Hop Farm 21 Feb 2006
A Memorable Day For Every Mum - Great Ideas For Mother's Day Break In Kent

Kent Tourism Alliance

There's something for every mother in Kent, whether they love enchanting gardens or the magnificent outdoors, fun family activities, pampering pleasures or a relaxing break. Below are some tempting suggestions: GO TOTALLY WILD Port Lympne Wild Animal Park and Gardens, near Hythe, is celebrating a safari special Mother's Day on Sunday 26 March. Families can enjoy a sumptuous mother's day two-course lunch, served in the elegant Port Lympne Mansion before strolling through its 600 acres of wild animal park and gardens. In celebration of the Mother's Day theme, visitors can see the brand new baby drill- a short tailed forest baboon. Its species is currently clinging to survival and is critically endangered so its keepers are delighted at its recent birth and so are his parents Gorbi and Bibundi. Included in the cost of the lunch ticket is entry to Port Lympne from 10 am to 5 pm, a free safari ride on the African experience - a wonderful taste of the wild, special mother and baby talks throughout the day and a visit to the gift stalls to pick a present. Lunch and admission costs: �22.50 for adults, �15 for children under 16 and free for children under 4. Please visit kenttourism.co.uk BUBBLY AND BLOOMS For a luxurious treat in the spring countryside - take your mum to the Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone for a full traditional champagne afternoon tea. Every mum will receive a lovely potted daffodil on arrival. Tea costs �10.50 per adult, �7.50 without champagne and �5 per child. There will be two sittings at 2pm and 3.30pm. Booking is essential. Special admission costs to the Museum will apply for those who have booked afternoon tea. The Museum is open from 10am-5pm with last admission at 4pm. The museum will be open for guests to explore and learn about the vibrant history of the people who lived and worked in the Garden of England over the past 150 years. The Museum includes five rescued buildings, two original but restored, a working Oast House, Sandling Farmhouse and a small working farmhouse including hop, herb, fruit, kitchen gardens and tearooms. There is also a Wagon Store, Forge and an agricultural store. Please visit kenttourism.co.uk

COUNTRY PURSUITS The Hop Farm Country Park, Paddock Wood is an award-winning attraction offering a great memorable day out for all the family with fantastic food and fun activities. Families have the opportunity to combine the two on Sunday 26 March, with a sumptuous three course Mother's Day lunch including coffee prepared on site by the resident chef and served in Whites Banqueting Suite, a tastefully converted Oast Barn. Included in the cost of a meal is a free gift for mums and free entrance to the attractions. Reservations are being taken for Mother's Day lunch between 12pm and 1.30pm. Lunch and admission costs: �23.95 for adults; �12.95 for under 12; and �6 for children under 4. Please visit kenttourism.co.uk SPRING FLOWERS Hever Castle, Edenbridge is celebrating the arrival of Spring with 'Spring Garden Week' from 20 to 26 March, perfect for a mother's day outing. Visitors will be able to join Neil Miller, Hever Castle Head Gardener and his gardening team on tours around the award winning gardens. They will highlight the main spring flower areas and discuss spring gardening topics. On Mothering Sunday, the Pavilion Restaurant will be open for cream teas where children can visit the creative corner and have the opportunity to be able to make their mother a surprise for an extra special day out. The special garden tours will take place at set times - 12.30pm and 2.30pm daily between 20 and 26 March. No booking is required and there is no extra charge for the event. kenttourism.co.uk

LUXURIOUS BREAK Chilston Park, Maidstone - a 17th century, Grade 1 listed Country House, set in 250 acres of rolling countryside and dense woodland, is offering a special Mothering Sunday package including Sunday lunch (�29.95 per person) a special Mother's Day gift and accommodation (�120 bed and breakfast per double or twin room per night). This package is available, either night prior, or on Mothering Sunday so perfect for guests who want to enjoy a relaxing indulgent weekend break, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. kenttourism.co.uk

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Hannah Montgomery/Carly Smith, bgb communications hmontgomery@bgb.co.uk or csmith@bgb.co.uk, tel 0207 233 2300