The Cotswold
Farm Park
Tucked away in the rolling hills of the Cotswold lies
a family gem; The Cotswold Farm Park. It all started
in 1971, when Joe Henson founded the Farm Park to
protect some of the UK’s rare breeds of farm animals.
Today Adam Henson, the UK’s favourite farmer known
for his appearance on the BBC’s Country File, runs
the farm. The farm is a fully working farm, and you will
often see Adam working there.
Just after we moved here two years ago, one day we’d
had enough of unpacking and needed a day out. Looking
intensely through several tourist flyers
I had picked up, we and our two girls,
then 6 and 8 years old, decided on
the Farm Park. So, packing our picnic
basket, off we went.
The Park is not overly big and
it doesn’t feel too touristy or
overwhelming. The children can
safely run around and explore the
area, and the staff at the Park are
very helpful and eager to share their
knowledge
of the animals with you;
through educational presentations
such as the Milking Demonstration or
the Sheep Show. Our favourite time
to visit is around Easter when the
Live Lambing takes place. You can
follow the birth of the little lambs,
from the ewes going into labour all
the way up to the lambs being born,
whilst the staff talk you through
the process.
At the Park there is also the
amazing Touch Barn, where you
can meet and pet the chickens,
ducks, lambs, goats, piglets,
bunnies and guinea pigs. I must
warn you though; there is a
high-risk your children will be
asking you for a new pet all the
way home. To help you plan
your day there is a noticeboard
which shows resting times for the animals. If
you are lucky you might even get to see chicks hatch, or be
deafened by the noise of the lambs being bottle fed.
The Rare Breed Trail will help you discover more about
the rare farm animals and how they have been employed
through the history of farming, going all the way back to the
Viking and Roman times. You can also purchase little bags of
food to give to the animals on the trail.
There are plenty of other things to do such as the new
play barn for the little visitors, tractor rides, bouncy pillows,
playgrounds, a maze, the conservation area and many
seasonal events, just to name a few. The Tractor Safari is
great when you need a little rest and there are plenty of
spots for a picnic.
There are small cafés on site and the main one serves
delic