Here are some of the activities and experiences you can enjoy on your visit to
St Andrews Lakes. If you discover a worthy inclusion to this list on your hot tub break, please
let us know and we'll add it so that other visitors can enjoy it too.
The Hop Farm - TN12 6PY
about 10 Miles
The Hop Farm offers fun for children of all ages and the fun starts as soon as you enter with Giant Jumping Pillows and huge Outdoor Play Area and Frame with Slides, Bridges, Towers and much more. There are also a number of rides including the gentle Victorian Carousel. A ride on a Shire Horse is a great way to explore the park and as you wander around you will find the fantastic Lost World Maze, the Magic Factory and the crazy 3D Great Goblin Hunt.
Adventure Island - SS1 2AU
about 16 Miles
Adventure Island costs nothing to enter and there is an array of rides and attractions on offer. The Big Adventure rides include the Dragon's Claw, Rage and Vortex. For younger children there is just as much fun on offer with rides like the Cow Jump, Over the Hill and Dragon. Mini Rides include the Choo Choo Train, Crooked House and Flying Jumbos. When you have ran out of energy you could have a wander round the gift shop and perhaps buy a souvenir of your day.
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest - TN17 2SJ
about 19 Miles
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest is another very popular attraction and is great for families as there is loads of open space for children to run around. Bedgebury is home to the beautiful National Pinetum and a further 2000 acres of forest as well as an excellent adventure play trail. Families can explore the site via the miles cycling routes and for the more experienced rider there are also 12 km of mountain biking tracks. The specially designed play area features a butterfly climbing wall, a spider's web, a ship wreck and tree stump nest tunnels. Other activities include Go Ape aerial ropes and a brand new zip wire course.
Imagine Playcentre - TN23 7UT
about 23 Miles
Great
Kent attraction and actually the biggest play centre in Kent. From babies right through to toddlers and juniors there is something to suit all ages. For roddlers the under 5s play frame has a host of activities including a tube slide, ball pool and funny mirrors. Juniors will be attractoed to the Imagine Village where they can drive little cars on the specially designed roadway. If you live locally this is also a great place to meet people and make new friends.
Bodiam Castle - TN32 5UA
about 24 Miles
Bodiam Castle (National Trust) was built in 1385 and much of the exterior of the castle is still in tact although most of the interior was destroyed during the Civil War. The castle and grounds are a popular attraction in Sussex and have a children's activity area and a year round events programme including Bonfire night firework displays and Halloween spooky pumpkin parades. On selected date's visitor's cam meet real castle characters and get an insight into castle life.
Wildwood Trust - CT4 5EL
about 29 Miles
Wildwood Trust is well worth a visit if you are staying in the local area. You can experience close encounters with native wildlife - all in a beautiful forest setting. You will find this attraction between the coastal town of Herne Bay and the ancient city of Canterbury. There is a wide variety of animals to see including badgers, foxes and otters. Kids will also love the animal encounters sessions, playground and games and quizzes. Check out their website for the latest admission prices which are excellent value for a family day out in Kent.
Port Lympne - CT21 4PD
about 30 Miles
Port Lympne - The Aspinall Wild Animal Experience in nearby Kent is one of the regions most popular attractions and should be top of your list if you have animal lovers in the family. The site is home to over 500 rare and endangered animals from all around the world including the beautiful Siberian Tigers and the largest breeding herd of Black Rhino outside of Africa. The park was set up to protect endangered species and while enjoying the experience visitors can learn about the dangers the animals face in the wild and the reasons for their decline. The centre aims to return animals to the wild wherever possible and the enclosures are designed closely match the animals natural habitat.
Lee Valley Park Farms - EN9 2EF
about 31 Miles
Located in the Waltham Abbey area of Essex this lovely farm will appeal to families especially those with small children. With animals including Ella and Eve the goats and Tallulah and Barbara the pigs younger children will delight in meeting and learning about the various farm animals. Other attractions on the farm include the new indoor soft play area where children can moo like a cow while whizzing down the big cow slide or dive into the ball pools. Look out for a range of activities taking place each weekend and during school holidays such as sheep shearing, bottle feeding the lambs and even pig racing. When it's time to sit down and recharge your batteries head for the Orchard Cafe or one of the ready made picnic areas.
Brockhill Country Park - CT21 4HL
about 32 Miles
Brockhill Country Park once formed part of a large estate dating right back to Norman times. Today the old manor house is part of Brockhill School but the grounds are still open to the public and are a popular place to enjoy a picnic on a summer day. The park is abundant with wildlife including butterflies and birds.
Chessington World of Adventures - KT9 2NE
about 32 Miles
Chessington World of Adventures has a well deserved reputation and one of the best theme parks in the UK the site is crammed with rides for adrenaline junkies including Vampire rollercoaster which fly's through Transylvania and the Tomb Blaster which is not for the faint hearted the site also boasts a fantastic Sea Life Centre and a range of attractions for younger children including daily shows and talks.
RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve - SG12 8JS
about 34 Miles
If you like nature then the RSPB Rye Meads Nature Reserve makes a great day out. Situated in Stanstead Abbotts in Essex this place is a haven for wildlife. If you're a keen walker or bird watcher then this is certainly the place for you. Kids will also love the activities on offer including the Explorer Backpacks they can borrow full of fun things to do. Don't forget to bring a picnic! Look out for special events taking place throughout the year such as Feed the Bird days.
Great Notley Park - CM77 7FS
about 35 Miles
This attraction is currently under construction but we are looking forward to it opening in early 2011. The philosophy of the Discovery Centre is 'healthy body, healthy mind, healthy planet and aims to change people's attitudes and actions towards our planet. Educational as well as fun there are plenty of activities such as outdoor sport pitches, cycle and walking trails and indoor activity rooms. This is a unique attraction for the whole family.
Holmbush Farm World - RH12 4SE
about 35 Miles
Holmbush Farm World is a good choice for animal lovers and is particularly popular with families with younger children. The farm has lots of friendly animals to meet including Lambs, Pigs, Sheep and Goats. Fun family activities include Tractor Rides, Goat Racing and Cow Milking. The site also has plenty of open space for children to run around, picnic areas and an indoor Play Barn as well as a Tree House.
Colchester Zoo - CO3 0SL
about 38 Miles
Colchester Zoo is a fantastic place to visit with something for all the family. Wander around and see the array of animals in excellent habitats. Don't forget to visit the Leopards at Ussuri Falls, this new expansion can be located opposte the White Tiger Valley and the Medellin Momkeys. Other popular areas of the zoo include Tiger Taiga, Chimp World and Wallaby Walkabout. Look out for special events throughout the year such as Shriek Week on Halloween. If you book tickets online you can obtain a discount of 10% and are also fast tracked on entry to the zoo - a great idea in the school holidays.
Spring Bank Park Farm - S21 5RH
about 39 Miles
This lovely farm is located in South Downs National Park - a stunning setting for a family fun day out in Sussex. The farm shop has recently opened and is a real delight to visit. Of course the main attractions are the farm animals which include goats, shetland ponies and chipmunks. The regular meet the animal sessions are very popular too. Look out for special events throughout the year including Easter Fun, Halloween and Christmas activities.
North of England
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East of England
Heart of England
South of England
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