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Visit a heritage railway, goat sanctuary, Diggerland and more this weekend as sites in Kent reopen

As more sites and attractions across Kent reopen, you could do everything from ride on a heritage railway to drive a digger this weekend.

Here's some ideas:

The Kent and East Sussex Railway reopens this weekend
The Kent and East Sussex Railway reopens this weekend

Kent & East Sussex Railway

Steam trains will run on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, for the first time this summer. Initially, there will be a slimmed-down timetable, with two steam-hauled round-trips running passengers on a scenic journey through the Rother Valley from Tenterden Town to Bodiam at weekends before having a brief rest at Bodiam station and returning. Bookings must be made online at kesr.org.uk/reopening

Get driving at Diggerland now that it has reopened
Get driving at Diggerland now that it has reopened

Diggerland, Strood

The chain reopened its parks to families this week. You can book tickets online for the Strood site, but if you arrive at opening time at 10am, you may have to queue a little while as staff get everyone in safely. Details at diggerland.com

Buttercups Goat Sanctuary is back open Picture: Andy Jones
Buttercups Goat Sanctuary is back open Picture: Andy Jones

Buttercups Goat Sanctuary, Boughton Monchelsea

The site near Maidstone, which is home to more than 130 goats, is now back open to visitors Thursdays through to Sundays, from 11am to 4pm. A suggested donation for entry is £4 per person, with food to offer the goats a little extra. New measures have been introduced to keep staff and guests safe with dedicated entrances and exits and the stable area is out of bounds but there is still the whole of the park. Find out more before you visit at buttercups.org.uk

See the sights at Eagle Heights
See the sights at Eagle Heights

Eagle Heights, Eynsford

The site, packed with wildlife and birds of prey has now reopened to visitors. To go along, you’ll need to pre-book tickets online via the website. Find out more about the new safety measures in place when you book at eagleheights.co.uk

Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells is reopening next month
Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells is reopening next month

Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells

The railway will not reopen until the late August bank holiday weekend, but there is a glimmer of hope as the online shop has resumed and the Groombridge Kiosk is now open at weekends for a drink, light snack or even an ice cream. Pop by between 9.30am and 4pm on Saturdays or Sundays. Book ahead for the bank holiday opening at spavalleyrailway.com

The RSPB is reopening its reserves slowly
The RSPB is reopening its reserves slowly

Broadwater Warren Nature Reserve

The reserve just outside Tunbridge Wells is one of the few RSPB reserves to have reopened so far. It is home to threatened birds such as woodlarks and nightjars and in the heathland and woodland there are adders, bumblebees and butterflies. The car park is now open on Mondays to Fridays. Find out more at rspb.org.uk

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For more ideas for days out across Kent click here

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