Hop Field History Tours

2026 is possibly the last year we will see hops growing in Capel. 

The last active hop farm in Capel, Reeds Farm in The Alders, has planning permission to convert its current hop gardens (as they are known in Kent) for use as a solar park. 

To mourn its passing, Capel History Group is planning to run guided history tours around the hop field and other related sites in Five Oak Green to reveal how the hop industry dominated our local area and how that impacted upon local residents and the hop pickers who came from the east end of London for the harvest.  

These tours will run across the Heritage weekends of 2026 - the 12th/13th September and the 19th/20th September. 

At this stage, we would like to understand how many people might be interested in joining us on a hop field history tour. 

The tours will be priced at £5 per person. All money received will be donated to the Hoppers' Hospital charity in Five Oak Green and Capel History Group.

Please note that the route will be just over a mile and is across uneven farm ground with tree roots, a stile and other hazards associated with country footpaths. The tour is anticipated to take around 90 minutes.

Please complete the form below and Capel History Group will be in touch as our tour dates are confirmed.