Opening Times

Daily 10.30am – 5.00pm, From Saturday 19th March – Sunday 18th Sept, then weekends only until the end of October

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

We have a dedicated and eager team of staff, who look forward to educating your pupils on all the animals they care for and rear, for the traditional production of pork, beef, chickens, geese, and turkeys. We also have naughty pygmy goats, sheep, ducks, and lambs to bottle feed. Conservation is high on our list, 95% of our animals are on the rare breed survival list, we endeavour to do what we can to teach children about the importance of sustaining the more traditional breeds of farm animals not just the modern day meat/dairy producers. Our farm is set within 60 acres of beautiful farm land, with a fenced walkway covering safe a 1 1/2 mile walk passed our pigs, piglets, ponies, cows, goose ponds, carp pond and lake. We have an outside play area with tree walk and slide, straw bounce, straw maze and gift shop. Good hand washing facilities, disabled toilets and great access. The farm provides the space and facilities to burn of excess energy and the animals and staff will provide fun memories and unique experiences to make your school trip one to remember.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

Students will be able to see first hand how the production of their food begins, learning about the importance of rare breeds, conservation and sustainability. We are also currently working with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to create a wetland habitat to encourage the diversity of wildlife on the farm.

What are the activities?

Milking demonstration, Lamb bottle feeding and farm tour with hand feeding sheep/goats.

What is the age range of the activities?

We recommend pre-school visits join in the milking demo and bottle feeding, then make their own way around the farm. Age 4 – 16; will benefit from the farm tour with talk which is adjusted to suit the age range. If you wish to cover a specific topic just let us know! We have also assisted various groups studying for their A – Levels on a variety of environmental, and tourism topics, we may be able to help, all you have to do is ask!

Sample programme of the activities:

10.45am - milking demo in parlour. 11.00am – lamb bottle feeding followed by tour then picnic lunch. After lunch, groups may do the 1 1/2 mile walk around the paddocks if they wish. Large groups will be split, and toured separately.

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

The farm provides a very hands on experience and we have found writing materials/questionnaires may hinder the experience, or get eaten! A follow up lesson on what the students have learned would be more beneficial and we think you will be surprised what they have taken in due to the physical and visual nature of the visit.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

Minimum – we do not discriminate against smaller schools by having a minimum booking number, but please understand other schools may also be booked in that day.
Maximum – we can cope with large group numbers. Please always ring and check availability.
Free entry for all school staff. Parent helpers charged at a reduced rate

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

Teachers are welcome to a free visit prior to their booking date to conduct their own risk assessment of the farm based on their group numbers and abilities. We do provide the HSE information for teachers on our website and a general farm safety pdf.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Yes, please see above

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

Our gift shop provides a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and other snacks. We also sell our own farm produce. Our gift shop provides a fantastic range of farm orientated gifts, and of course, we have a great selection of locally produced Ice cream! If you are planning on buying icecreams/lollys for all your group please order in advance so we can meet your requirements.

Is specific clothing required?

Suitable walking footwear and raincoat is recommended (just in case!) wellies’s are not essential but advised, please ask about recent weather conditions closer too your visit.

Do you have first aid on site?

Yes

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

No, our animals are not camera shy! But please be considerate of visiting families with children and other schools.