Eastlife Spring 2021

LITTLE EAST
Life on the farm doesn’t stop for a pandemic, and while
it’s not certain attractions will open their gates for Easter,
new life still blossoms. Last year, many farms decided to
go virtual, posting videos, photos and answering children’s
questions about farm life. At the time of print, it’s unknown
what will happen this year, but it’s worth checking the
farms websites and social media pages to ensure you don’t
miss out on any action, be it a real visit or viewing from the
comfort of your own home. Here is our pick of farms to keep
on your radar.
Snettisham Park, Norfolk
A 329-acre working farm, a visit here can involve many
exciting adventures from seeing lambs being born to a
45-minute deer safari where you will see the magnificent
red deer herd. You can bottle feed lambs, collect fresh farm
eggs and ride ponies as well as taking a walk on one of
three wonderful trails. The farm has a shop selling its own
produce too.
www.snettishampark.co.uk
Suffolk Punch Trust, Suffolk
Home to stables and farmyard animals such as pigs, sheep,
cattle and chickens, there’s plenty of fun to be had. Explore
heritage exhibitions, walking trails and learn about the
Suffolk Punch breed. Visit the ducks, rabbits, goats and
guinea pigs at the Pets Paddocks. Complete your visit with a
bite to eat at the café. www.suffolkpunchtrust.org
Easton Farm Park, Suffolk
There’s a good mix of education and hands-on fun at this
farm. Get up close with the animals with pony rides,
bunny hugs and creepy crawlies. Explore the farm by
following its Green Trail and Meadow Walks. Let children
burn off energy at the adventure play area. Make the most
of your trip with an extended stay at the on-site campsite or
holiday cottages.
www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk
Wimpole Home Farm, Cambridgeshire
Petting, feeding, play areas, pretty gardens and walking
trails, this farm has it all. During lockdown closure the farm
has been virtually offering an insight into what life is like
on the farm. Visit the website to watch videos to meet new
arrivals including calves, lambs and piglets, watch horses
being exercised, seed sowing and the mucking out of the
pig pen!
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate
Mead Open Farm, Bedfordshire
Covering 30 acres, the farm is home to animals large and
small including sheep, pigs, cows, goats, ponies and
rabbits. There’s a focus on education with the opportunity
for children to learn and interact with the animals through
bottle-feeding lambs, grooming ponies, petting rabbits
and more.
www.meadopenfrm.co.uk
Old MacDonalds Farm, Essex
A popular family day out, the farm is alive with animals
bouncing around and colourful adventure areas. During
Easter, there’s usually special events with workshops, shows
and baby animal encounters.
www.omdfarm.co.uk
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens,
Norfolk
With its 250-year-old landscaped garden and mostly
outdoor attractions, there’s plenty of space to social
distance. Get close to a range of animals throughout the
grounds which is home to snow leopards, tigers, crocodiles,
gibbons and more. The animal feed and talk programme is
an exciting opportunity to learn more.
www.thrigbyhall.com
Paradise Wildlife Park, Hertfordshire
Located in Broxbourne, the wildlife park has an amazing
range of animals including tigers, lions, monkeys, zebras,
camels and wolves. What makes it really special is the
fact that you can get up close and personal, meeting and
feeding many of the animals. There are three themed
adventure playgrounds, children’s rides, indoor soft play
areas and more.
www.pwpark.com
Herrings Green Activity Farm,
Bedfordshire
The birds of prey are the big attraction with over 200 birds
on display. Herrings Green Activity Farm is a family run
business caring for all its birds and animals around the
clock. As well as birds, handlings and displays, there is a
farm with goats and alpacas. A number of experiences are
available throughout the year.
www.birdsofpreycentre.co.uk
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