insideKENT Magazine Issue 159 - July 2025 | Page 50

DAYSOUT
Tractor Trails cont...
Lower Ladysden Farm, Goudhurst lowerladysden. co. uk
A family-run farm based in Goudhurst, Lower Ladysden is situated in the heart of the Kent countryside, specialising in the production of fresh fruit and vegetables available as a weekend pick-your-own experience or sourced fresh from their award-winning farm shop. With nothing better than fresh produce handpicked by you, Lower Ladysden Farm offers pick-yourown options throughout the year, from asparagus in the spring to pumpkins as autumn draws near.
At the farm, strawberries and raspberries are in season until late August, with runner beans available until July and their everpopular blackberries at their ripest from mid-July to late August. Situated under polytunnels, visitors won’ t need to worry about the rain- but if the skies do open, remember to bring some wellies! During a day trip, you’ ll also want to head to Lower Ladysden’ s Farm Shop to browse their selection of everyday essentials and sweet treats from freshly picked produce to homemade james and juices. A fun day out for the family and a chance to get stuck into the great outdoors, Lower Ladysden’ s pick-your-own produce is a wonderful farmfocused experience to enjoy this summer.
The Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford rarebreeds. org. uk
A family-friendly attraction set within 100 acres of unspoilt Kentish countryside, The Rare Breeds Centre is a must-visit for those across the county wanting to enjoy an outdoorsy day out. With lots to do come rain or shine at the farm, they have everything from a discovery garden and Mysterious Marsh Adventure Trail to a stunning aviary and, of course, a variety of rare and native livestock. You’ ll likely be able to hear the geese before seeing them, and the neighbouring rabbits and guinea pigs are always excited for a cuddle in the children’ s playbarn. In the adjoining stables, the farm’ s Shetland pony and pair of donkeys love meeting new visitors, and you wont want to miss a walk through the aviary houses to see the free-flying budgies, cockatiels, java sparrows and zebra finches.
From 23 July to 31 August, The Rare Breeds Centre’ s Big Summer of Games returns for a season full of exhilarating animal-themed classic games- on a giant scale! With the return of the popular Summer Passport, little ones can engage in a jam-packed itinerary of fun challenges across the farm to make the experience that much more memorable.
Broadditch Farm Shop, Gravesend broadditch. co. uk
Situated in a converted farm building since 1990, Broadditch Farm Shop provides a little taste of the countryside for all who visit, offering an array of local meats, cheeses, eggs, bread, cakes, honey and other artisanal foods that are an absolute treat on the taste buds. With many seasonal fruit and vegetables selected straight from the fields of their family-run farm, Broadditch Farm Shop ensures to highlight the very best of quality Kentish produce. Stocked with seasonal gifts, greetings cards and a range of Kent-produced tipples, there is plenty of treats to choose from.
This summer, visitors can make sure to connect with nature through the exciting Summer Scavenger Hunt, exploring the nearby woodland for pictures of common creatures. For those who want some prehistoric fun, there’ s also a dinosaurthemed Maze Experience, which is a great place to let off some steam before enjoying a picnic in the farm’ s designated seating area by the duck pond. Running daily from 19 July to 31 August, these activities can be booked at the Broadditch Farm Shop.
Kent Alpaca Trekking Experience with Alpaca Annie, Romney Marsh alpacaannie. com
What began as a hobby when Annie bought her first alpaca, Pavlova, in 2009 has now become one of the UK’ s top animal encounters, with visitors getting to experience what it’ s like to walk with these long-necked wooly creatures. Based at Haguelands Farm in Romney Marsh, there are two types of alpaca that call the land home: the Huacaya and the Suri, which are differentiated by their fleeces. Friendly, calm and good natured creatures, most of the alpacas were born and bred right on Haguelands Farm!
With a Kent Alpaca Trekking Experience, animal-lovers can trek with their very own alpaca through the serene Romney Marsh countryside, learning all about them on the way. From £ 25 per person, each experience includes a one-hour trek around the paddocks, an informative talk from their top herdswoman, hand-feeding and plenty of interaction, as well as photo opportunities to remember the day by. For those wanting a gentler experience, Alpaca
RARE BREEDS CENTRE ALPACA ANNIE
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