Rare Breeds Centre

Our Butterfly Tunnel should be next on your adventure, we have a variety of native and tropical butterflies in the tunnel, featuring species from South America, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, the Philippines and Australasia. Our Discovery Garden is right around the corner, where you will find seasonal fruit and veg growing - you might even see a ripe strawberry ready to be eaten before the birds do.

Our tractor ride, which runs daily now includes an accessible trailer so that everyone can take part in the fun. Ride up to the top of the farm passing sheep and meadows to our beautiful woodlands which features carpets of bluebells in spring. We encourage people to explore our three woodland walks, all varying in length. Just follow the signposts to make your way around.

Our tractor ride will also take you past our multiple playparks, including the Mysterious Marsh where everyone can practice their balancing, swinging and climbing skills, whilst avoiding the marsh trolls. Our hill fort offers a zipwire, giant tube maze, wooden hill fort and outdoor assault course, ready for hours of fun! Sammy's Playpen is our final outdoor playground, while our soft play area is a popular indoor playground for our youngest visitors.

Youngsters also enjoy our tractor village where little farmers can zoom around on a variety of ride-on tractors. Storytelling Wednesdays are also a big hit along with our new Sing and Sign sessions on Fridays in the Discovery Zone.

When you are feeling peckish, our Granary Restaurant located at the farm entrance serves a variety of freshly cooked food with locally sourced ingredients (vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available too). Be sure to sample our gourmet coffees and hot chocolates, with milk alternatives, a selection of ice creams and sometimes even yummy cakes, made by our Life Skills students.

Creative and entertaining events are offered during the holidays, with our funny and talented entertainers causing wonder and giggles over Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. There are also seasonal activities and features including lambing in the spring and special events for the summer holidays.

The best part? With every visit to The Rare Breeds Centre, you are also supporting our charity, Canterbury Oast Trust, which supports adults with learning disabilities and autism to achieve their aspirations for how they wish to live, learn and work.

We are open all year with something for everyone in the family providing more than a day’s worth of fun and activity!