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Crazy golf course rescued from former Rotunda funfair in Folkestone draws crowds to The Woolpack pub in Smeeth

A refurbished nine-hole crazy golf course in the beer garden of a village pub is pulling in the putting punters after being saved for a second time.

The course was once played by generations of holidaymakers at the much-loved Rotunda funfair on Folkestone seafront, and was rescued from the site when it was cleared ahead of redevelopment for housing.

Customers can play on the course for £1 per person
Customers can play on the course for £1 per person

It was moved to The Woolpack in Smeeth, near Ashford, about 20 years ago, but over the years it had fallen into decay and was destined for the scrapheap.

But lockdown gave it a reprieve, and work was done to revitalise the attraction.

Now people are flocking from far and wide to play the course while enjoying a drink in the garden.

Landlord Dave Church said: "It's been here for about 20 years, but it has been a bit neglected.

"We were going to rip the thing out, but with the lockdown it remained and we just decided to do it up.

The Woolpack Inn, Smeeth. Picture: Google Maps
The Woolpack Inn, Smeeth. Picture: Google Maps

"We've had family after family coming in, a lot of people reminiscing about it. It's put us on the map."

Pub manager Ruth Blanc started at the Church Road pub this summer and says she has never worked anywhere with such a unique attraction.

"It's been completely chocka," she said. "It's been going really, really well.

"We have had people from two years old, up to older couples, it's been a complete mixture of people. It's really taken off, and we have had people coming from Surrey and Sussex.

"It's definitely something unique, we have got a massive garden but people don't realise just how big it is."

The course was rescued from the former Rotunda fun fair at Folkestone
The course was rescued from the former Rotunda fun fair at Folkestone
Nine holes can be played at The Woolpack
Nine holes can be played at The Woolpack
The colourful course has been at the pub for about 20 years
The colourful course has been at the pub for about 20 years

Pub customers can play the nine holes for £1 per person, with clubs, scorecards and pencils provided for players tackling the course.

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