Get out and about this Easter

Come on people, we live in the Garden of England... so let’s get the kids out from behind the screens to play in it. We asked our friends on Twitter to suggest their favourite outdoorsy spots for getting some fresh air with the family, and as ever, they came up trumps.

Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve

It’s tucked behind the only 40mph road in Sevenoaks, so you’d be forgiven for whipping past without spotting this fantastic nature reserve, filled with birds, woodland and open water. Both @tabsfab and @otfordcanary sing its praises, and as a family we’ve spent many a happy and peaceful afternoon mooching around.

The viewing huts in the woodland surrounding the water are very sweet (kids love them) and whether you’re a keen ornithologist, or just appreciate the tranquillity of birds bobbing about, it’s a lovely way to spend some time.

Opening hours: Visitor centre hours from April 2011 to 31 October, 2011: Open Saturday to Wednesday 10.00am - 5.00pm and Bank Holidays.

Find it: On the A25 Bradbourne Vale Road, just near the Knole Academy Bradbourne site [sat nav: TN13 3DH].

Bradbourne Lakes

@otfordcanary suggests Bradbourne Lakes, and what a lovely little place to spend some time feeding bread to the ducks and pottering about. You may wish to keep very young children in reigns or buggies as the lakes are open but the park surrounding the lakes are enclosed and feel safe.

See our gallery of feeding the ducks.

The nearby playground and park at Pointoise Close can also bulk out a cheap afternoon with little legs to tire out.

Find it: Off the A25 Bradbourne Vale Road, turn into Betenson Avenue.

Manor Park Country Park, West Malling

It’s about 30 minutes’ drive from Sevenoaks, but what a fabulous park. See our photo gallery to get a feel for the play park and lovely timber café.

The park is designated a ‘site of nature conservation’ and you can often see squirrels and all sorts of birds. The children’s play area was rebuilt in 2009 and offers activities suitable for all ages.

Opening hours: 9am to dusk or 9pm. Whichever is earlier. Park closed Christmas Day.

Find it: In St Leonards Street, West Malling [sat nav: ME19 6PE].

Dryhill Local Nature Reserve

Adapted from an old quarry, the nature reserve on Dryhill Lane is a ‘site of special scientific interest’. The exceptional structure of its rocks and fossils led to it becoming the first 'geological' Local Nature Reserve in Kent.

The quarry closed in the 1950's and since then nature has reclaimed the site, creating woodlands that are ideal for picnics.

Opening hours: 9am to dusk or 9pm. Whichever is earlier. Park closed Christmas Day.

Find it: Dryhill Lane, near Sevenoaks [sat nav: TN14 6EP].

And finally, if those don’t excite you, here is a list of suggestions from the fantastically helpful @trish again: “Endless list of fun -Toys Hill, Emmetts Garden, Hever Castle, Lullingstone, Ightham Mote, Oldbury Wood.”

Don’t forget, we’d love to see your pictures added to the site if you visit any of these areas, and we’d love to hear your suggestions too!