Funseekers hoping to visit the Hop Farm Country Park over Christmas and the New Year will be disappointed.

The attraction at Beltring, near Paddock Wood, is closing between December 1 and February 6 for essential maintenance work.

But Hop Farm owner Peter Bull also admitted that its Christmas activities were not as strong as he would like them to be, and said the tourist industry in Kent and the south east was very competitive, especially at Christmas time.

In a statement, Mr Bull said: "Regrettably, the Hop Farm Family Park will be closed from 1st December until 6th February 2009 while we undertake essential maintenance work.

"We’ve recently taken delivery of a beautifully restored Victorian carousel which is being assembled on site and we’re about to start work on an exciting new attraction which will open for February Half Term. We feel it’s better and safer for our visitors if we complete this work and the maintenance repairs whilst the park is closed. "

He added that the park had enjoyed its busiest year ever. "The enjoyment of visitors is always at the forefront of our decision making, so we have decided to close rather than risk disappointing people.

"We felt we shouldn’t try and compete in this difficult economic climate and should focus on getting the Park ready for spring. We’re looking forward to opening on 7th February and revealing the fun, new attractions that are in development."

The park has promised a full refund for any tickets bought for December and January. Please call 01622 870 821 for more details or go to www.hopfarm.co.uk