It may have started as a small festive project, but 13 years later the Reindeer Centre is one of Kent’s most established Christmas days out. Dan Wright found out more.

We’ve all heard of Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and – of course – Rudolph.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a seasonal nod to the legendary sleigh-pullers, but how many of us know that deep in the Kentish countryside lies a 100-strong herd?

Well, that is the case, and now the Reindeer Centre is gearing up for another busy festive season.

The centre started life as a little festive project 13 years ago, when owner Sandra Fagg took delivery of 10 of the deer. Before she knew it, more and more of Rudolph’s four-legged friends were filling her farm in Bethersden, near Ashford.

Now, Capralama Farm is home to more than 100 reindeer – and its centre is one of the county’s most established Christmas family attractions.

This year, bosses have upped their game and will offer a festive experience to remember in the run-up to Yuletide.

The centre, which gives children the chance to meet Santa and a host of farm animals – not just the reindeer, will be open daily until Christmas Eve.

Sandra said: “It started as a little project – my daughter Jo and I came up with the idea.

“It’s great for the kids but it’s not just for them, older people come here too because not everyone has seen reindeer before.

“We were looking for something to do with the animals and it just snowballed from there – it’s all gone bigger and it’s our lives now.”

"They are very famous reindeer..." - Sandra Fagg

With a 150ft grotto full of six animated festive scenes set to return this year, Sandra and her team have also added brand new attractions.

The success of Disney film Frozen has provided inspiration this year, and Olaf and Princess Elsa from the film will be meeting visitors.

“Frozen is just like magic to the kids – it’s a different angle from other years,” Sandra added.

“With the reindeer we have here, it all ties in really well. Frozen just brings so much pleasure to the kids.

“We’ve got the new things, but we still have traditional Christmas things – it’s still got that family magic.”

Every child receives a wrapped gift and a Reindeer Centre Passport, which they can collect stamps in on their visit, while adults can tuck into a complimentary mince pie.

While the reindeer may take centre stage, the farm has a variety of other animals.

Lamas, wallabies, meerkats and donkeys all live in animal corner, and a straw-bale ball pit, a bouncy castle, a children’s play area and a fake-snow play area will also be on offer.

Sandra, who allows visitors to buy carrots to feed the reindeer, with all proceeds going to charity, loves looking after the deer.

She added: “We take them all over the country, so they are very famous reindeer; they are not fazed by anything.

“They are so nice to work with. It’s my livelihood and it is good to enjoy what you are doing – and it’s lovely seeing the kids with smiling faces.”

The Reindeer Centre at Bethersden is now open daily from 10am to 4pm until Christmas Eve.

Admission is priced from £11 for children, and £8.50 for adults.

For more details, or to book, call 01233 820545 or visit www.reindeercentre.co.uk