From gift experiences that will last the whole year to festive events that will delight children and grown-ups alike, Kent Life Heritage Farm Park in Maidstone has a sack full of seasonal inspiration.
Seasonal gifting
What can you offer the family who has everything? Gifting an experience, which gives them quality family time making memories and having fun throughout the year, might just be top of their Christmas list. Kent Life's annual family membership (2+2) is just £99 and includes unlimited free entry to the grounds and buildings all year long, plus free entry to the annual Hops n Harvest Beer Festival in September.
For the animal-lover or the child with too many toys, Kent Life's Adopt an Animal scheme might be just the ticket. From £20 per year, the recipient can help keep one of the many Kent Life farmyard animals fed, watered, clean and well housed throughout all the seasons.
An adoption pack includes a ready to frame photo of their furry friend - choose from Alpacas, Donkeys, Goats, Horses, Pigs and Sheep - along with a certificate, a complimentary ticket to visit, a fact sheet and seasonal updates about their new friend. If your budget stretches further, for £40 per year, why not include a 45-minute one-to-one experience with the adopted animal.
Festive fun: events for all the family
From a living Farm Nativity to meeting Father Christmas or stepping back in time to find out what Christmas was like on the Home Front, Kent Life has plenty in store to get you in the Christmas spirit.
Farm Nativity
Come and experience Kent Life's interactive, living Farm Nativity, which takes place on Sunday 8 December at 3pm and stars some of the Kent Life farm animals. In partnership with Maidstone Family Church, visitors can join the special journey through the farm to discover the Nativity story scenes and join in the traditional Christmas carolling.
Children are encouraged to dress up and be part of the nativity as angels, wise men and farmyard animals or - for the adventurous - why not come as a camel!
Christmas on the Home Front - WWII Experience
Kent Life's Christmas on The Home Front, Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 November, 10am to 4pm, brings Christmas in wartime to life against the backdrop of the original buildings in the Vintage Village. Step back in time to re-live the festive season in the 1940's and be immersed in the sights, sounds and smells of ‘Christmas on the Home Front'.
Among the attractions will be ‘make do and mend' lessons, drill displays by the Home Guard, a 1940's school lesson, shops from the era and a rehabilitation centre for injured RAF pilots.
Both the Nativity and Christmas on the Home Front are included in the general day admission prices.
Ho Ho Ho! The Christmas Experience
If it's good old-fashioned festive fun you're looking for, then the Kent Life Christmas Experience won't disappoint. The Land Train is driven by the Head Elf and younger visitors can meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto. Decorating festive gingerbread is on the menu and grown-ups can enjoy a mince pie and sample some Kentish cider. There's also an opportunity to send letters to Father Christmas in the post office.
It runs from Saturday 30th November, on the following dates: Sunday 1st December, Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th and Thursday 19th, Friday 20th, Saturday 21st, Sunday 22nd, Monday 23rd & Tuesday 24th December.
For more information on all the gift ideas and events and to book tickets online visit: www.kentlife.org.uk.