Our visit to the Big Cat Sanctuary was already incredible, but staying overnight in the Tiger Lodge made it truly unforgettable. The lodge itself was stunning — beautifully designed, luxurious, and so thoughtfully placed that you can watch the tigers roaming just outside your window. Waking up to the sight (and sound!) of a tiger padding gracefully through the grass is an experience we will never forget. The atmosphere was both serene and exhilarating. The lodge felt private and peaceful, yet so connected to the sanctuary’s heart. Every detail, from the comfort of the lodge to the hospitality of the staff, was impeccable. Dinner and breakfast were delicious, and the staff went above and beyond to make the stay feel special and personal. What impressed us most was the sanctuary’s dedication to the animals. You don’t just stay overnight — you learn about conservation, the stories of each big cat, and the incredible work being done to protect these species. It made the whole experience meaningful as well as magical. This was so much more than a getaway; it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be close to some of the world’s most magnificent creatures in a way that is respectful, inspiring, and unforgettable. If you ever get the chance, book the Tiger Lodge — it is simply breathtaking.

Fabulous weekend stay at one of the lodges. Clean and well equipped, fantastic standard of food. The staff are all so friendly. We had 2 great tours of the Sanctuary with Emily who was not only informative but shared anecdotes about her experience as a keeper. I really could not fault the experience which was topped off by hand feeding one of their leopards. Absolutely amazing and an experience we we will never forget

This was the best experience I have ever done. The Lodge we stayed in was AMAZING! So beautiful and well equipped, above and beyond anywhere I have stayed before. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, and our guide Dawn who took us around the sanctuary was so informative about all the cats, was amazing listening to their stories of how and why they were there and seeing as some cats were elderly or under vetinary care you would never have known as they all look the picture of health, looked happy and contented in their immaculate, well thought out enclosures. I have never seen such animals so " up close" and was shocked at how massive and majestic looking some of them are and to be able to hand feed them too......was a dream. Would not hesitate to go back and also support their fantastic work......amazing!

My partner booked one of the experiences for my birthday yesterday and it was insane. Our tour guide Chris was amazing, had so much knowledge of the animals/park and made the experience a real pleasure. Seeing maya was my dream and all the other beautiful cats. We will definitely be back 🥰

An amazing venue with very knowledgable and caring staff. The animals seem well cared for and in great health. It was really interesting chatting to the staff and learning about how they do enrichment activities for the cats to keep them stimulated.

We visited one of the latest open days here and had a brilliant day out with the kids. Learning lots from all the staff spotted at all the different enclosures. Plenty of different big cats to see and experience in a better way you see at an all year open Zoo. Well layed out, well planned and definitely worth going when they do one again. Your need a membership if you want to visit outside these days.

We went to the Big Cat Sanctuary Open Day to celebrate a birthday, and we couldn’t have asked for a more incredible way to celebrate! It was a privilege to see the gorgeous cats they have there. The whole day was packed with wonderful activities, and it was an unforgettable experience for our family. Our little one especially loved the meet and greet with the brilliant lads from One Zoo Three; it was such a lovely touch that made the day even more special. We were amazed by the rescue and conservation work being done. The newly rescued lions were a highlight; they were so beautiful and clearly thriving. It was lovely to see them looking so healthy and content. You can feel just how much love and care goes into everything here, from the thoughtful conversations with the staff to the fact that the sanctuary isn’t open all year round to protect the cats' wellbeing. We really valued that. The live music and drumming added such a vibrant atmosphere to the day, and seeing Cam bravely take part in the dog display was brilliant! Hearing about their fantastic work to fight poaching and illegal wildlife trade brought even more meaning to the experience. I’d highly recommend going to an open day or buying a loved one an experience there to see the stunning cats up close and really understand and support the sanctuary’s important work in the UK and internationally. It was also great to hear that they’ve recently gained international recognition, which is so well deserved. We’d definitely recommend becoming a member for the extra experiences and to continue supporting this amazing place. Really looking forward to next year!

Great to visit when there is good weather, lots of open space with planes taking off and landing.. a nice cafe that serves hot and cold drinks and food as well as snacks. There are some skydiving events available as well as flying lessons. Although we were just here to see some of the old planes and the museum. All the staff here are so friendly and the volunteers that work in the museum are so knowledgeable and always willing to answer questions and give out as much information as they can. When we were there they had some old cars parked up as well. Was so interesting with so much to see. They do have special events on their website as well. I’m sure those would be even more fun!

Wonderful museum full of interesting and unusual items. Staff are happy and helpful. Ideal museum to look around and then head to the airfield where there is usually something happening.

Great day at Headcorn aerodrome and the museum sits a few steps away from the cafe. Loved watching the Spitfire taking off as well as the wing walking punters strapped to the aerobatic biplane flights!

Great little museum. They’ve got some really interesting items that set them aside from many of the other museums, nice amount of things on the once local 358th Fighter Group too. Great job everyone who works there!

Really epic museum and gift shop. So much to see, great for kids too. Very reasonable entrance fee, ample free parking available. A wonderland for WW2 airfare memorabilia. Even a V1 doodle bug on display 😎 activity sheets for kids too. Tonnes to buy from the shop inside. Amazing staff and service.

Thoroughly enjoyed my visit today, and it was great to listen to Russell who was extremely informative and knowledgeable of the local area. Thank you. 🙂

Great place to visit and read about the pilots and see the remains of the planes, if you do visit dress extra warm as the museum is a tad bit cold

Love this gallery . There is so much to look at and admire

Excellent gallery with excellent variety of various mediums, jewellery silver and other, paintings, prints, ceramic art, pottery, quirky art, and textiles exhibiting a high standered of work in a relaxed, dare I say fun atmosphere all in the picturesque village of Smarden.

Lovely people set in the most beautiful surroundings and amazing pieces for sale

Lovely gallery with great, affordable art in the heart of the Weald.

Friendly welcome and lovely items on display

Had Sunday lunch there, food looked delicious and the starters were beautiful. I had roast beef and my boyfriend had the pork and the beef . Vegetables were lovely, huge Yorkshire pudding too! Sadly no chicken available as they had run out ! However this morning both of us have been poorly, I think the beef was definitely underdone. Totally pink . I've eaten beef like it before and never had a problem. We were not asked how we would like it cooked and one would assume that it would look as though it was cooked when it arrived as it didn't state it would be we ed almost raw! Sadly I've no desire to go back and have contacted the pub to advise them .

The Chequers Inn as an absolute gem. The location is perfect for touring the beautiful countryside or just staying put in quintessentially English village surroundings. The Inn and it's gardens are stunning, and most importantly everyone we met was incredibly friendly and happy to stop and chat. All of the staff are fantastic and the food is out of this world. The rooms are not only great looking, but really comfortable. This is truly a great place and we will definitely go back. Thanks to everyone at the Inn who made the stay a truly memorable one, we seriously didn't want to leave!

Difficult as I can't put 3.5 stars. A local gent' recommended the place and it is nice. Small, old, low ceilings wooden beams. Sunday dinners looked very nice. However I wasn't overly impressed with my pint of London Pride. Looked a bit flat and lacked in flavour. Management assured me that that was how a bitter should be. After 60+ years of drinking bitter I am not totally convinced. Hey ho I drank it.

Stayed one night here after trip to Chapel Down winery, and before visit to Sissinghurst Castle. Food was 10/10. Top restaurant food at pub prices. Pie of the day was duck and pear….delicious. Room was quiet and comfortable. Luckily we didn’t encounter the ghost who is alleged to haunt the upper floors. Staff were all so friendly and helpful. Special thanks to Becky and Aggie

An excellent inn with fantastic food (including cooked to order breakfast) and outstanding service. Although small and with limited amenities we were made to feel really welcome and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We would definitely stay there again.

Lovely pub in a the beautiful village of Smarden. Was busy but staff were friendly and working as quickly as they could. Food looked good but were weren’t stopping to eat on this occasion. Had football on in the pub, but we sat in the lovely garden area which was great.

Brilliant location for our overnight stay, great service and very friendly staff. Very peaceful and quiet with a nice outdoor seating area with its own bar. Great stay here.