Kent Life celebrates five centuries of apple growing

There’s a chance to taste some of the apple varieties grown in Kent since the 1500s at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park’s annual Apple and Cider Fayre on October 7 and 8.

With more than 60 types of apple to choose from, Kent Life pickers will be busy in the orchards ahead of the festival to ensure you can appreciate the crop at its very best.

Lovers of apple juice can find out about the traditional process of pressing as our team demonstrate the art of cutting, crushing and pulping fresh apples, before squeezing them in the award-winning attraction’s giant press dating from the Victorian era.

The Museum of Kent Life Apple and Cider Festival. Robin Bayliss at the Apple Press

There will be live and local music and a thirst-quenching array of ciders which represent the very best in Kent production. Watch demonstrations and take a tours.

And don’t forget to pick up your FREE apple cookbook to discover old-fashioned recipes that make the most of one of our favourite fruits.

The Museum of Kent Life Apple and Cider Festival. Frances Maddison-Roberts and Brenda Peal.

Local Morris dancers will entertain on both days, while there will be all the usual Kent Life favourites available, including a ride on a tractor or the land train; meeting the animals in Cuddle Corner and taking a stroll around the Vintage Village over the weekend.

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 for some activities.
Opening times: 10am to 5pm, last admission 4pm.

Kent Life is in Lock Lane, Sandling, near Maidstone, just off junction 6 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

The Museum of Kent Life Apple and Cider Festival.James Gray.