VISITKENT
BROGDALE COLLECTIONS
BROGDALE COLLECTIONS , BASED IN FAVERSHAM , IS A CHARITY THAT FOCUSES ON THE CURATION AND PROTECTION OF THE NATIONAL FRUIT COLLECTION . THIS EXTENSIVE AND REALLY RATHER REMARKABLE COLLECTION CONSISTS OF OVER 3,500 DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF FRUIT – APPLES , PEARS , PLUMS , CHERRIES , BUSH FRUIT SUCH AS STRAWBERRIES AND BLACKBERRIES , VINES , COB NUTS AND MORE . IT ’ S THE WORLD ’ S LARGEST COLLECTION OF FRUIT TREES , PLANTS AND BUSHES , AND IT ’ S RIGHT HERE ON OUR DOORSTEP .
But more than the care of these fruits , Brogdale Collections is about education . During their open season ( March to October ) there are three guided tours every day , seven days a week , allowing visitors to find out more about the fruit , the cultivation of it , and what it is used for . And for schools and clubs , there are a range of unique education modules that combine science , literature and maths with information about the fruit .
Being a charity , fundraising is an important part of the Brogdale Collections ’ work . Throughout the year there are a range of different festivals that take place , each one with a fruit related theme , but each one unique and fascinating . Upcoming festivals include Brogdale ’ s Easter events ( pig racing , the chance to see – perhaps even cuddle – some newborn animals and Carlos the goat , who is something of a celebrity about the Brogdale farm estate ), the Hanami Picnics ( from April to May ) during which the cherry blossom is celebrated and wonderfully fragrant strawberry fair in June . No matter which festival you choose to attend , there will be fruit tasting and talks giving a flavour of the reasons behind the Brogdale Collections themselves .
As well as the fruit , Brogdale Collections has a wonderful marketplace that you can visit and buy some beautiful gifts – and of course , some delicious fruit grown just a matter of a few metres away . The marketplace includes the Brogdale Fruit Shop where you can purchase absolutely fresh and totally seasonal fruit – there is nothing quite like it . It ’ s open from June until October , so make the most of it while you can . As well as fruit , there is a garden centre on site too . Called ‘ Grow ’, here you can buy fruit trees that are suitable for anything from gardens up to orchards , and you can glean plenty of useful advice from the experts on hand to help you . These fruit trees ( as well as the other plants , herbs and perennials that are for sale in the garden centre ) are of the highest quality since they are cultivated from the National Fruit Collection itself wherever possible .
Moving slightly ( although not completely ) away from fruit you ’ ll find Tiddly Pomme . Tiddly Pomme is the main stockist of the exceptional Brogdale pear and apple juices . All made from single varieties , this is pure and delicious fruit juice . And for those who want something stronger , there are local ciders and wines available too – and they come in all kinds of different varieties and flavours . Try cider straight from the barrel , real ales , English , European and New World wines , intriguing fruit wines and even liqueurs .
And , when you ’ re shopped out and you ’ ve explored everything the Brogdale Collections has to offer , why not take the weight off your feet and enjoy a light bite in the form of sumptuous homemade cakes at the Courtyard Café ? Using fresh local produce , the menu includes all manner of delicacies including pies , cakes , sandwiches , and even a full Sunday roast as well as fine coffee and tea .
www . brogdalecollections . org
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