The animals parks in Kent reopening on Monday, April 12 including Howletts, Wingham and Port Lympne

Wild animal parks in Kent are now able to welcome visitors back as lockdown restrictions are eased yet again this week.

The government has given the green light to more tourist attractions being able to open their doors from Monday (April 12) alongside self catering accommodation, outdoor hospitality and non essential shops.

Wild animal parks across Kent, including Howletts and Port Lympmne, are preparing to open to visitors
Wild animal parks across Kent, including Howletts and Port Lympmne, are preparing to open to visitors

The announcement is also welcome news for families who are still on their school Easter break - giving them additional places to visit before classrooms reopen again on April 19.

Amongst the wild animal parks in Kent reopening are Port Lympne Reserve near Hythe and its sister park Howletts Wild Animal Park in Bekesbourne near Canterbury.

A strictly limited number of day tickets will be available and guests wishing to visit either park must reserve a slot in advance by booking online.

Howletts near Canterbury is home to elephants
Howletts near Canterbury is home to elephants

Port Lympne and Howletts’ managing director, Tony Kelly commented: “After three long months of winter lockdown, we are excited to welcome guests back to Port Lympne and Howletts. Our wildlife parks are the largest in Kent, offering huge amounts of outdoor space to explore and enjoy.

"We are closely monitoring government guidelines and hope to extend our remaining services as and when we are allowed.” To learn more about visiting either park click here.

The Wildwood Trust in Herne Common is also preparing to open its gates to visitors from April 12.

Red squirrels pictures at Wildwood
Red squirrels pictures at Wildwood

The conservation park particularly for British wildlife is also asking families to pre-book their visit from Monday in order to control visitor numbers and enable social distancing across the site. To learn more about visiting please click here.

Wingham Wildlife Park, which has been entertaining its huge facebook audience with live informative videos throughout lockdown, is now bringing its broadcasts to a close as it gets ready to welcome back families in person.

A chimp at Wingham Wildlife Park
A chimp at Wingham Wildlife Park

Ticket lines are now open to pre-book visits which are expected to be hugely popular in light of the Easter holidays. To learn more about arranging your visit to Wingham, where you'll be able to see everything from tigers and flamingoes to red pandas and giraffes, please visit winghamwildlifepark.co.uk

Eagle Heights in Eynsford is also opening up its countryside site to visitors from Friday, April 16. It will then be open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Tickets can be booked via its website by clicking here.

Read more suggestions of things to do with the kids as we move out of lockdown at www.mykentfamily.co.uk

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