VISITING
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From 10.30am- 3.30pm most days (we do tend to close most Mondays and Wednesdays but this isn’t always the case). It’s essential to pre-book your two hour experience before you come. Unfortunately we can’t accept visitors who haven’t pre-booked their visit. We close for animal rest and feeding between 12.30 and 1.30pm
Tickets are for a specific, two-hour visit with ALL GUESTS ARRIVING AT THE BEGINNING of their booked session (please note, it won’t be possible to rebook or request a refund if you arrive other than at the beginning of your booked session).
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Choose whether you’re visiting or taking part in a one-to-one animal experience. Browse our experiences or book online now to schedule your visit. (If you want to book more than one experience, it’s possible to take part in up to three experiences within one two-hour session)
If you’re rearranging a booking email [email protected] for assistance. Please bear with us – we’re in the orchard most of the day so are usually unable to respond to queries until the evening. Email requests are responded to first so this is the best way of contacting us.
Please resist the temptation to contact us by more than one contact method with the same request as we’re easily confused!
PRE-BOOKING FOR VISITS AND ANIMAL EXPERIENCES IS ESSENTIAL.
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Allow up to a couple of hours to explore, play and then chill in the mini Summerhouse cafe. If you’re walking an animal this will be included in your 2 hour booking slot. Please note that your animal walk will take place at some point during your visit and not necessarily at the beginning of your booked slot.
Please do try and arrive on time as we give a health and safety briefing at the beginning of the session and to avoid knock-on effects to other visitors. Please don’t be tempted to arrive early as you won’t be able to come in earlier than your booked time.
If you’re running a little late for your animal experience, do call to let us know (call 07929 871465) – we’ll do our best to fit you in later but, this won’t always be possible. If you arrive a little late and the entry window has closed and door is shut, call 07929 871465 and we’ll come and let you in if we have staff available. You might have a wait as we’ll usually be helping other people with animal experiences at this stage and won’t necessarily be available to let you in immediately. Please remember, tickets are for a specific, two-hour visit with ALL GUESTS ARRIVING AT OR VERY NEAR THE BEGINNING of their booked session (please note, it won’t be possible to rebook or request a refund if you arrive more than 20 minutes after the beginning of your booked session).
Huckleberry Woods isn’t a huge place, it’s a small family run orchard attraction which is what makes it so different and personal and why we plan for two hour time slots per visitor.
It’s a small peaceful space – we’re trying to offer something completely different and altogether more personal for our visitors. We’re not like other animal farms where you may feel a bit rushed and crowded. Those busy farms are lovely too – but we’re offering something different and hope to provide a calm, informative experience and some old-fashioned fun.
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You must wear closed toed footwear to visit (no flip flops,open toed sandals, ballet pumps or Crocs). YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO COME IN IF YOU HAVE OPEN TOED FOOTWEAR AS WE HAVE FREERANGING ANIMALS IN THE ORCHARD. Wellies are ideal if it’s been raining otherwise just a stout pair of shoes. (You won’t be able to reschedule or offered a refund if you arrive without the correct footwear).
We don’t treat the orchard with chemicals so there are nettles and rabbit holes which may be hidden by buttercups and other flowers. You might prefer to cover your legs.
Please wear old clothes for private micro piggy or goat encounters. Pigs have inquisitive, dirty noses and the goats have dirty hooves and like to jump up. Sensible shoes with no toes visible and long trousers are a must for both experiences.
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There is plenty of free parking for cars and bikes. Parking is at your own risk. The car park can get muddy after a spell of heavy rain.
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Yes, food for the animals can be purchased online, in advance or at the gift shop for £1.50. We don’t put large amounts of food in the containers so the animals remain interested in taking food from visitors throughout the day and don’t get upset tummies. Limited food containers are prepared each day and the number per family is restricted so the animals don’t make themselves sick! Purchase of the food is completely optional. Please don’t bring your own food to feed the animals for the reasons outlined above.
Please don’t attempt to feed the pigs by hand.
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We’d love you to take pictures and post them on your social media to spread the word.
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We have a very small cafe area and there is not enough room to allow for picnics.
It’s not possible to have a picnic in the orchard area as it is an ‘animal contact zone’ and not safe for either yourself or the animals.
Please don’t bring any food into Huckleberry Woods as we have freeranging animals in the orchard including pigs who have an exceptionally good sense of smell.
There’s a lovely picnic site 5 minutes drive away at the Gunpowder Country Park (postcode ME13 7UD).
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Children’s tickets are for people aged between 2 and 16 years old.
Children remain the responsibility of the accompanying adults while at Huckleberry Woods so please do keep an eye on them, particularly around the pigs. Toddlers must be held by the hand at all times and must not approach walking pigs. Please don’t let children near the pig pen, hold onto their fencing or feed them.
We don’t allow animal chasing or other harassment of the animals – they are our much loved pets. Anyone who chases or intentionally upsets the animals or destroys any of the play areas we’ve set up will be asked to leave immediately, along with the rest of their party. Apologies if this sounds harsh but we’ve recently had to euthanize one of our chickens due to an unfortunate incident like this.
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Yes, amongst other things, we have a small range of nicely made piggy, donkey, sheep, alpaca, goat, chicken and duck related souvenirs to remind you of your visit.
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Yes, we have an eco, composting loo for our guests and to further reduce our impact on the environment.
There are two steps up to the loo.
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Dogs are not permitted on site as we have free-ranging animals and adhere to strict biosecurity measures to keep our animals safe. Please don’t leave dogs in hot cars while you visit.
(Please see the ‘Accessibility’ section below for information on bringing trained assistance dogs.)
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Huckleberry Woods is a strictly no smoking or vaping environmnet, this includes the woodland car park.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
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We dress for the weather and carry on unless it’s absolutely torrential rain.
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The pigs are generally fine with a bit of rain so we dress for the weather and carry on. They aren’t great fans of torrential rain, so pig experiences may be postponed if it’s raining really heavily. If it’s absolutely pouring down, and forecast to continue, it’s best to check with us on the day by calling 07929 871465 (don’t call the landline as we’re outside all day and won’t get your message in time).
Don’t forget to wrap up warm and bring your waterproofs and wellies.
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The donkeys don’t like rain and may have to postpone if it’s raining heavily. Please check with us prior to setting off if it’s looking like it might rain heavily as it’s likely we’ll have to postpone your walk to another day. Just call 07929 871465 on the morning of your visit (don’t call the landline as we’re outside all day and won’t get your message in time)
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These will go ahead unless it’s torrential rain
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These will go ahead unless it’s torrential rain.
MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS
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Visiting
No age requirements – everyone is welcome.Adult pig walks
Minimum 4 years old to walk the pigs.Younger pigs walk and play experience
Adults (over 16s only)Teddy Bear Sheep experience
Minimum 2 yearsDonkeys
Minimum 9 years old.
This experience is not suitable for children under 9 years old. (Please note it’s not possible walk the donkeys and carry a child at the same time.)Alpacas
Minimum 9 years old.
This experience is not suitable for children under 9 years old. (Please note it’s not possible walk the alpacas and carry a child at the same time.)Private micro piggy experience
Minimum 9 years oldPrivate micro animal bedtime experience
Minimum 9 years old
PIGGY INFORMATION
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The piggies are micro-pigs, bred for their very small size compared to normal, adult pigs. Our adult piggies are five years old now and about the size of a small dog. Our youngest piggies are three years old. They’ve all grown out of the tiny piglet stage that’s often featured on the internet. They reach adult size when they’re around four years old. They’ll never grow beyond knee height.
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Maximum of one adult and one child per piggy. (Any more and the piggies get frightened). If you have a larger group, all walking pigs, the walks will be after one another, with rest time for piggies in between.
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About 20 minutes or so, depending of the mood of the piggy on the day.
The Piggy Walk and Play experience includes a walk of about 10 minutes (the walk is part of the pig walk and play experience which is about a 20 minute experience overall)
CANCELLATION POLICY
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RESCHEDULING
You can reschedule your booking up to 48 hours prior to your booking for a new date within 30 days of the original booked date. (Maximum number of two reschedules per booking.)
It is not possible to reschedule your booking, for ANY reason, if less than 48 hours’ notice is given. Please respect small businesses that pre-allocate their resources to bookings. If you’re not able to come yourself, please gift your tickets to a friend.CANCELLATIONS
You can cancel your booking up to 7 days before your booking and a Huckleberry Woods Gift Card will be issued. Refunds are not possible if less than 7 days’ notice is given.
(If you require a credit card refund please email [email protected] at least 7 days prior to your booking).3rd PARTY BOOKINGS
It’s only possible to reschedule bookings that have been made directly with us. It’s not possible to reschedule bookings from 3rd parties.Please note that rescheduling and cancellations are not dealt with over the telephone.
HIGH STANDARDS OF ANIMAL WELFARE
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Everything revolves around the animals here. Keeping them happy and enriching their lives is at the centre of all we do. Our animals will stay with us for the rest of their lives and you can rest assured that we do NOT rehome older animals to make room for seasonal newborns. We’re proud to be licenced by Swale Borough Council for Training and Exhibiting our animals and we’re regularly inspected. Our licence number is 21/500309. Always ensure the animal premises you visit are fully licenced and know you’re doing your bit to keep animal welfare standards high.
ACCOMMODATION
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We have our own airbnb cottage on-site https://airbnb.com/h/cottage-with-micro-animal-encounters or you’re welcome to explore this link to accommodation in the area https://www.visit-swale.co.uk/stay-and-eat/find-accommodation-in-the-swale-area-of-north-kent-16137/
ACCESSIBILITY
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We’re based in an old orchard with no tarmac or concrete anywhere. We welcome wheelchair users, but, to manage your expectations, it’s a bit of a bumpy ride (a bit like taking a wheelchair into the woods). The ground gets muddy after it’s been raining heavily so, it would definitely be better to aim for a dryer spell.
There are two steps up to the composting toilet.
Fully trained assistance dogs are permitted if they are registered and trained by one of the eight accredited members of Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation. We regret we are unable to allow assistance dogs in training. Please email [email protected] 2 weeks prior to your prefered date to allow us to facilitate your visit.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA
Why not extend your visit to Faversham – a fabulous medieval market town full of wonderful things to see and do for all ages.
Here are our top ten:
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Mentioned in the Doomsday book and located in the heart of Faversham’s historic town centre, with its stilted Guildhall, town pump and medieval buildings as a backdrop, Faversham is very proud of our market and its status as the oldest market in Kent. Runs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
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A former commercial port, steeped in Kent and British history. Enjoy bracing walks through the countryside and quayside, then relax in the Secret Garden Tea Room and a spot of retail therapy in the eclectic mix of shops.
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A great local venue, with an exciting programme of events, from comedy nights to yoga.
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The beautiful Georgian house of Belmont, set in its own parkland, amid stunning views of the rolling Kent countryside, is a completely unspoilt and distinctive example of the work of the architect Samuel Wyatt.
Belmont houses objects that reflect 6 generations of continuous occupation by one family, containing wonderful mementos of the family’s history and travels – paintings, photograph albums, beautiful Indian and English silverware along with one of the finest private collections of clocks and watches in Britain outside those in the national museums.
The Gardens at Belmont are full of interest throughout every season. -
Mount Ephraim Country House & Gardens is a privately-owned family home in the heart of Kent, comprising over 800 acres of woodland, pasture, and a fruit farm. At the heart of the estate lies the main house and gardens with stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
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Brogdale Collections is the home of the National Fruit Collection, the orchards are a living history & heritage of fruit.
Brogdale Collections offers a variety of activities to suit all ages and interests. Including Orchard Walks and Daily Orchard Tours. Attend a short course on a vast array of topics including; gardening, elderflower cordial making, foraging, bee keeping and much more. Bring the whole family to one of the events throughout the year from Easter at Brogdale to Heritage Orchard Days. Find something fun for the kids in the school holidays, including the popular Orchard Craft or Wild Cooking sessions, Tractor Trailer Rides, mini train and play area.
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Macknade in Faversham is a food lovers paradise and you will be spoilt for choice when you pay them a visit! The famous food hall has been in the same family for six generations, celebrating its 175th birthday last year, and continues to add new & exciting produce to its already extensive range. Step inside and you will be greeted with row upon row of fresh fruit & veg (always local when it’s in season!) and hundreds of essential & unusual groceries from Kent & afar. The delicatessen counter has over 150 cheeses and the award-winning butchery is certified Pasture for Life. Don’t miss the cosy café, which showcases all of the wonderful ingredients available in their food hall, and the outdoor Food Village open during the summer months!
Open daily with free parking. Find Macknade at Selling Road, Faversham, ME13 8XF.
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Award-winning guided tours take visitors around the Faversham Brewery site to learn about the ancient art of brewing.
See brewing and fermentation vessels; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops. -
Year-round indoor swimming, with heated lido and family fun pools in summertime and beyond.
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Stunning walks along the Swale with bird watching.
