Opening Times

Open daily from 10am until 5.30pm or dusk if earler

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

Beautiful location, varied choice of staff led educational activities, lots of friendly farm animals, safe play area, good toilet and hand wash facilities, wet weather shelter, baq storage excellent value for money

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

Plants and animals, healthy eating for animals and humans, habitats, art and design-sculptures, materials textures, life cycles, what were homes like a long time ago, health and growth. Or we can create a tailor made day for the school's needs based on their topics

What are the activities?

Nature Detectives, "Food from the farm" talk, "Animals their needs and us" talk and tour of the Animal Park meeting all the animals, "Art in the Garden", Tractor and trailer ride, visit the lambing sheds in March, Time Travellers history tour, visit the cow sheds and milking parlour

What is the age range of the activities?

3-11

Sample programme of the activities:

10.00 - 10.15 Arrive at the Visitor Centre, Welcome talk
10.15-10.45 Tractor and trailer ride around the Estate
10.45 -11.15 Break
11.15-12.00 "Nature Detectives" - guided walk aroeund the lake and gardens looking for mini beasts, birds and mammals
12.00-2.30 Free time for lunch, play, meet the animals, walk around the gardens, Animal Park quiz etc

What materials to you provide or suggest groups bring to support the visit?

We can provide Animal Park quiz, nature trail leaflet with question and guide to the animals

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

Entrance for all teachers and adult helpers are free of charge. Maximum group size for the activities vary between 15-30

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

We have a generic school visits risk assessment to assist school teachers in planning their trip

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Yes - please call in advance and arrange a meeting to discuss your requirements

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

There is a cafe on site and snacks and drink are avaialbe for purchase

Is specific clothing required?

Boots if the weather is very wet

Do you have first aid on site?

Yes

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

No