The farm features sheep, pigs, alpacas, chicken, horses and more. The enclosures seemed spacious, and the surrounding countryside was breathtaking, a truly lovely spot.
We were offered animal feed when we bought our wristband, and it was clear that the animals are very used to being fed. As you approached their enclosures they immediately walked/ran over to you to poke their heads through/over the fence. Baby found this a bit intimidating, especially the sheep, who baa very loudly to get your attention. In one case, when two women who had been feeding a goat walked away, it jumped over the fence to follow them.
After our first circuit of the farm we were slightly confused as to why an ice cream farm only seemed to have two highland cows, and then overheard another family discussing the same question. It turned out that the Farm Tour listed on the Daily Timetable, was actually a guided walk to the building housing their dairy cows, on the working part of their farm, so we decided to join the tour. Just before 11.30, the member of staff taking the tour actually walked around telling all the visitors she could see, that she was about to lead a tour over to the working farm to see the cows, so that no one missed the opportunity, which was a nice touch.
The Daily Timetable included chick and rabbit handling, as well as tours and feeding, all at no extra cost. We took part in the rabbit handling, which was well run, and the tour to see the cows. The cow barn we were shown housed pregnant cows and week old calves, as well as three hairy pigs. Visitors were given the opportunity to feed the calves, though Baby was not interested.
In addition to the animals, there was also a climbing frame for older children, a large sandpit, and a fleet of tractors and cars to keep the kids entertained. I knew it was small and had only envisioned spending around an hour there, but because of the sandpit and activities, we actually stayed for around three hours. At £4 per person, I'd call that money well spent.
There is a cafe serving sandwiches, panini, and of course ice cream on site, along with a small shop with the obligatory toy tractors and farm animal cuddly toys.
All in all, a lovely place to spend a few hours.
Key Facts
Month of visit:
August
Weather for visit:
Overcast but dry.
Is it pushchair friendly?
Yes. The path around the animal enclosure was wide and gravelled, so no need to worry about getting stuck in the mud.
How are the baby changing facilities?
Toilets are located by the cafe, with the baby changing in the disabled toilet. They were clean both times we had to use them!
What about somewhere to feed?
The cafe had plenty of seating, and there were lots of picnic benches outside.
Is it worth a visit?
Yes. We'll definitely be back.
Baby's highlight?
The ginormous pig. And her new toy tractor.
Mrs Dowsons Farm
Hawkshaw Farm,
Longsight Road,
Clayton-le-Dale,
Blackburn,
BB2 7JA
https://www.mrsdowsons.co.uk
After our first circuit of the farm we were slightly confused as to why an ice cream farm only seemed to have two highland cows, and then overheard another family discussing the same question. It turned out that the Farm Tour listed on the Daily Timetable, was actually a guided walk to the building housing their dairy cows, on the working part of their farm, so we decided to join the tour. Just before 11.30, the member of staff taking the tour actually walked around telling all the visitors she could see, that she was about to lead a tour over to the working farm to see the cows, so that no one missed the opportunity, which was a nice touch.
The Daily Timetable included chick and rabbit handling, as well as tours and feeding, all at no extra cost. We took part in the rabbit handling, which was well run, and the tour to see the cows. The cow barn we were shown housed pregnant cows and week old calves, as well as three hairy pigs. Visitors were given the opportunity to feed the calves, though Baby was not interested.
In addition to the animals, there was also a climbing frame for older children, a large sandpit, and a fleet of tractors and cars to keep the kids entertained. I knew it was small and had only envisioned spending around an hour there, but because of the sandpit and activities, we actually stayed for around three hours. At £4 per person, I'd call that money well spent.
There is a cafe serving sandwiches, panini, and of course ice cream on site, along with a small shop with the obligatory toy tractors and farm animal cuddly toys.
All in all, a lovely place to spend a few hours.
Key Facts
Month of visit:
August
Weather for visit:
Overcast but dry.
Is it pushchair friendly?
Yes. The path around the animal enclosure was wide and gravelled, so no need to worry about getting stuck in the mud.
How are the baby changing facilities?
Toilets are located by the cafe, with the baby changing in the disabled toilet. They were clean both times we had to use them!
What about somewhere to feed?
The cafe had plenty of seating, and there were lots of picnic benches outside.
Is it worth a visit?
Yes. We'll definitely be back.
Baby's highlight?
The ginormous pig. And her new toy tractor.
Mrs Dowsons Farm
Hawkshaw Farm,
Longsight Road,
Clayton-le-Dale,
Blackburn,
BB2 7JA
https://www.mrsdowsons.co.uk
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