Top petting farms near me in the UK include Cotswold Farm Park (Gloucestershire), Godstone Farm (Surrey), Folly Farm (Pembrokeshire), Odds Farm Park (Buckinghamshire), Wellplace Farm (Ipswich), Farmer Palmer’s (Dorset), Graves Park Animal Farm (Sheffield), and Hatton Adventure World (Warwickshire). These family friendly farms UK offer hands-on animal encounters, educational experiences, play areas, and facilities making them ideal for children aged 2-12 years.
UK Petting Farms Overview
| Farm Type | Typical Features | Age Suitability | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working Farms | Real farming, seasonal activities | All ages | £8-£15 entry |
| Animal Parks | Large collections, play areas | 2-12 years | £10-£20 entry |
| City Farms | Urban access, community focus | All ages | Often free |
| Adventure Farms | Rides, attractions, animals | 3-12 years | £15-£25 entry |
*Prices and features vary by season and location
Why Petting Farms Matter for Families
Visiting farm animal experiences provides:
Educational opportunities teaching children about farming, food sources, and animal care
Hands-on experiences rarely available in modern urban/suburban life
Fresh air and exercise in outdoor environments
Multi-generational activities suitable for toddlers through grandparents
Connection with nature increasingly important for children’s development
Understanding UK Petting Farms
Before exploring specific locations, understand what makes quality petting farm experiences:
What Defines a Petting Farm
Interactive Animal Contact: Unlike traditional zoos, petting farms emphasize tactile experiences—feeding, grooming, and gentle interaction with domestic farm animals.
Educational Focus: Quality farms teach children about agriculture, animal husbandry, food production, and responsible animal care.
Safety Standards: Reputable farms maintain high welfare and safety standards, with staff supervision, handwashing facilities, and appropriate animal handling protocols.
Types of Farm Experiences
Traditional Petting Farms: Focus primarily on animal interaction with minimal additional attractions. Often smaller, more intimate experiences.
Farm Adventure Parks: Combine animal encounters with play equipment, rides, and attractions. Larger operations offering full-day experiences.
City Farms: Community-focused operations in urban areas. Often free or low-cost, emphasizing accessibility and education.
Seasonal Farm Experiences: Working farms offering seasonal activities—lambing in spring, fruit picking in summer, pumpkin patches in autumn.
Animal Welfare Considerations
According to The Countryside Alliance’s guidance on farm animal welfare, reputable farms prioritize animal wellbeing alongside visitor experiences. Quality indicators include:
- Animals have appropriate space and shelter
- Veterinary care is readily available
- Handling protocols protect both animals and visitors
- Staff are knowledgeable about animal behavior and needs
- Animals can retreat from interaction when needed
Top 10 Petting Farms in the UK
1. Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire
Adam Henson’s Farm
Famous as home of Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, this working farm pioneered rare breed conservation.
Location & Access
Address: Guiting Power, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Distance from Major Cities:
- 45 miles from Bristol
- 85 miles from Birmingham
- 100 miles from London
Accessibility: Good parking, wheelchair accessible paths to most areas.
Animals & Experiences
Resident Animals: Rare breed cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, and poultry. Emphasis on heritage breeds.
Interactive Experiences:
- Bottle feeding lambs (spring)
- Meet the animals sessions
- Tractor rides
- Lamb racing demonstrations
- Touch Barn with smaller animals
Facilities
- Indoor and outdoor play areas
- Café serving farm produce
- Gift shop
- Picnic areas
- Baby changing facilities
Admission & Opening
Cost: Adults £12-£14, Children £10-£12 (seasonal variation) Opening: Daily during school holidays, weekends off-peak Best Time: Spring for lambing, summer for full access
Why It’s Exceptional
Educational focus on rare breeds and conservation. Working farm authenticity. Countryfile connection adds interest for parents.
2. Godstone Farm, Surrey
Award-Winning Surrey Farm
Popular family attraction combining traditional farm with extensive play facilities.
Location & Access
Address: Tilburstow Hill Road, Godstone, Surrey Distance from Major Cities:
- 25 miles from London
- Easy M25 access
Animals & Experiences
Resident Animals: Pigs, goats, sheep, cattle, alpacas, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens.
Daily Activities:
- Animal feeding times throughout the day
- Goat grooming sessions
- Pig racing
- Tractor rides
- Indoor play barn
Facilities
- Large adventure playground
- Indoor soft play
- Café and picnic areas
- Party rooms available
- Good disabled access
Admission & Opening
Cost: Adults £8-£10, Children £10-£12 Opening: Daily year-round (closed Christmas period) Annual Passes: Available for frequent visitors
Why Families Love It
Close to London making day trips practical. Extensive play facilities mean full-day visits. Year-round opening provides consistency.
3. Folly Farm, Pembrokeshire
Wales’s Premier Family Farm
Large-scale operation combining farm animals, vintage fairground, zoo, and indoor play.
Location & Access
Address: Begelly, Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire Distance from Major Cities:
- 50 miles from Swansea
- 90 miles from Cardiff
Animals & Experiences
Extensive Collection: Traditional farm animals plus zoo animals (penguins, rhinos, giraffes).
Farm Activities:
- Bottle feeding sessions
- Pony rides
- Tractor rides
- Animal encounters throughout the day
Facilities
- Vintage funfair
- Large indoor play barn
- Multiple cafés
- Extensive outdoor playgrounds
- All-weather facilities
Admission & Opening
Cost: Adults £15-£20, Children £15-£20 (seasonal) Opening: Daily during season, weekends winter Value: All-inclusive pricing—rides and activities included
Why It’s Outstanding
Comprehensive experience justifying higher prices. All-weather facilities important for Welsh climate. Combination of zoo and farm unique.
4. Odds Farm Park, Buckinghamshire
Accessible Home Counties Farm
Well-established farm park offering traditional experiences near London.
Location & Access
Address: Wooburn Common, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire Distance from Major Cities:
- 30 miles from London
- Easy M40 access
Animals & Experiences
Resident Animals: Traditional British farm animals focusing on sheep, goats, pigs, cattle.
Activities:
- Regular bottle feeding sessions
- Tractor rides
- Sheep racing
- Meet farmer talks
- Indoor and outdoor play
Facilities
- Two large play barns (wet weather proof)
- Adventure playground
- Café and picnic areas
- Party facilities
- Good accessibility
Admission & Opening
Cost: Adults £9-£11, Children £11-£13 Opening: Daily during holidays, weekends term-time Season Passes: Available for local families
Why Visit
Excellent for London families seeking countryside experiences. Strong educational focus. Good facilities for various weather conditions.
5. Wellplace Farm, Ipswich
Suffolk’s Hidden Gem
Smaller operation offering intimate farm experiences and seasonal activities.
Location & Access
Address: Ipswich, Suffolk Distance from Major Cities:
- 70 miles from London
- 45 miles from Cambridge
Animals & Experiences
Farm Animals: Traditional collection with emphasis on hands-on experiences.
Seasonal Activities:
- Spring lambing experiences
- Summer fruit picking
- Autumn pumpkin patches
- Christmas trees and activities
Facilities
- Farm shop selling produce
- Café
- Play areas
- Educational programs
Admission & Opening
Cost: Adults £6-£8, Children £8-£10 Opening: Seasonal—check before visiting Value: Lower prices reflect smaller scale
Why Choose It
Authentic working farm atmosphere. Seasonal activities provide variety. Good value for families on budgets.
6. Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Dorset
Dorset Family Favorite
Long-established farm park offering comprehensive family experiences.
Location & Access
Address: Organford, Poole, Dorset Distance from Major Cities:
- 110 miles from Bristol
- 30 miles from Southampton
Animals & Experiences
Animal Collection: Wide variety including farm animals and some exotic species.
Activities:
- Multiple daily feeding sessions
- Tractor trailer rides
- Indoor soft play
- Outdoor adventure playground
- Seasonal events
Facilities
- Large indoor play barn
- Café with hot meals
- Gift shop
- Excellent disabled access
- Undercover areas
Admission & Opening
Cost: Adults £10-£12, Children £12-£14 Opening: Daily during season, reduced winter hours
Why It’s Popular
Full-day destination with activities for various ages. Good mix of animals and play. Dorset location suits holiday visitors.
7. Graves Park Animal Farm, Sheffield
Free Urban Farm
City farm offering free admission with community focus.
Location & Access
Address: Graves Park, Sheffield Distance: Within Sheffield city limits
Animals & Experiences
Farm Animals: Traditional collection including rare breeds. Smaller scale than commercial farms.
Activities:
- Free entry to see animals
- Educational talks
- Community events
- Volunteer opportunities
Facilities
- Basic but clean facilities
- Picnic areas within park
- Playground nearby
- Café in wider park
Admission & Opening
Cost: FREE (donations appreciated) Opening: Daily, daylight hours
Why It’s Valuable
Free access removes financial barriers. Urban location serves communities without rural access. Community-focused atmosphere.
8. Hatton Adventure World, Warwickshire
Midlands Major Attraction
Large-scale operation with comprehensive facilities and experiences.
Location & Access
Address: Dark Lane, Hatton, Warwickshire Distance from Major Cities:
- 12 miles from Birmingham
- Easy M40 access
Animals & Experiences
Extensive Collection: Large variety of farm animals plus guinea pig village, meerkats, others.
Activities:
- Regular feeding and handling sessions
- Tractor rides
- Indoor play villages
- Outdoor adventure playground
- Seasonal events
Facilities
- Multiple play areas (indoor and outdoor)
- Café and restaurant
- Shopping village on site
- Excellent facilities throughout
- Good accessibility
Admission & Opening
Cost: Adults £10-£15, Children £15-£20 Opening: Daily year-round Combined Tickets: Shopping village separate but can combine
Why Visit
Comprehensive all-day experience. Year-round operation with extensive indoor facilities. Shopping opportunities for adults.
9. Manor Farm, Hampshire
Working Farm Visits
Authentic working farm offering educational experiences and seasonal activities.
Location & Access
Address: Hampshire (multiple similar operations exist) Typical Access: Rural locations, car essential
Animals & Experiences
Working Farm: Real farming operations with visitor experiences built around actual farm work.
Seasonal Focus:
- Spring lambing
- Summer haymaking
- Autumn harvest
- Seasonal produce sales
Facilities
Varies by specific operation. Generally simpler facilities than adventure parks but more authentic experiences.
Why Consider It
Authentic farming experiences rather than theme park atmosphere. Educational value high. Often more affordable.
10. Various City Farms Across UK
Community Urban Farms
Cities throughout UK have community farms offering free or low-cost access.
Examples Include
- Hackney City Farm (London)
- Gorgie City Farm (Edinburgh)
- Vauxhall City Farm (London)
- Windmill Hill City Farm (Bristol)
Typical Features
Community Focus: Run by charities or councils. Education and community engagement priorities.
Free Access: Most offer free entry with donation requests.
Animals: Smaller collections but hands-on experiences. Focus on common farm animals.
Why They Matter
Provide rural experiences to urban children. Remove financial barriers. Community connection and volunteer opportunities.
Planning Your Petting Farm Visit
Before You Go
Check Opening Times: Many farms have seasonal variations. School holiday periods extend hours, winter may have limited days.
Book Tickets: Some farms require advance booking, particularly for popular times. Online booking often offers discounts.
Check Weather: While most have indoor facilities, outdoor experiences are weather-dependent.
What to Bring
Essential Items:
- Hand sanitizer (additional to farm facilities)
- Spare clothes for children (animals can be messy)
- Sunscreen and hats (summer)
- Waterproofs (unpredictable UK weather)
- Snacks and drinks (though cafés available)
- Camera for memories
Money: Many farms are cashless but verify. Budget extra for animal feed, gifts, activities.
Age Considerations
Toddlers (1-3 years): Best at smaller farms with gentle animals. Attention spans short—2 hours sufficient.
Preschoolers (3-5 years): Peak age for petting farms. Fascinated by animals, able to follow instructions.
School Age (5-12 years): Enjoy more interactive experiences and educational aspects. Can appreciate full-day visits.
Teenagers: Interest varies. Some remain enthusiastic, others less engaged. Consider individual interests.
Safety and Hygiene
Handwashing
Critical Importance: Farms require thorough handwashing after animal contact. Facilities provided but bring sanitizer as backup.
When to Wash:
- After touching any animals
- Before eating or drinking
- After touching fences, gates, or equipment
- Before leaving farm areas
Animal Interaction Safety
Rules to Follow:
- Always wash hands after animal contact
- Don’t kiss animals or put hands in mouth
- Follow staff instructions about feeding and touching
- Stay calm around animals—no sudden movements or loud noises
- Don’t feed animals unless specifically allowed
Health Considerations
Who Should Be Cautious:
- Very young children (under 2)
- Pregnant women
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Anyone with open wounds
Consult healthcare providers if concerns exist about farm visits.
Educational Value
What Children Learn
Agricultural Education: Understanding where food comes from. Connection between farming and supermarket products.
Animal Care: Responsibility, gentleness, respect for living creatures. Basic animal needs and behaviors.
Life Cycles: Birth, growth, reproduction. Particularly visible during lambing season.
Environmental Awareness: Sustainability, countryside management, conservation of rare breeds.
School Visits
Many farms offer educational programs for schools:
- Curriculum-linked sessions
- Age-appropriate activities
- Educational materials
- Group rates and facilities
Seasonal Experiences
Spring (March-May)
Lambing Season: Peak time for farm visits. Bottle feeding experiences. Educational talks about birth and care.
Activities: Meeting newborns, watching births (sometimes), understanding maternal care.
Summer (June-August)
Peak Season: Warmest weather, longest opening hours, full facility access.
Activities: All outdoor areas accessible. Haymaking demonstrations. Produce picking at some farms.
Autumn (September-November)
Harvest Time: Pumpkin patches, autumn produce, harvest activities.
Activities: Apple pressing, pumpkin picking, understanding harvest cycles.
Winter (December-February)
Quieter Period: Fewer visitors, shorter hours, some farms partially closed.
Activities: Winter animal care education. Christmas events. Indoor focus.
Accessibility Considerations
Physical Access
Wheelchair Users: Most modern farms have excellent accessibility. Verify specific facilities before visiting:
- Paved paths to main areas
- Accessible toilet facilities
- Wheelchair-friendly enclosures
- Disabled parking
Limited Mobility: Smaller farms often easier to navigate than large sprawling sites. Ground conditions vary—wet weather creates mud even on paths.
Sensory Considerations
Autism-Friendly: Some farms offer quiet hours or sensory-friendly sessions. Farm environments can be:
- Noisy (animal sounds)
- Smelly (farmyard odors)
- Busy (crowds during peak times)
- Unpredictable (animal behaviors)
Contact farms about specific needs and quieter visiting times.
Cost-Saving Tips
Reducing Expenses
Annual Passes: If you’ll visit more than twice annually, passes often provide value.
Off-Peak Visits: Term-time weekdays often cheaper than weekends and holidays.
Family Tickets: Usually more economical than individual tickets.
Packed Lunches: Most farms have picnic areas. Brings costs down significantly.
Free City Farms: Urban farms offer many experiences without admission costs.
Finding Petting Farms Near Me UK
Search Strategies
Online Resources:
- Google Maps: Search “petting farm near me
- VisitEngland/VisitScotland/VisitWales: Tourist board listings
- Day Out With The Kids: Family activity website
- TripAdvisor: Reviews and ratings
Local Searches: “[Your town/county] petting farm” or “children’s farm [location]”
Verification
Always Check:
- Current opening times
- Admission prices
- Available facilities
- Special events or closures
- Booking requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between a petting farm and petting zoo?
Petting farms focus on domestic farm animals (sheep, goats, pigs, chickens) in agricultural settings, often on working farms. Petting zoos typically include more exotic species (reptiles, exotic birds, unusual mammals) in zoo-like environments. Farms emphasize agricultural education while zoos focus on wildlife education.
Q: How much do petting farms near me UK typically cost?
Entry costs range from free (city farms) to £8-£10 for adults and £10-£15 for children at commercial farms. Larger adventure farms may charge £15-£25 per child. Many offer family tickets providing better value. Annual passes available at some locations for frequent visitors.
Q: What age is best for children’s farms UK visits?
Ages 2-8 years represent the sweet spot for petting farm enthusiasm. Toddlers (1-2) begin showing interest. Preschoolers (3-5) are typically most engaged. School-age children (5-10) appreciate educational aspects. Teenagers vary—some remain interested, others less engaged.
Q: Are petting farms safe during pregnancy?
Pregnant women should avoid certain farm animals, particularly sheep during lambing season due to potential toxoplasmosis and other infections. Consult healthcare providers before visiting. If visiting, avoid touching newborn lambs, their afterbirth, or soiled clothing from lambing. Thorough handwashing essential.
Q: Can you visit UK farms in winter?
Yes, though many operate reduced hours or weekend-only schedules during winter months. Indoor facilities become more important. Some farms close December-February. Always verify opening times before winter visits. Animals still present year-round—just fewer outdoor activities available.
Q: What facilities do family friendly farms UK typically provide?
Most provide toilets, baby changing, café or picnic areas, handwashing stations, gift shops, and parking. Larger operations include indoor play areas, multiple cafés, party facilities, and disabled access. Smaller farms have basic facilities but maintain high hygiene standards.
Q: Do I need to book petting farm visits in advance?
Depends on the farm. Many accept walk-ins during quiet periods but recommend booking for school holidays and weekends. Some operate pre-booking only systems, particularly post-COVID. Popular activity slots (bottle feeding) may require advance booking. Always check individual farm policies.
Final Thoughts
Petting farms near me UK provide invaluable experiences for families increasingly disconnected from agricultural life. These farms offer hands-on encounters with animals, education about food production, and outdoor exercise in safe, supervised environments.
The variety of operations—from free urban city farms to comprehensive adventure parks—ensures options exist for various budgets, locations, and interests. Whether seeking authentic working farm experiences or play-focused adventure parks with animal encounters, quality options span the UK.
Success with farm visits requires preparation—checking opening times, understanding seasonal variations, dressing appropriately for weather and mess, and setting realistic expectations based on children’s ages and interests. The reward is seeing children’s faces light up while bottle-feeding lambs, grooming goats, or collecting eggs.
As UK society becomes increasingly urbanized, family friendly farms UK serve crucial roles maintaining connections between generations and their agricultural heritage. They teach children that food comes from farms, not supermarkets, that animals require care and respect, and that countryside environments offer experiences impossible in cities.
The farms featured represent the cream of the crop—establishments prioritizing animal welfare, educational value, family experiences, and safety. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, or rural villages, quality farm animal experiences exist within reasonable traveling distance.
Support these businesses by visiting, following their guidelines, respecting animals and staff, and introducing new generations to the joys of agricultural life. The memories created feeding baby goats, watching piglets, or collecting warm eggs last far beyond the visit itself.
Important Disclaimers
Farm Information Verification
This content provides general information about petting farms based on available data at time of publication. Farm policies, opening times, admission prices, available animals, and facilities can change without notice.
Always verify current information directly with farms before visiting. Confirm:
- Opening times and seasonal closures
- Current admission prices
- Available animals and activities
- Special events or closures
- Booking requirements
- Facilities and accessibility
No Warranty
While we strive to provide accurate information about UK petting farms, we make no warranties regarding completeness, accuracy, or reliability of information presented.
Farm operations, ownership, and standards change. This guide provides general information to support research but doesn’t replace direct communication with farms and independent verification.
Health and Safety
Farm visits carry inherent health and safety considerations. Visitors must:
- Follow all farm safety rules and staff instructions
- Maintain appropriate hygiene (handwashing after animal contact)
- Supervise children constantly
- Be aware of individual health conditions affecting farm visit safety
- Understand and accept risks associated with animal interactions
Special Health Considerations
Pregnant women, very young children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised persons face specific farm-related health risks. Consult healthcare providers before visiting if concerns exist.
Animal Welfare
Information provided doesn’t constitute endorsement of specific farms’ animal welfare standards. Visitors should independently assess animal care standards and report concerns to appropriate authorities.
Pricing Information
Admission prices mentioned reflect available information at time of publication and vary seasonally. Always confirm exact pricing when planning visits.
Individual Experiences Vary
Farm visits depend on weather, season, animal behavior, and farm operations. Experiences vary significantly. This guide provides general expectations but cannot guarantee specific experiences.
“Near Me” Context
Location descriptions are general. “Near me” depends on your actual location. Use location-specific searches to find farms convenient to your area.
Liability
Visitors are solely responsible for their safety, health decisions, and experiences during farm visits. This guide provides educational information only and doesn’t replace independent research, professional advice, or personal responsibility for visit planning and safety.
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