South of England Rare Breeds Centre
Discover rare farm animals, enjoy vast play areas, and explore 100 acres of beautiful Kent countryside. A perfect family day out!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More activities and lively atmosphere
South of England Rare Breeds Centre
Best Time
More activities and lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover rare farm animals, enjoy vast play areas, and explore 100 acres of beautiful Kent countryside. A perfect family day out!
"A hidden gem perfect for children with a range of farm animals and activities. "
🎯 Consider an Annual Pass
Great value if you plan multiple visits, includes Santa grotto!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 100 acres!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Up-Close Animal Encounters
Children's Barn & various enclosures
Get hands-on with rare breeds like Highland Cows and interact in a calm setting. Perfect for little ones!
Mystery Marsh Adventure
Outdoor play area
An extensive obstacle course with tunnels and challenges, offering hours of fun for active kids.
Pig Racing Spectacle
Event arena
Enjoy the hilarious and exciting races of rare breed pigs – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Scenic Countryside Walks
100 acres of grounds
Explore beautiful, unspoilt Kent countryside with shady walks and meadows.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Rare Breeds Centre
Best Time for Animal Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Consider an Annual Pass
Great value if you plan multiple visits, includes Santa grotto!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 100 acres!
⏰ Check Talk & Feed Times
Maximize your experience with scheduled animal demonstrations.
🚗 Parking Assistance
Car park attendants help manage busy parking areas.
Any recommendations for nice zoos around?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Consider an Annual Pass
Great value if you plan multiple visits, includes Santa grotto!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 100 acres!
⏰ Check Talk & Feed Times
Maximize your experience with scheduled animal demonstrations.
🚗 Parking Assistance
Car park attendants help manage busy parking areas.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
While the restaurant is good, a picnic can save money.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the South of England Rare Breeds Centre as a hidden gem, particularly for families. The extensive grounds, engaging animal encounters, and fun play areas are major highlights. While some find the animal variety less exotic than expected, the charm of rare breeds and the overall well-maintained, friendly atmosphere make it a highly recommended day out.
"We took our children on route home from a family trip in camber. This place was a hidden gem, perfect for our children (7 and 4) with a range of farm animals and they offered talks and feeds. There were other activities such as outdoor play areas all over and a nice shady walk under trees to other beautiful areas of the farm. You can take a tractor ride to these places but it was a nice walk. We had lunch at the restaurant just outside the main office area and it was lovely there was a great choice and the food was wholesome and yum. The farm itself was clean, the toilet facilities were clean, you can tell they take pride on the farm and the staff were all so helpful and friendly. We would return if we are in the area again and recommend it to those around."
Izzie Goacher
"We had a wonderful time there and enjoyed the beautiful animals. The activities were fun and the farm itself looks well maintained. I can fully recommend this place."
De Ki
"We recently celebrated my daughter’s and her friend’s birthday at this location, and it was absolutely wonderful. The place itself was beautiful — both the children and the adult guests were truly amazed by the surroundings. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the landscape around the venue made everything feel even more special.
After the activities, we had our own private room for the birthday cake and food, which was also perfect. Everything was well-organized, comfortable, and enjoyable. The staff made sure we had everything we needed, and we felt very well taken care of.
All of our guests were so impressed that many of them mentioned they would definitely return in the future. We couldn’t have wished for a better place to celebrate. Highly recommended!"
Kamila Mattsiak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The centre is located near Ashford in Kent. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available.
Public transport options can be limited. While some local bus routes may serve the area, it's advisable to check current schedules. Many visitors opt for car travel due to the rural location.
The centre offers parking, and attendants are on hand to help manage the car park, especially during busy periods.
Yes, the grounds are generally accessible for pushchairs, though some walking paths might be uneven. The tractor ride can also be a good option for covering longer distances.
While possible, it requires careful planning. Researching local bus routes or arranging transport from a nearby town or train station would be necessary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day tickets are available for adults and children over 3. Family tickets offer good value. Consider an annual pass if you plan to visit frequently, as it can be more economical.
Yes, you can pay on arrival, but booking tickets in advance is also an option.
Check for family ticket options and consider an annual pass for significant savings on repeat visits.
An annual pass often includes entry for a year and may cover special events like the Santa grotto visit, though toys might incur an extra charge.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of rare breeds including pigs, goats, rabbits, and horses. It's not about exotic animals, but the charm of traditional farm breeds.
Absolutely! Highlights include the 'mystery marsh' obstacle course, pig racing, a play barn, and opportunities for hands-on animal interaction.
The centre offers scheduled talks and feeding sessions, providing a great opportunity to see the animals up close and learn about them.
Yes, there are extensive outdoor play areas with tunnels and challenges, as well as an indoor soft play area.
It's a popular obstacle course with tunnels and various challenges, offering a fun adventure for children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a restaurant offering a good choice of wholesome food, and food huts selling items like paninis and ice cream.
Picnics are welcome, which can be a great way to save money, especially for families.
The restaurant offers a decent selection, and food huts provide snacks like paninis and ice cream.
While specific options aren't detailed, most farm restaurants offer a range of choices. It's best to inquire on arrival or check their menu if available online.
Some reviewers found ice cream to be a bit expensive, but generally, the food is considered wholesome and reasonably priced for a family attraction.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture close-ups of the unique rare breed animals, the scenic countryside, and children enjoying the play areas and activities.
Yes, photography is encouraged! Get creative with shots of the animals in their enclosures or during feeding times.
Generally, no specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be mindful of animal welfare and other visitors.
A versatile camera or even a good smartphone camera will work well. Consider a zoom lens for capturing animal details from a distance.
The 100 acres of unspoilt countryside offer lovely opportunities for landscape shots, especially during golden hour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
The 'Mystery Marsh' obstacle course and extensive play areas are perfect for burning off energy. Consider an annual pass if you plan on visiting more than once, as it can be cost-effective.
Pack snacks or plan for a picnic to manage costs, though the on-site restaurant is also a good option. 💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Bringing your own picnic is a great way to save on food costs, as the on-site options can add up. Focus on enjoying the free activities like exploring the grounds, watching the pig races, and utilizing the extensive play areas.
🚶♀️ Couples and Adults
The centre provides a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle, perfect for a relaxed day out. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene atmosphere. The on-site restaurant offers a pleasant spot for lunch or a coffee break.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Rare Breeds
Interacting with these animals is a key part of the experience. The Children's Barn provides a calm and controlled environment for younger visitors to get up close and personal, with opportunities to stroke and hold some of the smaller animals.
This hands-on approach fosters a deeper appreciation for these animals and their importance in our agricultural past. Remember to check the schedule for talks and feeding sessions, which are highly recommended for learning more about each breed. Beyond the animals, the centre's 100 acres of unspoilt Kent countryside offer a beautiful backdrop for exploration. You can enjoy leisurely walks through meadows and woodlands, or opt for the tractor ride to cover more ground.
This combination of educational animal encounters and scenic natural beauty makes for a well-rounded and enjoyable day out for all ages.Family Fun and Activities
For those seeking more structured entertainment, the pig racing is a must-see event. It's a hilarious and exciting spectacle that brings smiles to both children and adults.
Face painting is also available, adding another layer of fun to the day. When it's time to refuel, the on-site restaurant provides wholesome food, or families can opt for a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful surroundings.
Planning for a Birthday Celebration
The centre provides options for private rooms for cake and food, ensuring a comfortable and well-organized party. The staff are noted for being attentive and ensuring all needs are met, contributing to a stress-free celebration.
Reviews indicate that guests are so impressed with the venue and the experience that many express a desire to return. If you're looking for a distinctive and enjoyable location for a birthday party, the Rare Breeds Centre comes highly recommended for its ability to create lasting memories.
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