Farm parks are always the highlight of any kids childhood. As a parent it is one of the first places I thought of taking my kids, long before the theme parks and bigger attractions came into my mind. I often see people ask for recommendations of which ones to visit. As a result I decided to compile this list of the best farm parks in Oxfordshire and the surrounding area. There are a lot to choose from!
Roves Farm – https://rovesfarm.co.uk/
I’m starting off this list with one of our absolute favourites. Roves Farm has a huge indoor play barn – in fact 2 play barns attached to one another! Outside is also one of the most challenging play parks for older kids that I have seen (and a fab smaller one for little kids too). They have sheep and goat racing, egg collecting and self guided trails (pick up one of the explorer sheets in the main barn). Over the summer months there are plenty of animals outside including donkeys, alpacas and sheep. In the indoor barns you will find pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens and more. We love the animal handling barn and the chaos of the kid goats running free. One of the best bits about Roves Farm though is the tractor adventure rides. Every time we visit there is a new adventure to enjoy! Read our full review of this fab place here: Roves Farm
Farmer Gows – http://www.farmergows.co.uk/
I think Farmer Gows was the first ever farm park we went to when Stepkid was barely 2 years old. We went around Easter time and enjoyed bottle feeding the lambs and holding the baby chicks. It’s a lovely family run farm with lots of activities to enjoy. This includes egg collecting, tractor rides, hay bale barn, ride ons and more. It’s ideal for smaller children I would say under 8 years of age. Read our full review here: Farmer Gows
Millets Farm – https://milletsfarmcentre.com/
Millets Farm near Faringdon is free to visit and has a variety of animals to see (especially over the summer months) including goats, pigs, donkeys and more. There is also a farm shop, garden centre, restaurant, play park and trails. They have regular events there and a permanent carousel. The site is also home to Sprouts Play Barn, Farmyard Golf and Millets Wild side Falconry so you can really make a full day of it. During the summer there is the ever popular maize maze and ‘pick your own’ areas open (the strawberries are the best!).
Fairytale Farm – http://www.fairytalefarm.co.uk/
Fairytale Farm is another lovely family run venue which caters specifically for disabled children as well as their families. Their farm is designed to be wheelchair friendly including a fully accessible swing in the play park. There are sensory gardens to enjoy, interactive fountains, a wildlife walk and rubber duck races. The farm animal area includes chickens, pigs, ponies, goats, turkeys, alpacas, rheas and more! There are animal handling and feeding times throughout the day as well as special events. Read our full review here: Fairytale Farm
Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary – http://www.donkeyrescue.co.uk
Strictly speaking the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary isn’t really a farm park but it’s a fantastic charity and a lovely place to pop in and visit. They rescue ill-treated donkeys and mules as well as other animals. Other additions include sheep, geese, goats, chickens and a pot-bellied pig called Percy! It’s free to visit and is open daily from 11am-4pm. Donations are greatly appreciated to help them continue their work. You can also adopt one of their donkeys! Read our full review here: Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary
Finkley Down Farm – https://www.finkleydownfarm.co.uk/
We haven’t visited Finkley Down Farm for a few years and I’ve heard it’s grown loads since our last visit. We absolutely loved our last trip, especially due to the huge outdoor play areas and so much space to explore and let off steam. The children can enjoy pedal go-karts, an indoor play barn, reptile encounters, birds of prey and even pony rides! The daily timetable is jam packed full of activities with the broad range of animals. The variety of species is amazing. We definitely need to go back soon!
4 Kingdoms Adventure Park – https://www.4-kingdoms.co.uk/
4 Kingdoms isn’t just a farm park but a place full of adventures indoors and out. There are over 20 different play zones including go karts, trailer rides, pedal boats, fairy woodlands and more. Indoors is a soft play barn with laser tag and animal barn. The animal barn offers feeding and handling times as well as grooming the ponies. We love 4 Kingdoms because it has something for kids of all ages and there are no extra charges for activities. Everything (even the arcade rides!) is included in the entry fee. Read our full review of it here: 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park
Bucklebury Farm – http://www.buckleburyfarmpark.co.uk/
Bucklebury Farm Park is one that I have heard a lot about and everyone seems to rave about it but sadly we haven’t been! It’s on my ‘to visit’ list hopefully this year. The park has reindeer which is my biggest reason for wanting to visit – I love reindeer! They also have a deer park, llamas, pigs, goats, chickens, donkeys, wild boar and more. There are tractor trailer rides, outdoor and indoor play areas plus a nature trail. It’s all about exploring nature at Bucklebury and I love that!
Cogges Manor Farm – http://www.cogges.org.uk/
I remember going to Cogges when I was a child and went on a school trip – a long, long time ago! Cogges is one of those lovely little farms full of history and in particular I love the feeling of stepping back in time here. There are plenty of animals to fuss and feed including pigs, goats, ponies, chickens and more. You can pick up a pot of vegetables to feed them from reception – love it! The Manor house has dressing up fun for kids and a Downton Abbey display. If you are looking for a traditional farm to visit and lots of history as well as animals then this is the place for you! Here’s our review: Cogges Manor Farm
Hogshaw Farm – https://hogshawfarm.co.uk/
I found Hogshaw when I did a Google search for farm parks while searching for a day out. This isn’t just any old farm park. Hogshaw Farm prides itself on being home to a large number of rare breeds as well as some stunning wild animals. There are exotic and domestic animals in pets corner as well as the rare breeds in the animal barn. The wildlife zone has wallabies, Silver foxes, birds of prey, reindeer and more. Kids can enjoy the soft play barn, messy play barn, large adventure play area and pedal go karts. Here’s our full review: Hogshaw Farm
The Old Farm Shop
http://www.theoldfarmshop.co.uk/
Not officially a farm park but the Old Farm Shop is free to visit and you are welcome to walk around the farm and meet the animals. They have chickens, pigs, goats, sheep and Highland cows. There is a small park with some ride on tractors and picnic benches. We recommend the ice creams and cakes in the shop! Look out for lambing time when you may be lucky enough to see a lamb being born!
So that concludes our list of farm parks in Oxfordshire and a little beyond. I hope you find this list useful. It’s certainly opened our eyes to a few new venues to try out! It is also a reminder that every farm park is unique and has it’s own features that make it special. Wherever you choose to visit next, have a great time!
Everyone loves a good farm, I can’t wait to visit some of these!