Hop Farm sold to tourism company

The Hop Farm has permission to build 64 holiday homes

One of Kent's leading tourist attractions has been sold in a multi-million pound deal.

The Hop Farm, at Paddock Wood, has been bought by Kent Attractions, which also owns Lamberhurst and Tenterden vineyards and a Tunbridge Wells hotel.

It is only the third time in 450 years the Hop Farm has changed hands.

Since it was bought from Whitbread in 1997 by Kent Tourism Alliance chairman Brent Pollard, annual visitor numbers have increased from 60,000 to 500,000.

Population growth

In January, the Hop Farm was given planning permission to build 64 holiday homes on the 200-acre site.

"Kent is an ideal place to develop a network of tourism-focused business," said Simon Hume-Kendall, chairman of Kent Attractions.

"Not only are we close to London, the area will be on the doorstep of Thames Gateway, Medway towns and Ashford - areas which in the coming years should see significant population growth and demand for leisure activities."

Mr Pollard and his wife Fiona will remain part of the Hop Farm's management team.