Email: info@rarebreeds.org.uk
Web: www.rarebreeds.org.uk

Opening Times

Summer: (April to November)
open every day 10.30am to 5.30pm

Winter: (November to March)
open Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays)
10.30am to 4.30pm
We are open Bank Holidays & School Holiday Mondays during this time

Open: 29th and 30th December, New Years Eve, Sunday 2nd January and from Tuesday 4th January

Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, 27th and 28th December, New Years Day and Monday 3rd January.

Public Admission Prices

Adults:  £8.50
Children age 3+:  £7.50
Senior Citizens:  £8.00
Under 3s:  Free     
Special rates for groups and families  
STRICTLY NO DOGS

Unforgettable

Even on a weekday the parking at The Rare Breeds Centre is impressively busy. This kingdom of triumphant nature was founded by Canterbury Oast Trust to preserve endangered species of farm animals and the diversity of British wildlife, to promote conservation and education in rare animals. We guarantee our visitors an unforgettable day out: on 120 acres of spectacular countryside, The Rare Breed Centre has quite a number of thrilling (albeit perfectly safe) activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, with enough to keep you happily occupied all day.  Our impressive events calendar adds to family fun and frolics – check out our shows, fairs and much, much more besides.

Flora, Fauna and Fun

Don’t miss our Wildlife and Discovery Gardens - they give you a better insight into how plants grow - and where they come from - and inspire our visitors’ penchant for gardening. 

There are lots of animals for you to see and even pet and feed - we have animal encounters running every day and all day. Our competent staff is eager to help you and answer your questions. You even might be lucky enough to catch our famous Rare Breeds Centre trailer; it rides around the farm land and woodland.

Kids and adults equally enjoy our highly popular Pig Racing (with the opportunity to place bets on your favourite piglet) and Piggy Assault Course. Our specially bred pigs love being the centre of attention.

Wonders Galore

Wonders never cease in Walk Through Butterfly Tunnel (in summer) and Aviary where you meet starlings, doves, canaries and finches.  Birds of prey flights are now a regular sight in the Main Paddock - and the friendliest falcons come to meet the visitors during our encounter sessions. The Creepy Crawly world is full of fascinating reptiles and insects – with the assistance of our staff many of them appear to be rather approachable and even cuddly. Follow the quiz Woodland Discovery Trails  and see the wonderful wood sculptures as you make your way to the 'Totem Pole' by the Secret Lake where you can feed the fish and ducks. 

Your Little Adventure Holiday

Explore a network of footpaths through our Rainbow Wood and the Interpretation Lodge or try Mysterious Marsh Venture Trail - our amazing off-ground woodland assault course, where you'll need to be fit to balance along the many beams and steps, using the swing ropes, balancing bars, monkey bars and swing tyres. Our well-equipped outdoor Play Parks attract children of all ages - namely the Ariel Runway and Hill Fort, recently improved with new slides and scramble netting. Indoor Soft Play Barn with its cat flaps, spongy stepping stones, netted bridge, mangle rollers and the ball pool is extremely popular with children under 10.

Function Venues

Enjoy our Own Rare Breeds Sausages, homemade meals and refreshments at The Granary restaurant (equipped with the paddling pool for your kids). The Falcons Centre has hosted many a successful corporate and family functions. Our traditional yet modern barn style conference room can accommodate up to 200 delegates and Kestrel Room is ideal for up to 20. The Falcons Centre has its own dance floor, private bar and sun terrace area. We also offer flexible in-house catering and a full event photography service. Rare Breeds Centre is licensed for civil ceremonies.