takeaway food and drink will remain open.
To learn more about Betteshanger, which is now operating winter opening hours 8am until 4.30pm, please click here .
