farmyards for toddlers

[poppy2133]

does anyone know where I could find one of those small farmyards that children can visit (prefereably in the north west ). Any other suggestions for trips out for toddlers - he loves animals. Thanks

hi poppy
Farmer teds in ormskirk is brilliant. Dont know where in NW u r. But I have taken ds twice now once at 6mths and once at 14mths but we will be taking him again as he loves it. There is also an indoor and outdoor play area so would thoroughly recommend it. Also if u go in term time then u only have to pay for tot which is around £3

Docker Park farm near Carnforth is the best we have ever been to, a bit of a treck out but worth it. They do really nice lunches, as well as ferret racing, horse riding and tractor rides. Can't remember how much but it can't be a lot as we go all the time.

Where in the NW?

Most big cities will have a city farm that are good fun to visit

If you are in the Carnforth Vicinity the Lakeland Wildlife centre is worth a visit. It has an outdoor area with small petting type animals, an aviary and a variety of monkeys. Inside is a butterly house and then a creepy crawly and reptile zone. The staff are fantastic and take time to talk to the children.

Once again can't remember how much but it can't be expensive as we have been a few times.

Docker Park Farm

Lakeland wildlife centre

zoos and animal parks around Manchester

Visit Cumbria animal attractions

There is also Williamson Park in Lancaster - it has butterflies, mini beasts and furry things, and is a fab park too.

They are a bit thin on the ground up here. Docker Park Farm is lovely though, when we went we watched a litter of pigs being born, magical!

I would second williamson park, dd loves it.

Knowsley Safari Park has a children's farm section too (as well as all the boring lions etc )

i always forget about knowsley safari park..silly really as its only 5 mins up the road..lol

Anyone know any near Worcester?

Message withdrawn

Has anyone been to the Heaton Park one?

GA, there aren't so many your way either! I found the following (but I'm a bit hazy on distances):

Small Breeds Farm Park and Owl Centre at Kington, in N Herefords.

Bennetts Farm Park at Worcester - mostly cows and tractors though I think.

Cotswold Falconry at Moreton - is that too far? There is the Cotswold Farm Park near Cheltenham too.

Butterfly Farm at Stratford

Dudley and Twycross Zoos of course (further away though?)

West Midland Safari Park at Bewdley

(I also found Death Trap Sofas reach Worcestershire so watch out for them lurking in dark alleys, OK?)

Georgina - there's one called Rays farm near Bridgnorth (about 30 mins from me in Stourport, so 45ish from you?) Got deer, pigs, goats, horses etc plus lots of owls in cages. A nice trip out. Allow about 2 hours for farm plus there is a woodland walk thingy with wood carvings to look out for.

Well we went to Cotswold Farm Park today, which was nice but small. Will definitely try the others over the course of the year. I'm fairly certain my mum said that she'd tried to take ds1 to Bennetts Farm and they'd closed down

PMSL about the sofas - I'll take care

Thanks am going to save this thread.

Oh Poppy, there are loads, depending on where you are in NW.

Agree with TWAP about Docker Park Farm, and Lakeland Wildlife Park, both brill, as is the South Lakes Zoo (lots of animals running round, Lemurs and Wallabies and a fab walkway over the animals), it's near Barrow.
There is a farm at Smithills in Bolton, which has a lovely outdoor park, and you can feed animals, hold chicks etc.

Animal Quackers in Bacup

Heaton Park is great and free

Moss Bank Park in Bolton is also free, and is lovely

The Wild Boar Park near Clitheroe is fab too

My boys have all loved all of the above.

Anchovies, yes, Heaton Park farm is lovely and there is a good playground and big lake with ducks to feed as well.
All for free

Have just seen that this an old thread!

DOH!