Lambing season in the Kent Downs

Seeing cute, bounding lambs in the fields is a sure sign spring has arrived. But what makes lambing season in the Kent Downs so special? 

What is lambing season?

Lambing season is an eagerly anticipated time in the farming calendar! But what exactly is it? Simply put, it’s the period when female sheep (ewes) give birth to their lambs. In fact, in the UK, around 16 million ewes give birth every year! 

It runs from November to May, with a peak between February and March. However, the exact timing can vary depending on factors such as the breed of the sheep, farming methods, and even local weather conditions. 

This time of year is crucial for farmers, as it sets the tone for the health and success of their flocks. Farmers meticulously prepare for lambing season, ensuring ewes are well-fed and in good condition. Many are brought into sheltered areas or barns to give birth in a more controlled environment. 

During this period, farmers work around the clock, regularly monitoring their sheep—especially at night, as many ewes prefer to give birth in the quiet hours. While most births happen naturally, sometimes intervention is necessary. Farmers and vets are on hand to assist any struggling ewes, ensuring the safety of both mother and lamb. 

One of the most heart-warming sights of the lambing season is the strong bond between ewes and their lambs. Ewes are attentive mothers, keeping their lambs warm and ensuring they receive essential nourishment. Amazingly, most lambs are on their feet within hours of birth, wobbling their way around their new world under the watchful eye of their mothers. 

If you’d like to experience lambing season for yourself, there are plenty of farms in and around the Kent Downs offering the chance to see the magic unfold. 

The best places to see lambs in and around the Kent Downs

With more than 70% of the Kent Downs covered in farmland, lambing is a big event in spring. Here are some of the best places to see newborn lambs and experience the joys of lambing season this year. 

1. Broadlees Farm, Dover

Open: Saturday 6th to Monday 21st April 2025 

This family-run farm is located just outside Dover on the chalk grasslands above the White Cliffs. Each spring, they open their gates for lambing season, giving visitors the chance to learn about the process in a fun and educational way. If you’re lucky, you might even see a lamb being born! 

Adults £6, children/senior citizens £5 

Booking not necessary. 

2. Kent Life, Maidstone

Open: Saturday 5th to Sunday 20th April 2025 

Head to Kent Life this spring to meet the farm’s newest arrivals! Visit the lambing shed for bottle feeding demonstrations, running throughout the day. During the Easter holidays, you can also groom a pony, feed the alpacas, and watch an owl flying demonstration. 

Adults and children £11.70 

Booking recommended as tickets for events can sell out in advance. 

3. Frampton Farm, Dover

Open: Monday 3th March till Late April 2025 

This small family farm, nestled between Folkestone and Dover, is offering a unique lambing experience this year. Book a private session for a group of six, where you’ll spend one hour in the barn with the lambs and ewes. This is an exclusive opportunity to cuddle the lambs, take your own photos, and meet other farm animals too! 

Group of six £106

Booking essential, limited availability. 

4. Hadlow College, Tonbridge

Open: Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th April 2025 

Hadlow College is hosting a weekend-long lambing event this April, just outside the Kent Downs . Alongside meeting the lambs, you can enjoy talks, demonstrations, food stalls, archery, birds of prey displays, and tractor rides. 

Adults £14, children/concessions £10 

Booking essential. 

5. Little Fant Farm, Maidstone

Open: 29th March and 30th March 2025 

Book a Little Farmers Club session at this small working farm in the Medway Valley. Led by a Little Farmer Club leader, your little onescan explore the farm, meet adorable lambs, and even craft their own handmade lamb to take home. 

Adults £9.50, children £6.50 

Booking required. 

6. Mount Ephraim Gardens 

Open: 4th and 5th May 2025 

Enjoy a family day out this May Bank Holiday at the beautiful Mount Ephraim Gardens. Meet Steward the farmer and his lambs while learning about sheep farming on the estate (please note there is no petting or bottle feeding at this event). Get up close with fascinating springtime creatures from Creepy Claws, and don’t miss the live falconry display from The Hawking Centre on Sunday only. 

Adults £10, children £4 

Booking required. 

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Respect, protect, enjoy

We’re huge advocates for exploring the Kent Downs National Landscape, but we ask that everyone takes care to protect our countryside and the wildlife that inhabits it.  

• Firstly, always respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance and avoiding disturbances, especially during breeding seasons.
• Spring is a key time for livestock, such as lambs, as well as ground nesting birds and rare plants like orchids.
• We ask that you keep to the path to avoid trampling delicate vegetation and keep dogs on a short lead, especially around livestock.
• Even the most well-behaved dogs can unintentionally disturb or harm these animals if allowed to roam freely.