Surrounded by green space and woodland, off a highway heading southwest from London, sits one of England’s best-known family-friendly resorts. Part theme park, part zoo, part aquarium, Chessington World of Adventures has long advertised itself as a good day out. In recent times, though, it’s not the only attraction tempting traffic heading down the A243 toward Leatherhead.
A mile past Chessington’s gates, eagle-eyed visitors can spot another destination. “This is a working farm,” boasts a sign at Rushett Farm. At first glance, the scene appears to be just that: A tractor is parked by stacks of hay bales while ...