General Interest – Natural Habitats

SandiDay trip categories

natural habitats categoryKent is described as the Garden of England for a good reason. Kench Hill is the perfect base from which to explore some incredible places. Sandy beaches, forests, cliffs, chalk downland, wildlife sanctuaries and lakes to name a few.

  • Royal Military Canal, Appledore Village

    military_canalAn easy walk, no steep hills, with views across Romney Marshes, a World War 2 pill-box to explore, and the story of the Canal, built as a defence against Napoleon’s army 200 years ago. The church has interesting tapestry telling the history of the village. An alternative Monday afternoon walk for the whole class, especially for any with mobility problems, or combine with Park Wood for a full day with a picnic at the Recreation ground.

    Cost: FREE + minibus shuttle
    More Info: www.royalmilitarycanal.com

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  • Tenterden

    tenterdenA little town with a big history based on the wool trade! Ideal for a comparative settlement studies, the famous High St has a wealth of historic buildings, including churches, interesting shops, services and even a steam railway. Just 10 minutes away by minibus, it is also the site of our Leisure Centre with its popular swimming pool. Take the whole class for a saunter along the High St (wheelchair access), or a circular walk in the surrounding countryside beginning and ending at the old railway, ideal for mapping (but not suitable for wheelchairs).

    Cost: FREE
    More Info: www.tenterdentown.co.uk

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  • Rare Breeds Centre

    rare breedsA firm favourite with all ages throughout the year, even in wet weather. A great day out combining close-up encounters with farm animals, birds of prey, woodland walks and challenging physical adventures at Mysterious Marsh and the Swing Bridge Barn. Plenty of stimulus on life cycles, with piglets and chicks being born all year. Excellent value for money. Run by Canterbury Oast Trust, a charity supporting adults with learning disabilities. Good wheelchair access in most areas. 15 mins drive. Gift shop, WC’s, café.

    Cost: £5.50 each + minibus shuttle (£20+)
    More Info: www.rarebreeds.org.uk

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  • Park Wood

    park-woodA local ancient woodland with mixed deciduous trees (oak, hazel) and a conifer plantation. Suitable for a half-day visit to explore woods using a variety of Earth Education and sensory activities. Ideal to take half a class, whilst others work on-site. Or take a whole class for a full day, with a picnic lunch at Appledore Recreation ground and visit to the village. 15 mins drive, nearest WC’s 5 min drive in Appledore. Wheelchair accessible to most areas, flat paths.

    Cost: FREE + minibus shuttle (£10+)

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  • Camber Sands

    cambersandsThe longest sandy beach in England! Collect shells, see the dramatic rise and fall of the tide, explore ecology and plant adaptations amongst the fragile sand-dunes, play a game on the beach, make sand-castles and paddle in the sea. Can be very windy! Whole or half-day. Public WC’s, souvenir shop.

    Cost: FREE + coach hire OR minibus shuttle (£30) + parking
    More Info: www.eastsussex.gov.uk

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  • Hastings

    hastingsHastings is a typical seaside resort, a shingle beach with an Old Town, fishing industry, lifeboat station and beach amusements, plus the new Jerwood Art Gallery.  The Victorian pier was burnt down but now houses a roost of starlings and is being rebuilt. 40 minute drive

    Fairlight Glen                     FREE plus coach hire
    Arrive for an invigorating morning’s walk through the fairytale setting of Fairlight Glen in Hastings Country Park with its picturesque sandstone landscape and views over Hastings and English Channel.  Visit an indoor attraction in the afternoon at Hastings before going home by coach. 50 mins drive. Please note that access through Ecclesbourne Glen is now closed due to land slips.

    Hastings Attractions        £4.75 each, 1 adult free/10 +  minibus cost
    Combined tickets possible, but we recommend  one option only.

    • Smugglers Adventure
      Explore St Clements Caves labyrinth, history of C18th smuggling with fun interactive exhibits, sound and light shows (Limited disabled access)
    • Blue Reef Aquarium
      Marine nursery, shark tank, ray pool, good interpretation. (Wheelchair access) www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk
    • Hastings Castle & the 1066 story
      Audio-visual show within a siege tent. (Limited wheelchair access)    Gift shops, WC’s.
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  • Other attractions

    kent lifeThe following attractions are also recommended, and are particularly suitable as options on the way back to London to extend your final day.

    Museum of Kent Life ( Maidstone)

    Cost: £4.50 per pupil + coach hire
    40 mins drive
    www.kentlife.org.uk

     

    Wildwood Discovery Park ( Herne Bay)

    Cost: £3.50 + coach hire
    An unique collection of native British animals including species now extinct in UK – beavers, wolves etc. 1 hour drive
    www.wildwoodtrust.org.uk

     

    Historic Dockyard (Chatham)

    Cost: £4.50 + coach hire
    Exciting displays about Victorians, WW2 and the history of sail. Teacher packs, tours etc
    www.chdt.org.uk

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