Fruit orchards

Last year, we visited Brogdale, near Faversham in Kent, which is the home of the National Fruit Collection. Our ticket lasted a year so we went for a visit, again, during its last few days.

Brogdale has a massive collection of fruit trees: two of each variety. There are apples

 of many varieties,

more apples,

 pears,

 meddlars, cherries, 

plums

and cobnut trees. It is possible to do a self guided tour but a guide gives a fascinating tour and can answer all sorts of questions about fruit trees. 

I took the youngest two children and the guide made the tour relevant to them. All the same, Youngest Son, aged four, was finding that adult questions about fruit were getting a bit much until we reached the cherry trees! He and Younger Daughter loved tasting different varieties.

Cherry stained hands

Brogdale is worth visiting, especially when the fruit is on the trees. The tour would be difficult with a pushchair, or a wheelchair, and is ideal for children from about 4 or 5. They will certainly be in no doubt about the fact that apples, pears, plums and cherries grow on trees. Great for adults too; plenty of information and the chance to sample some fruit!