Travel Guides | January 10, 2024

Country Dining and Wildlife: Explore Kent From Mocketts Farm

Ed Maughan

Nestled near the coast on the beautiful Isle of Sheppey, Mocketts Farm offers a stunning and secluded getaway for groups to explore Kent. This tranquil retreat, managed by the local farming family of Alex and Victoria Burden since 2010, is a brilliant blend of countryside charm and coastal beauty.

The dog-friendly venue can sleep up to 53 guests across 5 converted farm cottages (with additional sofa and camp beds available), making it the ideal spot for a multi-generation group. The farm cottages can be rented individually or as a group, giving you the flexibility you need. A number of the cottages offer accessible accommodation, and all cottages have access to a shared games room which includes table football, table tennis and a pool table.

It also provides accommodation for its fabulous nearby wedding venue, more on that at the bottom of this post.

We chatted to the team at Mocketts Farm about what they’d recommend to make the most of your stay, and what to do in the local area.

The beautiful Mocketts Farm Cottages have a lovely fenced duck pond at their heart

Discover Mocketts Farm

Mocketts Farm is set within Kent’s beautiful coast and countryside on the Isle of Sheppey and provides an idyllic setting for a group stay. There are nature reserves all around, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and bird watchers alike. The working farm setting provides a fantastic connection to nature, making it a perfect spot for those who cherish the outdoors.

A view of Fleet Lodge and Harrier's Nest from the surrounding countryside

The view across the countryside from The Farmhouse back garden

Stunning, Rural Location: Surrounded by lush fields and a picturesque coastline, the farm offers a secluded haven for relaxation and nature exploration.
Wildlife and Walks: Enjoy incredible walks amidst a rich array of wildlife, especially the majestic birds of prey. The Isle of Sheppey is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Pet-Friendly Environment: From March 2024, pet owners can make use of the new dog exercise paddock and enclosed gardens, ensuring a fun and safe space for your furry friends.
Family-Run Charm: The Burden family’s dedication to the cottages and the farm estate adds a personal touch, enhancing the authenticity and warmth of your stay.

Things to Do in the Area

Mocketts Farm is not just about relaxation; it’s also a gateway to a variety of local attractions and activities.

Enjoy Hyper-Local Produce: Visit the nearby Ferry House restaurant to sample produce grown from the local Harty estate. This includes gin, whisky and vodka made by the Copper Rivet Distillery, using the grains grown on the land around the Mocketts Farm Cottages.
Relax at The Ferry House Treatment Rooms: Pamper yourself with luxurious massage treatments and facials available at the nearby
Ferry House Treatment Rooms. Owned and operated by the team at Mocketts Farm, they can tailor a package for you and your group.
Explore Trails and Beaches: Embark on the Isle of Harty Trail for walking and cycling, or enjoy a beach walk at Shellness.

Bird Watching: Visit Raptor Point at Capel Fleet for some fantastic birdwatching or explore local walking trails for an opportunity to observe a variety of birds of prey.
Elmley Nature Reserve: Discover the diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes of this beautiful nature reserve.
Local Activities: Try clay shooting at Kingsferry, or delve into history at the Eastchurch Aviation Museum. For the youth, you can take on a round of crazy golf in Leysdown for some light-hearted fun.
Nearby Towns to Explore: Mocketts Farm is within easy reach of some great towns and cities that are well worth exploring. Plan a day trip to Faversham, Whitstable, Rochester or Canterbury. The property is also within easy reach of Leeds Castle.

The view from The Farmhouse to the front of the Mocketts Farm Cottages complex

A games room shared by all five cottages offers table tennis, pool and table football

Local Dining Recommendations

Kent has an abundance of great places to eat – from local cafes through to country dining using the finest locally grown produce. Here are some recommendations of great places to eat close to Mocketts Farm.

Dine at The Ferry House: The Ferry House is also owned by Alex and Victoria Burden. Here you can indulge in a Waterside 2AA Rosette dining experience. The menus, inspired by the Burden family’s farming heritage, feature local produce, including beef from their own cattle, produce from the 1.5 acre kitchen garden and wild game from the surrounding estates. You can also sample spirits from the nearby Copper Rivet Distillery.
Neptune’s Café: Located on the beach at Leysdown/Shellness, Neptune’s Cafe is perfect for a casual seaside meal after you have explored the local walking rails.
Stones Garden Centre Café: A delightful spot for a relaxed lunch amidst their beautiful garden setting.
The Abbey Cake Shop: Treat yourself to delicious tea and cake at the always lovely Abbey Cake Shop in nearby Sheerness.

Mocketts Farm is more than just a holiday destination, it’s an experience that connects you with the heart of Kent’s countryside and coast. If you’re looking to slow the pace of life right down, get back to nature and savour the simple joys in life as you reconnect with loved ones, this enchanting farm is the place for you. Book your stay and uncover the hidden treasures of this amazing corner of England at Mocketts Farm below.

Faversham

Mocketts Farm, Kent

An outstanding complex of 5 idyllic, secluded country cottages, sleeping 53 (extra sofa/camp beds available). Situated in the heart of the beautiful Harty countryside, on the Isle of Sheppey.

Get Married Near Mocketts Farm

Looking for a truly unique wedding venue? The Ferry House and Mocketts Farm are brilliantly set up for weddings too! Mark the rest of your lives together with a waterside or barn wedding, with ample accommodation for your guests.

The team can help you plan a magical day, with two-day wedding packages also available – find out more via their Weddings Page ›

Photos courtesy of Mocketts Farm and credits to: Chris Blackledge Photography, Noah Werth Photography, James Grist Photography and Peter Reynolds Photography.

Travel Guides| January 10, 2024