Please tell us ASAP, so we can allow other groups to book in your place.
How do we get to the Rare Breeds Centre?
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.
What if we are late?
Please telephone and let us know ASAP.
What time can we arrive?
Groups can arrive from 10.00am. There is a little bit of admin to be completed before your group can enter the farm, this usually provides an ideal toilet opportunity before group visits start exploring the farm.
Where should we park?
The coach park is situated on the right before the general car park as you head for the entrance to the farm.
Disabled minibuses can use the disabled parking bays immediately outside the Admissions gate/shop.
What should we do on arrival?
While the group gets their things together, please can the group leader come to the Admissions gate/shop to complete the admin for the visit.
Please be ready to tell the Group Coordinator how many children, infants (under 3s) and accompanying adults you have in your party (this is for payment/your invoice).
You will be given a sticker for every member of your party which signifies that you have paid and allows you to come in and out of the farm.
Once all the initial admin is done, the rest of the group can then join the visit leader and enter the farm.
How do we pay?
You can pay:
in cash/cheque on the day (Cheques made payable to ‘Canterbury Oast Trust’)
by card on the day
we can invoice you after your visit
You should have indicated on your booking form how you wish to pay.
To qualify for group prices, a group visit must be paid for in 1 payment. Members of the group cannot pay individually.
Where are the toilets?
Toilets are located opposite the Admissions gate/shop and at Sammy's Play Park.
Where do we eat lunch?
For picnics you can use any of the picnic tables located around the farm.The Benson Barn and the marquee have picnic tables undercover if it is wet.
Please note, that the restaurant is for the use of customers buying food in the restaurant.
Can we re-fill our water bottles?
Yes – Water bottles can be re-filled using our water fountains- these are labelled on the maps. You can find them in Benson's Barn and at the Catering Cabin.
What if someone gets lost?
They should go to the shop, where the staff can then make an announcement for the group leader to come to the shop.
Can we feed the animals?
No, please do not feed our animals, they have their own diets and the wrong food could damage their health.