BROCKHOLES Farm is a fun and exciting place to fill an afternoon and keep your children well and truly entertained. We arrived at noon on a Sunday and by the time we had paid and entered the farm, we arrived just as it was feeding time for the goats and sheep. With two adorable baby kids running around the enclosure, it was nice for the children to be able to interact with all the animals and Tia particularly enjoyed feeding carrots to the goats.
So we proceeded to walk around and there were lots of the usual farm animals to see as well as some surprise additions such as llamas, monkeys and exotic birds. Tia was surprised by just how big the ostriches were - she was convinced they were dinos
aurs!
You can then take a lovely woodland walk. It's fun to collect leaves and look at the bugs with the children but Tia warned me to be quiet going over the troll's bridge - or he would gobble me up!
We passed the tractor barrel ride, desperately hoping Tia wouldn't notice it. And we had just passed when the friendly driver said" "Would you like a ride?"
Next thing, we were being bundled into the mini tractors being pulled along the woodland walk which, thankfully, turned out to be quite a relaxing ride. Tia thought it was fantastic as she was in the front one pretending to drive.
A merry go round and octopus ride are free of charge to ride on at set times throughout the day which adds value for money to the experience.
Before leaving, Tia played in the park for a while with mummy joining in on the fun tyre swings.
And so a very tired mum and daughter left after nearly three hours - but only due to the rain.
New owners Cheryl and John have worked hard to improve some of the facilities and the farm has definitely seen some improvements over the last few months.
Should you be an experienced rider, the riding centre is well-equipped with both indoor and outdoor floodlit schools, three jumping fields and acres and acres of open farmland ideal for taking a ride out.
Tia said: "I really liked feeding the goat and it was funny when he tickled my hand with his tongue. I liked riding the tractor - it was funny seeing mummy in it. The tyre swings are fun - I pretended to be a monkey."
VERDICTParking: 5/5 Ample free parking right next to the farm so finding a space should never be an issue.
Travel Time: 5/5 Just 15 minutes maximum from central Doncaster
Food: 4/5 An on site café is available to use at reasonable prices or alternatively in the woodland walk, there is a picnic area should you chose to take your own lunch.
Toilets: 2/5 The toilets are kept as clean as possible but are basically just on site portable cabins. After all, this is a farm so there must be allowances made for all the mud!!
Staff: 5/5 Very helpful and polite. The gentleman very kindly assisted us throughout our visit and answered any questions we had.
Gift Shop: 3/5 A little sparse for choice at the moment, but what was there, cuddly animals, sweets etc were very reasonably priced. Also, if need be you can avoid the gift shop altogether - unlike some attractions you do not have to walk through it to get out.
Time Spent There: 4/5 2 ½ hours full of fun. Definitely could have stayed longer if not for the rain
Cost: 3/5 £5.95 per adult, £5.50 per child 3-15 and senior citizens £5.50. This could be a little expensive with a family of four costing £22.90. Only 45p difference between children and adults is also a little questionable. Children under three are free of charge.
Overall Mark: 3.5/5I would advise a summer pass which is available for £15 for unlimited summer fun.
* Brockholes is located in the village of Branton 4 miles south of Doncaster on the B1396. Brockholes Farm Visitor Centre welcomes family groups and school parties and is open daily until 26th October from 10.30 – 4.30 p.m. (Last entry) Farm closes at 5.30 p.m. or dusk, whichever is earlier.
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