Fancy a family day out celebrating all the fun of the farm? The Cotswolds is packed with countryside gems offering you the chance to get up close to friendly farm animals and adventure in the great outdoors. Here are 10 brilliant farm park attractions to consider:
1. The Cotswold Farm Park
Based in Alveston, Gloucestershire, the Cotswold Farm Park was created by BBC’s Countryfile presenter, Adam Henson, and is a working farm open to tourists. Home to 50+ rare breeds including varieties of cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, and ponies, you are able to feed some of the animals, take a tractor ride, and learn about life on the farm with a number of exhibits and demonstrations. There’s also a large outdoor playground, a zipline, a picnic area, and restaurant.
Find out more at: www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
2. Cogges Manor Farm
This living museum and heritage centre near Witney in Oxfordshire tells the story of farm life. Having been a working farm since the 13th century, this 17 acre farm teaches about the animals, crops, and farmers who have called Cogges Manor home. See the animals, take a tractor ride, wander the walled kitchen garden, and tour the historic manor house and barn. Picnic areas and a cafe are also available.
Find out more at: www.cogges.org.uk
3. Cotswold Lavender
For a different type of farm, Cotswold Lavender is an unusual and beautiful visit in the summer. This farm grows over 35 different types of lavender over 70 acres. Harvested in late July- early August, the lavender is then made into soaps, candles and other cosmetics. On your visit, you can wander the lavender for amazing family photos, take field tours, and distillation demonstrations, or pick up some scented gifts in the shop.
Find out more at: www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk
4. The Fairytale Farm
This children’s favourite is located in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, and is a working farm with a playful twist - themed around fairy tales. Meet the animals, explore the themed area, take tractor rides, stop for the storytelling sessions, and get lost in your favourite classic tales like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood. One of the wonderful things about Fairytale Farm is that it's been designed with accessibility at heart, with disabled children coming first in the design and layout.
Find out more at: www.fairytalefarm.co.uk
5. Cattle Country
This family-run farm park in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, spans over 120 acres and offers a variety of farm-related activities, including tractor rides, animals to visit (and have a go at feeding), an outdoor play park, and a large soft play barn.
Find out more at: www.cattlecountry.co.uk
6. Over Farm
Over Farm, located in the village of Over, Gloucestershire is a family-run farm with a farm shop, cafe and fantastic open weekends and school holidays. It has pigs, cows, sheep, chickens, and ducks - that you can visit, feed, and learn how to care for - and grows various fruit & veg crops, from pumpkins to kale and raspberries to rhubarb! Many of which you can pick yourself on your trip.
Find out more at: www.overfarm.co.uk
7. Bibury Trout Farm
Located in the picturesque village of Bibury, Bibury Trout Farm is one of the oldest trout farms in the country. Founded in 1902, this farm is a place to learn all about trout! Definitely a different type of farm day out. Visit the fish hatchery to learn how they’re raised, take a farm tour and learn about different types of trout, or go fishing yourself. There’s also a playground and, perhaps most unexpectedly, a crazy golf course!
Find out more at: www.biburytroutfarm.co.uk
8. Butts Farm Rare Breeds
Butts Farm Rare Breeds is another working farm in Gloucestershire, this time in South Cerney. It showcases a variety of rare and traditional farm animals, including Old Spot pigs, Oxford Down sheep, and Dexter cattle. A great place for a family day out with opportunities to pet animals, groom donkeys or bottle feed lambs.
Find out more at: www.buttsfarmrarebreeds.co.uk
Have you been to any of these farm parks yet? If so, why not leave a comment and share how you found it! Plus, don’t forget to download your free activity pack for your little outdoor explorer.