Hesketh Farm Park is a working farm, set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, just 1 mile from Bolton Abbey and is run by Chris and his wife Sue. Farms are great places for kids and grownups alike and we are always on the lookout for new and fun days out with our mini Mumbler. With so much to do and explore we were keen to visit to see what the Farm Park had to offer.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed into the large undercover barn, where most of the magic happens. Designed specifically with the unpredictable Yorkshire weather in mind, the barn is split into two key sections; animals and play.
The animal section houses cows, pigs, guinea pigs, chickens, and even tortoises! Each animal area has educational information to find out all there is to know about the different breeds. As well as finding out their names and D.O.B. And the day is split into half hour blocks where you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with a lot of the animals. Emily’s favourite part was stroking and brushing the Guinea Pigs as they happily perched on the hay bales. Whilst daddy Mumbler enjoyed brushing the pig’s backs with a long-handled broom.
The play section had lots of fun educational activities and sections too; there is a sandpit, tractor climbing frame, tractor ride-on’s (both for the older and younger children) and a hay bale maze. Emily loved running through the maze trying to catch mummy and daddy. There is also a separate room for seasonal activities and a specific birthday party area.
Outside there are a couple of play areas with swings and climbing frames, as well as go-karting, hen huts for collecting eggs and some real tractors to sit on and pretend to ride. Weather permitting there are also tractor tours around the farm. Emily loved sitting in the big tractor!
To keep the energy levels up, the Farm Park has a small café serving a selection of hot and cold drinks and home-made snacks. You are also welcome to bring your own packed lunch. Emily stuck into her lunch whilst we enjoyed a scrumptious pork pie and sausage roll between us, washed down with coffee and tea to warm the cockles on a chilly October day. There is also a little shop full of toys to purchase, which proved very popular with Emily.
The whole day was jam-packed with fun activities from start to finish. With lots to learn, animals to enjoy and activities to explore, it truly is a fun day out for all the family. We will most definitely be going back!
There is ample free parking, including disabled parking right outside the entrance. Admission is £6 for adults, £6.50 for children, £3.50 for Under 2s and FREE for Under 1s. All major credit cards are accepted for admissions, refreshments and shop purchased, subject to a minimum spend of £5. Hesketh Farm Park also offer party packages.
Hesketh Farm Park is fully accessible for prams and has two baby changing rooms. As well as a microwave oven to heat any pre-prepared baby food.
Re-opens for 2020 on 15th – 23rd February and weekends until April, see website for full opening times.
Tel: 01756 710444
Email: info@heskethfarmpark.co.uk
Hesketh Farm Park, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6HA
*Mumbler was not paid for this review but we did receive complimentary entry into the Farm Park. All of the comments in this review are our open and honest opinion.
