Woodchurch Safari Lodge

Potter into Woodchurch, a mile or so away, for a wander around the Woodchurch Village Life Museum on Susan's Hill, then a clamber up to Woodchurch windmill for handsome views over the Walland marshes to the Channel. (Most happily too, the mill – when open in summer – is accessible via the footpath between the local pubs…) About a mile out of town is the South of England Rare Breeds Centre, where there are farm animals to see, a petting barn where your small sorts can snuggle smaller critters, and wildlife gardens, a butterfly tunnel and an aviary to roam around. Or stay close to home to see species like deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, herons and kestrels in the countryside around the site and along the peaceful cycle lanes nearby. More birdwatching and nature spotting is easily sorted at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve (35 minutes' drive), voted Britain's favourite reserve in 2016 and home to all sorts of species around its coastal marsh, reedbeds, shingle and saltmarsh. The reserve has miles of paths to tramp, five hides to birdwatch from and events and guided walks all year round. Other top local options include a puff on the Kent & East Sussex Railway (15 minutes), a grownup look at Chapel Down winery (20 minutes), or taking your camera along to Bodiam Castle, set spectacularly in its own moat near Robertsbridge.