The Summer Adventure Begins
August is just around the corner, and that means school’s out, the sun's out (and hopefully stays out!) With the wellies by the door awaiting adventures, the long, fun-filled days of summer are for making memories and getting back to nature. However, we know it can often be a challenge planning those family outings that keep everyone happy, whatever the weather. That’s why this year, we’re swapping the screens for sunshine and turning to the countryside, where farm parks are fast becoming the go-to summer destination across the UK- and it’s easy to see why. Packed with fresh air fun from pony rides to local produce, farm parks have all their ducks in a row when it comes to an exciting summer day out. So, grab those wellies and let’s explore why farm parks are top of the list this summer
Forget the Screen, Embrace the Green
Light nights and sunny days call for time outdoors, and here are a few reasons why farm parks are the perfect place to swap that screen time for more green time:
Hands-on animal encounters: Let little ones feed fluffy lambs, get close to curious goats, or check out the chickens, with many farms offering extended interactive animal sessions during peak months, such as August.
Space to run, play, and explore: Open spaces, outdoor adventure play, nature trails, and hay bale mazes, farm parks offer a safe space where kids can run wild, climb, and explore to their heart's content.
Seasonal Summer Events: From sheep racing to tractor parades and maize mazes, farm parks add an extra splash of excitement- and don’t forget seasonal events, like SkyFest (at Sky Park Farm).
Learning outside the classroom: Learning is always more fun when hands-on, and farm parks offer educational activities that turn every visit into a learning adventure, such as where food comes from, how to care for animals, and how farms operate.
Farm-Fresh food: Pick up fresh food from farm shops with on-site cafés and local produce, or bring a picnic and finish with a fresh ice cream (because ice cream always tastes better outdoors!)
Budget-Friendly Family Days Out: With affordable entry prices and family passes, discounts, or loyalty stamps during summer, you’ve got a day out that’s fun for the kids, and kind to the budget!
Featured Farms to Try this Summer
Are you ready to pack the suncream, round up the kids, and head to the farm? Here are some of our favourite farm parks to visit this summer: (And don’t worry, we’ve made sure they’re all animal approved, so you don’t have to!)
North East
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Hall Hill Farm (Lanchester, Durham)
Enjoy animal feeding, free tractor-trailer rides, and a whole host of fun activities. Hall Hill Farm is perfect for a lively day out and adventure by the tractor-load (quite literally!)
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Whitehouse Farm Centre (Morpeth, Northumberland)
With a huge variety of animals, you can meet the Meerkats, have a Hoot with the Owls, and be mesmerised by the Marmosets at Whitehouse Farm Centre.
North West
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Newbridge Farm Park (Ledbury, Herefordshire)
Open daily during the summer holidays, explore farm life with friendly animals, exciting outdoor play areas, and plenty of activities to keep little ones happy at Newbridge Farm Park.
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Lakeland Maze Farm Park (Lake District)
Heading to the Lakes? With Maize Mazes open from July to September and a Farm Park open for weekends and school holidays, Lakeland Maze Farm Park and its beautiful setting make a stunning day trip (or even an extended weekend break?)
South East
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Bocketts Farm (Leatherhead, Surrey)
Nestled in the Surrey countryside, this family-run working farm is one of the South East’s most popular all-weather attractions. Featuring pig racing and pony rides, to giant slides and trampolines, you can be sure to have fun rain or shine at Bocketts Farm.
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Fishers Farm Park (Wisborough, Green, West Sussex)
Open year-round, at Fishers Playground-come-Farm Park, you can visit the animal encounters barn, let the little ones run off steam on the variety of attractions, and even take the chance of a shower on the log flume (although maybe that’s one just for the summer!)
South West
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Cotswold Farm Park (Cheltenham, Gloucestershire)
Discover rare breeds and learn about farming with a trip to Cotswold Farm Park- and with animal feeding, soft play, and much more all included in your ticket, you’re guaranteed a jam-packed day of learning fun.
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Pennywell Farm (Buckfastleigh, Devon)
Animal lovers, look no further! This family farm-come-petting zoo combines animal encounters and farm-fuelled entertainment. Home to the famous Devonshire Piglets and with stunning Dartmoor views, Pennywell Farm is not one to miss, especially if it accidentally turns into a Devonshire mini break, oops!
Midlands
- Rutland Farm Park (Oakland, Leicestershire)
In the Midlands? Plan a trip to Rutland Farm Park, a working farm with animals for everyone, from guinea pigs and chickens, to alpacas, llamas and sheep.
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Stonehurst Family Farm & Motor Museum (Loughborough, Leicestershire)
If you’re after a farm park with a twist, Stonehurst Family Farm and Motor Museum is the place to be. Blending tractor rides, a petting zoo, and a motor museum all in one, there really is something for the whole family - even Dad!
Yorkshire
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Cannon Hall Farm (Barnsley, South Yorkshire)
Any Yorkshire vet fans might know this one…Great for mixed ages, the well-known Cannon Hall Farm combines a traditional working farm and petting zoo, also featuring its own Farm Shop on site, where you can treat yourself to freshly baked goodies and enjoy the authentic 'field to fork' experience.
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Monk Park Farm (Thirsk, Yorkshire)
If you’re looking for a relaxed but hands-on visit where kids can feed friendly animals, bounce on inflatable pillows and enjoy a woodland walk, then Monk Park Farm is just the place. And with regular events and Monk tribute evenings throughout the summer, you can make the most of those lighter nights, too!
Scotland
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Dalscone Farm Fun (Dumfries)
If you’re looking for farm fun, the clue is in the name! Proud recipient of the Visit Scotland 5 Star Visitor Attraction award, this family farm is bursting with excitement, from its soft play area to the newly refurbished farm park, and for a tractor to take home, Dalscone Farm Fun also sports Scotland's largest independent toy shop.
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Kitchen Coos and Ewes (New Luce, Dumfries)
Well, it wouldn’t be Scotland without a Highland Cow Experience, right? Kitchen Coos and Ewes helps you get up close with Scotland’s most iconic cows with a fringe, and also muscular Beltex sheep, in a unique farm experience that blends working farm tradition and sustainable tourism.
What to Know Before You Go
They may sound obvious but double-check these handy tips to get the most out of your farm visit, before you make a moo-ve (sorry, we had to!)
- Booking in advance is usually recommended, especially during school holidays. Pre-booking can also often secure discounts and skip queues (win-win!)
- Most farm parks are open daily during the school holidays, but always check individual sites- especially for bank holidays, animal feeding and activity times.
- Pack layers! A lot of parks offer both indoor and outdoor activities, but a just-in-case is never wasted! Neither is spare clothing, sun cream, hats, and wet wipes for those little hands-on fingers.
- Match your stay to nearby attractions or consider rural mini breaks, such as lambing experiences or holiday cottages on farms like Rowley Farm (Malvern Hills) or Penhein Farm, for a real rural reset!
Let The Farm Fun Begin!
So, whether you're feeding lambs, getting lost in the maize maze, or simply soaking up the sunshine while the kids run free, farm parks offer the perfect place for family fun, and we hope you’ve enjoyed our family-fun farm park guide!
If you’re looking to plan your trip this summer, you can find pointers to many farm parks and rural days out in your region on most reliable travel sites, such as Trip Advisor. With so many fantastic farms to explore across the UK, this summer’s adventures are just a tractor ride away.
So, pull on your boots, grab the sunhats (and maybe a raincoat, just in case), and let the farmyard fun begin!
About the Author
Matthew Holland is passionate about sharing tips on how to enjoy the British countryside, whether it’s through family-friendly activities or connecting with nature. Living and working in the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Matthew is a proud advocate for our British farmers and the importance of eating local, seasonal food. He combines his love for rural life with practical advice, helping others make the most of the seasons and embrace the beauty of country living.
