Back in the day, you would go to a farm and expect to see a couple of domestic animals roaming around, a few farm animals in the field, have a play on a rickety old climbing frame, eat a Mr Whippy and then head home. Oh no. Not nowadays. We expect a farm to entertain our poor little deprived children and not only give them a taste of the countryside but entertain, thrill and stimulate them like a theme park! Fun farms!
Here a few that you can reach in about an hour from London – so go for the day and still be back in time for tea – that definitely won’t disappoint!
Bocketts Farm
Leatherhead, Surrey
Nestled just off the A3, it’s very easy to get to Bocketts. There is lots to do – inside and outside play areas, animal feeling and some lovely lunch options – as well as Bocketts being a working family farm. The farm is home to hundreds of animals, including lambs, piglets, chicks and calves. For us, The Pig Racing was a real highlight. It’s actually a full-on marathon and the children went nuts for it. I didn’t know pigs could run that fast… Very fun.
Address: Young St, Fetcham, Leatherhead KT22 9BS, United Kingdom
Find out more on BockettsFarm.co.uk
Bucklebury Farm Park
Reading, Berkshire
This is a delightful farm and we particularly enjoyed the go karts and play bus. The guys had fun careering down the assault course in the woods too! Bucklebury is very charming and the shabby-chic style cafe was lovely and also very helpful – warming baby food and helping prevent our errant 2 year old from wandering into the kitchen without losing their cool!
Address: Bucklebury, Reading RG7 6RR, United Kingdom
Find out more on BuckleburyFarmPark.co.uk
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Godstone Farm
Godstone, Surrey
The soft play and vast adventure playground alone is worth the entry fee here. There is also a much appreciated section for the under 2’s. The dino trail and designated playground filled with ride on tractors and trucks was also a real hit. They are very generous with the time they allow for rabbit and chicken ‘cuddling’ although the chicks were out of bounds for the 1 year old. ‘They aren’t very good at releasing their grip at that age…’
Update July 2020: Animal holding and the playbarn are currently closed but hopefully we’ll see them opening very soon!
Address: Farm Limited, Tilburstow Hill Rd, Godstone RH9 8LX, United Kingdom
Find out more on GodstoneFarm.co.uk
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Hobbledown
Epsom, Surrey
Hobbledown is the ‘Harry Potter’ of all farms. It is like entering a different land and each area is crafted beautifully. Teepees and tents line the paths and there is something interesting going on at every turn. I could have perused the shop for longer than I did too. There were loads of cool books, games and toys – will definitely stock up on Christmas presents next time we head back!
Address: Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT, United Kingdom
Find out more on Hobbledown.com
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Odds Park Farm
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire
Odds Park is a huge farm with plenty to do including tractor rides, animal feeding, a wonderful sandpit and plentiful play areas. Everyone’s highlight was the sheep racing though, where you backed a sheep and if it came in, you won a medal. That made a few happy (and unhappy) faces! The staff are very friendly and the map is clear with an extensive plan of what’s on at what time.
Address: Wooburn Common, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe HP10 0LX, United Kingdom
Find out more on OddsFarm.co.uk
Wellington Country Park
Riseley, Berkshire
We always race straight to the train as soon as we arrive. Hughie, the train driver, always welcomes us aboard with a huge smile. Each time we visit they have added to the collection of little statues, gnomes and animals along the route. Don’t forget to scream when you go through the tunnel! If you manage to get beyond the three different outdoor play areas (they are brilliant – especially the zip wire), there is a sweet little farm area and a beautiful lake to walk around. A top day out.
Address: Odiham Rd, Riseley, Reading RG7 1SP, United Kingdom
Find out more on Wellington-Country-Park.co.uk
Whichever one you choose, you will have a lovely day. They are all perfect destinations to meet friends, escape the grind and fill up one day of the holidays!