It should come as no surprise that more and more people are turning to agritourism for family days out since activities like riding a pony and feeding animals are among those provided at petting farms in the UK, which are gaining popularity.
People of all ages may participate in new forms of farming and get exposure to various agricultural endeavours at several farmhouses.
As part of our mission to help you find great locations to take your family and find things to do in your area, we have compiled a list of the top petting farms in the UK. There are ten different options for petting zoos in the UK.
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Intro Of Petting Farms
A petting zoo is a kind of animal attraction consisting of tame wild animals and domesticated animals that visitors can pet and feed. In addition to children’s or petting farms, another name for autonomous petting zoos, many general zoos also have their petting zoos.
There are petting zoos that can be seen in local parks and petting zoos that are mobile and can come to your house for a party or event geared toward children.
A licensed mobile petting zoo may be found in many different locations. For the most part, petting zoos are restricted to housing only docile, herbivorous domesticated animals like sheep, goats, rabbits, ponies, and the like, so that visitors may safely feed the animals and physically contact them.
It is in stark contrast to the typical experience at a zoo, in which wild animals are often observed from behind secure cages, and visitors are not permitted to interact with the animals in any way.
A handful provides the opportunity to engage with wild creatures, although they are uncommon and may often be found outside Western countries.
People should thoroughly wash their hands before and after coming into contact with animals since this might spread infectious illnesses from animals to humans. It is why it is essential to avoid handling animals. There have been many cases of E. coli and other diseases.
Top 10 Petting Farm Parks In The UK
#1. Puxton Park, Somerset
Puxton Park is one of the newest attractions in Somerset, and regardless of the weather, there is a wide variety of things to do in this park.
In addition to providing wholesome meals and delectable snacks in their on-site restaurant and farm store, Puxton strikes the ideal balance of having fun while preserving the environment and educating visitors.
Several farm animals call Puxton Park their home, including cows, goats, donkeys, pigs, and sheep. Visit Puxton Park over the half-term break in February to observe the newborn lambs and even try your hand at bottle-feeding some of them!
#2. Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, Dorset
There is so much to do at Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park that it is advised that you arrive as early as possible to fit everything into one day.
You can find everything from seminars and exhibitions to heavy horse waggon rides, tractor and trailer rides, and even the option to operate the tractor at the Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park.
There are over 20 different animals that have been rescued, including horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, miniature ponies, lambs, alpacas, ducks, snow dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and many more! There is a jam-packed schedule of activities and encounters with these animals!
#3. Mabie Farm Park, Dumfries
Mabie Farm Park in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, is located on 77 hectares of ground under Mabie Forest and provides typical farm park fun with plenty of indoor and outdoor play.
Visit the animal paddocks to see the Kune Kune and Vietnamese potbellied pigs, goats, donkeys, shire horses, llamas, and Highland, Jersey, and Shetland cows.
In addition to several different types of sheep, Mabie Park is also home to peacocks, ducks, chickens, turkeys, quail, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, ferrets, and chipmunks. Meet the park’s newest animal, a water buffalo, at the Animal Barn!
#4. Godstone Farm, Surrey
At Godstone Farm in Surrey, more than 500 animals of all sizes are eager to greet you. You may meet llamas, ponies, donkeys, rabbits, chinchillas, ferrets, sheep, goats, cows, and more, in addition to pigs, sheep, goats, and cows.
Godstone also boasts a fantastic indoor play barn and a large outdoor playground, so kids play in many places, whatever the weather.
The World of Dinosaur Roar should be on your radar. Life-size dinosaur sculptures and an opportunity to learn about these fascinating ancient animals can be found on the Discovery Trail at Godstone.
#5. Pennywell Farm, Devon
Pennywell Farm, located in Devon, is an excellent place for the whole family to spend the day. This location is hog nirvana for anybody who has a passion for pigs. You may participate in fun activities such as pig racing, meeting a piglet, and hugging it.
You will be able to see the lambs being fed and participate in the weaning process by handing the lambs bottles of milk for them to suck on.
Participate in pond dipping, walking goats, collecting eggs from hens, and even being a spectator in a high-speed ferret race. This location is perfect for a day spent having fun with the family on the farm!
#6. Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Bristol
You may spend hours having fun at Avon Valley Country Park, which has more than 50 acres of parkland that you can explore. The park is located against the breathtaking scenery of the Avon Valley.
Avon Valley is packed with activities that will keep the whole family entertained for hours:
- Take a trip on the West’s longest miniature train.
- Take the riverbank obstacle course.
- Rent a boat and go out on the lake.
#7. Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, South Wales
The National Tourism Awards named Folly Farm Adventure Park the proud winner of the Best Family Day Out in Pembrokeshire and the Best Family Day Out in Wales categories. Folly Farm Adventure Park is one of Wales’s most popular paid tourist attractions.
Folly Farm is an excellent place for the young and not-so-young family to enjoy a day since it provides everything from thrilling rides and adventure games to meet and greets with farmyard friends and exotic species.
#8. Fairytale Farm, Oxfordshire
Fairytale Farm is an adventure farm park unlike any other. It was designed, constructed, and operated by Nick and Nicola Laister, who drew their inspiration from their oldest daughter Olivia, who has cerebral palsy.
Disabled children and their families are invited to spend a day in the country at Fairytale Farm, where they may participate in various activities and enjoy entertainment designed with their requirements in mind.
#9. Dairyland Farm World, Cornwall
Near Cornwall, you’ll find the fantastic farm and adventure park known as Dairyland Farm World. This place is amazing for people of all ages.
It includes everything from slides and rides to a nature path and participatory farm activities such as feeding the animals, caressing the pets, and milking the cows!
Most of Dairyland’s attractions are located indoors, such as their enormous indoor play centre, the milking parlour, the farm museums, and Clarabelle’s Kitchen Café, which provides a wide variety of food and drinks reasonably priced.
#10. Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire
Adam Henson, a real-life farmer and TV personality, owns and operates the Cotswold Farm Park, which is open daily and serves as the headquarters of the Rare Breeds Conservation.
The park sees over 700,000 visitors annually. Because it is both a farm park and a functioning farm, the activities available to guests at Cotswold Farm vary throughout the year.
FAQ-
How do I start a petting farm UK?
- Take all necessary legal procedures.
- Make Sure There Is Plenty of Room.
- Established Boundaries.
- Maintain Mini Animals.
- Spread Knowledge Regarding Domesticated Animals.
- Post Signs.
- Be sure to keep it clean.
- Prepare a Health Plan for the Animals.
How do petting zoos make money?
The majority of animal-friendly attractions generate income from entrance fees charged to visitors.
What is the biggest farm in London?
Woodlands Farm in Greenwich is the largest urban farm in the United Kingdom at 89 acres.
Do you need a license for a petting zoo in the UK?
If you want to exhibit wild animals to the public for at least seven days per year in any setting that isn’t a circus or pet store, you’ll need a zoo license.
How much does it cost to start a farm UK?
According to Carter Jone’s research from 2021, the average price of arable land in the UK is £8,450 per acre. The price per acre for pastureland is £6,744. Based on the price of arable land, the typical UK farm size of 87 hectares would cost a little over £1.8 million.
Conclusion:
I hope that you find this article informative. If so, feel free to forward this information to your friends and family so they may visit one of these petting farms.
