It's our 40th anniversary as a registered charity!

Find out more

Schools & groups

Overview

Set in 100 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, the Rare Breeds Centre is a working farm and visitor attraction with a range of rare breeds farm animals, aviary birds, rabbits, ferrets and butterflies mid-May to mid-October. If you are bringing a group with additional needs, please check out our accessibility page.

Attractions on the farm

As well as our farm animals, birds and butterflies, the following attractions are available to school groups:

  • Meet the Animals sessions in the Children’s Barn
  • Woodland Walks
  • Wildlife and Discovery Garden
  • The Mysterious Marsh Venture Trail
  • Aerial Runways
  • Hill Fort and Assault Course
  • Pig Racing (April to October)
  • Outdoor Play Area
Mysterious Marsh playground
School group bug hunting
For schools only

Educational activities

Our educational activities are available for nursery through KS1 and can be adapted for later key stages. They are led by our knowledgeable farm team, who bring experience and enthusiasm to every visit. As a proud registered farm member of LEAF Education, we’re committed to delivering high-quality, hands-on learning.

Our activities are designed by staff trained through the CEVAS (Countryside Educational Visits Access Scheme) programme.

Farm facilities

  • Visits are self-guided, but additional educational activity sessions and trailer rides are available for an additional fee (booking is essential and both are subject to availability).
  • We are an outdoor attraction so you will be allocated an area of a barn/marquee to use as your base and to eat your lunch if it’s wet.
  • Outdoor picnic tables are available throughout the farm.
  • We have a gift shop and ‘goody bags’ can also be ordered to collect at the end of the day.
  • Food options are available across the site including our indoor Granary Restaurant serving hot food, drinks and snacks.
  • We have a free car and coach park.
  • Our toilets have baby changing facilities and accessible toilets.
  • School rates are available during KCC term times only.

School testimonials

Keeping everyone safe

Before your group visits the farm, please check out our health and safety page.

It is particularly important for both visitors and animals, to make sure everyone in your group washes their hands thoroughly after touching any animals or being in the barns. This is especially important before eating, going into the restaurant or soft play, and when you’re leaving the farm.

Hand sanitisers are not an adequate substitute. Please use our handwashing stations placed all around the site and help anyone you are responsible for to do the same. They’re they’re never far away! We also recommend downloading our handwashing leaflet before your visit.

Cattle barn

School group visits

DBS checked staff    LEAF education farmer & educator    Access to farms trained personnel