Betteshanger Country Park in Deal is now open again and offering discounted bike hire to celebrate

A Kent country park is offering discounted bike hire this weekend.

Betteshanger Park in Deal was forced to close its gates suddenly last Sunday (November 3) when an illegal traveller encampment took over the car park.

The group has now left, and following a thorough scour of the 365-acre site on health and safety grounds, the park announced on Friday afternoon (November 8) that 'after a slight hitch' it was once again business as usual.

And to mark the reopening, managers are offering discounted bike hire to entice users back through its gates.

Riders can take advantage of the 3km tarmac track or 10km of rugged ground which includes mountain bike trails. The cost of bike hire has been reduced to £5 per hour per cycle - and there is no need to pre-book.

As well as cycling Betteshanger Park is popular for activities such as geocaching, survival and army fitness with MY/PT and climbing.

Seasonal events are held as part of a packed programme like last month's Halloween activities. The park has also played host to The Beast - the world's largest inflatable assault course.

Dog walkers and nature lovers also flock to the site, built on the former Betteshanger Colliery spoil heap, because of the wildlife there.

The temporary closure was another set back for the park, which is set to be sold amid an investigation into the financial dealings of owners Hadlow College - the first facility to ever be placed into educational administration.

It currently means there is an unclear future for the £40million scheme to turn the site into an eco-park with an £8million visitor centre and much anticipated Kent Mining Museum that was originally due to open last March. For more details about visiting Betteshanger and how to find it click here.

Read more: Things to do with the kids in Kent this Saturday and Sunday