We were very lucky to recently win a family ticket to Ash End House Farm and Big Play Barn, through our local Mums in the Know website. It was an impeccably timed win, as we got the tickets just in time to take the children there as a birthday treat for Little Man. We have been to both the farm and play-barn before, and have always enjoyed our visits there, so we set off with high hopes for the day!
On arrival, the children were each given a little bucket of food to feed the animals with. There are lots of animals to see , so I’ll give you a brief run-down – rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, chickens, turkeys, cows, horses, ponies, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs and a falconry section, too. Quite a lot! Best get round them all, so the husband and Boo commenced the feeding..
Little Man and I were quite partial to the crested ducks…
Though he seemed to also quite enjoy meeting a donkey…
Included in the admissions, along with a chick chat, egg hunt, rabbit handling and baby goat feeding, is a ‘sit on a pony’ session. Boo was particularly excited about this one. Since she rode on a donkey last month at Kingsbury Water Park, I think she’s fancied herself as something of an equestrienne. We had to queue up for a few minutes, so watched the other children have their turn, some with trepidation, but it was lovely to see them get on anyway and enjoy the experience. We were, quite rightly with a three year-old, in the queue for these pretty little ponies…
until a few moments before it was time for her to have her turn and she changed her mind. What? She’d got scared and decided not to do it after all? No, no, no. She’d got loftier ideas on her mind. So this is her having her ‘sit on a pony’ session on a shire horse…;-)!
After this, we had a little stroll around the farm allotment, too, so that I could plan what additions I’d like to make to Project Garden. Well, we strolled, Boo was a running blur..
We then went off to the playground for a sit on a tractor, swings, slide, tyres, and general running about! And then it was time for the big playbarn. We’ve been several times, which is why I wasn’t surprised that immediately on entering, Boo ran straight outside to get jumping on the giant pillow – well, you would wouldn’t you?!
There was also a big inflatable obstacle course outside, which we’d not see before, and proved to be a big hit. Finally, we had some time inside on the soft play. Boo loves the huge slide in there, and this was Little Man’s first real play in one of these himself, which he thoroughly enjoyed. It was fun to see my whole family inside a little cage….!
All in all, a brilliant day out, and one I’m certain we’ll be back at again soon 🙂
This looks like a fab place for a family day out. It’s great that the children were given a bucket of food for feeding the animals. This post would be perfect for the weekly #familydays Linky on mumsdotravel.com, if you’d like to join in 🙂
It was great fun, thanks. Have linked up 🙂
What a great day out! The children looked in their element and I do love the fact that Boo wanted to sit on the Shire Horse – what a brave girl. The picture of Little Man and the donkey is so cute, I hope he had a fab birthday! Thanks for linking up and sharing your outdoor family fun with Country Kids.
It was great, thank you. She’s a wild child, and desperate to go riding with mummy when she’s bigger (I haven’t been in years, so that should be interesting!). Little Man did have a fab birthday,too, thanks. Thanks for hosting 🙂
What a brilliant day out. I love that Boo wanted to ride the biggest horse there 🙂
It was fab, thanks. My daughter is way too confident at times…;-)!
Love the picture of Boo on the Shire horse! Brilliant 🙂 Looks like a great day out – that giant bouncy pillow looks good fun!
She’s a wild child! The pillow is fun, but adults aren’t allowed on it (might have had a cheeky, little jump, though…;-))
This looks amazing!!! And I love the picture of your daughter running with the wind in her hair. Beautiful.
It was loads of fun, thanks. I love that pic, too 🙂
What a wonderful post, sounds like the most amazing place to visit. We love farms and being on a horse looks pretty cool!
She’s now determined we’ll all go horse riding soon! Thanks 🙂
Looks a great day. She was very brave that horse looks massive! And what fab weather.
It’s was a gorgeous day. And yes, the horse was huge!! X
this looks like such an amazing day out honey x
It was, thank you. Lots of fun so I’m sure we’ll be back there again!
Ohh wow! Looks like a fantastic day out!!
It’s great. Of ever you’re nearby, go for it! X
What a fab day out for you all. Loving the photo of little one and the Donkey – very cute. Really enjoyed reading this, Popping over from #PoCoLo
He did like that donkey! Thanks 🙂
This looks like a brilliant place to visit – you can see the enjoyment etched all over your childrens faces. Wonderful post. Thank you for linking to PoCoLo x
Thank you. They did absolutely love it 🙂