Discover the Family Traditions of Hop Picking at Kent Life’s Hops ‘n’ Harvest Festival – a fun-packed family day out 

The “Garden of England” has a storied history of hop picking dating back to the 16th century. This tradition once brought London families to the Kent countryside, creating vibrant communities during the harvest season. 

Today, Kent Life Heritage Farm Park keeps this heritage alive with the annual Hops ‘n’ Harvest Festival bringing a modern take on a Kentish cultural tradition and a great family day out.   

The Life of a Hopper 

Hoppers, as they were known, were primarily working-class families who would migrate to the hop fields of Kent from London, during the late summer and early Autumn for the annual hop-picking season.  

Whole families would come down from London to holiday in Kent, staying in basic hoppers huts and picking hops. Despite the tough conditions, the experience was often seen as a welcome escape from the polluted and overcrowded cities. It offered a rare opportunity for families to spend time together in the countryside, and many looked forward to the annual migration. 

Hops n Harvest recreates Kent’s past, giving visitors first-hand experience of the traditional hop-making process in the last Coal fired Oast House in Britain.  Visitors can have a go at picking the hops by hand in the Kent Life Hop Garden, fill the bushels, and enjoy the pleasant aroma as the Oast House is brought back into working life for one weekend only. Festival goers can also take a peek round the Hoppers Huts, where previous generations would have enjoyed their summer holidays.  

Entertaining the Hop-pickers 

Singing was a central part of the hop-picking experience. Hoppers would often sing traditional folk songs, many of which were passed down through generations. The fields would come alive with music, with different groups sometimes joining together in song. In the evenings, after the work was done, families and friends would gather around fires, and impromptu music sessions would spring up, featuring singing, dancing, and even playing homemade instruments. 

Storytelling was another popular pastime. Older hoppers would entertain the younger ones with tales of folklore, ghost stories, and personal anecdotes. These stories often reflected the hardships and humor of working-class life, creating a strong sense of shared history and culture among the hoppers. 

Continuing these old traditions today, Hops n Harvest has something to appeal to all generations of the family – you can even bring the family dog!  Guests can enjoy two days of live music and for younger members of the family, there will be storytelling, discos in the Big Top, crafting activities and plenty of chances to meet the attraction’s farmyard friends.  

Cheers to some Kentish family fun to round off the summer season.  To join in the festivities, book tickets here.           

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