Open Farm Sunday in Kent

Meet animals, taste produce and have some fun on the farm with the kids this weekend.

Farms across the county will be opening their gates to families this Sunday (June 9).

It's a wonderful chance for the public to get closer to farming, find out more about the industry and what farmers do.

There are farms across the county taking place in this year's event.

Among them is Karoben in Smarden which is a centre for those with disabilities to learn farm and stable management.

Visitors will be able to meet the animals, visit the allotment and learn more about the work of the farm.
Mote Farm in Sevenoaks is also opening. It will have machinery displays, tractor and trailer rides, hot food and refreshments, children’s activities and local produce while Silcocks Farm in Tenterden will welcome visitors to its organic farm, introduce the animals to visitors, enjoy a trailer ride, see a cheese making demo and even watch the cows being milked in the afternoon!

Solley's Ice Cream parlour at The Dairy in Ripple will be open on Sunday, 10am until 4pm.

The dairy is home to Solley's real dairy ice cream and will be showcasing the farm, as well as having Deal Market on site, tractor rides (50p each), eagles and falconry displays, lambs, factory tours and not forgetting the chance to relax and have an ice cream!

Hartley Bottom Farm in north Kent is taking the opportunity to open to visitors on both Saturday and Sunday as Open Farm Sunday coincides with its annual summer show.

The family-run farm which has an on-site butcher's shop and feed store will allow visitors to see animals and machinery this weekend.

And because of the summer show, other attractions will include tractor trailer rides, sheep shearing, sheep racing, guess the weight of the pig, meet the farm animals, including cows and calves, a circus workshop, face painting, children's shows, tug of war, craft stalls, classic cars and vintage tractors as well as live entertainment all day.

The Foxendown Pony Sanctuary, which is situated on our farm, will also be open for pony rides each afternoon for £3 a ride.

Small admission prices do apply to some farms this weekend.
To find a farm opening near you this weekend please click visit www.farmsunday.org

A big free family fun day is also taking place this Sunday in Maidstone's Mote Park. Learn more here.