Parks set to finally open on Monday

Wild animal parks in Kent are getting ready to welcome visitors back when lockdown restrictions are eased yet again next week.

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

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 bosses say guests wishing to visit either park must reserve a slot in advance by booking online.

Port Lympne and Howletts’ managing director Tony Kelly said: “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.”

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

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.

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.

Ticket lines are now open to pre-book visits which are expected to be hugely popular in light of the Easter holidays.