Wednesday 8 June 2016

Paradise Found Educational Farm Park

We were travelling to Norfolk for a family holiday, which is a 4.5 hour drive, so needed somewhere to stop halfway for lunch and to give Baby a bit of a break. We didn't want it to be somewhere expensive, as we wanted to stop for 2-3 hours max, including time for eating lunch. Baby would then be ready for another nap and we could get back on the road. Doing some research, I came across Paradise Found Educational Farm, slightly over halfway, around 2.5 hours from home, traffic permitting.

Sat nav took us directly to the farm, but we almost missed the entrance because the sign was very small. The car park wasn't overlarge but there was plenty of space on the day we visited, and there seemed to be an overflow car park.

We made our way into the building, guessing at the entrance as it wasn't signposted. Once we were inside it became apparent that most of the other people there were there for the soft play, rather than the animals. There were a group of mums and children, and a handful of other people. Food options are rather limited, we both opted for a filled roll, which were made freshly for us.

After lunch we wandered outside. It was clear that the animals are very used to being fed as they all approached their fences and stuck their heads through the gaps as we walked towards them. We hadn't bought any food but that didn't seem to bother the animals. The pens were all reasonably large and the animals seemed well cared for. There were sheep, goats, cows, horses, chickens, as well as some less typical animals such as reindeer and alpacas.




It didn't take us much longer than half an hour to see all of the animals, though I can imagine with children feeding the animals it might take a bit longer.

The main feature which sets this farm apart is that they have an educational centre, hence the name, where school groups can learn about how the farm operates and cares for its animals. Obviously we didn't experience this side of the business, but the staff that we did meet were friendly, approachable and welcoming.


Key Facts

Month of visit:
March

Weather for visit:
Cold, with on and off drizzle.

Is it pushchair friendly?
So-so. The paths were mainly grass, so on a muddy day it might be a completely different kettle of fish. On the day we visited most of the paths would have been passable, but we put Baby in the carrier anyway.

How are the baby changing facilities?
The normal toilets were at the end of the building and were rather cold and draughty. Thankfully the baby changing was in a disabled toilet within the main building, which was warm and clean. The walls had been painted with trees and animals which added a nice touch.

What about somewhere to feed?
No seat in the toilet and no specific room, but I had no issues feeding in the cafe area next to the soft play.

Is it worth a visit?
Given its distance from home, I wouldn't make a specific trip, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it as a stop off en route somewhere again.

Baby's highlight?
A rather woolly sheep with a friendly face.



Paradise Found Educational Farm Park
Leicester Road,
Sapcote,
Leicestershire
LE9 4JF


http://paradisefoundfarmpark.co.uk