Today started like many others, rather dull and overcast. However, I had arranged a day out with my friend and fellow working Mum, Jo, and her two children. She had suggested an activity farm which is half way between her home in Oxfordshire and mine in Wiltshire. Jo and I met over ten years ago when we worked together. Now that makes me feel rather old!
We visited FarmerGows, a family farm, near Faringdon, Oxfordshire. First impressions were that it was easy to find, easy to park and we had a friendly welcome as we paid our entrance fee (£17.00 for two adults and two children over 3). We were asked if we had visited before and as Jo had, we declined to be told what was on offer.
We visited FarmerGows, a family farm, near Faringdon, Oxfordshire. First impressions were that it was easy to find, easy to park and we had a friendly welcome as we paid our entrance fee (£17.00 for two adults and two children over 3). We were asked if we had visited before and as Jo had, we declined to be told what was on offer.
We headed straight for lunch. The small cafe was in the same area/ building as the entrance and we selected our food from the limited menu. It was rather basic, a choice of sandwiches, toast plus, beans or scrambled egg or 3 types of burgers (made from their own bred goats, lambs and pigs). The food was made by the same friendly staff member who we had paid our entrance too. Food was OK, made fresh to order. However, I would suggest, as there were amble indoor and outdoor tables and benches, it may be worthwhile taking a picnic if visiting.
There was an outdoor play area, with fun tractors to pedal and a giant hay bale to climb on. These were all on view from the cafe, so you could see your children playing in a contained area while you sat and drank a latte (think Nescafe jar, rather than Costa or Starbucks). There was an additional small adventure type playground and an indoor play area with a small amount of activity toys.
There was an outdoor play area, with fun tractors to pedal and a giant hay bale to climb on. These were all on view from the cafe, so you could see your children playing in a contained area while you sat and drank a latte (think Nescafe jar, rather than Costa or Starbucks). There was an additional small adventure type playground and an indoor play area with a small amount of activity toys.
Where this farm was superior to many other farm attractions I have I visited in the past five years was their feeding the animals programme which you could join daily at 11am or 2pm. The livestock manager and his weekend assistant were excellent. We spent about 40 minutes feeding tiny lambs, larger lambs (and their mums) and goats. We were not rushed, we were shown what to do and every child had a turn, well lots of turns. The livestock manager could see my eldest daughter was scared and spent time encouraging her to pet the lamb he held tightly.
We also had a chance to walk the goats, feed some pigs and enjoy a tracker ride. A thoroughly enjoyable and recommendable day out for 4 hours at a farm we will definitely visit again.
Now I should have Sunday night blues at 9pm, but as a flexible, smarter worker, I do not work Mondays. Instead I will make sure my out of office is set and the school uniform ironed!
No comments:
Post a Comment