DAYSOUT
TRACTOR TRAILS
THIS JULY, WHY NOT EMBARK ON A FAMILY-FRIENDLY DAY OUT AT ONE OF KENT’ S BEST FARM-FOCUSED EXPERIENCES? FOLLOWING THIS INSPIRED TRACTOR TRAIL, THE COUNTY’ S RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE CAN ENJOY HANDS-ON FUN AND GAIN INSIGHTS INTO WHAT RURAL LIFE IS LIKE OUT ON THE LAND. FROM EXCITING ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS TO TRACTOR RIDES AND PICK-YOUR-OWN PRODUCE, HERE’ S insideKENT’ S TOP 10 IDEAS FOR DAYS OUT ON THE FARM THIS SUMMER.
Kent County Show, Kent Showground, Maidstone 4, 5 & 6 July; kcas. org. uk
The region’ s yearly showcase for farming, agriculture and countryside life, the Kent County Show is a three-day event organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, a registered charity with the mission to support local farming practices and promote outdoor education. Set within the Kent Showground, the event provides a jam-packed schedule of fun for the whole family, from animal shows and trade stands filled with treats to a thrilling helter-skelter ride. For those wanting to learn the story of transport throughout time, the heritage area will display a selection of vintage vehicles from tractors and steam engines to cars and motorcycles.
Within various rings, visitors can watch everything from camel racing and sheep dog displays to equine championships and bushcraft demonstrations. The Kent County Show will also feature iconic entertainers such as Toppers Family Circus, Creepy Claws Animal Displays and traditional morris dancers. With a musical lineup at the bandstand, a festival of food serving up tasty treats and local goodies, and a shopping avenue featuring Kent-based businesses, the 2025 Kent County Show is not one you’ ll want to miss.
Highland Cow Experience, Quex Adventure Farm Park, Birchington quexadventurefarmpark. com
Known for their gentle nature, quirky hairstyles and majestic charm, Highland cows have taken the world by storm these last few years, so much so that you’ ll find it difficult to explore a homeware collection that doesn’ t feature at least one image of these longhaired creatures. Even better than having one of their faces adorned on your sofa pillows, however, residents of Kent can head to Quex Adventure Farm Park for a truly special in-person encounter. For just £ 20 each, a minimum of two participants can enjoy a 30-minute experience with these gentle animals, getting up close to learn about their unique personalities, history and care routines from the park’ s knowledgeable farm team. With the chance to feed the Highland cows their favourite treats, give them a pet as they relax in the paddock and of course snap some incredible photos, the Highland Cow Experience is an unmissable countryside adventure. For those who want to extend their time at Quex Adventure Farm Park, they offer afternoon tea with the Highlands for just £ 40 per person, which includes the half-hour experience before a delicious quintessential afternoon tea.
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