FAQs

Please browse our FAQs below:

• Do you have Trailer rides?

  • School groups can pre-book trailer rides for their visit. These will incur an additional fee and availability may be limited.
  • Children must be supervised at all times during the trailer ride.
  • Trailer rides can accommodate one wheelchair per ride.
  • The trailer has a 24-adult or 26-child capacity without a wheelchair, and a 22-adult or 24-child capacity when a person in a wheelchair is onboard.

• What attractions are available at the Rare Breeds Centre?

  The following attractions are available:

  • 'Meet the Animals' sessions in the Children's Barn
  • Indoor Soft Play Area (for under 10s)
  • Woodland Walks
  • Butterfly tunnel (open May to October)
  • Aviary
  • Wildlife & Discovery Garden
  • The Mysterious Marsh Venture Trail
  • Aerial runways
  • Hill Fort and Assault Course
  • Tube Maze
  • Pig Racing (April – October)
  • Outdoor Play Area

• What if it rains?

  • We are an outdoor farm site, so you should come prepared for wet weather - please remember your wellies and waterproofs. It can be fun outdoors in the rain!

• What if it rains?

  • We are an outdoor site so you should come prepared for wet weather. You'll need wellies!
  • We allocate each group a section of the barn with picnic tables.  Lunches/bags (no valuables) can be left here, and you can use the tables for lunch if the weather is wet. These areas are still open to the general public and will be shared with other groups.

• Do we need special clothing?

  • Clothing should be appropriate for a day out on a farm – sensible footwear, a waterproof in case it rains plus sunscreen and sunhats in summer. Don't forget your wellies if it is wet.

• Is there a restaurant on site?

  Yes, our Granary Restaurant is available every day we are open!  Keep warm and enjoy some delicious food indoors, including vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for hot drinks and snacks.  Hot food is served from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. 

  The Trailer, opposite the Discovery Zone, is open year-round for tasty snacks and drinks until 4:00 pm. The Cabin, located within 'Sammy's Play Park' is open seasonally -  April through November.  You can also enjoy picnic areas across the site - with our Benson Barn providing an undercover eating area.

• How accessible is the Rare Breeds Centre?

  • Accessible minibuses can use the accessible parking bays outside the Admissions gate/Gift Shop.
  • We have accessible toilets.
  • Wheelchair access around the main farmyard is good but some paths in the woods can be difficult to negotiate with a wheelchair. 
  • Trailer rides can accommodate one wheelchair per ride.
  • The trailer has a 24-adult or 26-child capacity without a wheelchair, and a 22-adult or 24-child capacity when a person in a wheelchair is onboard.

• Is there a gift shop?

  • Yes!  We have a Gift Shop where you’ll find cuddly toy animals, toy tractors, keyrings and lots more to take home as a memory of your day on the farm!

• Will filming/photography take place?

  • Filming/photography could take place on the day of your visit. We will always ask for photography/filming permission beforehand and will never take pictures or film your group without permission.

• Can I use my mobile phone at the Rare Breeds Centre?

  • Mobile reception is poor at the Rare Breeds Centre.  If your school needs to contact you during your visit, please tell them to call the office who will endeavour to get the message to your group.

• What if we need to cancel our visit?

  • Please tell us as soon as possible so we are able to offer your space to another school.

• How do we get to the Rare Breeds Centre?

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  • The Rare Breeds Centre is situated near Ashford, about fifteen minutes from Junction 10 of the M20 between the villages of Hamstreet and Woodchurch on the B2067.
  • When using Satellite Navigation please update your systems before entering our postcode TN26 3RJ otherwise this may take you to the wrong entrance. Please inform your coach driver of this.
  • There are a few tourist information signs on the roads leading from Tenterden and from Ashford.  Unfortunately, we are not signposted on the M20. Full directions can be found here.