Farm parks often bring back happy memories of playing in the mud, petting billy goats, and trying with all our might to milk a plastic cow – a classic family day out that never failed to entertain. Last year saw a huge 266% rise in demand for farm-based holidays compared to the year before, and in just the last month, farm parks and farm day trips have racked up over 67,000 Google searches.
With families eager for these authentic farm experiences, the regional experts at holidaycottages.co.uk have carefully handpicked the very best farm parks across the UK, perfect for days filled with fun and discovery for the whole family.
Best farm parks in the UK:
Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire
Owned by real-life farmer and TV presenter Adam Henson, Cotswold Farm Park is dedicated to the conservation of rare breeds, safeguarding over 50 rare and native breeds across seven species of British farm animals. Visitors can see and learn about animals like Gloucestershire old spot pigs, Highland cattle, golden Guernsey goats, and Cotswold sheep.
Activities change with the season – from witnessing lambing season and making new animal friends in the Animal Barn, to digging in sandpits and following the unmissable Rare Breeds Trail. With more than 700,000 people visiting each year, the park has certainly earned its reputation as a family favourite.
One of the best petting zoos in the UK, families can get up close and personal with adorable animals like goats, pigs, llamas and rabbits at Bocketts Farm Park. Pony rides are a favourite among children, as well as letting off some energy in one of the indoor or outdoor play areas.
Tractor and trailer rides add a unique touch to this farm experience, while the seasonal events and farm demonstrations, like craft corners, live shows and animal meet-and-greets, offer lots of fun for the whole family.
Spanning 77 hectares of scenic countryside beneath Mabie Forest, this award-winning farm park is one of Scotland’s top spots for families. The farm’s stunning setting with views over the Solway Firth adds to its charm, as does the huge variety of activities and animals within the park – visitors can meet over 30 different species, including Highland cows, shire horses, llamas, alpacas, and even water buffalo.
The play areas are a children’s dream, featuring grass slides, pedal-powered go-karts and quad bikes, jumping pillows, a boating pond and much more. Indoors, there’s a climbing wall, trampolines, ride-on tractors, and the famous Straw Barn.
Tattershall Farm Park, Lincoln
Open seven days a week with extended hours in peak season, Tattershall Farm Park is one of the UK’s top all-weather farm parks. Indoors and out, there’s something for everyone, from toddlers to grown-ups. Animal lovers can meet a whole host of animals from alpacas and Highland cows to reptiles and rare breeds like Lincoln Longwool sheep. Children can try hands-on activities like goat walking, egg collecting, or visit the catch a bird of prey display.
There’s plenty to discover in the play areas too, with a giant outdoor sand zone – perfect for a rainy day – zip wire, trampolines, bouncy pillows, a climbing wall, and a huge three-storey indoor soft play barn. Seasonal events like lambing, Easter egg hunts, and a Nordic-style Santa’s Grotto make it a great farm to visit throughout the year.
Visitors can meet and feed a wide range of animals at Matlock Farm Park, from sheep, goats, and Highland cattle to meerkats, wallabies, and even emus. Daily small animal handling sessions, meerkat talks, and seasonal lamb bottle feeding add to the interactive experience on the farm. Unique activities like sheep and ferret racing, pony rides, and alpaca trekking make this farm park stand out.
With three outdoor play areas, which include the Enchanted Hamlet made of beautiful rustic oak, the UK’s largest jumping pillow, and the indoor Rainforest Play Barn, there’s plenty to keep your children happy. An on-site riding school also offers lessons and pony trekking across scenic farmland and forests. All its amenities and a relaxed no-prebooking policy make it a great choice for a stress-free day out.
Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, South Wales
Voted Best Family Day Out in both Pembrokeshire and Wales, Folly Farm Adventure Park is one of the country’s top, paid attractions and a must-visit for families. Set across 120 beautiful acres of Pembrokeshire countryside, it’s home to over 750 animals from more than 90 species, including Wales’ only giraffes, lions, rhinos, and red pandas. The award-winning zoo is dedicated to conservation, breeding endangered species like the eastern black rhino and caring for rare livestock breeds. Visitors can enjoy close-up encounters in the Jolly Barn with friendly farm animals such as goats, ponies, and alpacas, plus themed areas like Turkey Town and Chicken City.
Folly Farm offers six varied play and amusement zones for all weathers, including a giant indoor wooden climbing frame, soft play for toddlers, outdoor-themed playgrounds like Pirate Adventure, and a vintage fairground featuring 18 restored rides, with classics like the dodgems and a giant Big Wheel with panoramic views. Awarded Disabled Access Welsh Venue of the Year twice, the park offers accessible fun for all.
Smithills Open Farm is a favourite for families thanks to its large, accessible site and strong focus on animal welfare and education. It’s home to an impressive variety of animals, from classic farm favourites like cows, sheep, and ponies to more unusual residents, including meerkats, Burmese pythons, and skunks. Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences like bottle-feeding calves and lambs, milking demonstrations, and daily animal talks.
Beyond the animals, Smithills offers plenty of play and leisure options with a large adventure playground, inflatable assault course, donkey rides, tractor tours, and indoor play areas, perfect for fun in any weather. The on-site café even serves homemade ice cream made from the farm’s own cows.
To find out more about family farm parks in the UK, please visit