Bringing the Coast to the Countryside

Get the beach experience in the heart of rural Kent with a seaside-themed fortnight of sun and sand at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park.

The award-winning attraction brings the coast to the countryside from August 21 to September 3. You can kick off your shoes and build a sandcastle in the sandpit, take a gentle donkey ride and, if you dare, join in the knobbly knees competition.

On August 21 and 28 there is even a traditional Punch and Judy show to bring some riotous seaside fun to the Park.

Younger visitors should look out for the activities that collect points for Kent Life’s Explorer card. Every child who successfully completes their card will receive a free child’s ticket for Kent Life’s popular Fireworks Spectacular on Sunday November 5.

Plus there will be all the usual Kent Life favourites. Enjoy a ride on a tractor or the land train; meet the animals in Cuddle Corner and take a stroll around the Vintage Village. Daily shows in the Big Top are included in the admission price.

Kent Life is the county’s premier rural heritage experience, set in 28 acres of countryside. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, orchard and one of the last hand-picked hop gardens in the country and see the last working coal-fired oast house in Britain.

The attraction is a real working farm, so there are plenty of animals to see, including pigs, sheep, ducks, goats, alpacas, horses, ponies and the resident meerkat couple, Shiloh and Jessie. There is a large indoor soft play area to explore, so there’s plenty to keep the kids happy whatever the weather.

Admission: adults £9.95; children (three to 15) £7.95; concessions £8.95; family day ticket (two adults and two children) £29.95. Members and under-threes go free. Book online in advance for a 15% discount. A small additional price applies to some activities, including the donkey rides which are subject to weather conditions. Opening times: 10am to 6pm, last admission 5pm.

Kent Life is in Lock Lane, Sandling, near Maidstone, just off j6 of the M20 or only an hour by train from London. For further information call 01622 763936 or visit www.kentlife.org.uk.

You can also follow Kent Life on Twitter @Kent­_Life