If getting out more is your plan for 2018, why not start with what’s right on your doorstep? We've found six days out which involve enjoying the countryside, animal encounters and trying something new.

ROLLER ROOM, DREAMLAND, MARGATE

Get your skates on and head back to the 1980s with the retro Roller Room at Dreamland.

The Margate park itself may be closed for the winter, but inside you can skate to a selection of tunes and pop into the Roller Diner, which is open at weekends and school holidays.

The room is open from 10am to 6pm, and a skate costs £4, or £13 for a family of four.

It also a great venue for children’s parties and hen dos. Details at dreamland.co.uk/roller-room.

A ROUND OF GOLF, LITTLESTONE, NEW ROMNEY

Looking to get fit, take up a new sport, and make new friends this year?

You can do all three, while taking in the breathtaking landscape and scenery at Littlestone Golf Club, which has two unique courses, laid out on the naturally undulating links land along the coast.

Recognised as one of the country’s top courses, a round at the club will also help you clock up about 10,000 steps if you make it around the 18 holes.

The club welcomes beginners, or those who are coming back to the sport after playing earlier in life, and there are three PGA professionals who can give lessons, help new players understand the rules and advise on the right equipment.

Lessons start from £25. Find the club at St Andrew’s Road, Littlestone, New Romney, TN28 8RB; call 01797 363355 or visit littlestonegolfclub.org.uk.

VISIT THE ORCHARDS, BROGDALE, FAVERSHAM

At this time of year, many gardens are closed for the winter, but you can still walk around the orchards at Faversham’s home to the National Fruit Collection.

Self-guided walks are available from October to March, though if you want a guided tour, you will have to wait until March.

Open seven days a week, you can stroll around the orchards between 10am and 4pm. You’ll need to pop into the gift shop on arrival to get a map guide and pay for an orchard pass. A pass costs £12 and £5.50 for children. For details, go to brogdalecollections.org/daily-orchard-tours.

The Medway Big Splash this weekend

EXPLORE KENT LIFE, SANDLING, MAIDSTONE

Many attractions are keeping a low profile this time of year, but you can still take the family to the farming family park at weekends in January.

There are fun activities including running wild in the outdoor play area and heading for the indoor play area and its three floors of fun.

Young visitors can get to know the smaller farmyard friends in cuddle corner and meet the meerkats and see Kent Owl Academy. Admission is between 10am and 2pm, with parking open until 3pm. It returns to daily opening on Saturday, February 3. For details go to kentlife.org.uk.

SOFA TO SADDLE BIKE RIDE, FOLKESTONE

Want to get out and see a bit of the county from a different perspective?

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not join a bike ride with Sofa to Saddle. The next is on Sunday, January 21 at 10am, and starts from the car park opposite the BP Garage at Seabrook.

The six-mile ride is suitable for most ages and lasts an hour and 15 minutes. Riders need to bring their own bike, replacement inner tubes, cycle helmet and appropriate clothing for the weather. To book your place, and search other rides coming up near you visit letsride.co.uk/rides/113747.

ANIMAL ADVENTURES, PORT LYMPNE RESERVE, HYTHE

You’ll feel a world away from the county when you head out around Port Lympne’s reserve near Hythe, where you can see cheetahs, giraffes and tigers.

You can try a segway tour, which includes an introduction to riding one, under the guidance of an expert instructors, which cost from £12 for 20 minutes upwards.

There are also experiences for those with an interest in endangered animals. You can try a 30-minute animal encounter or a keeper for a day experience which costs from £250. For details and to book, visit aspinallfoundation.org.