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Farming and Animals in the Kent Downs

Have you ever wandered how to milk a cow, sheer a sheep or drive a tractor?

We're working with local farmers to help them diversify and offer farming experiences to visitors. If you're looking for something less hands-on then why not book a stay in beautiful farmyard or vineyard accommodation all with our outstanding Kent countryside right on the doorstep.

While we continue to turn our exciting plans into reality you can sign-up below and follow our social media channels to get inspiration for the future and to hear more about upcoming farming and animal activities near you.

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Fancy something a bit different?

Visit this page to see all of our upcoming experience themes or choose one of the below options. Scroll down to see sneak peaks of the experiences and activities coming soon along with some routes your can try now.

Food & Drink

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Culture & Heritage

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Nature & Wildlife

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Family Fun

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Outdoor Activities

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Arts & Crafts

Arts & Crafts

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Pilgrimage

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Wellbeing

Wellbeing

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We're getting Rural-Ready

We're working with farmers who want to use their rural powers for good and create some new experiences that share their skills, expertise and passion for the landscapes they work in everyday. Take a look below and if you like what you see then please sign-up above to find out more...

Anna's Country Flowers

Anna's Country Flowers is a sustainable flower farm growing a wide selection of beautiful scented blooms near Chilham, Kent. Working closely with nature they produce fragrant, local flowers with zero air miles and now want to create workshops for small groups or individuals. These will include foraging for items in hedgerows and woodlands on their farm, blossom tours of the orchard and of course seasonal flower arranging. Sounds dreamy.

Wye Community Farm

Wye Community Farm, and its associated Woolshed, is a not-for profit community farm which aims to inspire and train a variety of people in rural skills. They're developing a 'Ewe to You' experience so you can meet their rare-breed sheep, learn about the different wools they grow and turn it into something be-ewe-tiful that you can take home.

Chilton Farm B&B

This husband & wife farming team were previously tenant dairy farmers in Hampshire but now own a small farm with converted flint B&B units and rare breed Albion cattle at Chilton Farm. We're excited to hear that they want to explore new experiences for their customers including the opportunity to try milking a cow, plant and tree identification in the nearby woodland or making winter wreaths with items foraged on the farm.

This Art of Mine

This Art of Mine is an art studio based on a Peony farm at the top of the North Downs that run art classes including glass fusing, weaving, silver work, water colour and acrylic painting, printing techniques, weaving, sewing, needle felting and floristry workshops. Their experience will include a short walk, making a clay cheese board using natural materials and a visit to the Hook and Hatchet pub just a short walk away.

Rebel Farmer

Rebel Farmer is building biodiversity and developing alternative methods of growing fruit, vegetables and flowers while exploring the economics of a diverse small farm future. With towering enthusiasm for 'Seasonal Local Produce', Rebel Farmer continues to showcase these organic methods and wants to build an experience around the importance of community food resilience. These methods of holistic land management are demonstrated from his gorgeous 3 acre homestead a short walk from the Wye Downs in Brook. Activities centre around organic veg production, plant and wildlife identification, open fire supper clubs with stargazing and the opportunity to stay in a massive 21 foot Tipi!

Beachborough Park

Beachborough Park is a family owned country estate of historic interest covering 30 acres offering animal livery; fishing and bed & breakfast accommodation. They have exciting plans to create wellbeing, nature and possibly family experiences alongside walking and cycling tours with qualified and experienced leaders.

Find Farm Life in Kent

Looking for some farming fun or wildlife wandering, we've got just the routes for you, read on to find some places and trails that will take you deep into Kent's rural life.

Great Stour Way

The Great Stour Way is a three mile surfaced path between Canterbury and Chartham, running alongside the river it's perfect for walking, cycling and those with mobility issues. You can see a range of animals and birds on the way with the option to spot river birds and walk through cattle fields - we're told they're friendly though!

Read More at Explore Kent

Perry Woods Cycle Trail

Whatever the time of year, you’ll love the tranquil beauty of this remote rural haven, where rolling countryside is studded by sleepy villages, historic churches, hop gardens and tractors at work in the fields. If that's not enough you'll also travel through spring meadows grazed by dairy herds, orchards bursting with fruit and a few pubs!

Read More at Explore Kent

Samphire Hoe Easy Access Trail

The introduction of livestock, sheep and cows, at certain times of the year, has been done regularly at Samphire Hoe since 2014. The number of Romney sheep varies between 30 to 80 and the number of Shetland, pure Highland or Highland Angus cows between 5 to 12. All are able to roam feely within large wooden-fenced enclosures so are perfect for little ones to choose their favourites!

Read More at Explore Kent

Wye Downs Walk

Wye village has a long farming history, it's the site of a Roman camp where a villa has been identified and become a Saxon royal manor. Many of the village buildings are medieval, although often concealed by more modern facades. The local economy is still based on farming and your 4.3 mile walk will take you through stunning meadows and pastures with plenty of tractor spotting opportunities.

Read More at Explore Kent

Explore more of Kent's Farms

If you're looking to get out and explore rural life then check out some nearby routes on our activity page which is packed full of places that you and your family can visit within the Kent Downs AONB. Or find out more about local farmers, upcoming volunteering opportunities and wider routes across Kent by visiting one of the partner sites below.

Produced in Kent

Discover wonderful artisan crafters busy making beautiful things for your home and garden. Soon you'll find workshops, courses and events on offer too as lockdown easing continues, we're soooo excited!

Explore Kent

Discover 100's of pre-planned routes suitable for all abilities and activities with full information including route description, distance, parking locations, travel options and of course downloadable maps!

National Trails

With not 1 but 2 National Trails in Kent, the North Downs Way and England Coast Path, you're bound to find something to tickle your outdoor tastebuds. Plan your own itinerary and book some time for some of Kent's top attractions and perhaps a pub or 2 along the way.

Visit Kent

The place to visit to find Kent's best attractions, local events, taste sensations and of course featuring all of the best and beautiful locations across our favourite county. You'll find inspiration and information to help make your next visit easy.

Please Visit Safely

We want you to have a great time in the great outdoors, please see below for some top advice to ensure your visit is safe and nature-friendly...

  • Remember the Countryside Code
  • Check opening times and facilities before you go
  • Follow the latest Government Covid guidance
  • Take extra care on the coast
  • Access our public rights of way network
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    Make your trip sustainable

    The Kent Downs and North Downs Way is well connected by rail, bike and bus and you won't need to worry about finding a parking space either. Here are a few tips...

  • Go by Train, Southeastern have some handy tips on travelling with confidence. Click Here
  • Buy a family Discovery Bus Ticket for all day travel across the county and beyond. Click Here
  • Get on your bike, it's great exercise and environmentally friendly too. Find out more from Cycling UK.
  • Visit Kent Connected to find the best ways to travel for you and the environment. Click Here.
  • For more information visit our Sustainable Tourism page Click Here.
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    You might also like...

    Sign-up to receive information about multiple Kent experience themes by completing our survey or choose your favourite below...

    Food & Drink

    Discover new tastes and treats from wonderful artisans across the county.

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    Arts & Crafts

    Arts & Crafts

    Find your inner artist and share in the passion and knowledge of local experts.

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    Outdoor Activities

    Blow away the cobwebs in our gorgeous woodlands, grasslands and coastline.

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    Nature & Wildlife

    Learn more about the nature and animals around you, perfect for little and big ones!

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    Family Fun

    Reconnect with the outdoors and your favourite people with family focussed activities.

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    Wellbeing

    Wellbeing

    Escape for some rest and relaxation in some of Kent's most beautiful places.

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    Culture & Heritage

    Learn about Kent's heritage and visit some of the iconic locations that shaped our county.

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    Pilgrimage

    Tread in the footsteps of Pilgrims as we take you on a journey of self-discovery.

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    Help us build experiences...

    Do you have an activity or business along our routes that you'd like to promote to Walkers and Cyclists? We have a package of support and help available so please get in touch.

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