Springtime on the Farm
Who can resist a rural ride as the country blossoms
If you've seen the film 'Babe' and enjoyed the pig's adventures with Farmer Arthur Hoggett, then spring is a great time to meet talking animals at a farm near you (honest).
With lambs chasing after their mums in the fields, this is the season to introduce your kids to the fun of the countryside. And AA Travel has dozens of farm attractions across England and Wales for you to enjoy.
Simply key in 'farm' in the search name box, hit 'next' and choose Attractions. Then make sandwiches, pack up the car and you're off. Any farm from our our selection below will certainly fill up the day.
Dairy Land Farm World near Newquay, Cornwall, was one of our most-clicked farm attractions in 2007. Children have fun getting to know the farm animals in the Farm Park, and cows are milked to music on a spectacular merry-go-round milking machine. Also popular was the Prickly Ball Farm and Hedgehog Hospital in Devon. Get to know all there is to know about hedgehogs, plus there are pony and cart rides, goat walking, pony grooming, lamb feeding (in season), and a petting zoo. Set on Wiltshire downland near Salisbury, Farmer Giles Farmstead has farm animals to feed, ponds, inside and outside play areas, and thrilling tractor rides (right).
The Hop Farm & Country Park, set among Victorian oast houses in the Kent Weald, should keep parents happy too. As well as indoor and outdoor play areas, an animal farm and shire horses, look out for craft shows, and food and drink festivals. North of London off the M25, Lee Valley Park Farms has many types of farm animals, including rare breeds in the traditional farmyard, and exotic creatures from meerkats to chipmunks. At the Cotswold Farm Park near Stow-on-the-Wold (left) there are nearly 50 breeding herds and flocks of rare British breeds of sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, horses, and poultry. Also rabbits and guinea pigs to cuddle, and safe areas to play in.
Wimpole Home Farm, near Cambridge, is a National Trust property, with a Farm Kitchen serving refreshments and meals. On the farm itself there are rare breeds of domestic animals, new lambs in spring, and sheep shearing in June. There really is a lot to see and do at the White Post Farm Centre in Nottinghamshire (right). The more than 3,000 animals include pigs, goats and sheep, and exotic animals like bats, reptiles and meerkats. There's also a sledge run, trampolines and pedal go-karts. Fans of 'Blue Peter' and 'Vets in Practice' should recognize Monk Park Farm Visitor Centre in North Yorkshire, which has been a location for filming. This children's favourite has indoor and outdoor viewing and feeding areas.
◊ The AA Days Out Guide with 2 for 1 vouchers for over 300 places
◊ Look for spring events and attractions on AA Travel
◊ Chocolate fun - Easter egg trails with the National Trust
◊ Find good-value pubs for eating out
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