Discover Beck Evans Farm: Sustainable family fun for all ages in Sidcup

by | Jun 20, 2023 | Families, Where to go locally

Beck Evans Farm is a beautiful 25-acre working farmland located in Sidcup, Kent, beside the serene River Cray. The farm produces crops and provides a picturesque backdrop for visitors looking to immerse themselves in nature, whether with family, friends or on a solo adventure.

At Beck Evans Farm, visitors can explore a range of top-notch features, including Penelope’s restaurant for fresh meals, an onsite farm shop, and The Hut for food on-the-go. Families with young kids can visit the Crazy Club, a fun-packed soft play centre, or more adventurous groups can make the most of the campsite or visit the Apiary to see the beehives kept onsite.

Throughout the whole Beck Evans experience, the farm places a strong emphasis on sustainability, which is a fundamental part of its mission. The moment visitors walk in, they step into eco-friendly fun and adventure. The farm aims to become the farm of the future, choosing to work with the land, rather than against it.

Overall, Beck Evans Farm is an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape the city and enjoy a rural retreat. With a range of facilities and activities on offer, it’s the perfect place for families, couples, and groups of friends to get together for some excitement and new experiences that won’t hurt the environment.

Dining Options Penelope’s

Launched in February 2023, Beck Evans’ main restaurant Penelope’s is dedicated to providing fresh, locally sourced, and sustainably produced food in a welcoming atmosphere. Situated in a restored barn, this charming restaurant was named after the Beck Evans Farm owner’s daughter.

Taking inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, Penelope’s offers a seasonal menu catering to everyone from picky eaters to those looking to explore new flavours. From pasta to soup, hearty meals, and pizza (cooked to perfection in the pizza oven located at the centre of the restaurant), the restaurant’s homemade dishes are available to enjoy seven days a week.

Penelope’s diverse menu includes a range of appetisers, entrees, and desserts, featuring locally sourced ingredients, including fresh produce from the farm on-site. The Mediterranean-inspired menu offers delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch, and Afternoon Tea.

While enjoying a morning on the farm, visitors can start their day with the popular Medi Clash, featuring fluffy pancakes with grilled halloumi, spicy beef, and savoury sides. Or for lunch, guests can try homemade fresh pasta with sliced chicken breast, tangy tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.

Penelope’s Afternoon Tea menus include a mix of savoury and sweet treats, featuring seasonal ingredients and traditional favourites, such as scones. Guests can relax into an afternoon indulging in delightful treats, whether it’s for a special occasion or just a leisurely day out.

Penelope’s also boasts a stunning outdoor terrace and a picnic garden located opposite the lavender field for visitors to enjoy in the warmer months of the year.

A rustic, charming dining choice on the Beck Evans Farm property, Penelope’s space was designed sustainably, with features such as solar panels, and a rainwater harvesting system.

DSC08409 | Dartford Living

The Hut

For visitors in need of a quick bite while exploring the grounds or taking a leisurely stroll, The Hut is the ideal stop at Beck Evans Farm. This quaint hut offers a range of locally-sourced coffee and delicious ice cream flavours (for humans and dogs alike).

For those craving something savoury, The Hut also serves up a selection of toasted sandwiches and pastries. And if guests are looking for a healthy refreshment, they can try one of the many goodness-filled smoothies on offer.

The Hut also offers a special dog menu so no four-legged friend has to miss out.

Farm Shop

The Beck Evans farm shop offers visitors the chance to discover local growers and makers while providing an array of fresh produce to choose from. With an impressive selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and delectable treats, shoppers are spoilt for choice.

Whether they’re seeking a quick purchase or embarking on a weekly shop, they can take comfort in knowing that they’re supporting local businesses and enjoying the freshest fare at Beck Evans.

Sustainability

At Beck Evans Farm, sustainability is more than just a commitment; it’s a top priority. The farm has gone to great lengths to integrate various eco-friendly practices into its operations to ensure every guest has a truly sustainable experience.

Beck Evans Farm encourages staff and customers to cycle to the farm wherever possible, and has set up a secure cycle shelter, so there is no need for concern about bikes getting wet. For those travelling from farther afield, environmentally conscious visitors can park their vehicles at

one of the 6x 7 kW fast electric charging points on site, allowing them to relax and recharge while their cars do the same.

In addition, Beck Evans Farm has made significant efforts to improve the environment by planting 1500 trees in the past, and it plans to increase the number of trees planted each year. Waste management is also a top priority for the company, having established a wormery and composting system on-site to manage its food waste and coffee beans.

Many of the ingredients used throughout the dining outlets at Beck Evans Farm are sourced directly from the farm onsite, which are grown using rainwater harvesting techniques, guaranteeing high quality and freshness.

Beck Evans also works with local farmers, producers, and suppliers to source ingredients. Supporting the local community is a huge part of the farm’s sustainability mission, working with expert farmers, growers, and makers to help the area blossom and thrive.

Crazy Club

Renovated in 2023, Crazy Club is a soft play venue offering a secure and stimulating environment for babies, toddlers, and juniors to have the ultimate fun experience while at the farm. Children aged 11 and under are welcome to enjoy the club’s features, which include slides, frames, ball pits, and more. Parents or guardians must accompany their little ones to Crazy Club. It is an excellent opportunity to come together with friends and make new acquaintances while enjoying the play area.

Crazy Club also functions as a children’s party venue, offering a range of birthday party packages for children aged 1-11 years. The club’s 2-hour party package includes 90 minutes of soft play, party food, a party host, a cake ceremony, unlimited squash, ice cream dessert, and one free adult entry per child. Optional party bags and sweet cones are available at an additional cost. Three time slots are available for parties each day, with food options including a picnic or hot platter, with adult platters also available at an additional cost.

Experiences Beekeeping Experience

Beck Evans Farm has teamed up with The Natural Hive Co to offer an experience for visitors interested in learning about bees and honey production. At the Apiary, guests can work with a beekeeper and the bees while learning about hive workings and equipment. Protective clothing and gloves are provided, and visitors are advised to wear over-the-ankle boots or wellies and thick socks. The two-hour session is limited to eight participants aged 16 and over, or 10-16 with an adult. The experience also includes honey tasting and a small goodie bag for each visitor.

Camping

The farm features a campsite at Woollett Hall, which is open to all types of visitors, from adventurers who enjoy sleeping in tents to those who prefer the comfort of a camper or caravan. Woollett Hall offers all the necessary amenities for a fantastic stay. Facilities include; Disabled Access, Hot Showers, Toilets, Pets Welcome, Electric Car Charging Point, Fresh Water, Washing Up Facilities, Baby Changing, Electric Hookup, Chemical Toilet Disposal, Off-the-floor BBQs allowed and a Secure bike shelter.

Seasonal Experiences Pumpkin Picking

During the months of October and November, Beck Evans Farm grows an assortment of pumpkins over an expansive 7-acre land. The idyllic and tranquil setting provides the perfect backdrop for visitors to enjoy a charming day out while personally selecting their desired pumpkins.

Aside from the exciting pumpkin-picking activity, visitors can also indulge in a range of seasonal delicacies like homemade pumpkin soup, purchase pumpkins of varying sizes, and even acquire pumpkin recipes.

Maize Maze

In August, Beck Evans Farm hosts its popular free Maize Maze in the shape of a dinosaur, covering 2 acres of land. The maze is designed to be a challenge and provides an enjoyable experience for both children and adults. Typically taking 30-45 minutes to complete, the dinosaur Maize Maze is an excellent way for families and friends to spend a fun-filled day engaging in an exciting activity.

Visitors can look forward to an unforgettable experience as they navigate through the twists and turns of the maze while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the farm.

Lavender Fields

For a nominal fee, visitors will be able to take a walk through, enjoy a picnic, and relax in the beautiful Lavender Fields that come into full bloom in the summer – the perfect place for that Instagram photo opp.

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