Children love to explore and as summer arrives there are more opportunities to get out and do just that. Sometimes it is difficult to find places or activities that can entertain all members of the family but Farming World has a wide range of activities to suit all age groups. There is plenty to keep the family occupied for a whole day and the cost of entrance won’t break the bank!
Farming World is conveniently situated just off the M2 between Faversham and Boughton. It is a family run open farm with the emphasis firmly placed on fun in a safe environment. There are plenty of attractions for everyone to enjoy and the farm also has a wide variety of special events planned throughout the year.
Half term activities include Sheep Shearing & Wool Week (31st May – 4th June) when you can follow the progress of wool from fleece to woolly jumper! Watch the farm’s sheep being sheared, see spinning, knitting and weaving demonstrations and try your hand at felt making (3rd June). Creepy Crawly Day will be taking place on the 2nd June when the farm’s animals will be joined by a variety of snakes, spiders and reptiles. A ‘Willy Wonka Party’ is planned for the 3rd June when mayhem is sure to ensue! Walk up the red carpet to become a trainee Oompaloompa, join the treasure hunt to find the golden tickets and take part in the ice cream and chocolate games! Willy Wonka’s umbrella may contain a few sweet surprises too! ‘Have a Go Falconry Day’ will take place on the 4th June when you can meet Sharon Hollens the farm’s resident falconer and try your hand at flying a bird of prey.
As well as a whole host of special events the open farm also has a wide variety of other attractions, here are just a few:
· A host of rare breeds & friendly animals – including; sheep, pygmy goats (and their kids), Gloucester Old Spots, chickens, peacocks, llamas, alpacas, rabbits and Shetland ponies.
· Heavy Horses – visit the farm’s team of gentle giants, have a cart ride and learn more about the role of heavy horses in the past.
· Hawklands Birds of Prey Centre – Watch a birds of prey flying demonstration (most days, except Monday), visit Rodney the vulture meet the centre’s eagles, owls and falcons. There is also a Conservation and Rearing room where you can watch Harris Hawks nesting via CCTV.
· Adventure Playground & Jumping Pillows – There are two large outdoor adventure play areas situated at the farm with special designated areas for under 5’s and a climbing wall for more the older more adventurous members of the family! The jumping pillows are sure to be a hit with all members of the family!
· Indoor Soft Play Barn – With entrance included in the admission price the indoor soft play barn is a great place to hide from a shower.
· Craft and Activity Room – Get creative and make a souvenir to take home. Paint an animal mask or decorate a trinket box. Seasonal themed crafts are also available throughout the year.
· Other attractions – Find the Queen Bee at Bee World, explore the Sensory Garden, visit the Heritage Centre and recreated hop pickers huts, enjoy home cooked refreshments from Farmhouse Kitchen Catering, survey the beautiful Kent Countryside on a tractor and trailer ride and before you leave don’t forget to challenge the family to a game of mini golf!
Visit Farming World’s award winning website www.farming-world.co.uk for further details. Farming World (01227) 751144 is open seven days a week, 9.30am to 5.30pm until the end of October, and is just off Junction 7 of the M2. Normal admission prices are £8.00 adults, £7.00 for children (2 – 15 years), concessions £7.50. Sorry, guide dogs only. Some activities are available weather permitting.
