Top Things to do in Smarden
The 7 Best Things to do in Smarden, England
Discover the best top things to do in Smarden, United Kingdom including The Big Cat Sanctuary, St. Michael the Archangel, The Flying Horse, Smarden War Memorial, Kent's Native Architecture Hall Houses, West End House Gallery, Commonwealth War Grave, Smarden.
1. The Big Cat Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 992 reviews
The Big Cat Sanctuary The Big Cat Sanctuary is a conservation charity, home to over 50 big and small cats across 16 different species. We are proud to have the most diverse collection in the UK, from the largest, to the smallest, to the most endangered in the world, hidden away in the Kent countryside. We are a centre of excellence whose primary objective is the breeding of some of the most endangered species on the planet as well as offering sanctuary to retired and homeless cats. The breeding centre is proud to be part of the EEP (European Endangered Species Breeding Programme). This is a body that regulates the captive breeding of endangered cats by making recommendations for breeding to produce a strong, healthy and diverse gene-pool within the captive population to ultimately be reintroduced safely into their natural habitat to mix with their counterparts in the wild. Breeding success so far includes the Amur leopard programme which is the world’s most endangered big cat, estimated between 70-80 remaining in the wild globally, also to the Sumatran tigers, Amur tigers and Pallas cats. Big Cat Sanctuary operates by way of personal big cat experiences including big cat tours, individual and group photography days, overnight big cat safari nights and adoptions. All of which need to be pre-booked in advance of a visit. The centre takes pride in delivering fully immersive, personal and amazing experiences that will leave any big cat lover with memories to treasure forever.
Reviewed By TheHarve69
All staff wonderful Lodges are beautiful Cats are wonderfully looked after Paddocks and indoor homes warm clean Knowledge of the keepers is incredible,from individual cats, family groups and general conservation, not only in the sanctuary, but globally. Dining experience was exceptional, quality, quantity and sharing your meals with two patrolling male lions is awe inspiring Any time you can spend there is time well spent
2. St. Michael the Archangel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By hawkes2an - Cranbrook, United Kingdom
Altjhough there is a list of rectors dating from 1205, the present church was only built in the 25 years from 1325 to 1350, with its tower being added at the end of the 15th century. The church is affectionately known as the "Barn of Kent" because it has a 36 foot wide nave without any aisles, with the roof of the church being supported by a scissor-beam system of intersecting timbers. There is a very nice stained glass window in the nave which dates back to the 15th century. The Lady Altar dates back to 1392 when a Stephen Morton and a Simon Chedmynden founded a chantry, with monks to pray for their souls. In the sanctuary is an unusual three-seat canopied priests' seat (sedilia), dating back to the 14th century. In the snctuary there is also an intriguing alcove. It is not really known what was the function of this alcove but it may possibly have been an oven for baking communion wafers. The font is a 14th century stone with a much newer base. The graveyard is peaceful with many interesting gravestones and vaults. There is also a Commonwealth War Grave. This is interesting in itself becuase it is that of a Second World War casualty; a Private K C Judge of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps who died on Christmas Day 1944, aged 23. The Smarden War Memorial, on an exterior wall of the church, is also interesting in that, for once, there are more Second World War casualties (20 in total) than those from the First World War (17). Of the Second World War casulaties, 12 are civilians of which nine are from just two families. The civilian casulaties were more than likely caused by flying bombs as Smarden was on the flight path known as "Doodlebug Alley".
3. The Flying Horse
4. Smarden War Memorial
5. Kent's Native Architecture Hall Houses
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
6. West End House Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
7. Commonwealth War Grave, Smarden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
