Thornton Hall Farm Safari

A few weeks ago, a sponsored advert on Facebook appeared on my feed: Thornton Hall Country Farm Park was temporarily reopening its farm park as a farm safari, due to Covid-19. I must admit I'd never heard of Thornton Hall previously but a quick google told me it was north of Burnley, about an hour away, so we decided to give it a go.

As with most places at the moment, pre-booking was required. We had no trouble booking the time and date that we wanted, despite it being the summer holidays. The prices were much cheaper than Knowsley Safari Park, but there was a booking fee added.

On the way it rained very heavily but luckily as we went round it stopped so we could open the windows.

It's clear that a lot of thought has been put into converting the farm park into a farm safari. The signage was clear, we were given a map showing the route, and there was even a toilet pit stop before you checked in to start your safari. Information boards peppered the route with animal facts, and there was also a board showing the story of Little Red Riding Hood alongside cardboard cut outs of characters from the story.

The staff were all energetic and friendly, from those checking us in at the start (including the one in the mascot costume who counted us down before we set off), to those out on the safari route providing extra information.

Some animals such as the goats were inside fenced enclosures, but others, such as the gigantic cattle, were roaming free in the fields we drove through. At the end of the tour we drove through the animal barn where the horses, donkeys and pigs were housed. At check in we were offered the opportunity to purchase a bag of animal feed, to be thrown into the enclosures from your car, along with other items such as binoculars, goody bags, food and drink.

The safari really wasn't busy and we never felt rushed, we were able to take our time and drive as slowly as we wanted. F absolutely loved the novelty of the farm safari and spotting all the animals as we drove round. The only improvement I could suggest would be the option to drive around again, as F enjoyed it so much.

One other major selling point for us about this day out was that the on site diner was open for hot takeaway food, albeit with a reduced menu. Having had to take picnics whenever we've been out over the past month, it was a real treat to buy hot food and have it delivered to our car. The BBQ chicken pizza I had was excellent.

In these uncertain times, Thornton Hall should be admired for transforming its business to keep itself going. Hopefully by supporting it in its current form, it will be able to keep going until it is able to return to its usual form at some point in the future. They are also running drive in movie, concert and comedy events at the moment, the space for which seemed to be very well organised.

https://www.farmsafari.co.uk/



.

Mrs Dowsons Farm

Just off the A59, north of Blackburn, is Mrs Dowsons farm. Mrs Dowsons is a local ice cream maker, and I can personally attest to the quality of its ice cream, having served it at my wedding. Alongside their ice cream business, they also operate a small farm which is open weekends, bank holidays and school holidays.

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

Walton Hall and Gardens

A suggestion from another Mum on Facebook led to us visiting Walton Park one overcast but dry Thursday along with two of Baby's friends, who are the same age. Daddy had a week's holiday from work so he also came.

On the South side of Warrington, it took us about half an hour, though for Baby's friends, who don't live as close to the motorway as we do, it took about 40 minutes, so it's not exactly around the corner. Sat nav took us straight there, though it did take us through the crematorium, which was signposted as no through traffic, presumably because sat nav has a tendency to direct people that way.

The car park was large, and rather empty when we arrived just before 10.30am, but jam packed when we left around 2pm. Parking was a flat rate of £3 for weekdays, and £4 on weekends.

Walking past the ice cream van, we immediately encountered a very helpful map of the park. We were aiming for the play area and zoo, but also intended to visit the cafe for lunch. There was also an adventure golf course, plus a pitch n putt area, as well as large green spaces, and formal gardens.

The play area was fantastic; I was so impressed. It was huge, with lots of play equipment, and seemed in very good condition. Unlike some parks, there was plenty of space between the difference pieces of equipment, so even when it got busy later on, it still didn't feel too chaotic.

The usual pieces of play equipment were present: four baby swings, four normal swings, a see saw, a roundabout, climbing frames and slides. The single slide was set amongst several teletubby style hills, and there were a range of musical tubes. However, what really set this park apart was its suitability for toddlers. 

The main play area was described as suitable for children aged 3-7, with a separate, well equipped, area for bigger children aged 7-11, meaning that there were fewer older children tearing around the play area knocking into smaller children, which often happens at other parks. The roundabout had four enclosed seats, similar to those used for baby swings, and there was a separate climbing structure with just a couple of steps up, well placed handrails and small slides, that was perfect for toddlers.

Because the park was relatively quiet when we arrived, our babies were able to go on the slightly bigger climbing frame, with its taller slides, too, though they struggled to get up the steps or lower themselves onto the slides, independently.

The play area for older children was in a separate fenced area, so we didn't investigate it, but the kids in there were having a whale of a time.

The Children's Zoo was just past the playground. For a free zoo, it was really impressive. The enclosures were pretty large, and while the animals weren't particularly exotic, there was plenty for the babies to took at. It was quite a mix, with squirrels and rabbits alongside ferrets and chickens, in addition to farmyard staples such as horses, goats, donkeys and pigs. Adding something a little different, the main enclosure housed three llamas. Of all things, the babies loved looking at the chickens, presumably because they moved a lot.

When tummies started to rumble, we headed for the Heritage Cafe. It was bigger than expected, with a reasonable variety of toasties, panini, and sandwiches. There were also hot sausage rolls and pasties, and children's lunch bags ready made up, featuring sandwiches, yoghurts and jelly pouches. Three sandwiches and two drinks cost around £14, so the food prices were very reasonable.

All in all, a very successful day out. The free zoo was a lovely addition to the park, and the play area was excellent. We'll definitely be back.




Key Facts

Month of visit:
April

Weather for visit:
Overcast but dry.

Is it pushchair friendly?
Very, paths are wide and flat.

How are the baby changing facilities?
There are toilets next to the play area, and near the cafe. We used the baby changing in the female toilets near the cafe. They were acceptably clean but very cold.

What about somewhere to feed?
Plenty of benches around the park, and the cafe had some comfortable chairs.

Is it worth a visit?
Definitely.

Baby's highlight?
The swings.



Walton Hall and Gardens,
Walton Lea Road,
Higher Walton,
Warrington,
Cheshire,
WA4 6SN


https://www.warrington.gov.uk/waltongardens

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